Reign and Slam open season Friday

April 20, 2012 - International Basketball League (IBL) News Release

The Olympia Reign will be looking to become kings of their new home court as they open the 2012 International Basketball League season on Friday, but in order to do that they'll have to make their way past traditionally one of the league's top teams.

The Reign face the Bellingham Slam, the IBL's 2008 league champion, in their first of ten home games at the Skookum Creek Events Center at the Little Creek Casino on Friday, April 20. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Olympia will field a formidable roster of IBL veterans as the team combines several familiar faces from last season's squad with a handful of former league all-stars.

Back in Reign uniforms are a quartet of former Evergreen State guards: Mike Ward, Marcus Wright, Marcus Whittaker and Nate Menefee. Having played together for years, this group of former Geoducks should give Olympia a distinct advantage in the backcourt against most IBL teams.

In addition to that core group of local standouts, the Reign have added former IBL All-Stars Chris Weakley and Ike Ohanson. Weakley will provide veteran leadership and is one of the best three-point shooters in league history, while Ohanson, a former Slam player, gives Head Coach Steve Smothers a legitimate post presence that was lacking from previous Reign teams.

"Ike really understands the game and knows his role. We've never had a player like him before, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the match-up problems he can create for other teams," Smothers shared.

Sprinkled into the mix of veteran players are several newcomers, including forward Isaac Jones, and guards Brandan Striplin and Derrick Allen. Smothers describes Jones as a long, athletic forward with a tremendous upside who should impress Reign fans this season.

Looking to rebound from a disappointing 2011 season, Coach Smothers has set a lofty goal of holding teams to under 90 points defensively.

Smothers has observed a change in attitude and productive practices during the Reign's training camp as it prepares for Friday's opener.

"Our guys are hungry this year, there is a different mood on this team from 2011. Practices have been very competitive and I expect that to carry over into the regular season," explained Smothers. "We have got to play defense better this season. Last year we played teams tough, but we just didn't play well in crunch time and that cost us."

Olympia will be put to the test right away when they face Bellingham to open the season Friday. The Slam match up well with the Reign at every position, perhaps most at the post, where Ohanson will be battling with the similarly-built Blake Poole, who was an IBL All-Star for the Slam during his rookie season in 2011.

Bellingham also features a roster of veteran talent, including guards Jacob Stevenson, the team's leading scorer last season, and Paul Hafford, who provides an outside scoring threat. Mo Anderson provides leadership at the point and is a two-time IBL All-Star.

New to the Slam and not having to travel far for Friday's game is forward Jeremy Green, who has joined the team after finishing up his senior season at Saint Martin's University. The athletic Green was the Saints' leading scorer and rebounder last season, and his style of play should mesh nicely with the IBL's pace.

Olympia and Bellingham officially tip-off the IBL season at 7 p.m. Friday at the Skookum Creek Events Center at the Little Creek Casino. Tickets are available at the door for $7, with kids 12 and under admitted free. For more information, visit www.ibl.com/olympia_reign.

Soldiers march into Bellingham Saturday

On Saturday, a new team gets their first taste of the IBL as the Salem Soldiers travel to Bellingham to open the Slam's fifth season in the league. The game will be the second of back-to-back games for the Slam after playing in Olympia on Friday.

Soldiers team Owner and Head Coach Price Johnson has brought in veteran sports agent Jeff Vinson to serve as the team's General Manager. Vinson brings a wealth of basketball knowledge to Salem, having played collegiately at Seattle Pacific University and later in the CBA with the Yakima Sun Kings.

"I am very happy about the acquisition of Vinson as our General Manager, as he brings a great energy and personality to basketball," commented Johnson. "He is very passionate and knows where he wants to go in his career, all the way to the NBA. As an Owner I will focus on what I need to do, being the best we can be and creating the best IBL."

Vinson has helped assemble a solid roster heavily dependent on some of the best local talent Oregon has to offer.

The Soldiers roster will feature a number of former Portland State University players, including Jeremiah Dominguez, Dane Johnson, Nate Lozeau, Phil Nelson, Chehales Tapscott and newly added Charles Odum.

Jeremiah Dominguez is a seasoned IBL point guard and will provide Salem with a solid backcourt presence, having played for the Portland Chinooks within three IBL seasons.

Another IBL veteran on the roster is guard Ryan Skinner, who suited up for the Salem Stampede during their stint in the IBL from 2005 to 2007. Back in 2005, Skinner scored 61 points in an IBL game, which currently ranks him second in the league record books.

Charles Odum recently completed his senior season at Portland State where he was named to the Big Sky's all-conference team for the second straight season. Described as "explosive" offensively, he led the Vikings in scoring as a senior and is sure to be a factor for the Soldiers in 2012.

The Soldiers may have a tough go early on this season, as their first three games are on the road starting with Saturday's tilt at Whatcom Pavilion against the Slam where there is sure to be a strong home team crowd. The Soldiers host their home opener at the Salem Hoop on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. where they salute the military with free admission. Learn more about both teams at www.ibl.com/salem_soldiers and www.bellinghamslam.com.

Commissioner's Corner

Going into our eighth season, a refreshed IBL takes the stage this weekend first in Olympia at a new venue, where many teams have upgraded, and then Bellingham, in front of loyal fans ready to start the season, which reflect our growth and stability. Quality owners, coaches and team members are making it happen every day to ensure professional basketball is accessible and a difference made in our communities. To hear from so many prominent people in the basketball community on the importance our league plays to provide high level competition, opportunity and leadership, setting athletes up for success, tells us we are on the right path together. The partnerships, fans and expanded reach internationally create new possibilities. Stay tuned for more announcements as we collaborate towards longevity and continued success.

What do our teams look like this season? Bellingham has longevity, consistency and Coach Ridnour. Opening their first full season are the Orlando Venom and with NBA certified scout Barry Mestel leading the team on and off the court they are one to watch.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Edmonton to the Vancouver Volcanoes who Championed the 2011 season and are returning with one of their All Stars now on the Coaching staff, Kevin "˜Pip' Bloodsaw, but the Energy have a new venue, new coach and a new approach to take the top spot in 2012.

But not so fast, the Reign have a new court they are the Kings of, and won't give up without a few threes from IBL All-Star Mike Ward, nor will the branding team from Jersey ready with their G-Force from the Northeast looking to get a taste of IBL competition as they look to go full season in 2013.

Traveling the farthest will be the Nippon Tornadoes full of All-Star pro talent from Japan and have learned a thing or two from IBL Champion Lawrence Blackledge as well as American Coaches in the Basketball Japan League (BJL).

The Soldiers have enlisted with the IBL and promise to battle every game, especially with close neighbors claiming to have Highflying abilities in Yamhill. When you think of a Chinook, you may think of a warm wind, in the case of the IBL that may be true if it is the warm wind you feel when one of their big men blocks a shot near the basket.

This season will deliver fast paced competition like we have not seen in the IBL from coast to coast, country to country with appearances by Hollywood itself and a big player in the international market. Get in the Game!

Do you have a question for the IBL Commissioner? E-mail your question to media@ibl.com.

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International Basketball League Stories from April 20, 2012

• Soldiers March into Bellingham Saturday - Salem Soldiers
• Reign and Slam open season Friday - IBL

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