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Two Harlem Strong Dogs Named to ABA East All-Star Roster

February 4, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Tampa Bay Strong Dogs News Release


INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - The Harlem Strong Dogs congratulates two native New Yorkers Willie Shaw and Obadiah Toppin on their well deserved place on the American Basketball Association (ABA) East All-Star roster.

"It is a tribute to their work ethic and commitment and the beginning of a new outlook for Willie," said proudly by Coach Charles.

Willie Shaw played high school and collegiate basketball in New York City. While at John F. Kennedy High School in The Bronx, Willie helped the Knights win the New York City's Public School Athletic League's (PSAL) Class A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship during his senior year in 2000. He continued his career as a member of the Saint John's Red Storm for the next four seasons and contributed to a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship in 2003. Willie began his professional playing career with the Brooklyn Kings of the United States Basketball League (USBL) this past 2004 season and once again, experienced success by winning a division title and playing in the league's championship game.

Shaw currently boasts lofty statistics and has contributed tremendously for the Harlem Strong Dogs success this season and playoff push next month. He currently leads the team in points per game average and total points as well as being among the ABA league leaders in both categories

Obadiah Toppin, like Willie Shaw also played both his high school boys varsity and college basketball in New York City. Obadiah was a Martin Van Buren High School Vee Bee in Queens Village and continued his basketball playing career as an Eastern Oklahoma State College Mountaineer. He then returned to New York City as a Globe Institute of Technology Knight to complete his collegiate career. Toppin became a rookie professional basketball player with the Harlem Strong Dogs this 2004-05 ABA season.

Toppin currently averages over a half dozen rebounds which is among ABA Blue (East) Division leaders and a dozen points per game for the ABA playoff bound Strong Dogs.

Both Willie and Obadiah join Head Coach Kenny Charles on the ABA East All-Star team. Coach Charles was named as a member of the East All-Star coaching staff earlier this week.

The ABA All-Star game is scheduled to be played on Monday, February 14, 2005 in Las Vegas.

For further information about the Harlem Strong Dogs, e-mail info@harlemstongdogs.com and continue to visit www.harlemstrongdogs.com for up-to-date news.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.

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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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