Undefeated Volcanoes Back on Home Court Saturday
Published on May 13, 2014 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Vancouver Volcanoes News Release
Vancouver, WA - It's back to protecting home court as the only undefeated team in the league return to Clark College to take on the Chinooks Saturday lead by All Star 6'2" G Andre Murray.
When you are the team nobody has beat, you are the team everyone wants to defeat, and the Volcanoes are that team in the IBL. With a 5-0 record on the season so far, including two wins on their road trip to Los Angeles this past weekend, they will once again face their rival from just over the bridge. "Our 5-0 record means nothing," Head Coach Joe Navarro boldly stated. "The season is a progression. We have to be better every game. The next game is the only one that matters."
In his fifth season with the team, Murray is once again one of the key pieces, number one in the league in points, assists and steals. Putting up an average of 34ppg+, the work number twenty three put in during the off season is paying off. "Dre's putting up video game numbers, but that's his role for us. He's our "go to" guy, and he's comfortable with that role. He's leading the league in almost every stat. What else can you say - Navarro shrugs and smiles.
The last time these two met up the lead on the bench for the Volcanoes said they only played one good half of basketball and narrowly came up with the win 128-124 over the Chinooks. Although the two are familiar with each other, you never know what can happen. "Portland always gives us problems with their ability to score in so many different ways. They are loaded with talent, we have to execute defensively and rebound or it's going to be a long night," Navarro warned.
Practicing two to three times per week, with workouts in between at partner facility Shoot 360, Assistant Coach and General Manager of the Volcanoes, Bryan Hunter thinks they will be ready for the battle of the bridge and take another win to protect home court. "We've got guys back in the line-up and healthy including 6'1" G Cedale Doyle, we have had a chance to work out our kinks and play together, we are going to be a much better team the second time around against the Chinooks."
With six players in double figures in their last road game, the team will take that momentum back to Clark College to get the win at home Saturday. "We love our crowd, it's awesome to know our fans our behind us and they always come out and support us. They expect us to win, and I think our players feed on that," Navarro shared. "There's no place like home."
Saturday night tip-off is 7pm featuring the Vancouver Volcanoes Dancers, with Kevin 'Pip' Bloodsaw's AAU First Step Basketball U17 teams scrimmaging at halftime. Admission at the door at Clark College Adults $7, Students under 18 and Seniors over 65 $3, Children Age 7 & under FREE!
The Volcanoes will also be at Clark College on Friday, May 16th for the YMCA Charity Basketball Game where 6'2" G Andre Murray, 6'11" C Gjio Bain, 6'3" G Kevan West, 6'3" G Brad Lechtenberg and General Manager/Assistant Coach Bryan Hunter, will play along with Mayor Tim Leavitt to raise funds giving everyone a shot! Tip off is 7pm.
International Basketball League Stories from May 13, 2014
- Undefeated Volcanoes Back on Home Court Saturday - Vancouver Volcanoes
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