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This Week in the USBL

April 26, 2004 - United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release


MILFORD, CT – The United States Basketball League, Inc. (USBL) started its 19th campaign with 23 games over the last 10 days. As always, there were some surprises in the young season, and some milestones that were broken. With that in mind....

ADIRONDACK WILDCATS: The Wildcats have started the season with a 3-1 record under new head coach Ron Ekker. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter has been the main man for the Wildcats scoring a League high 31.8 points a game for the Wildcats. In their first game of the year the Wildcats hosted the Blue Ducks from Brevard in the first of a back-to-back series with the Blue Ducks. A one point deficit at half was quickly erased by a 34-16 3rd quarter as the Wildcats coasted to a 112-84 victory. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter had 34 points in the victory. Former NBA vet Larry Robinson had 18 points and Jermaine Boyette had 21 points to lead a three-guard attack. The next night was more of the same for the Wildcats. A big 2nd quarter this time, 24 – 9, put the Wildcats out in front for good and they took the second game in as many nights from the Blue Ducks 101-73. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter again led the way with 24 points. Jermaine Boyette had 21 points in an attack that had six scorers in double figures. Next for the Wildcats were divisional rivals the Westchester Wildfire. In a game that got a little physical, the Wildcats prevailed with a 107-93 victory. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter exploded for 37 points for the Wildcats. Hunter also had help from Jermaine Boyette, 19 points, and new acquisition Marshall Phillips, 16 points, 8 rebounds. In their final game of the opening week, the Wildcats hosted the ValleyDawgs from Pennsylvania. The Wildcats battled hard, but were unable to make it a 4-0 week as they lost 97-94. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter again led the way with 32 points in the loss. Marshall Phillips showed that he has had no ill effects of last year's knee injury as he chipped in with 19 points.

(NEXT WEEK: April 27 @ Brevard, April 28 vs. Florence, April 30 & May 1 @ Florence, and May 2 @ Westchester)

BREVARD BLUE DUCKS: The Blue Ducks opened the season in Adirondack with back-to-back games in Glens Falls. The trip was not successful as the Blue Ducks lost the first game by the score of 112-84. Tobe Carberry led the way with 20 points in the loss. Nate Burton had 18 points and Anthony Slater had 12 assists and 7 steals. The next night was no better as the Blue Ducks lost again by 28 points, 101-73. Nate Burton had 24 points and Rob Brown doubled with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Blue Ducks then flew to Brooklyn to finish out the three game set. The results were no better as the Blue Ducks came out on the short end 130-110. Rob Brown had a huge game with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Nate Burton was his steady self with 22 points and Alvin Jefferson had 20 points and 14 rebounds. In their next game, the Blue Ducks hosted the Florence Flyers. Rob Brown came up big with 33 points and steady Nate Burton had 18 points, as the Blue Ducks won their first game of the season 105-97 in the Blue Duck home opener. The next nights the Blue Ducks traveled to Florence looking to make it two in a row, but were unsuccessful, as they lost 108-89. Nate Burton led the way with 28 points in the loss.

(NEXT WEEK: April 27 vs. Adirondack)

BROOKLYN KINGS: The Kings opened up their season at home against the Brevard Blue Ducks this past week. The Kings jumped out early and often as they put the Blue Ducks behind by 17 at half and then made it look easy with a 130-110 victory. Chudney Gray came out of the chute on fire and stayed that way with 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win. Local playground legend Mike Campbell had 21 points, Willie Shaw had 24 points and BJ McFarland had 16 points and 10 rebounds. The next night the Kings hosted the Wildfire from Westchester. Chudney Gray stayed red hot with 22 points, leading the way for a 107-100 victory over the Wildfire. BJ McFarland had a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the win. The Kings looked to make it two in a row over the Wildfire, but it was not to be as the Wildfire prevailed 100-86. Leading the way was Mike Campbell with 22 points as the Kings shot a paltry 29.9 percent from the field, good for 4th worst all-time in USBL history. The next night the Kings shot better, 43.3%, but the result was still the same; a loss to the Wildfire 111-102. Mike Campbell had his second good game in as many nights with 25 points in the loss. In their last game of the week, the Kings visited Pennsylvania. The Kings again came out on the short end with a 115-108 loss. Mike Campbell continued his hot shooting with 31 points.

(NEXT WEEK: May 1 vs. Pennsylvania, May 2 @ Florence)

CEDAR RAPIDS RIVER RAIDERS: The River Raiders have made a big splash in the USBL in only a short period of time. In the first game in River Raiders history, 5,913 fans came out to support their team. This is the second largest crowd to ever witness a USBL game. The River Raiders didn't disappoint as they defeated Oklahoma 110-97. Local favorite Dean Oliver had 27 points and 14 assists in the victory. Brian Bracey had 22 point and last seasons #1 overall draft pick Bingo Merriex had 15 points. The River Raiders next hosted the Kansas Cagerz. Brian Bracey led the way with 27 points and the backcourt duo of Tim Kisner and Dean Oliver dished out 23 assists to move the River Raiders to 2-0 with a 112-104 victory. The River Raiders then went on the road for the first time and didn't like the surroundings, as they lost for the first time to Dodge City 108-101 in overtime. Dean Oliver had 22 points and Tim Kisner had 13 points and 10 assists. Courtney James had 18 points in the loss. The River Raiders righted the ship in the last game of the week, as they knocked off the St. Louis Skyhawks 93-91. Bingo Merriex had 19 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Brian Bracey chipped in with 23 points.

