Sauk Valley Predators Win Season Opener
January 7, 2012 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Sauk Valley Predators News Release
The Sauk Valley Predators opened their first season last night at Homer Musgrove Fieldhouse in Sterling, IL and it was a night to remember. The Sauk Valley Predators hosted the Indiana Diesels and won 140-95, with over 3000 fans in attendance. Each fan kept their eyes on the court with the amazing talent they brought to the gym. The half time show was a sure crowd pleaser, the acrobatic dunkers led the way with their trampoline style dunking abilities. Anthony and Beth Welty of Sterling brought their 2 young boys to opening night and said "we couldn't believe the turnout that was here for the first night", "the boys really enjoyed meeting the mascots and most of all, watching the dunkers show their stuff".
Four out of five of the top scoring players had double-doubles in their first game as a Sauk Valley Predator. Carlton Fay scored 22 points with 14 rebounds and Desmond Holloway scored 27 points with 11 rebounds. Antwon Harris had 21 points and 15 rebounds and Herman Favors scored 18 points with 10 assists. Justin Tubbs may not have had his double-double tonight, but he scored 27 points and ended with 9 rebounds. Fans quickly jumped to their feet and cheered each time he got the ball and went up for the dunk. "My favorite play was Shelton's over the head pass to Justin for the dunk", stated Devan Bawinkel, "that's teamwork and that was an amazing crowd pleaser".
"The best part of the game was the team coming out and doing exactly what I told them to do, especially as rookies", "these guys are just starting their professional career with only Herman having some professional experience", stated Coach Keathley. "Run, run, run, up and down the floor and execute". "I told them if they just buy in to the plan we're going to score and win games." "Tonight was one of them".
Brad and Leah Grenoble, owners of the team were hoping to see a lot of the community show up to support their athletes. "We have so many friends in the area, so we knew we would have fans". "But then you realize how special this can be when you see faces you haven't seen before or people you haven't seen since third grade". "We had several people say they don't even like basketball but loved the family entertainment this brought and will be back". "A big thank you goes out to Wahl Clipper of Sterling, IL for sponsoring the event, Sterling Public Schools and staff and mostly, to the Predators friends and family for making this a success".
The Sauk Valley Predators continue their 2012 season tomorrow as they travel to Indiana to meet the Diesels on their home court. Individual and season tickets can be purchased online at www.saukvalleypredators.com. You can also view the other Predator players and full schedule.
The Predators are part of the Premier Basketball League's Central Division along with the following teams; Chicago Muscle, Northwest Indiana Stars, Central Illinois Drive, Indiana Diesels and the St. Louis Phoenix. The PBL's Eastern Division includes the Lake Michigan Admirals, Charleston Gunners, Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers, Dayton Air Strikers and the Rochester RazorSharks. For more information please visit www.thePBL.com.
Premier Basketball League Stories from January 7, 2012
- Strength and conditioning Coach Darrick Druce joins Predators - Sauk Valley Predators
- Sauk Valley Predators Win Season Opener - Sauk Valley Predators
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