Vision secures Great Eight spot
March 20, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Atlanta Vision News Release
Courtesy FTC Publications, Inc.
Atlanta, GA. Once the ball was in the air and released, the game was on. Both the Atlanta Vision and the Buffalo Rapids both were going after the same thing, but only one could take the victory. First half, there was a lot of heat on the court. Of course, there would be when you have players like Kellen Miliner giving you high-fly dunks and Cedric McGinnis hitting threes in the beginning of the game. The Atlanta Vision did show the Rapids whose house they were in and by the end of the first half, Buffalo knew.
Friday night the Atlanta Vision ABA team beat the Buffalo Rapids 99-97 and secured a Great Eight Playoff spot. The Vision is an explosive team with young players that play consistent basketball. Their first full season in the ABA, the Vision has won 14 of its last 16 games. They are the 2006 Divisional Champions and there is a lot of excitement surrounding the team's success. All-Star Cedrick McGinnis comments, "There are a lot of teams that done think we're supposed to be here. But we got a bunch of young guys that play hard and that's all we expect everyday is to play hard, play defense and continue what we are doing."
The Vision ended the 1st Quarter leading by 12 points. The Rapids seemed to re-focus and made a comeback in the 2nd Quarter, ended the half trainling by only 3 points. The score was tight during the 2nd half as the Rapids began to play more consistent defense. It wasn't enough to stop the Vision. Trenton Eager, who showed a nice hustle throughout the game, took advantage of a fast break in the 3rd Quarter with a slamming dunk and foul for a 3-point conversion. The last quarter was intense and during the last few seconds of the game, the win could have gone to either team. Coach Kevin Whitted commented on their win, "It was so much pressure at the end of the game, but I encourage my guys to stay mentally into the game and not become individuals. Staying mentally together was the most important thing. I think once that happened, we were able to do what we needed to do."
On March 22, the Vision will be in Rochester NY for the Great 8. Owner Quentin Townsend acquired the ABA team in late December 2004 during mid-season. He re-structured the entire organization, and quickly began distinguishing himself and his team as one of trhe most dynamic in the league.
An Official Professional ABA team, it is co-owned by Quentin and Akilah Townsend. One sad note. Right before the half, one of the lead players, Atiba Prater was injured and not able to re-enter the game. Even though the Vision had one of its top scorers out hurt and on the sideline, they still kept their cool. The second half, the players were all a little relaxed. Townsend added that he was proud of his team and their accomplishments. "It feels like we already won the playoffs and I'm proud of what the team and coaches had accomplished." For more information, visit www.atlantavision.com or www.abalive.com.
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.
American Basketball Association Stories from March 20, 2006
- RazorSharks Host The Great 8 - Rochester RazorSharks
- Vision secures Great Eight spot - Atlanta Vision
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.
