May 31, 2013
IBA PLAYOFF SEMI-FINAL
Kankakee County Soldiers 132 - Chicago Redline 124
Ryan Edwards led the Kankakee County Soldiers back to the IBA Championship with 29 points and 8 rebounds, in a huge win over the Chicago Redline 132-124. The game was close throughout and the Soldiers trailed the Redline at half. The balance play continued into the third quarter as both teams continued to fight for a spot in the title game. However, in the fourth quarter, the Soldiers were able overcome their halftime deficit and push ahead of the Redline, and eventually close out the game. Billy Baptist also chipped in 21 points in the Soldiers win, as well as Billy Rush, who finished the game with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Redline were led by Quinnel Brown, who finished the game with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Robert Broughton also pitched in 22 points in the Redline defeat. With the loss, the Redline have been eliminated from the playoffs, and finished the season 7-8. The Soldiers advanced to their fourth straight IBA championship and improved to 12-3 on the season.
May 11, 2013
Bloomington Flex 110 - Sauk Valley Predators 86
Josiah Whitehead led the Bloomington Flex with 20 points and 6 rebounds, in a huge win over the Sauk Valley Predators 110-86. With the opportunity to move out of a three-way tie for first place in the Central Division, both teams came out strong, with the Predators leading the Flex 26-23 at the end of the first quarter. The Predators weren’t able to capitalize on their first quarter success, and came out flat in the second quarter, allowing the Flex to take a 10 point advantage into the half. The Flex wouldn’t look back after that, building their lead to 30 at one point in the game. Ryan Anderson and Chris McClellan also pitched in 14 points apiece in the pivotal Central Division game. Joe Wolfinger led the way for the Predators with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Predators have lost three straight and moved to 9-4. The Flex improved to 9-3 on the season, and moved a half game behind the Kankakee County Soldiers for first place in the Central Division.
Kankakee County Soldiers 118 - St. Louis Trotters 108
Ryan Edwards 31 points helped the Kankakee County Soldiers defeat the St. Louis Trotters 118-108. The game was close in the early going, but the Soldiers were able to pull away from the Trotters in the final minutes of the game. The Central Division leading Soldiers also had a solid contribution from Billy Baptist, who finished the game with 24 points and 7 rebounds. The Trotters were led by Milan Pepper, who finished with 25 points. With the loss, the Trotters moved to 3-7 on the season. The Soldiers improved to 10-3.
May 10, 2013
Chicago Redline 129 - Lake County Stars 116
LaVese Jones led the way for the Chicago Redline, with 37 points in win over the Lake County Stars 129-116. Phil Gary and Robert Broughton also pitched in 19 points apiece in the Redline win. Leading the way for the Stars in defeat was, Brian Centella, who finished the game with 21 points. With the loss the Stars moved to 0-6 on the season. The Redline picked up a huge win and improved to 6-6 on the season, remaining one game back of the fourth and final seed in the playoffs.
May 9, 2013
Rochester Razorsharks 137 - Albany Legends 111
The Rochester Razorsharks used 28 points from James Helton and 19 points from Keith Friel, to cruise to a 137-111 victory over the Albany Legends. The game was very tight in the first half, as the Legends took a three point lead into the half. The Razorsharks responded in the third, with a huge 47 point explosion, changing their three point deficit into a 22 point lead. The Legends would never overcome their third quarter woes and the Razorsharks would eventually push lead to 25 by the end of the Eastern Division matchup. The Legends had solid contributions from Lloyd Johnson, who finished with 31 points and 10 assist. Shea Bromirski also pitched in 25 points in the Legends defeat. The Legends moved to 0-2 on season, while the Razorsharks improved to 9-1.
May 5, 2013
Kankakee County Soldier 132 - Sauk Valley Predators 128 (OT)
Billy Baptist 32 points 14 rebounds and 5 assist, helped the Kankakee County Soldiers pull out a huge win over the Sauk Valley Predators 132-128. The game was a fierce battle from the start, as the teams were tied by the end first quarter at 29 a piece. The second quarter was no different but, the Predators were able to take a one point lead into the half. The Predators continued to build their lead in the third quarter, extending it to nine going into the fourth. The Soldiers continued to battle and overcame their nine point deficit to build a 3 point lead with 30 seconds to play in regulation. The Predators had possession of the ball, when Keith Radcliff came down the court and hit a three to tie the game with 11 seconds to play. The Soldiers would miss a contested shot on the final possession of regulation, sending the game into overtime. The Soldiers would however remain resilient and stop the Predators momentum; pulling out the big overtime win. Ryan Edwards also had a huge night for the Soldiers, contributing 31 points in the Soldiers win. Rico Hill and Anthony Kyle also pitched in 20 points each. Carlton Fey led the way for the Predators with 32 points and 7 rebouns. Kwan Waller also had 26 points in the Predators loss. Both teams moved to 9-3 on the season, and are now tied for first place along with the Bloomington Flex.
