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Sharks Acquire PBL Scoring Leader

January 28, 2011 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Rochester RazorSharks News Release


After two seasons and seven games in the Premier Basketball League, the community owned Vermont Frost Heaves, playing out of Barre, VT, have ceased operations. The Frost Heaves existed for five seasons, winning two American Basketball Association championships in 2007 and 2008, before moving up to the Premier Basketball League in 2009.

The team was founded by Brighton native and Sports Illustrated columnist Alexander Wolfe.

According to PBL chairman Dr. Severko Hrywnak, some consideration by the rest of the league owners was given to keeping the Frost Heaves solvent for the rest of the season, but the team's financial problems were too difficult to overcome.

"We're still solid," said Hrywnak. "It was a small market to start with. They held their own the last three to four years. Unless you have that national television contract, it's a tough row."

The now seven team league will play without divisisions. Schedules will be adjusted to assure a twenty game regular season. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs.

On Thursday the PBL held a dispersal draft of the Vermont players for the remaining seven league teams. Four of the former Frost Heaves were picked. Selections were made from the bottom of the current standings up. With the first selection, the Dayton Air Strikers picked up forward Casaan Breeden. With the second, the Rochester RazorSharks got 6-8, 225 pound forward Mike Williams.

Williams is the league's scoring leader, averaging 20.86 points per game. He also averages 10.2 rebounds per game, second in the PBL.

"I feel great about it," said Williams, who will make the trip to Halifax with the rest of the RazorSharks and will play on Sunday. "It is a great opportunity."

Williams played major college ball at the University of Texas before transferring to Cincinnati in the Big East. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice. His selection and subsequent signing by the Sharks capped a trying week in Vermont.

"They called a meeting," said Williams. "All of a sudden they said, 'we can't continue to compete in the PBL anymore.' The players didn't see it coming."

Rochester cleared space on the roster by releasing rookie Perry Stevenson. The University of Kentucky grad averaged 5.5 points per game. Stevenson led the PBL in blocked shots.

With the addition of Williams, the RazorSharks will have two new players in the lineup Sunday at Halifax. 6 foot 10 forward Lorenzo Davis is expected to make his debut.

Rochester practices at the Downtown YMCA from 9-11am Saturday prior to departure.

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Premier Basketball League Stories from January 28, 2011


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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