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Explosive guards revitalize Snohomish County Line-up

April 2, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Snohomish County Explosion News Release


Monroe, WA-The Snohomish County Explosion are off to a 4-2 start, and currently sit a half game out of first place in the IBL's West Division. The Explosion's victory over the Jazz of Tacoma in their last outing ended the first two-game losing skid in team history. The outstanding play of newcomers Jermaine Blackburn and Jamie Booker played a key role in getting Snohomish County back on track.

Booker, 6'4", has been on the Explosion's roster all season, but saw his first action of the year against the Jazz because of an injury. Booker is a familiar face to area basketball fans, as he was a standout for the University of Washington during the 1993-1996 seasons. Booker's pro career has taken him across the globe, including stints in Brazil and Mexico-and also with the Harlem Globetrotters. The sharp-shooting Booker made his season debut against the Jazz with a 21 point effort-going 7 of 13 from behind the arc.

Blackburn, 6'7", averaged 15.4 points per game as a senior at Boise State University, before beginning his pro career in 2005. Blackburn has played in the NBDL, USBL, and, most recently, with the Yakama Sun Kings in the CBA, where he earned All-Star honors this season. In his first two contests, Blackburn has led the Explosion in scoring, and is currently averaging 28.0 points per game.

Explosion Head Coach Randy Redwine - "There's no question that having those guys in the line-up makes us stronger. They both create match-up problems. At 6'7" Jermaine is probably the tallest two guard in the league. Besides being a great shooter, Jamie is strong and physical enough to post guys up and defend the two, three or four spots."

The Explosion travel to Bellingham to take on the Slam on Friday, April 4. A victory would make the Explosion's Saturday, April 5 game versus the Vancouver Volcanoes (4-1) a battle for first place in the West Division.

For ticket information, contact the Explosion at (425) 329-BALL (2255) or visit www.explosionbasketball.net.

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