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June 6, 2007 - International Basketball League (IBL) News Release


Battle Creek Knights (8-5)- The Knights are looking to recapture their early season form to close out the season. Nick Zachery has been a tremendous addition to the Knights' roster. In his last outing, Zachery scored 33 points and hit nine shots from behind the arc. Zachery currently leads the Knights in scoring. Next up for Battle Creek is a home contest versus the East Division leading Marysvile Meteors on Friday, June 8. Knights top scorers: Nick Zachery 27.8 points per game (8 games played), Adam Anderson 14.4 (12), Kevin Sweetwyne 13.9 (12), Billy Madison 13.2 (12), Jason Boucher 10.1 (12)

Central Oregon Hotshots (6-9)- The Hotshots continue to be the most explosive team in the league with six players averaging at least 16.8 points per game. Central Oregon is averaging 142.9 points per game this season. Central Oregon will look to rebound from a four game losing streak when the Eugene Chargers (7-7) visit on Friday, June 8. More importantly, the Hotshots are using the game as an opportunity to raise money for 14 year-old Tyler Eklund, who was recently paralyzed in a snowboarding accident. Half of the proceeds from ticket sales and all the revenue generated from a halftime auction will be donated to the Eklund family. Hotshots top scorers: Paul Hafford 22.9 points per game (14 games played), Arthur Lewis 21.5 (15), Brandon Erlandson 20.3 (13), Cliff White 20.3 (13), Kevin 'Pip" Bloodsaw 16.9 (12), Terry Horton 16.8 (15), Phillip Freeman 14.7 (14)

Chicago Heights Soldiers (0-11)- The Soldiers are off to a slow start, but have been competitive in each of their losses. Chicago Heights will rely on the leadership of Mike Hadley and Anthony Kyle, as both players were part of the Elkhart Express's championship run last season. Next up for the Soldiers is a road trip out west, starting with a June 16 contest against the Vancouver Volcanoes (4-12). Soldiers top scorers: Amir Major 20.3 points per game (9 games played), Mike Hadley 19.7 (9), Barry Bradford 18.6 (9), Anthony Kyle 18.5 (8), Rodney Rollins 14.6 (5)

Chico Force (2-11)- The Force have faced opponents with a combined record of 77-27 this season. The Force have started the second half of the season with a bang, however, winning two straight games. The Force will look to keep the winning trend going when the high powered Santa Barbara Breakers (8-5) visit on Friday, June 15. Force top scorers: Jason Horn 29.0 points per game (2 games played), Tyree Jones 22.5 (13), Matt Otten 18.8 (10), John Bell 18.5 (2), James Gilkey 17.8 (13)

Colorado Crossover (10-6)- The Crossover have improved dramatically from last year's six win season. Colorado is currently riding the league's longest winning streak at seven games. The Crossover have been red hot from the field of late, averaging 152.0 points per game in their last six contests. Next up for the Crossover is a two-game home series against the Phoenix Flame on June 8 and 9. Crossover top scorers: Darius Pope 21.5 points per game (15 games played), Phillip Hillstock 21.3 (16), Jermaine Mason 20.0 (15), Ronald Rhea 16.5 (14), Ted Allen 13.5 (15)

Elgin Racers (11-3)- The Racers' move to a new venue this season has proven to be a good one, as the Racers have posted a 7-1 record in the friendly confines of the Spartan Events Center. Elgin is currently playing their best basketball of the season, having won six straight games, including a victory over the Elkhart Express (14-2). Next up for the Racers is a trip to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Everett Explosion on Thursday, June 7. The Racers will also face the Seattle Mountaineers and Lewis County Raptors on that road swing. Racers top scorers: DeAnthony Bowden 35.0 points per game (4 game played), Sherick Simpson 24.2 (13), Keith Gayden 18.3 (13), Andre Newsome 16.6 (3), Derick Hollyfield 14.5 (8)

Elkhart Express (15-2)- The Express have lost only three games total in nearly two full seasons in the IBL. On March 30, 2007, Elkhart set the IBL single game attendance record with 5,541 fans. Cedric Moodie is returning to the form that made him an IBL All-Star last season. Moodie averaged 29.0 points per game in his last three games and is now leading the team in scoring. The Express are next in action at home against the Holland Blast on Friday, June 9. Express top scorers: Cedric Moodie 23.0 points per game (9 games played), Coleco Buie 19.6 (12), Tim Pledger 15.8 (17), Darmetreis Kilgore 14.1 (13),Correy Childs 12.8 (12)

Eugene Charger (7-7)- The Chargers have a revamped roster for the 2007 season, with only two players returning from last year's 13-7 team. Adam Zahn has joined the Chargers, fresh off his run to the elite 8 with the University of Oregon. Newcomer Lamar Harris is averaging 14.9 rebounds per game. The Chargers will look to rebound from a 1-3 road trip to California when they visit the Central Oregon Hotshots (6-9) on Friday, June 8. Chargers top scorers: , Solomon Yearby 19.6 points per game (14 games played), Charles Easterling 18.2 (14), Rodrick Stevenson 17.4 (11), Andre Joseph 16.8 (4), Lamar Harris 16.6 (14)

