IBL Notebook
by Jeff Duncan
Published on May 7, 2007 under International Basketball League (IBL)
It was a playoff like atmosphere in the North Side Gym as the Elkhart Express hosted the division leading Marysville Meteors Friday, May 4th. The Express jumped out to a quick 7-0 advantage and kept the lead throughout the contest as they downed the Meteors 118-116. It looked like Elkhart would roll to an easy victory but Marysville out scored Elkhart 44-27 in the final quarter to make it close. The Express had six players in double figures lead by Cedric Moodie's 25 points. Darmetreis Kilgore added 21 points in the win. Marysville was lead by Estaban Weaver's game high 45 points and 12 boards. Elkhart sits on top of the East Division at 8-1, Marysville falls to 10-2 with the loss. It doesn't get any easier for Elkhart as they host the 2005 IBL champs Battle Creek Knights Sunday May 6th.
-In a game reminiscent of the old ABA (American Basketball Association) the Central Oregon Hotshots over came a 22 point halftime disadvantage and beat the expansion Lewis County Raptors 178-173. Hotshots Coach Phil Gray and the "first open jump shot" offense must have been clicking. Can someone put out an all points bulletin for the defense? That is still part of basketball, right?
-The Santa Barbara Breakers continue to be a bit of a mystery. They have three former NBA players on the roster but can't seem to get to far above the .500 mark. The Phoenix Flame came to Santa Barbara and beat the Breakers 107-106 Saturday, May 5th. Monte Ellis hit a lay up with six seconds to go to give Phoenix a one point lead. A long three point shot at the buzzer fell short for the Breakers. The Breakers fall to a disappointing 4-4 in the Southwest division with the loss. They better take advantage of this current home stand in they want to catch Tri Valley and Salem.
-The Salem Stampede stayed undefeated with an easy 130-106 win over the Tacoma Jazz. Six Salem players scored in double figures. Blake Walker lead the way for the Stampede with 30 points and Antone Jarrell chipped in with 20. Tacoma was lead by Ike Ohanson's 24 points. The next game for Salem is at home May 12th against their I-5 rival the Eugene Chargers.
- It's close to the half way point in season number three for the IBL so lets take a peek at the current standings. In the *West Division*, Portland and Everett are making it a two team race. The Chinooks currently stand at 8-1 with Everett not far behind at 6-2. The *Southwest Division* is also a two team race with the 9-0 Salem Stampede leading the way. Tri Valley is trying to stay close at 5-1. The *East Division *is the most competitive as three teams are battling for the top spot. Elkhart tops the East at 8-1, Marysville is second at 10-2 and Battle Creek is not far behind with a 6-2 record. There could be a shake up in the East as Battle Creek plays Elkhart May 6th in Elkhart. The *Midwest Division* is still up for grabs. The Elgin Racers are in first at 7-3, followed closely by Las Vegas at 4-2 (they have lost two in a row) and the up and down Colorado Crossover who check in at 8-6.
-Did you know Sun Ming Ming has a small part in the upcoming movie Rush Hour 3? Look for the really tall guy, that will be him.
-IBL Transactions:
-Ryan Edwards was signed by the Grand Rapid Flight. Edwards was the fourth leading scorer in the IBL last season at 28 ppg and will add some much needed offensive punch for Grand Rapids.
-The Everett Explosion sign Jamaal Miller a 6-1 guard to their roster. Miller spent the 2005-2006 season in the ABA and was Rookie of the Year averaging 24 ppg, 8 apg, 3 spg and 2 rpg for the Tacoma Navigators.
-If you have any comments about my IBL Notebook, or have any ideas for me to write about, please shoot me an e-mail at sportsmammal@nwlink.com.
International Basketball League Stories from May 7, 2007
- Explosion to play at home Tuesday - Snohomish County Explosion
- IBL Notebook - OSC Original by Jeff Duncan
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