Bloomington Flex 100 - Lake Michigan Admirals 80
Jemal Farmer led the way for the Bloomington Flex in a win over Lake Michigan Admirals 100-80. The Flex jumped out to a ten point lead in the first quarter, and carried that momentum into the half time building a 17 point lead over the Admirals. The Flex would carry over their first half dominance into the second half, and cruise to a 20 point victory over the Admirals. The Flex finished the game with 5 players in double figures, using a balanced attack to pull out the win. Leading the way for the Admirals was Maurice Benson, who finished with 22 points. With the loss, the Admirals moved to 3-10 on the season. The Flex improved to 8-3 and moved into a three way tie for first place with the Kankakee County Soldiers, and Sauk Valley Predators.
Indiana Diesels 124 - Lansing Capitals 90
Led by Gerod Devaughn and Brandon McGee's 18 points each, the Indiana Diesels cruised to a 124-90 victory over the Lansing Capitals. The Diesels built up a huge 18 point lead going into half time, and continued their dominace the rest of the way. The Diesel had a great night, shooting 54% from the field, and hitting 6-13 from behind the arc.Leading the way for the Capitals in defeat was David Boykins, who finished the game with 22 points 5 points and 4 steals. With the loss, the Capitals moved to 3-9 on the season. The Diesels have now won 3 straight and improved to 7-3.
May 4, 2013
Bloomington Flex 102 - Kankakee County Soldiers 97
With seven players in double figures, the Bloomington Flex defeated the Kankakee County Soldiers 102-97. The defending PBL champion Flex, and defending IBA champion Soldiers met for the first time ever in pivotal Central Division game, as both teams are trying to make a push to claim the division title. The Flex got off to a very hot start taking an eight point advantage into the half. The Soldiers wouldn't go away, and continued to chip away at the deficit. With under two minutes to play, the Soldiers were able to cut the Flex lead to three but, that would be as close as they got. The Flex were able to close the game out in the final minutes and pick up the win. The Flex were led by Ryan Anderson's 18 points and 7 rebounds. Jemal Farmer also pitched in 18 points in the Flex victory. Leading the way for the Soldiers was Ryan Edwards, who finished the game with 36 points and 8 rebounds. Billy Baptist also scored 23 points in the Soldiers defeat. The Flex improved to 7-3 with the win while, the Soldiers moved to 8-3.
Lake Michigan Admirals 127 - Sauk Valley Predators 118
With Maurice Benson scoring 29 points and dishing out 8 assist, the Lake Michigan Admirals were able to pull of the huge upset over the Sauk Valley Predators 127-118. The Central Division leading Predators found themselves down 15 at the half, and never able to claim the lead in the game. Courtney Blackmore also had a solid night for the Admirals, and pitched in 24 points and 7 rebounds. In the defeat the Predators were led by, Keith Ratcliff's 38 points and 6 assist. Kwam Waller also pitched in 19 points. The Predators had won nine out their last 10 but now move to 9-2 on the season. The Admirals broke a 2 game losing streak with the big win and improved to 3-9 on the season.
Kenosha Ballers 130 - Lansing Capitals 107
Devron Bostick scored 32 points in the Kenosha Ballers victory over the Lansing Capitals 130-97. The game was close in the first half , as the Ballers held a seven point advantage. But the Capitals came out flat in the third quarter, and the Ballers exploded for 40 points, building their lead to 16 going into the fourth. The Ballers would continue to cruise as the Capitals could never close the gap in the end. Having a solid game in the Capitals defeat was, Ty Motley, who finish the game with 32 points and 8 assist. Along with Bostick, Malhon Thomas pitched in 26 points in the Ballers win. The Ballers improved to 7-5 on the season while, the Capitals moved to 3-8
May 3, 2013
Bloomington Flex 114 - Gary Splash 102
The Bloomington Flex used ever last one of Jemal Farmer's 42 points to defeat the Gary Splash 114-102 Friday night.The game was tight as the teams went into halftime tied at 59, but, cold shooting in the third quarter by the Splash allowed the Flex to build a 10 point lead going into the fourth. The Splash were never able to overcome that deficit in the fourth and fell to the Flex in hard fought game. Leading the Splash in defeat was, Deshawn Wright, who finished the game with 19 points. With that loss, the Splash moved to 7-4 on the season. The Flex improved to 6-3.