Everett Explosion (12-3)- The Explosion have put together a great squad for their inaugural IBL season, and local basketball fans have taken notice, as the Explosion's home opener on April 10 drew 3,777-the second best single mark in the IBL this season. Rashaad Powell was the IBL All-Star Game MVP last season as a member of the Seattle Mountaineers, and has made a seamless transition to playing in Everett. Powell is fifth in the IBL in scoring, with an average of 30.3 points per game. Everett had their eight game winning streak snapped in their last outing, but still have a half game edge over the Portland Chinooks in the West Division. Explosion top scorers: Rashaad Powell 30.3 points per game (12 games played), Donald Watts 19.5 (12), Jamaal Miller 17.4 (5), Justin Murray 14.3 (13), Chris Weakley 11.3 (12)

Grand Rapids Flight (5-15)- Grand Rapids has played arguably the toughest schedule in the league this season. The Battle tested Flight have added 2006 IBL All Star Lamont Barnes to the roster, and new addition Lamar Grimes is a capable scorer. Flight center Sun Ming Ming is, at 7'9", the tallest basketball player on the planet. Sun, who scored a career high 19 points in his last outing, will make an appearance in the upcoming motion picture 'Rush Hour 3'. Flight top scorers: Lamont Barnes 28.0 points per game (3 games played), David Williams 16.2 (16), Kenny Langhorne 15.5 (15), DeAngelo Johnson 14.4 (12), Lamar Grimes 14.3 (6)

Holland Blast (8-9)- The Blast have added Jared Bledsoe to the roster in preparation for a strong stretch run. Bledsoe, a 2006 IBL All-Star, was the Blast's top scorer last season at 27.9 points per game. Rookie Terrance Shaw has been a nice surprise for the Blast, as the recent graduate of Ferris State University has become a reliable scoring threat (19.9 ppg). The Blast next host the defending champion Elkhart Express (15-2) on June 8. Blast top scorers: Dennis Springs 23.9 points per game (16 games played), Terrance Shaw 19.9 (17), Mike Hall 18.2 (6), Jared Bledsoe 14.3 (8), James 'Boo" Jackson 17.6 (8)

Las Vegas Stars (6-2)- The Stars have been dominant in their six wins this season, with those victories coming by an average margin of 14.3 points. Leadership is certainly part of the Stars' early success, as the team is coached by George Tarkanian, with nine-year NBA veteran Sean Higgins also on board as a player/assistant coach. Stars top scorers: Dajuan Tate 35.3 points per game (6 games played), Jason McGowan 19.3 (4), Tarron Williams 18.5 (4), Eddie Shelby 17.0 (4), Hollis Hale 15.0 (4)

Lewis County Raptors (2-14)- The Raptors have struggled to find wins this season, but paly three of their final four games at home. The Raptors have averaged 133.8 points per game over their last four--the team's best four game stretch offensively since early April Sharp shooting Casey Frandsen (21.5 ppg) and his teammates will look to make a late-season run to carry some positive momentum into the playoffs. Raptors top scorers: Sam Moore 23.1 points per game (16 games played), Casey Frandsen 21.5 (13), Greg Johnson 18.6 (3), Chucky Frierson 18.5 (16), Jamal Walker 14.4 (13)

Marysville Meteors (14-2)- The Meteors were the IBL's runner up a season ago when the team competed as the Columbus Cyclones. The team might be playing in a new city, but the outstanding basketball hasn't changed a bit. Owner Charlie Mitchell has again assembled a contender. Estaban Weaver and Michael Brownlee are, perhaps, the league's most potent one-two punch. The duo is combining for an average of 58.8 points per game. Recent additions Adrick Hills, Kendrick Cornelius, and Omarian Wesley will help provide scoring punch down the stretch this season. Meteors top scorers: Estaban Weaver 33.2 points per game (13 games played), Michael Brownlee 25.6 (14), Adrick Hills 13.1 (7), Omarion Wesley 13.0 (3), Larry Drake 12.0 (14)

Phoenix Flame (5-5)- The Flame have gone 5-3 since dropping their first two games of the season. This turnaround has coincided with the move to a new home venue (Grand Canyon University), and the emergence of Jamal Livingston (21.2 ppg) as a scoring threat. The Flame's last four outings have all gone down to the wire, with those games being decided by a total of six points.. Flame top scorers: Jamal Livingston 21.2 points per game (8 games played), James Singleton 16.3 (10), Larry Morinia 14.9 (10), Del Summers 12.0 (10), Steve Moss-Kelley 12.0 (10)

Portland Chinooks (14-5)- The Chinooks have put together one of the most talented rosters in the IBL. NBA prospect, and two time All-PAC 10 honoree David Lucas is second in the IBL in scoring (34.8 ppg). Lucas is out indefinitely with a hand injury. The Chinooks have just added NBA prospect David Jackson, and 2005 IBL All-Star Terrence Green to the roster. Newcomer Mike Parker averaged 30.2 points per game last season for the Bellingham Slam (ABA). Guard Kenny Tate was the 2005 IBL All-Star Game MVP. On May 29, the Chinooks ended the Everett Explosion's eight game winning streak, and have moved to within a half game of the Explosion in the West Division. Chinooks top scorers: David Lucas 34.8 points per game (11 games played), Shammgod Wells 27.3 (3), David Jackson 22.8 (7), Mike Parker 21.5 (12), Kenny Tate 20.3 (12)

