PBL Weekly Report
Published on January 5, 2009 under Premier Basketball League (PBL) News Release
Augusta GrooveÂ
2332 Rutherford
Augusta, GA 30906
706-737-5550 ext 310
fax:706-739-0219
Head coach: Rick Brown
Home arena: Richmond Academy
augustagroovebasketball.com
The Augusta Groove are one of ten new teams joining the Premier Basketball League for the 2008-09 season, and the first PBL franchise from the Peachtree State. The Groove welcomed the 2008 PBL champion Rochester Razorsharks to Richmond Academy, and in what most would consider a major upset, the expansion Groove blasted the Sharks with a 126-117 victory in front of 1,800 fans. Augusta's sharpshooter, AJ Millien, hit 33 points on 12-of-16 shooting and 9-of-12 scoring from the stripe. Demetrius Howard, Augusta's first-round draft pick, added 21 points; while Cory Sims' 19 points included a team-high 8 assists. Howard and Millien brought the crowd to standing cheers when, in the third quarter, Howard's alley-oop pass to Millien turned into a two-handed power slam.
Battle Creek KnightsÂ
McCamly Place
50 Capital Ave. SW
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: (269) 965-5001
Fax: (269) 965-5004
Head coach: Terry Sare
Home arena: Kellogg Arena
bcknights.com
This will be the Knights' first season in the Premier Basketball League, as the team becomes one of three squads from the Automotive State to participate in the PBL's 2008-09 campaign. The Knights had the honor of playing the first regular season PBL game this year, as they hosted the Chicago Throwbacks at Kellogg Arena. Although the opening night score was tied at 49-49 at the half, the Knights pulled out a 120-113 victory in front of a sold-out audience. Free throws were the key - Battle Creek scored 15 of 18 from the line, while the Throwbacks only shot 6-of-16 from the line. Kenny Langhorne and Rashi Johnson each put up 19 points; Florentino Valencia had 16 points and 11 rebounds for an opening-game double-double. "A win is a nice way to start off in a new league, especially against a conference opponent," said Battle Creek coach Terry Sare to the Battle Creek Enquirer. "Every time (Chicago) shot free throws, this place went crazy and that's what we need. That's a home court advantage and I sure do thank the fans of Battle Creek because they were that sixth man tonight. I wish I could go up and shake every one of their hands right now."
Buffalo StampedeÂ
3498 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226
Phone (716) 834-3498
Fax (716) 834-3544
Head coach: John Fitzpatrick
Home arena: Koessler Athletic Ctr.
buffalostampedepbl.com
This will be the Stampede's first season in the Premier Basketball League, as the team becomes the second Empire State entry in the PBL lineup. However, their opening game at the Koessler Center against the Wilmington Sea Dawgs started out rough, as the Stampede could only muster two points - a Kyle Cuffe jumper - in the first quarter. Even with that slow start, the Stampede charged back, winning their home opener against Wilmington 98-95, thanks to 19 team-leading points from Lamar Castile. Nick Perioli's 13 points included a trio of baskets from behind the arc; Kyle Cuffe and Tyrone Rayson had six rebounds apiece.
Chicago ThrowbacksÂ
430 East 162nd Street, Suite 507
South Holland IL 60473
Office: (219) 588-3071
Fax: (219) 884-4558
Head coach: Donnie Boyce
Home arena: Attack Athletics
chicagothrowbacks.com
The Chicago Throwbacks begin their second year in the Premier Basketball League, and hope to improve on last season's 5-15 regular season record. First up for the Throwbacks was a two-game road trip, beginning Friday night against the Battle Creek Knights. Despite a slow start that saw the Throwbacks fall behind 11-4, Chicago caught up to the Knights and finished the half tied 49-49. But by the end of the third quarter, the Throwbacks ran out of gas, and lost to the Knights 120-113. Stanley Thomas led the Throwbacks with 26 points in the Chicago loss. Imari Sawyer scored 19 points, while Amir Major added 12 points for the Throwbacks.
The Throwbacks rebounded with a trip to Detroit, where they were able to hold off the Panthers for a 110-106 victory. Stanley Thomas again stepped up for the team, with 24 points and nine rebounds to lead the Throwbacks to the win. Imari Sawyer added 19 points and a team-leading 8 assists; Sawyer also had two key steals.
Detroit PanthersÂ
199 W Brown Street, Suite 110
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone (248) 645-2278
Fax (248) 920-0482
Head coach: C. Bill Jones
Home arena: Wiley Groves HS
detroitpanthers.com
The Detroit Panthers are one of three new squads from the Wolverine State to participate in the PBL this season. In their home opener against the Mid-Michigan Destroyers, both teams battled closely and with seconds remaining, the Panthers were down 109-107. Willie Mitchell, the Panthers' first-round draft pick, got the ball and shot a three-quarter-court long-distance heave toward the basket. The ball went through for the PBL's first "four point" basket for a completed hoop from beyond half-court. Mitchell was mobbed by his teammates in celebration, as the Panthers sealed a 111-109 win. Brian Woodland's 27 points led the Panthers in scoring; Woodland and David Myers pulled down seven team-leading rebounds apiece.