April 28, 2013
Kankakee County Soldiers 100 - West Virginia Miners 97
The Kankakee County Soldiers got off the a very slow start but Ryan Edwards 38 points helped push the Soldiers to a 100-97 victory over the West Virginia Miners. The Soldiers were down five at the half, but a big 38 point third quarter had them up eight entering the fourth. The Miners never gave up hope, and found them themselves down three with less than ten seconds on the clock and possession of the ball. The Miners would throw the ball out of bounds and never get the chance to tie the game. In defeat the, the Miners were led by Will Collins who pitched in 20 points 5 rebounds 5 assist. With the loss, the Miners fell to 2-7 on the season. The Soldiers improved to 8-2, remaining in second place behind the Sauk Valley Predators.
April 27, 2013
Kankakee County Soldiers 126 - West Virginia Miners 112
Ryan Edwards 46 points led the Kankakee County Soldiers to their fifth straight victory over the West Virginia Miners 126-112. Edwards performance wasn't overshadowed by a solid performance by Billy Baptist who chipped in 25 points and 9 rebounds. Leading the way for the Miners in defeat was, Shaquille Johnson who finished the game with 28 points and 6 rebounds. The Miners have lost three out of the last four and are now 2-6 on the season. The Soldiers improved to 7-2.
Kenosha Ballers 128 - Lake County Stars 101
40 points from Devron Bostic was more than enough to lead the Kenosha Ballers to a 128-96 over the Lake County Stars. The Ballers led at the half by 12 points, and were able to stretch the lead to 27 by the end of the game. Nick Perry led the way for the Stars with 19 points The Stars moved to 0-4 on the season while the Ballers improved to 5-3.
Sauk Valley Predators 91 - Bloomington Flex 89
A big second half and Ketih Radcliff’s 28 points helped the Sauk Valley Predators overcome a 12 point halftime to defeat the Bloomington Flex 91-89. The Flex, led by Daniel Ruffin’s 23 points and 10 assist, took an eight point lead into the fourth quarter. The Predators kept clawing away, and outscored the Flex 29-19 in the fourth quarter, and pulled out the hard fought victory. With the loss the Flex moved to 5-3 on the season. The Predators remained in first place with the big win and improved to 8-1 on the season.
April 26, 2013
Bloomington Flex 129 - Lake Michigan Admirals 86
The Bloomington Flex used balance scoring to cruise to a 129-86 over the Lake Michigan Admirals. The Flex had 6 players in double figures but, led by Justin Bocot who scored 20 points and 6 rebounds in the Flex victory. Also pitching in solid contributions for the Flex were, Jemal Farmer with 18 points, and LeNeal Harris with 17 points. In the loss, the Admirals were led by Ddgra Bobo’s 22 points and moved to 2-8 on the season. The Flex have won four straight games and are currently 5-2 on the season.
April 21, 2013
Bloomington Flex 85 - Indiana Diesels 82
Todd Peterson hit a game-winning three-point shot with 18 seconds left to secure a hard-fought 85-82 IBA-PBL win over the Indiana Diesels Sunday afternoon at Broad Ripple High School.
The Flex got off to a fast start, opening up a 12-point lead early in the first quarter. But the Diesels dominated the rest of the first half, as well as much of the second. Indiana led by as many as eleven points early in the third quarter. But the Flex clawed back to within six at the end of the third, and took their first lead since midway through the second quarter at the 4:36 mark of the fourth on a three-point play by Jemal Farmer. Indiana’s Dave Inabnit tied the game twice late, first on a three-pointer at the 2:05 mark, and then again at 82 with a bank shot off a spinning post move with :32.2 left in the game.Peterson struck on the ensuing possession, draining a three with a hand in his face with :18 remaining. The Diesels weren't able to recover from Peterson's game winning three, and moved to 4-2 on the season. TheFlex also improved to 4-2 with the win.