(NEXT WEEK: April 29 vs. St. Louis, May 1 @ St. Louis, May 2 @ Kansas)

DODGE CITY LEGEND: The defending champs have a new look with former assistant coach Dale Osbourne now taking the helm of the Legend. In their home opener the Legend hoisted the Championship Banner to the rafters and looked to continue a huge home court advantage over the USBL, as they have won 18 consecutive at the Dodge City Civic Center. The Legend would make it 19 in a row with a 102-94 victory over their old general manager Tom Nelson and his new employers, the Oklahoma Storm. Reed Rawlings had 33 points and Jermaine Tate had 11 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. The Legend then traveled to Oklahoma looking to make it two in a row over the Storm. The Storm was not a good host, and the Legend lost 115-104. Rob Dye, one of two returnees from last season, led the way with 26 points. Reed Rawlings chipped in with 20 points in the loss. Cedar Rapids visited the Legend next, as they looked to stop the home domination by the Legend. The Legend were able to keep things as they have been, with a 108-101 overtime victory. Reed Rawlings had 33 point in the victory and Immanuel McElroy had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Legend. The Legend next hosted the Skyhawks. A big 4th quarter, 32-19 for the Legend put them over the top with a 102-77 victory. Immanuel McElroy had 19 points as he led six players in double figures. The win moved the Legend home winning streak to 21. The Legend then traveled to Oklahoma again, looking for some revenge, but they came up short again 101-95. Reed Rawlings and Rob Dye both had 24 points in the loss.

(NEXT WEEK: April 26 vs. Kansas, April 28 vs. Oklahoma, May 1 @ Westchester, May 2 @ Pennsylvania)

FLORENCE FLYERS: The Flyers opened their season against the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs. The Flyers used a big 2nd half to pull out a 128-114 victory. Marlon Parmer had 31 points and 14 assists in the victory, as he was one of six in double figures. The Flyers again hosted the ValleyDawgs, this time with a different result. The Flyers lost this match up 107-99. Jamaal Davis had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Flyers. Marlon Palmer had 19 points and Carlos Strong had 16 points in the loss. Florence then traveled south to take on the Blue Ducks. They again came up a little short, as they lost 105-97. Tai Crutchfield had 22 points in the loss. Marlon Palmer had 15 points and 11 assists, while Lemayn Wilson had 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Flyers got back on the winning track as they knocked off the Blue Ducks 107-89. Carlos Strong had 27 points and Louis Truscott had 22 points in the victory.

(NEXT WEEK: April 28 @ Adirondack, April 29 @ Pennsylvania, April 30 vs. Adirondack, May 1 vs. Adirondack, and May 2 vs. Brooklyn)

KANSAS CAGERZ: The Cagerz open the season with three on the road, the first in St. Louis. The Cagerz came out on top in a low scoring affair, 78-75. Cleotis Brown had 18 points for the Cagerz. Maurice Jeffers had 11 points and Damion Dantzler had 12 points in the victory. The Cagerz then traveled north to take on the River Raiders. The Cagerz didn't like the confines of the US Cellular Center as they came up short, 112-104. Damian Dantzler had 19 points in the loss, one of seven Cagerz in double figures. In their last game of the week, the Cagerz then ventured south to take on the Storm. The Cagerz were led by University of Kansas alum Jeff Boschee with 39 points, in a 130-124 victory. Boschee's 39 points is a League high this season. Boschee wasn't the only Cagerz player putting up big numbers as Damion Dantzler had 26 points in the win.

(NEXT WEEK: April 26 @ Dodge City, April 30 @ St. Louis, May 2 vs. Cedar Rapids)

OKLAHOMA STORM: The Storm have a new general manager in Tom Nelson and are looking to make an immediate impact on the season. The first game of the season for the Storm was in Cedar Rapids. A decided home court advantage helped the River Raiders overcome a potent Storm attack, 110-97. Lamont Turner had 19 points in the loss. Patrick Okafor had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. The Storm next traveled to Dodge City. The Storm put forth a great effort but came out a little short as they lost 102-94. James Penny had 22 points for the Storm. Chris Porter had 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Storm and Patrick Okafor had 19 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. The Storm were not to be denied in their home opener, as they welcomed back Enid native and 10 year NBA veteran Brent Price back to the hardwood. Price had two points before tweaking a hamstring, but the Storm rolled to a 115-104 victory. James Penny had 21 points in the win. Lamont Turner had 20 points and Chris Porter had 18 points for the Storm. The Cagerz next came to Enid and stopped the Storm winning streak at one as the knocked off the Storm 130-124. Lamont Turner had 34 points in the loss. Chris Porter had a double double with 18 points and 15 rebounds. The Storm faced the Legend in their final game of the week. The Storm got back on the winning side as they defeated the Legend 101-95. 2003 NBA early entry James Lang had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Storm. James Penny and Patrick Okafor both had 17 points in the win.

