Slam Atop IBL at Season's Midway Point
May 30, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Coming off the team's most exciting victory in recent memory, the Bellingham Slam has reached the midway point of their 2013 International Basketball League schedule and find themselves atop the league standings.
After splitting their first two games against the Vancouver Volcanoes, the Slam have won eight straight to post a 9-1 record. That mark puts them in first place in the IBL, two games ahead of the second-place Volcanoes. The Slam is gunning for a third consecutive number one seed at the IBL's postseason tournament, which will take place in early July.
The Slam's success this season is nearly identical to their 2012 campaign, in which they also compiled a 9-1 record through their first 10 games. That team went on to win 11 straight, finished 17-3 and captured the league championship at home last July.
Bellingham's record for consecutive wins stands at 12 games, set back in 2008 season. Matching or breaking that mark will prove challenging for this year's squad, with a road meeting with the Portland Chinooks looming on June 11. The Chinooks gave the Slam all they could handle in their last game on Monday, when the Slam rallied from down 17 in the fourth quarter to win at the buzzer, 106-104, on a bank-shot three-pointer from center Evan Matteson.
Matteson has been a key contributor as part of balanced attack that has a remarkable nine players averaging double figures in scoring. Leaguing that list is veteran guard Jacob Stevenson with 21.7 points per game. Center Blake Poole has continued his strong play for the third straight season, averaging 18.5 points and a team-leading 13.4 rebounds per contest. Guard Morris Anderson continues to run the show in the backcourt, scoring at a 12.6 points per game clip but also contributing a team-high 6.1 assists per night.
The Slam have four home games left this season, with their next taking place on Saturday at Blaine High School, in their second home game this season staged away from their usual home court of Whatcom Pavilion. The Slam also hosted a home game in Lynden on May 17.
On Saturday, the Slam will host the Seattle Flight, a new team in the IBL this season owned by former Seattle Sonic Shawn Kemp and wife Marvena. The game at Blaine High School will offer an opportunity for Slam head coach Rob Ridnour to showcase his team on the same court where he and Luke Ridnour helped lead the Borderites to consecutive state championships in 1999 and 2000. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
Following Saturday's matchup in Blaine, the Slam will head on the road to face the Kitsap Admirals in Bremerton on Sunday. The team's next home game at Whatcom Pavilion is set for June 9 versus the East Bay Pit Bulls, with a 5 p.m. scheduled tip.
For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from May 30, 2013
- IBL Update - IBL
- Slam Atop IBL at Season's Midway Point - Bellingham Slam
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.