West Virginia Miners 105 - Gary Splash 91
Will Collins exploded for 35 points leading the West Virginia Miners over the Gary Splash 105-91. Although Jason Warren pitched in 27 points and 19 rebounds, the Splash had a tough night on offense, only shooting 35% from the field. With the loss, the Splash moved to 6-3 on the season, while the Miners improved to 2-5.
April 20, 2013
Lake Michigan Admirals 109 - Lansing Capitals 100
The Lake Michigan Admirals had 6 players in double figures as they defeated the Lansing Capitals 109-100. The game was close throughout but, the Capitals could never overcome the 3 point deficit they faced at half-time. The Admirals were led by Steve Strong and BJ Walker, who each finished with 20 points. Ty Motley had a solid performance for the Capitals with 22 points and 6 rebounds. The Capitals now move to a record of 3-7 on the season. The Admirals improved to 2-7.
April 19, 2013
Springfield Xpress 110 - St. Louis Trotters 107James Johnson’s 36 points and 6 rebounds led the Springfield Xpress to victory over the St. Louis Trotters 110-107. The Xpress got off to a hot start, leading the Trotters by 10 at the half. Led by Marlowe Currie’s 30 points 9 rebounds and 4 assist, the Trotters quickly erased their half time deficit and pulled to within 2 points by the start of the 4th quarter. In the end, a strong second half wasn’t enough for the Trotters, as the Xpress pulled out the win to improve their record to 2-6 on the season, while the Trotters also moved to 2-6 on season.
Rochester Razorshark 127 - Lansing Capitals 121
With a huge 34 point night from Tony Bennett, the Rochester Razorsharks defeated the Lansing Capitals 127-121. The Razorsharks never trailed the game, and had solid contributions from Keith Friel and Marcel Anderson who also chipped in 23 points and 15 points respectively in the Razorsharks win. Leading the way for the Lansing was Ty Motley, who contributed 24 points in the Capitals defeat. The Capitals record moved to 3-7 on the season, while the Razorsharks improved to 7-1.
April 14, 2013
Bloomington Flex 118 - Lake Michigan Admirals 94
BLOOMINGTON, IL — The Bloomington Flex started out slowly against the host Lake Michigan Admirals, but came to life midway through the first quarter, earning a 118-94 win Sunday in St. Joseph, Mich. The Admirals jumped out to an early four-point lead as the Flex struggled to find their rhythm offensively. But at the six-minute mark of the first quarter, the Flex took a four-point lead and never looked back, ending the first quarter with a 32-20 advantage.
Jemal Farmer led all scorers with 19 points in his second game back with the Flex. Todd Peterson and Ryan Anderson each added 15. Scotty Samarco led the Admirals with 18.The Flex play one more game on the road, next Sunday, April 21, against the Indiana Diesels in Indianapolis before returning home to host the Admirals on April 26 at U. S. Cellular Coliseum.
Indiana 134, Lansing Capitals 105
The Indiana Diesels held off a late comeback by the Lansing (Mich.) Capitals to take their third straight victory, 121-117,Sunday in an IBA-PBL pro basketball game at Broad Ripple High School. Harry Marshall scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Dave Inabnit made a crucial basket in the final minute and Tre Kemp made a pair of clutch free throws with 67 seconds to play for the Diesels (4-1). Indiana had its biggest lead, 96-68, late in the third period. Lansing (3-4) went on a 16-2 run to get within four, 108-104, with 3:20 remaining. Marshall broke the Capitals’ momentum with a steal and a lay-up and scored the Diesels’ next basket with a drive down the lane for a 112-106 lead at 1:54. Lansing’s David Boykins knocked down a 3-pointer, Inabnit made one free throw and the Capitals’ Ty Motley scored on a short jumper to close the gap to 113-111 with 1:20 left. Kemp made two free throws and Boykins countered with a drive down the lead. With the Capitals pressing all over the court, the Diesels passed the ball to Inabnit on the left wing and he scored on a drive in the lane for a 117-113 lead. “When the press gets going against you, you have to put your head down and go to the basket because if you don’t, you get trapped,” Inabnit said. Inabnit’s basket put the Diesels in control. Lansing’s David Williams scored on a short jumper at 22.5. The Capitals were forced to foul and Marshall made four straight free throws in the last 17.4 seconds to put the game on ice. Inabnit, a former Whiteland High start who went on to play at Chicago State and Columbia (Mo.) College, led the Diesels with 22 points. He had three straight 3-pointers, his specialty, to help get Indianapolis off to a 20-4 start. “It felt good,” Inabnit said. “We’re starting to get a feel for the range and what the gym feels