(NEXT WEEK: April 28 @ Dodge City)

PENNSYLVANIA VALLEYDAWGS: The ValleyDawgs return for their sixth season of play with Darryl Dawkins again manning the helm. The ValleyDawgs traveled to Florence to help open the Flyers season. The ValleyDawgs were too much of a help and lost by a score of 128-114. Willie Chandler, Quincy Wadley, and Carlos Wheeler each had 20 points in the loss. Jerry Holman pulled down 15 rebounds to go along with 13 points in the loss. The ValleyDawgs returned to Florence four days later, this time with a different result, with a 107-99 victory. Marcus Fleming had 26 points and 13 rebounds for the ValleyDawgs. Joe Crispin had 17 points in the victory. The ValleyDawgs stayed on the road, this time with a trip to Glens Falls to take on the Wildcats. Marcus Fleming again had a hot hand with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Jerry Holman doubled with 15 points and 13 points. This victory was head coach Darryl Dawkins 100th in the USBL. Dawkins joins Kevin Mackey, 128 wins, and Rex Morgan, 196 wins, as only the third head coach in USBL history with 100 wins in a career. The ValleyDawgs finished out their opening week with a 115-108 victory over Brooklyn. Carlos Wheeler had 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Marcus Fleming had 17 points and 15 rebounds in the victory.

(NEXT WEEK: April 28 @ Westchester, April 29 vs. Florence, May 1 @ Brooklyn, May 2 vs. Dodge City)

ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS: The Skyhawks returned to the USBL after a one-year hiatus, with their home opener against the Kansas Cagerz. The Skyhawks came out on the short end with a 78-75 loss. Jon-Pierre Mitchom had 22 points in the loss. Matt Baniak had 20 points and Antonio Rivers had 17 points for the Skyhawks. The Skyhawks then traveled to Dodge City to take on the Legend. Poor shooting doomed the Skyhawks as they lost 102-77. 1st Round selection Nicklaus Kern had 26 points in the loss. Kenneth Brown had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Skyhawks. The Skyhawks faced the River Raiders in Cedar Rapids for their final game of the week. Antonio Rivers had 20 points and Nicklaus Kern had 15 points but it wasn't enough as the Skyhawks lost 93-91.

(NEXT WEEK: April 29 @ Cedar Rapids, April 30 vs. Kansas, May 1 vs. Cedar Rapids)

WESTCHESTER WILDFIRE: John Starks returns for his second season with the Wildfire, as they had a short trip to Brooklyn to open the season. The Wildfire were plagued with the turnover bug, 26 in the game, and lost to the Kings 107-100. Lance Williams had 27 points and Fred Williams had 17 points in the loss. The Wildfire next traveled to Adirondack to face the Wildcats. Fred Williams tossed in 25 points and Tony Bland had 20 points but it was not enough, as the Wildfire lost their second game in as many days, this time by the score of 107-93. The Wildfire hosted the Kings for two nights and were looking to even their record for the opening week, and even it they did. In the first game the Wildfire had 23 points and 12 rebounds from Cheyne Gadson and 22 points from Lance Williams in a 100-86 victory. The next night was more of the same, as the Wildfire won this time by a score of 111-102. Fred Williams had 33 points and Lance Williams had 27 points in the victory. (NEXT WEEK: April 28 vs. Pennsylvania, May 1 vs. Dodge City, May 2 vs. Adirondack)

"PLAYER OF THE WEEK", JIMMIE "SNAP" HUNTER, ADIRONDACK WILDCATS
Hunter has been on fire for the Adirondack Wildcats in the opening week. He is averaging a USBL high 31.8 points a game so far this season on an incredible 55% from the field as a shooting guard. Hunter is also 23 for 27 from the line. Hunter has games of 34 points, 24 points, 37 points, and 32 points already this year.

HONORABLE MENTION
Reed Rawlings, Dodge City Legend
Dean Oliver, Cedar Rapids River Raiders
Marcus Fleming, Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs

"ROOKIE OF THE WEEK", NICKLAUS KERN, ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS
Kern, the 2nd pick overall by the Skyhawks, had 26 points for the Skyhawks against the Legend. Kern then followed that up with a 15-point performance. Kern has become the early scoring and go to man for the Skyhawks.

HONORABLE MENTION
Tarise Bryson, Florence Flyers
RT Guinn, Cedar Rapids River Raiders
Nate Johnson, Kansas Cagerz

"TEAM OF THE WEEK", PENNSYLVANIA VALLEYDAWGS
The ValleyDawgs are one of three teams with three wins in this early part of the season. Two of them have come on the road, against Florence and Adirondack, which are half of the road wins in all of the USBL. The ValleyDawgs also celebrated the 100th career USBL win of Darryl Dawkins head coaching career and in team history this past week. The ValleyDawgs traditionally start the season slowly and look to peak late, but maybe the ValleyDawgs will use this early streak to put some space between themselves and the rest of the USBL.

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United States Basketball League Stories from April 26, 2004


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