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Minnesota Ripknees Weekly

June 20, 2007 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Minnesota Ripknees News Release


New League

The Ripknees announced last week that they will be leaving the ABA and joining the Premier Basketball League. The 2007-2008 season will be the league's first. Head coach Larry McKenzie along with co-owners Jack and Billy Jurewicz decided that the PBL would allow the team to compete in overseas markets and give fans a chance to see high quality basketball here in Minnesota. The PBL will be bringing European and Asian teams to America to play. The Maryland Nighthawks, the Rochester RazorSharks, Reading Railers, and the Wilmington Sea Dawgs have all announced they will be joining the league alongside the Ripknees.

Champs

The Ripknees finished the 2006-2007 season with a 113-100 victory over the Quad City Riverhawks to claim the Central Division Conference Championship. They finished the season with a 24-8 record to lead the ABA standings. Give-Aways For Season Tickets

Season tickets will be on sale for $59.99, and through July 31 tickets will be 2 for 1. Also by buying season tickets you enter yourself into a drawing which will be held August 1 to win prizes: 1st Prize- Barbeque Smoker 2nd Prize- Patio Umbrella 3 Consolation Prizes- Set of Poker Chips

Las Vegas

Coach McKenzie went to Las Vegas the weekend of June 8th through the 10th. He was there for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) Spring Market Show at the Sands Expo & Convention Center to promote the new Premier Basketball League.

Mike Barr

Mike is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Ripknees. He has been with us since January. He has over fifteen years of sales and marketing experience; now he is coupling that with his passion for sports. Mike's goal for the Ripknees franchise is to match their success on the court with a solid fan base and key corporate partners. The Ripknees are excited to have Mike on board and already are enjoying his hard work and high energy.

Juneteenth Celebration

The Ripknees were at Theodore Wirth Park last weekend for the Juneteenth Celebration. The purpose of the celebration is to commemorate the historic events of June 19, 1965 when African slaves in Galveston, Texas learned 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been passed that they had been freed. Juneteenth is observed locally and nationally as a day of reflection, empowerment, and preparation for future challenges. The Ripknees were excited take part in the goal of the Juneteenth programs and activities which is to work towards a brighter future for the Black community.

Inner City All-Star Classic

The Inner City All-Star Classic was held at Arlington High School on Father's Day and the Ripknees were there to show support for the young hoopers. The women's game took place at 3 PM and featured state champion coach Willie Taylor of St. Paul Central along with the Star Tribune's Metro Player of the year Angel Robinson. The men's game began at 5 PM and had the likes of future Gopher Trevor Mbakwe. Some of the former all-stars who are now sponsoring the game are Khalid El-Amin, Allan Anderson, Tamara Moore, Troy Bell, Kris Humphries, Maurice Hargrow, Patrick O'Briant, and Devean George.

Camp For Champs

The Ripknees Camp For Champs got underway this week at the St. Paul Salvation Army. You can still sign-up for the camp at the Minneapolis YWCA on June 25-29, Rogers High School on July 9-13, Fairbault High School on June 16-20, St. Louis Park High School on June 23-27, and Lakeville South on July 30-August 3.

Triple-Double

The Triple-Double basketball league for men 18-25 held its 4th Annual All-Star Classic. The Ripknees were there to support the day's festivities on June 3rd at DeLaSalle High School, which consisted of a dunk contest, three-point shootout, and an all-star game. Coach McKenzie and his son Lawrence, who stars for the Gophers at point guard, were made the honorary coaches for the all-star game. Robert Pierson stole the show as won the dunk contest and led the East team to victory with 26 points, winning the game's MVP award. B96, Davanni's Pizza, and the Ripknees all sponsor the Triple-Double which was started by six high school friends looking to start a more competitive basketball league in contrast to college intramurals and senior men's leagues. One of the founders, Laurence Farah, said, "Today was definitely the peak for us so far."

Purpose of the Weekly

Every week there will be a newsletter sent out to everyone involved and interested in the Ripknees. Last week was our first issue and there were some complications with sending it, so some of you may not have recieved it until 6/13. The problem has been resolved and now there will be a newsletter sent out every Wednesday. Stay tuned!

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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