like.” The Diesels are playing in their first season at Broad Ripple. It agrees with them. They’re 3-0 at home this season. The 6-foot-4 Inabnit is in his third season with the team. “We have a team that can score, defend and rebound,” Inabnit said. “Gerad Devaughn and Billy Pettiford are big additions. We didn’t have inside players like them last year, that’s what we were missing.” Marshall, from Indiana’s Owen Valley High, has been looking to pass first and score when necessary. “Everytime we needed a basket, I started looking more at scoring,” he said. “I may have to re-evaluate that and start taking what the defense gives me. The 6-foot-5 Kemp, who played at Indianapolis’ Lawrence North High, scored 10 points. He had two field goals and was 6-of-6 at the free throw line. Chris Ames had 15 points, Brandon McGee 13, the 6-foot-8 Devaughn 11, the 6-foot-8 Pettiford six points and 10 rebounds and J.D. Clampitt, Alex Stewart and Sergy Struck each scored eight for the Diesels. The Diesels play the Bloomington Flex on Sunday (April 21) at Broad Ripple. The Flex handed the Diesels their only loss this season, 91-81, at Bloomington on March 30. “We’ve lost five straight to Bloomington, four last season and once this season,” Inabnit said. “It’s a game we really want. The Flex were the PBL champion last year and it would be great to make a statement.”
April 13, 2013
Rochester Razorsharks 111, West Virginia Miners 83
So far this season, the Rochester RazorSharks and the West Virginia Miners have faced off four times; the RazorSharks claimed victories in the first three games, and the Miners upset the RazorSharks in their fourth matchup. But tonight, Saturday April 13, in their fifth matchup the season, the RazorShark pummeled the Miners with a score of 111-83. With a crowd of over 3200, fans from across the city came out, eager to see how the RazorSharks would respond to their recent loss against the Miners. The Sharks did not disappoint. To start off the game, the Miners made the first mark on the scoreboard with a 3-pointer by Will Collins. However, this early lead did not last long. After a few plays of scoring back and forth, the RazorSharks took the lead and maintained it to end the quarter with a score of 26-16. The second quarter started off with a reverse layup by James Helton, causing in the crowd to go wild. This crowd pleasing play was shortly followed by a 2-pointer by Brian Barkdoll making the score 30-16 and giving the Sharks a run of 12 unanswered points. Darin Mency was on fire, pulling in huge numbers with two 3-pointers and another 3-point play, after being fouled on a made layup. Jarhon Gidding also had a strong quarter, scoring two consecutive baskets at the end of the quarter to lead the Sharks into the half with growing momentum and 59-35 lead. To start off the second half, the RazorSharks came out strong with Tony Bennett immediately making two baskets to rack in four points. From then on, things were looking up for the RazorSharks. The RazorSharks dominated the entire third quarter. A miner setback occurred when tempers started rising on the court. Both Mency and Bennett were called for technical fouls, allowing the Miners to score four points from the foul line. However, the Sharks kept their cool and continued to play some strong basketball, enabling them to end the quarter with a 90-55 lead. The RazorSharks started out the final quarter with four quick points. The first points were two free throws by Bennett. These were soon followed by a jump shot by Keith Friel, increasing the score, 94-55. However, the Miners were not done fighting just yet. They countered with a 16-2 run, giving the RazorSharks a scare and decreasing the Miners deficit with as overall score of 96-71. With 5:04 on the clock, Anderson ended this run after making a free throw. From then on, the RazorSharks owned the court, growing their lead until the end of the game and earning a score of 111-83. “We finally put out a full game under my watch,” said Coach Levingston. “And I think we are finally starting to gel. We just have to put a full defensive game together and we’ll be ok.” This was a total team victory for the RazorSharks. Every player on their roster added points to the scoreboard and the RazorSharks were able to once again prove they are the stronger team when matched against the Miners. Six of the RazorShark players earned points in the double digits. Friel led with 17 points, Mency with 14 points, Joel Smith with 14 points, Bennett with 12 points, Helton with 12 points, and Giddings with 11 points. In addition to this, not only did the Sharks outscore the Miners, but they also outrebounded the Miners 56-40. Leading scorers of the night for the Miners were Brandon Tunnell with 24 points and Jabril Bailey with 17 points.
