Slam Head to Lynden for First of Two Games this Weekend
May 5, 2011 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash.-Already a quarter of the way through the 2011 International Basketball League season, the Bellingham Slam will be playing their first-ever game in Lynden on Friday in the first of two home games this weekend. The Slam will face the West Coast Hotshots at LyndenHigh School's Jake Maberry Gym, with a 7 p.m.scheduled tip-off.The Slam will return to Bellinghamon Saturday for a contest against the Olympia Reign, which begins at 7 p.m.at Whatcom Pavilion.
Friday's game in Lynden will mark the return of Paul Hafford, who will be playing in his hometown for the first time since he graduated from LyndenChristianHigh Schoolin 2002 to attend Whitworth and later PortlandState. He helped lead the Lyncs to second- and third-place finishes at the 2-A state tournament in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Hafford still holds several 2-A tournament records, including the mark for total points scored in a single tournament, when he notched 118 points in four games during the 2002 state tourney.
Hafford originally joined the Slam in 2008 and has played for the team each season since then. He has also spent time playing overseas in Norwayand China. He played a critical role in helping the Slam win the 2008 IBL Championship, and was named one of the game's co-MVP's for his efforts. This season, he is the Slam's second-leading scorer, posting an average of 16.4 points per game.
Friday's match-up will be the second meeting of the season between the Slam and Hotshots. The two teams met in Bellinghamfor the Slam's home opener on April 15, with the Slam prevailing 130-104. Hafford led Bellinghamwith 22 points, while Morris Anderson finished with 15 points and a team-record 15 assists.
Saturday's game will also be the season's second meeting for Bellinghamand Olympia. The Slam defeated the Reign 122-99 on April 23, with Jacob Stevenson leading a balanced Slam attack with 32 points.
The Slam come into Friday's action with a 4-1 record after going 2-1 last weekend, splitting a home-and-home series with the Vancouver Volcanoes on Friday and Saturday, then routing the Portland All-Stars, 115-75, on Sunday. The Slam dominated the Volcanoes at home, 117-95, before losing a heartbreaker in overtime in Vancouver, 118-108. Sunday's win in Portland also marked the 100th career victory for Slam head coachRob Ridnour.
Through the first five games, Stevenson is the Slam's leading scorer at 19.8 points per game, while rookie Blake Poole is their leading rebounder with 10.6 boards per game.
Following this weekend's action, the Slam play the Oregon Waves at home on May 13, before embarking on a three-game road trip to Edmonton, Canada, later this month.
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International Basketball League Stories from May 5, 2011
- Slam Head to Lynden for First of Two Games this Weekend - Bellingham Slam
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