Gary to host 2008 IBL All-Star Festival
January 31, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Gary Steelheads News Release
Gary, IN-The International Basketball League has announced that the Gary Steelheads will host the 2008 IBL All-Star Festival at the Genesis Center in Gary, Indiana on Thursday, June 12.
The Festival will feature an All-Star game pitting the league's best players from the West (West and Southwest Divisions) versus the best from the East (East and Midwest Divisions). The IBL's top athletes and shooters will also be on display, as the event will include a dunk contest and three-point shootout.
The Steelheads also plan to offer fans a 'premium act' for entertainment during half time.
Gary Steelheads' President Jewell Harris Jr.-"Needless to say, the Steelheads are honored and delighted to host this event. We hosted the 2004 CBA All Star Festival and entertained approximately 7,000 fans. We plan to make this show as exciting as the 2004 Festival."
IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio-"Gary is a first class organization, and clearly they know how to put on a great show. I have no doubt that this is going to be a terrific event."
2008 will mark the first year the IBL has had an in-season All-Star Game, as it has been a part of the post-season in the past. The West is 2-0 vs. the East in IBL All-Star Games (The IBL's switch to a regional playoff format last season prevented a true, East vs. West All-Star Game).
"For whatever reason, the West has had the East's number in the previous two meetings," said Duilio. "2008 will offer the truest example of a region vs. region all-star contest that the IBL has ever had, and I am excited to see the results."
IBL All-Star Game information:
2005 Battle Creek, MI West 159-East 156
2006 Elkhart, IN West 179-East 141
2007 Portland, OR West 148-Southwest 151
MVP
2005 Kenny Tate (43 Points) Portland Chinooks
2006 Rashaad Powell (31Points) Seattle Mountaineers
2007 DaJuan Tate (38 points) Las Vegas Stars
James Singleton (Grand Rapids Flight) set the IBL All-Star Game scoring record with 44 points in 2005.
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