This week in the USBL

June 21, 2004 - United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release


MILFORD, CT – The United States Basketball League, Inc. (USBL) finished the 19th season of play this weekend, as teams looked to secure seeds for the 12th Annual Post-Season Festival. Every game took on an added importance as teams jockeyed for position. With that on to the show...

ADIRONDACK WILDCATS: The Wildcats started the week in Kansas. The Wildcats were looking to break the Cagerz winning streak at home, but it was not to be. The Wildcats shot a paltry 35% from the field and lost 109-77. Shawn Jackson led the way with 20 points. Eric Williams had 12 points and 14 rebounds in the loss. Next up for the Wildcats was a trip to Oklahoma to take on the Storm. The Wildcats hung tough for three quarters, but the Storm had too much in the end and the Wildcats lost 102-92. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter had 33 for the Wildcats. Terrance Woods had his best game for Wildcats with 20 points. Talik Brown dished our six assists in the loss. The Wildcats next took on Westchester. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter again led the way for the Wildcats with 25 points and Brian Taylor had 21 points but the Wildfire came out on top 87-79. The Wildcats took on St. Louis in their final game of the regular season. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter had 25 points and became the 2004 USBL scoring leader with his performance. Eric Williams had 22 points and 13 rebounds but the Wildcats lost again, this time in overtime 102-101.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Kansas @ 8 CST)

BREVARD BLUE DUCKS: The Blue Ducks traveled north to finish up a tough campaign this season. The Blue Ducks started the trek in Brooklyn. Tony Bland had his second triple double in as many games. He had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, but the Blue Ducks came up short 138-109. Richard Jeter had 27 points to lead the way for the Blue Ducks. Rob Brown continued to put up solid numbers with 23 points and 14 rebounds. The Blue Ducks then traveled to Pennsylvania to take on the ValleyDawgs on consecutive nights. In the first game the Blue Ducks received another solid performance from rookie of the year candidate Tony Bland. Bland had 38 points and 12 rebounds in a 136-104 loss. Richard Jeter and Derrick Miller each had 16 points and Rob Brown doubled with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The next night was no better for the Blue Ducks as they lost 109-68. Rob Brown had 27 points in the loss. Jamar McKnight had 11 points and 14 rebounds. In the Blue Ducks final game of the season, they took on the Wildfire of Westchester. Tony Bland and Richard Jeter each had 20 points and Alvin Jefferson chipped in with 17 rebounds, but the Blue Ducks finished the season with a 100-81 loss.

BROOKLYN KINGS: The Kings started another week on top of the Eastern Division. The Kings opened the week hosting Brevard. Eight players scored in double figures as the Kings got out to an early lead and never looked back as they defeated Brevard 138-109. Chudney Gray had 20 points and 11 assists, and BJ McFarlan had 20 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Mike Campbell had 19 points in the win for the Kings. The Kings hosted Florence for two consecutive nights. Chudney Gray hit a late jumper and then hit two free throws with .6 seconds left to pull out a 94-92 victory. Gray led the way with 18 points. Mike Campbell had 15 points and BJ McFarlan had 14 points for the Kings. The next night was a reversal of fortune for the Kings. Louis Truscott went to the line with a one second left and hit two free throws to defeat the Kings 107-105. Mike Campbell and Antwan Dobie both had 19 points in the loss. Anthony Glover had 18 points for the Kings. The Kings hosted St. Louis in their final game of the home season. The Kings did not disappoint their fans, as they went out to an early lead and coasted home with a 116-92 victory. Mike Campbell led the way with 20 points for the Kings. BJ McFarlan had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Chudney Gray also had 17 points in the win.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Oklahoma @ 5 pm CST)

CEDAR RAPIDS RIVER RAIDERS: The River Raiders have been struggling as of late with the injury to Dean Oliver playing a major role. The River Raiders traveled to Dodge City looking to break the home winning streak of the Legend. The Legend were not to be denied and the River Raiders lost 110-91. Seven players were in double figures, with Tim Kisner and Bingo Merriex scoring 13 points each. The River Raiders hosted Dodge City. Some late game mistakes doomed the River Raiders as they had a chance to win the game in regulation, and then proceeded to lose it in overtime by the score of 123-114. Courtney James had 25 points for the River Raiders. Bingo Merriex had 18 points and 12 rebounds. The River Raiders next faced the visiting Cagerz. Dean Oliver returned to form with 25 points in a 107-97 win. Brian Woodward had 18 points and Courtney James ripped down 10 rebounds in the win. The River Raiders faced Oklahoma at home in their last game of the regular season. The River Raiders jumped out to an early 20 point lead and never looked back, winning 117-102. Dean Oliver had 25 points for the River Raiders. DeSean Hadley had 21 points and Bingo Merriex had 16 points in the win.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Pennsylvania @ 2 pm CST)