Indiana Diesels 156, Holland Dream 134
Seven Diesels scored in double figures led by 6-foot-6 forward Brandon McGee and 6-foot-5 swingman Tre Kemp with 24 each. Center Gerad Devaughn added 21 points and 12 rebounds, guard Dave Inabnit scored 20, power forward Billy Pettiford had 15 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Harry Marshall had nine points and eight assists. The Diesels (3-1) opened a 15-point lead late in the second quarter, but the Dream (3-3) cut it to 10, 78-68, at halftime and trailed 85-75 early in the third quarter. Marshall sparked an 11-0 run for a 96-75 advantage and the Diesels were never threatened from there. “We played our good defense for about eight minutes in that stretch in the third quarter and we were able to blow them out,” Indiana coach Aaron Hogg said. “I’m happy we won, but disappointed with how we played the rest of the game.” Marshall, 6-foot former Indiana State and Owen Valley (Ind.) star had eight points in the burst, on a runner down the lane, a driving lay-up and a 3-pointer. He had focused primary on passing in the first half. “Harry is a phenomenal passer,” Aaron Hogg said. “What I like about him most is he picks his spots to score. He doesn’t take a lot of jump shots. He gets to the rim.” The 6-foot-8, 260-pound Devaughn, who also has played professionally in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, sat out most of the fourth quarter. He’s leading the Diesels in scoring at 20 per game and is fourth in the IBA-PBL in rebounding at 11.3. “Gerad is probably the best big man in the league,” Hogg said. Devaughn, who played at Stillman College in Alabama and is originally from Atlanta, was recommended to the Diesels by his agent. “My agent sent me here to stay in shape and I kind of wondered how it would be,” Devaughn said. ‘We have a lot of good talent and it’s fun playing with them. It’s cool playing with Billy (Pettiford). We’re a couple of big guys and I love playing with him.” The 6-foot-8, 250-pound Pettiford, a former IUPUI player, leads the IBA-PBL in rebounding at 12.7 per game. “He’s a monster on the boards,” Hogg said. The 6-foot-6 McGee showed his range with a trio of 3-pointers. The 6-foot-5 Kemp had a pair of 3-pointers. “Brandon and Tre continue to make progress,” Hogg said. “They played well.” J.D. Camplitt and Chris Ames each scored 12, Sergy Struck had eight points, Alex Stewart had seven and Devin Williams had four for the Diesels.
April 8, 2013
Indiana Diesels110, West Virginia Miners 95
April 7, 2013
Rochester Razorsharks 123, Lansing Capitals 86
After a tough loss to the West Virginia Miners, the Rochester RazorSharks demolished the Lansing Capitals at home with a 123-86 victory on Sunday, April 7.This win was the RazorSharks’ largest victory of the season, taking down the Capitals by a massive 37-point margin.Both teams got off to a slow start in the first quarter. Neither team scored during the first minute of gameplay. The Capitals became the first team to put points on the scoreboard with a jump shot at the 10:22 mark. The RazorSharks then countered with a few baskets of their own, going on a 12-2 run and making the score 12-4 in the sixth minute of gameplay. After this run, the Sharks had a bit of shooting trouble, enabling the Capitals to once again gain the lead after a run of their own. By the end of the first quarter, both teams were tied with a score of 19-19, however, this tie would not last long. To start off the second quarter both the Sharks and the Capitals were still having trouble connecting with the net. The teams were going back and forth point for point. However, in the middle of the quarter, the Sharks took the lead and maintained it into the half. This turnaround occurred after a 3-point play by Darin Mency. He went up for a layup, was fouled, and made the free throw, giving the RazorSharks a 34-33 lead. The Sharks were able to maximize on this lead throughout the remainder of the quarter with key plays including an offensive rebound, then a layup by Hillary Haley, a 3-point shot