That momentum, however, was not enough to stop the incoming Chicago Throwbacks, who beat the Panthers 110-106 Sunday night. Corey Gupton led the way for the Panthers with 22 points, while Stane's Bufford had nine team-leading rebounds.
Halifax RainmenÂ
1888 Brunswick Street, Suite 611
Halifax, NS B3J 3J8
Phone: (902) 444-RAIN, (902) 444-7246
Fax: 1-866-424-4267
Head Coach: Rick Lewis
Home arena: Halifax MetroCentre
rainmenbasketball.ca
One of three new Canadian teams in the PBL, the Halifax Rainmen are the PBL's northernmost squad, and the first team to join the league from Nova Scotia. Taking a road trip for the first weekend of the season, the Rainmen battled the Quebec Kebs hard and tight on Friday night, and at one point had a 19-point lead over their arena hosts. But the Kebs battled back, and with seconds remaining in the match, the score was tied 108- 108. That's when Halifax's Brian Silverhorn hit a basket off a long rebound with 2.5 seconds remaining, giving the Rainmen a 110-108 victory. "It's definitely a better situation to be able to get the win," said Rainmen head coach Rick Lewis to the Halifax Chronicle-Herald. "They (Quebec) really fought back and battled at the defensive end. This is a game of runs, so you can't assume you're just going to win the game because you're up."
The Rainmen then traveled to the Charbonneau Centre for a Saturday night matchup with the Montreal Sasquat'ch. The game turned into a very competitive affair, with both squads taking solid leads, only to have the lead whittled down. With the game going into overtime, a Rodney Mayes jumper and two Cordell Jeanty free throws helped ice the Rainmen's 127-125 win. Jeanty put together a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds; while Glen Dandridge (21 pts) and Jimmy Twyman (20 pts) also had strong nights for Halifax.
Manchester MillratsÂ
816 Elm Street, PMB #182
Manchester, NH 03101
Office: 888-646-RATS (7287)
Fax: 866-321-2821
Head coach: Rob Spon
Home arena: Southern New Hampshire University
manchestermillrats.com
The Manchester Millrats graduate to the Premier Basketball League, becoming the first team from the Granite State to participate in a PBL season. Their first road trip, however, included a Friday night heartbreaking loss to the Montreal Sasquat'ch, 100-97. Six Millrats scored in double figures, with Al Stewart's 17 points leading the way. Sam Carey andDesmond Ferguson each had 14 points, with Ferguson scoring two of his signature "Moneyball" three-pointers.
The Millrats then traveled to Quebec City for a Sunday afternoon matchup with the Kebs, but instead fell 87-82 to their hosts. Ife Asinoke (14 pts) and Mario Kinsey (13 pts) were top scorers for the Rats; Asinoke also pulled down eight team-leading boards.
Mid-Michigan DestroyersÂ
1000 Second Street
Bay City, MI 48708
Phone: (989) 244-1156
Fax: (248) 393-2572
Head coach: T.J. Newsham
Home arena: Bay City Western HS
mmdestroyers.com
The Mid-Michigan Destroyers proudly represent Bay City, Michigan - hometown of Madonna and Eric "Butterbean" Esch. On Saturday night, the Destroyers lost a last-second contest against the Detroit Panthers, 111-109, despite 29 points from Destroyers draft pick Odgra Bobo and 18 rebounds from Luke Lloyd. Frank Gojcaj, in addition to a powerful fourth-quarter dunk, finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Montreal Sasquat'chÂ
775, Avenue Murray, porte 314
Québec (Québec) (Canada) G1S 4T2
Office in Quebec: (418) 527-8085
Office in Montreal: (514) 207-1996
fax: (418) 845-6782
Head coach: Alejandro Hasbani
Home arena: Centre Pierre Charbonneau
montrealsasquatch.com
The expansion Montreal Sasquat'ch are one of three Canadian teams joining the PBL this season. In their home opener Friday night, the Sasquat'ch battled the Manchester Millrats tooth and nail, and with the final successful free throws by Louis-Patrick Levros, the Sasquat'ch were able to give their home fans a 100-97 victory at the Charbonneau Centre. John Ruffus was top scorer for the Sasquat'ch, hitting 24 points on 11-for- 14 shooting from the floor. Randall Wise had eight rebounds to augment his 21 points, while Randy Gill's 15 points included a trio of three-point completions.
The Sasquat'ch didn't have much time to rest, as the Halifax Rainmen were on their way to town for a Saturday night contest. Despite a PBL season-high 38 points from Randy "White Chocolate" Gill and a 29-point, 13- rebound night by Jamaal Wise, the Sasquatch fell in overtime 127-125 to the Rainmen. Xavier Morton had four blocks to lead Montreal in that category.