Salem Stampede (13-3)- The Stampede's season has been one of streaks, as Salem won their first 11 games before dropping their next three in a row. Holding true to form, the Stampede have come out on top in their last two outings. New additions Blake Walker, Mike Tabb and Antone Jarrell have keyed the Stampede's offensive excellence this season, combining for an average of 76.4 points per contest. Salem takes on the red hot Portland Chinooks (14-5) on Friday, June 8. Stampede top scorers: Blake Walker 31.7 points per game (14 games played), Mike Tabb 23.5 (12), Antone Jarrell 21.2 (13), Jeff Dunn 17.8 (14), Nick DeWitz 17.7 (10)

Santa Barbara Breakers (8-5)- The Breakers' wealth of talent is starting to gel, and Santa Barbara has moved to two games above .500 for the second time this season. Lamond Murray is the most recent NBA veteran to join the Breakers. Murray scored 24 points on eight three pointers in his debut. On June 2 versus the Eugene Chargers, Fred Vinson had one of the most spectacular performances in IBL history. Vinson set a league record with 14 three pointers (on 21 attempts), and finished with 56 points. Actors Rob Lowe and Alan Thicke have tossed up ceremonial jump balls before Breakers games this season. Breakers top scorers: Toby Bailey 24.5 points per game (11 games played), Lamond Murray 24.0 (1), Fred Vinson 18.3 (10) Ronell Mingo 16.0 (7), Billy Knight 15.7 (11)

Seattle Mountaineers (8-12)- After a slow start the Mountaineers have become one of the hottest teams in the league. Seattle has won six of their last eight, including their last five in a row. Lemar Gayle has been a pleasant surprise for Seattle -emerging as one of the most dynamic players in the league. Gayle has three 40-plus point outings under his belt this season, and against Elkhart (15-2) on April 21 posted game high totals in points (37) and rebounds (15). Mountaineers top scorers: Lemar Gayle 28.9 points per game (17 games played), Lynell Ingram 17.8 (17), Aleksey Adediran 13.1 (16), Antoine Tisby 11.9 (12)

Tacoma Jazz (5-14)- Tacoma has split their last two after losing five of their last six. The Jazz gave division leaders Everett (12-3) all they could handle on May 27 before ultimately falling short by four points. Lorenzo Rollins has been on a tear of late, averaging 28.8 points per game in his last four contests. Next up for the Jazz is a home game against the surging Portland Chinooks (14-5) on Sunday, June 10. Jazz top scorers: Dontay Harris 21.2 (18 games played), Lorenzo Rollins 19.7 (17), Mike Claxton 19.3 (15), Ike Ohanson 14.5 (17), Marlon Bailey 13.0 (6)

Hub City Hurricanes (7-8)- The Hurricanes are playing their best basketball of the season, having won their last three games. The Hurricanes have definitely benefitted from the addition of 2005 IBL All-Star Ashley Champion. Champion is leading the team with an average of 28.3 points per contest. Josh Richmond is pulling double duty for the Jackson, TN based Hurricanes this season, serving as the Director of Basketball Operations and averaging 20.6 points per game on the court. Hurricanes top scorers: Ashley Champion 28.3 points per game (3 games played), Antonio Lambert 24.0 points per game (13 games played), Josh Richmond 20.6 (15), Titus Lucas 19.6 (14), Christopher Davis 11.8 (10)

Tri Valley Titans (9-3)- Brothers Jovan and Franco Harris are largely responsible for the Titans' hot start. This high-scoring duo is averaging a combined 58.4 points per game in 2007. Jovan currently ranks second in the IBL in scoring with an averege of 32.3 points per game. The Titans will be without Jovan indefinitely following an ankle injury occuring versus Santa Barbara on May 26. Darrell Tucker (26.1 ppg) has given the Titans a great inside presence to complement the Harris brothers great perimeter game. Titans top scorers: Cardell Butler 33.5 points per game (2 games played), Jovan Harris 32.3 (9), Darrell Tucker 26.1 (9), Franco Harris 24.8 (12), Devoughn Lamont 17.2 (11)

Vancouver Volcanoes (4-12)- The Volcanoes continue to revamp their roster in search of the right combination. New additons Jerrod and Garland Perry combined for 39 points in their first outing for Vancouver. 6'11" Abdoulaye N'Diaye is an NBA prospect who has been scheduled to workout for the Los Angeles Lakers in June. Next up for the Volcanoes is a road contest against the Central Oregon Hotshots on Saturday, June 9. Volcanoes top scorers: Abdouaye N'Diaye 19.7 points per game (3 games played), Jerrod Perry 18.8 (4), Porter Troupe 18.2 (14), Alex Hartman 17.0 (15), Abdou Sane 14.3 (9)

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International Basketball League Stories from June 6, 2007


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