by Mency, and another layup by Haley with 1.4 seconds left on the clock, assisted by Anderson. Going into the half the RazorSharks led the Capitals 51-43. The RazorSharks came out of the hungry for blood to begin the half with a strong 15-5 run. Key plays by Friel, Joel Smith, James Reaves, and Brian Barkdoll, added to the RazorSharks growing lead. This run was only the beginning of what would be the Sharks’ biggest quarter of the game. The Sharks dominated the third quarter, scoring 39 points in total and giving them an overall lead of 90-61. Fifteen of these points came in the last four minutes of the third. This hot streak started and ended with two high scoring plays. The first was a 3-pointer by Friel, making the overall score 75-56. The last was a buzzer beater by Tony Bennett, from well behind the arc, allowing the Sharks to go into the half with a 29 point lead, 90-61, and some growing momentum to build on. And build on this, the RazorSharks did. The Sharks not only kept their nearly 30 point lead, but grew on this lead, despite most of the starting lineup now being out of the game.The Sharks broke into the triple digits halfway through the fourth with a dunk by Mency making the score 100-71. From then on it was all RazorSharks, all day long. Despite a slow start and close first half, the Sharks showed total domination on the court throughout the second half of the game. This domination and a total team effort earned the Sharks an impressive 123-86 victory over the Lansing Capitals, increasing the Sharks’ overall record to a strong 5-1. “It went well. “ said leading scorer of the night, Mency. “We focused on our defense this week. I felt we did a great job of defending and getting our three stops.” Key players of the night included leading scorer Mency, who came in off the bench, scoring 26 total points; Friel with 15 points; Bennett with 13 points, two offensive rebounds, and seven assists; and Anderson with eight points and 10 assists. Key players for the Capitals include Nicholas Waddell with 26 points and three offensive rebounds and Randy Jefferson with 21 points
April 6, 2013
Bloomington Flex 121, Springfield Xpress 87
The Bloomington Flex evened their record with a dominating performance over the Springfield Xpress Saturday in front of 1,102 fans at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
The Flex scored a season-high 121 points in the lopsided win, holding the Xpress to a season-low 87 points, nearly 30 points under their season average. Josiah Whitehead led the Flex with 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the floor. emal Farmer, in his return to Bloomington, added 21 points, while Ryan Anderson had 20 on the strength of four three-point baskets. Three more Flex players scored in double figures. Lester Hart had 21 for the Xpress.
March 31, 2013
Bloomington Flex 91, Indiana Diesels 81
The Bloomington Flex defeated the Indiana Diesels, 91-81, in an IBA-PBL pro basketball game Saturday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Ill. It was the first road game of the season for the Diesels (1-1) and the first win of the season for the Flex (1-2). “We lost a tough one,” Diesels coach Aaron Hogg said. “We fought the whole way but came up short in the end. We were out-rebounded (43-37) which I believe determined the outcome of the game. We played OK defensively, but we couldn’t make a layup with contact.” Indiana center Gerad Devaughn was the game’s top scorer with 22 points and added six rebounds. The 6-foot-8 Devaughn made 8-of-11 field goals and was 6-of-6 at the free throw line. “Gerad played really well,” Hogg said. Harry Marshall scored 15 and had three assists, Brandon McGee had 12 points and five rebounds, Sergy Struck scored 12 and Billy Pettiford had 11 rebounds, three points and three assists for the Diesels. Indiana’s next game is Sunday (April 7) on the road against the West Virginia Miners at St. Albans (W.V.) High. The Diesels return to their home court at Broad Ripple High in Indianapolis to play the Holland Dream on April 13.