Quebec KebsÂ
300 rue Métivier,
Québec, QC G1M 3Y9
Office: 418-780-4850
Fax: 418-780-4858
Head coach: Charles Dubé-Brais
Home arena: Pavillon de la Jeunesse
kebsdequebec.com
Quebec City has produced several popular and memorable hockey franchises, including the AHL's Quebec Aces, the WHA/NHL's Quebec Nordiques, the IHL's Quebec Rafales, and the current Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. The Quebec Kebs hope to continue that legacy of success - this time on the hardcourt. Despite being down by as many as 19 points in their opening-night home game against the Halifax Rainmen, the Kebs clawed their way back, chipping away at the Rainmen lead. With seconds remaining, both teams were tied at 108-108, but the Kebs were not able to convert a key rebound and lost an opening night heartbreaker 110-108. Charles Fortier was the top scorer for the Kebs, putting 25 points in the hoop. Jonas Pierre's 15points included 8 team-leading rebounds; while Michel Yul dished out five assists with his 18 points. The Kebs next hosted the Manchester Millrats in a Sunday afternoon contest at Pavillion de la Jeunesse, and in a decisive defensive battle, the Kebs finished with an 87-82 win. Michael Anderson brought the crowd to its feet with 19 team-leading points; while Jonas Pierre put together the PBL's first triple-double of the season, with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 11 blocked shots.
Rochester RazorsharksÂ
39 State Street, Suite 100
Rochester NY 14614
Office: (585) 232-9190
Fax: (585) 232-8086
Head Coach: Rod Baker
Home Venue: Blue Cross Arena
razorsharks.com
Head Coach Rod Baker returns to help Razorsharks retain their PBL championship this season. First up for the Sharks was a road game against the expansion Augusta Groove. However, despite a team-high 32 points by James "Mook" Reaves and 22 points from Sammy Monroe, the Sharks fell to the Groove 127-116, only the Sharks' third loss in two PBL seasons. Keith Friel had a trio of three-pointers with his 11 points.
Vermont Frost HeavesÂ
4049 Williston Road
South Burlington VT 05403
Phone: (802) 860-0082
Fax: (802) 860-0085
Head coach: Will Voigt
Home arenas: Burlington Memorial
Auditorium; Barre Municipal Auditorium
vermontfrostheaves.com
The Vermont Frost Heaves join the PBL after winning the past two American Basketball Association championships. The Heaves' season opener is January 9, 2009 when they host the Montreal Sasquat'ch in Barre.
Wilmington Sea DawgsÂ
430 Eastwood Road, Suite 200
Wilmington NC 28403
Office: (910) 791-5523
Fax: (910) 256-4589
Head coach: Dale Kuhl
Home arena: Joe and Barbara Schwartz
Center, Cape Fear CC
wilmingtonseadawgs.com
The Wilmington Sea Dawgs return for a second season, and hope to build upon their initial success last year. However, their first game of the season was not a success, losing on the road 98-95 to the Buffalo Stampede. Cedric McGinnis, who played for the Sea Dawgs last season, led Wilmington with 16 points and 8 rebounds; Jermaine Williams and Alex Harper each notched 14 points for the Sea Dawgs.
Game reports compiled via team press releases, and from articles appearing in newspapers from the teams' home locations.
PBLÂ BROADCASTÂ SCHEDULEÂ Â @SPORTSTVÂ (http://www.at-sportstv.com)Â
@SPORTSTV will broadcast Premier Basketball League games, as well as other professional minor league and international sports, to an audience of over 10 million to 15 million viewers. The Premier Basketball League is proud to be part of the debut of this new broadcasting venture.
A schedule of upcoming broadcasts will be released shortly.
 MICHIGAN REGIONAL SPORTS NETWORK (http://www.mrsn.us)Â
Sunday, January 11 Augusta Groove at Mid-Michigan Destroyers 1:00E
Saturday, January 24 Battle Creek Knights at Mid-Michigan Destroyers 6:45E
Friday, March 6 Battle Creek Knights at Mid-Michigan Destroyers 7:00E
Sunday, March 15 Wilmington Sea Dawgs at Mid-Michigan Destroyers 12:00E
NORTHEASTÂ REGIONALÂ SPORTSNETÂ (http://www.nsnsports.net)Â
Friday, January 9 Montreal Sasquat'ch at Vermont Frost Heaves 7:05E
Thursday, January 15 Manchester Millrats at Vermont Frost Heaves 7:05E
Saturday, January 31 Halifax Rainmen at Vermont Frost Heaves 1:05E
Sunday, February 1 Montreal Sasquat'ch at Vermont Frost Heaves 2:05E
Saturday, February 14 Rochester Razorsharks at Vermont Frost Heaves 1:05E
Friday, March 13 Quebec Kebs at Vermont Frost Heaves 7:05E
Sunday, March 15 Buffalo Stampede at Vermont Frost Heaves 2:05E
Thursday, March 19 Manchester Millrats at Vermont Frost Heaves 7:05E (Champlain Cup)
NOTE: All dates of broadcasts are subject to change.
Premier Basketball League Stories from January 5, 2009
- PBL Weekly Report - PBL
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
- Vermont Frost Heaves Sign Justin Herndon - Vermont Frost Heaves
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.