DODGE CITY LEGEND: The Legend started the week 14-0 in the Civic Center and had only Cedar Rapids to defeat to go undefeated at home for the second year in a row. And be denied they weren't. The Legend jumped out early and often and pulled away to win 110-91. Roberto Bergersen and Immanuel McElroy each had 18 points in the victory. McElroy also chipped in with 12 rebounds. Reggie Okosa doubled with 11 points and 10 rebounds. With the win the Legend went undefeated at home for the second season, and also won their 15th consecutive win on the season. This win also tied the all-time consecutive wins in a row, held by the 1995 & 1996 Florida Sharks. In their next contest the Legend faced Kansas in Salina. The Legend put up a gallant fight but they lost 103-97. Ray Young had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. Reggie Okosa had his second consecutive double double, 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Legend continued on their road trip in Cedar Rapids. Dodge City was led by the hot hand of Reed Rawlings with 29 points in a 123-114 overtime win. Lawrence Nelson and Rob Dye both had 20 points in the win. Dodge City next traveled to Oklahoma to take on the Storm. Roberto Bergersen had 27 points in a 109-102 victory. Ray Young had 22 points and Reed Rawlings had another solid game with 15 points. The Legend finally finished up their road trek with a visit to Salina. The Legend were looking to knock off the Cagerz and stop their 14 game home winning streak. It was not to be as the Legend lost 104-92. Roberto Bergersen had 24 points for the Legend. Ray Young had a 18 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Westchester @ 11 am CST)

FLORENCE FLYERS: The Flyers made their final road trip of the season with two in a row in Brooklyn. In the first game the Flyers were victimized by a late Chudney Gray jumper and subsequent free throws and lost 94-92. Aaron Haynes had 27 points and 14 rebounds in the loss. Louis Truscott had 17 points and 11 rebounds and Tai Crutchfield had 22 points in the loss. The next night the Flyers got some revenge on the Kings when they won 107-105. Louis Truscott had 34 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Aaron Haynes had 20 points and Tyson Patterson had 14 points, 17 assists and 9 rebounds in the win. The Flyers finished their season in Pennsylvania. Aaron Haynes led the way with 27 points and 10 rebounds, nut it wasn't good enough to beat the ValleyDawgs and the Flyers lost 118-110. Louis Truscott had 22 points and 15 rebounds.

KANSAS CAGERZ: The Cagerz opened the week at home against Adirondack. The Cagerz came out and just dominated from start to finish and they won 109-77. Jeff Boschee and Cleotis Brown both had 18 points for the Cagerz. Lee Benson doubled with 15 points and 11 rebounds as did "Mr. Double Double" Johnny Jackson with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Cagerz next faced the Legend again at home. The Cagerz held their home court and stopped the Legend's 15 game winning streak with a 103-97 win. Cleotis Brown had 18 points to lead the way for the Cagerz. Lee Benson doubled again with 13 points and 15 rebounds. The Cagerz took on Oklahoma at home looking to continue their home winning streak. The streak continued with a 113-105 Cagerz victory. Nate Johnson and Cleotis Brown each had 19 points in the win. "Mr. Double Double" Johnny Jackson had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the win. The Cagerz next traveled north to take on Cedar Rapids. The Cagerz left their "a" game at home and lost 107-97. Lee Benson had 24 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Nate Johnson had 20 points for the Cagerz. The Cagerz were looking to go undefeated at home for the second time in team history, but they would have to defeat in state rival Dodge City to do it. Cleotis Brown had 22 points and "Mr. Double Double" Johnny Jackson got his 77th all time USBL double double with 13 points and 19 rebounds in a 104-92 victory. Maurice Jeffers had 17 points for the Cagerz as they go undefeated at home and look to continue that streak in the Post-Season Festival.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Adirondack @ 8 CST)

OKLAHOMA STORM: The Storm were looking for some more home cooking against Adirondack. The Storm used a big fourth quarter, 27-17, to pull out a win 102-92. Patrick Okafor had a huge double double with 20 points and 20 rebounds. Lamont Turner also doubled with 17 points and 11 rebounds. James Penny chipped in with 19 points in the victory. The Storm faced the Cagerz in Salina. James Penny had 26 points and 12 rebounds in a 113-105 loss. Tony Harris had 19 points; Nate Burton and Lamont Turner each had 14 points for the Storm. The Storm hosted Dodge City next. Despite being up 9 going into the 4th quarter, the Storm lost 109-102. Lamont Turner had 27 points and 11 rebounds. James Lang had 18 points in the loss. The Storm then had to travel all night to face Cedar Rapids. The Storm put up a great effort but came up short, losing 117-102. James Penny had 24 points for the Storm. James Land and Tony Harris each had 14 points and Nate Burton had 17 points in the loss.