March 24, 2013
Indiana Diesels 104, Sauk Valley Predators 102
The Diesels’ Billy Pettiford began the game-deciding play by grabbing a long rebound in the Predators’ front court. The 6-foot-8 former IUPIU player dribbled into Indiana’s front court and missed a contested jump shot in the lane. The 6-foot Marshall, a former star at Indiana’s Owen Valley High, launched himself and, above the rim, reached back with his left hand to tap the ball into the basket. “We made a quick (defensive) stop and we didn’t want to call a time out,” Marshall explained. “We wanted to attack. Billy was going for the basket and I made my mind up to go for it if he missed. The ball came off the front of the rim and I was almost past it.” It was a game of firsts for the Diesels, who moved from Columbus, Ind., to Indianapolis in February. They won their season opener in their initial game on their home court and it was also their first game in the IBA-PBL, formed for the 2013 season from a merger between the Independent Basketball Association and the Premier Basketball League. Diesels were a member of the PBL in 2012 and began playing in the ABA in 2010. It was the first defeat for the Predators (4-1), from Sterling, Ill., who had opened the season with four straight victories. “We won our first game against a team playing its fifth,” Diesels’ coach Aaron Hogg, who won his first game as a pro coach, said. “We made a lot of bonehead mistakes and we still won the game. If we can eliminate mistakes like those, we have a chance to be pretty good.” Marshall played four seasons at Indiana State and has spent the past three playing in The Netherlands, the NBA Development League with the Canton (Ohio) Charge and Germany. He returned home early from Germany to be with his wife for the birth of his son, Harry III, on Jan. 30. “I couldn’t miss that,” Marshall said. Playing point guard, Marshall scored 17 points and was outstanding on defense. “Harry was definitely our spark plug,” Hogg said. “He made the right plays. I thought he played really well the whole game and he was huge in crunch time.” The Diesels trailed 98-90 with 2:53 remaining. Gerad Devaughn, a 6-foot-8 center who played at Alabama’s Stillman College, scored on a putback. Marshall followed with a high-arching 3-pointer from the wing to closed the gap to 98-95. Charles Corbin scored after an offensive board to give the Predators a 100-95 lead with one minute remaining. Chris Ames, a 6-foot-3 small forward from Ball State, made it a one possession game with an offensive rebound and basket with 53.3 left. The Predators’ Kwan Waller kept the door open for the Diesels by missing two free throws with 47 seconds left. Devaughn’s two-hand stuff at 29.9 got the Diesels within one, 100-99. Waller made two free throws at 16.6 to put Sauk Valley by three. The Diesels called time out and set up a play for Dave Inabnit. They in-bounded the ball to the 6-foot-4 former Chicago State player and he turned and buried a three-pointer from the deep wing, with 14 seconds left. Inabnit’s best skill is three-point shooting, but he’d had a difficult game at his speciality. Still, Hogg went to him.” “It was exactly like we drew it up,” Hogg said. “You’ve got to believe in him even when he’s not making them.” Waller missed a three-pointer from above the circle, Pettiford rebounded and went the other way. He missed and Marshall was there to score the winning points. Ames led the Diesels with 18 points, Brandon McGee scored 18 and Devaughn had 16. “I thought Gerad (Devaughn) and Billy (Pettiford) did a really good job rebounding and scoring in the post,” Hogg said. The Diesels travel to play the Bloomington (Ill.) Flex next Saturday (March 30) and return home to Broad Ripple on Sunday (March 31) to play the Gary Spash at 2 p.m.
March 9, 2013
Gary Splash 127 vs. Springfield Xpress 120
Gary Splash was led by Robert Elridge and Corderro Bennett who both with 23 points. Elridge also led the team with 4 assists and recorded 6 reounds. Jason Warren chipped in 15 points while Da Shawn Wright recorded 15 points. Reo Logan led the team with 8 rebounds.
Sauk Valley Predators 110 vs. Kankakee County Soldiers 103
The Sauk Valley Predators came out on top against the Kankakee County Soldiers Saturday night. Kwan Waller led the way for the Predators with 29 points, going 2-3 from the three point line, while Jereme Richmond finished with 16. Keith Radcliffe and Shelton Jackson finished with 13 and 11 points, respectively, and Casey Love chipped in 11 points in the win.
For the Soldiers, Ryan Edwards led the way with 29 points while Stan Chismark and Rico Hill both ended with 19. Anthony Kyle recorded 18 points for the Soldiers.
March 3, 2013
Kankakee County Soldiers 117 vs. Lake Michigan Admirals 110
The Kankakee County Soldiers claimed their first victory of the 2013 IBA-PBL season against the Lake Michigan Admirals, 117-110. Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers with 26 points, including a perfect 7-7 from the line. Stan Chismark chipped in 20 points while Anthony Kyle and CeCe Malone recorded 19 and 18 points, respectively.
For Lake Michigan, Cliff Dixon led the way with 21 points while Tyc Snow had 18 points in the loss. Winston Robinson and Scott Smarco each had 17 points. Josue Mulamba chipped in 13 points and five blocks for the Admirals.
Gary Splash 114 vs. Chicago Redline 98
Gary Splash picked up their first victory of the season, topping the Chicago Redline 114-98 on Saturday. Da Shawn Wright led the Splash with 23 points while Corderro Bennett and CJ Hampton each chipped in 21. Robert Eldridge and Jason Warren ended with 14 and 18 points, respectively. The Chicago Redline was led by John Woods who led all scorers with 28 points. Jarvis Walker chipped in 21 and Ronnie Caldwell ended with 12 points in the loss.