(NEXT WEEK: June 25 vs. Brooklyn @ 5 pm CST)

PENNSYLVANIA VALLEYDAWGS: The ValleyDawgs took on their Eastern Division rival Westchester to start the week. The ValleyDawgs battled back from 12 points down in the last two minutes to tie the score with three seconds left. A jump ball ensued, with Quincy Wadley tipping the toss to Marcus Fleming, and Fleming put the ball up and in with one second left to pull out a 103-101 victory. Frantz Pierre-Louis led the way with 24 points. Jayson Wells had 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Quincy Wadley had 20 points to go along with the important tip. The ValleyDawgs hosted Brevard on two consecutive nights. In the first game the ValleyDawgs jumped out to an early lead and never looked back winning 136-104. Eight players were in double figures, with Willie Chandler leading the way with 19 points. Jayson Wells had 17 points and Darrin Hancock had 15 points in his ValleyDawgs debut. The next night the ValleyDawgs continued their domination over Brevard with a 109-68 victory. Frantz Pierre-Louis had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Lou White and Carlos Wheeler each had 12 points in the win. The ValleyDawgs faced Florence in their last home game of the season. Joe Crispin exploded for 35 points as the ValleyDawgs won 118-110. Frantz Pierre-Louis had 25 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Tim Winn had 12 points and 11 assists for the ValleyDawgs.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Cedar Rapids @ 3 pm CST)

ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS: The Skyhawks continued their eastern swing through the USBL with a game in Westchester. The Skyhawks managed to defeat Westchester in overtime, 88-87. Mike Mackell had 28 points and 13 rebounds in the win. DeeAndre Hulett had 14 points and 13 rebounds in the win. The next night the Skyhawks traveled to Adirondack. In another overtime game, the Skyhawks again managed a win, 102-101. Mike Mackell had 34 points in the win. Justin Tatum had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Skyhawks. The Skyhawks finished their season in Brooklyn. Mike Mackell had 33 points, but the King were too tough for the Skyhawks, winning 116-92. DeeAndre Hulett had 13 points and Matt Baniak had 12 points in the loss.

WESTCHESTER WILDFIRE: The Wildfire opened the week in Pennsylvania. A late 12-point lead slowly evaporated and a last second bucket by Marcus Fleming doomed the Wildfire, as they lost 103-101. Cheyne Gadson had 24 points in the loss. Reggie Moore had 14 points and Shea Seals had 13 points for the Wildfire. The Wildfire next traveled to face Adirondack. The Wildfire got 21 points from Cheyne Gadson in an 87-79 victory. Jamaal Davis, Kareem Reid, and Reggie Moore each had 11 points in the win. The Wildfire hosted the Skyhawks in their next game. A late bucket doomed the Wildfire and they lost in overtime, 88-87. Vonteego Cummings had 19 points in the loss. Greg Stevenson had 14 points for the Wildfire. In their last game of the regular season, the Wildfire hosted Brevard. Greg Stevenson and Kitwana Rhymer each had 14 points for the Wildfire in a 100-81 victory. Cheyne Gadson and Virgil Cobbin each had 13 points in the win.

(NEXT WEEK: Friday, June 25 vs. Dodge City @ 11 am CST)

"PLAYER OF THE WEEK" MIKE MACKELL, ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS

Mackell has been on fire all season long and he continued his hot hand this week. In his first game of the week, Mackell had 28 points and 13 rebounds on 10 for 18 shooting. In his next game Mackell had 34 points and 9 rebounds on 10 for 22 shooting. Mackell finished off his season with a 33-point performance against Brooklyn. Mackell shot 55% on the week for the Skyhawks.

HONORABLE MENTION
LEE BENSON, KANSAS CAGERZ
LOUIS TRUSCOTT, FLORENCE FLYERS

"ROOKIE OF THE WEEK" AARON HAYNES, FLORENCE FLYERS

Haynes continues to impress with his high-energy play and his knowledge. Haynes started the week in Brooklyn were he had 27 points and 14 rebounds, while taking only 12 shots from the field. In his next game against Brooklyn, Haynes had 20 points, and in his final game of the season he had 27 points and 10 rebounds. Haynes was also 55% from the field in his three games this week.

HONORABLE MENTION
NATE JOHNSON, KANSAS CAGERZ
TONY BLAND, BREVARD BLUE DUCKS

"TEAM OF THE WEEK" PENNSYLVANIA VALLEYDAWGS

The ValleyDawgs were 4-0 on the week. They pulled out a 105-103 victory over Westchester to start the week. They then knocked off the Brevard in consecutive nights and finished up the week with a victory over Florence. The ValleyDawgs are on a 5 game winning streak and are looking to capture their second USBL Championship this week. When the ValleyDawgs go in on a winning streak they have at the very least made the finals, and this are hoping to continue this streak.



United States Basketball League Stories from June 21, 2004


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