EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/26/2008

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Men News

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  AUSTRALIA   


South Dragons shape up their backcourt - by Eurobasket News
The South Dragons continued to rebuild their squad before the upcoming season. Lately the team announced the signing of two guards. The newcomers are import Cortez Groves (196-G/F-78, college: Kansas St.) and Australian Adam Gibson (188-G-86). The 21-year-old Adam Gibson was the part of the victorious Brisbane Bullets squad in 2007. Last season he averaged 11 points and 4 assists per game playing as a Bullet. Adam Gibson played for Australia internationally.
The 30-year-old Groves spent the last season with the South Dragons. He averaged 18 points per game but was haunted by the ankle injury throughout the season. After the surgery Cortez Groves returned to perfect form highlighted by a 44-point explosion against the Brisbane Bullets. Groves has been playing in the NBL for five seasons already. He is the Kansas State University graduate. There he averaged 16.1 points per game in his senior year.
Meanwhile the Perth Wildcats inked a three-year contract with guard Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87). Stephen Weigh started his basketball career at the Australian Institute of Sport. Later he moved to the States to play of the University of Utah for two years. For the Utes he averaged 4.4 points and 1.4 boards last year. Weigh played for the U20 Australian National Team. He was also named the U20 National tournament MVP. He was also trumped the Adidas Asia Superstar Camp MVP in 2005.

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  AUSTRIA   


St. Polten news - by Stefan Heinrich
After extending the contract with Miodrag Radomirovic a couple of weeks ago the UBC St. Polten now announced that Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Octagon) and Stefan Kerschbaummayr (183-G-84) will stay in St. Polten for another season.

Schreiner led the Austrian league in Assists per game (7.6) and in Efficiency while beeing second in Steals along with 16.4ppg and 4.8rpg. The 21 year old National team member was also voted into the Eurobasket All-Domestic and All-Newcomers team this season.

Kerschaummayr averaged 9.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.4apg and 1.4spg in 36 games.

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  CANADA   


Canada Development Team beats Italy U22 - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Italy U22 82:72

Canadas Development National Team celebrated an 82:72 victory over Italy U22 side in the first of two exhibition games at the University of Toronto Athletic Centre. The hosts got to a slow start as Italian team adjusted faster and jumped ahead. Nevertheless Canadian team quickly rebounded. Kyle Landry (206-F-86, agency: Worldwide Hoops) gave the team necessary spark and the deficit was denied. The hosts surged ahead late in the second term and enjoyed a 37:26 advantage at halftime. Italy stayed alert and did not allow Canada to clear off substantially. They soon drew things level and regain the lead at 46:45 with under 3 minutes left in the period. Michael Tuck (201-F-83, agency: Court Side) bridged the third and fourth terms with 5 straight points to get Canada back in charge. Kyle Landry took over in the final frame leading the hosts as he pulled down some impressive offensive boards and delivered some vital points. Canada never looked back in the fourth term accumulating a safe advantage and finalizing solid win. Landry finished with game-high 31 points and 10 boards for the winners. Damian Buckley (186-G) added 14 points for Canada. The teams will meet again tonight at the same venue.
Canada National team will take on Lebanon on June 30 and New Zealand on July 1 at the Jack Donohue International Classic in Hamilton, Ontario.

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  CAPE VERDE   


Cape Verde National Team 2008 - by Kasia
#s#
#e#6


Xavier


Mascarenhas


Houtman


Correia


Lima

Jeff Xavier (185-G-85) of Providence College (USA)
Rodrigo Mascarenhas (197-F-80) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (ANG)
Marques Houtman (190-G-79) of Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (ANG)
Mario Correia (189-G-78) of Promade Cabinda (ANG)
Aldevino Lima (203-C-86) of Northeastern University (USA)
Tony Barros (193-F-84) of University of Massachusetts Boston (USA)
Odair Sanches (180-G-82) of Seven Stars
Jorge Gomes
Peter Cipriano (206-F-83) of Kouvot Kouvola (FIN)
Avery Oliver (193-F-83) of TV Hohenlimburg (GER)
Ivan Almeida (197-F-89) of Mohawk Valley CC (USA)
Fidel Mendonca (191-F-84) of Olivais Coimbra/Chamag (POR)
Abdulay Faty (205-C-85) of Desportivo da Huila (ANG)

Head Coach: Eric Silva



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  CAYMAN ISLANDS   


Playmakers Clinch Appleby Under 19 Championship - by Eurobasket
This game could have easily been billed as 'the battle of the brothers' as Josh Cotterell plays for Playmakers and the younger Cotterell, Davie, is signed with Arial Assault. Fans may have thought that it was Arial Assault's time to earn the U-19 Championship, as this was their second time to nibble at the title. However, Arial Assault had to settle for runners-up.
While Playmakers took an early lead in the opening minutes, Arial Assault dominated play for most of the championship match. In fact, Davie snatched the lead in the first quarter. But the quarter ended in a 22-22 tie, and well into the second quarter the teams traded point for point. Fans were sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for either team to assert its dominance. And then it happened when MVP Deandre Simpson's three-pointer rallied Arial Assault to take over the lead. Davie followed up with a field goal from the left, and Simpson landed another three-pointer from downtown just before the buzzer sounded.
Arial Assault took the third quarter and begun to tighten their defence play. In fact, plays from Maxwell Hyman gave his team extra breathing room, bringing the score to 53-47.
Playmakers must have felt the championship title slipping because as they entered the fourth quarter they turned the game around when Josh landed a left-handed jump shot that evened the score at 59-59 with 6.10 remaining on the clock. Andre McFarlin's steal and quick score broke the tie 61-59, and that's when the tide turned for Playmakers. Simpson gave his team a brief glimmer of hope when he evened the score at 65-65, but it was short-lived as Playmakers' David Taylor's lay-up gave Playmakers the lead again. And then Josh's three-pointer sealed Arial Assault's fate.
The league's leading scorer, Josh Cotterell, netted 37 points and eight rebounds. David Taylor added 12 points and four assists. Haymond Rankine and Courtney Wisdom were the defensive pillars for Playmakers, and they both came up with some crucial steals in the dying minutes of the game.
For Arial Assault, Deandre Simpson led with 22 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks. Davie Cotterell added 16 points and four assists.
Playmakers coach Courtney Wisdom said his team won because they executed the strategies that he and assistant coach Andrew Wisdom laid out.

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  CHINA   


Analysis of Selections to Under-18 Team - by Arthur Volbert
China, as noted by our correspondent Robert Wang, has named the 18 candidates for the Asian Under-18 Championship to be held August 28 through September 5 in Tehran. I have combined this list with another at http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=5984&page=7 which gives the heights and weights of the candidates, but not their teams.

There is one discrepancy in players between the two lists. Wang names Feng Qi of Dongguan as a candidate while the Interbasket list names Ren Junwei of Guangdong, the twin of Ren Junfei of Guangdong who is named on both lists. Changes to the candidates for youth teams have previously been frequently changed after the original list was named, and I do not know which list is correct.

Wang Zheng (216-C-90) played for Guangdong in the CBA last year, though he saw very little action. Wang is an athletic 7-1 and may have NBA potential if he is actually born in 1990, as listed. Tian Yuchen played for Shanghai, seeing little activity. He was upstaged by Cai Liang, who like Tian, is listed as born in 1992. Both Wang and Tian were on the roster of the team at last year's world U-19 championship.

Dong Hanlin, Sui Ran, Zhang Zhihan, Liu ShuNan and Wang Yingliang were on the team that played at the Nike Global Challenge last summer in Portland, Oregon.

Zhang Bowen attended the United States Basketball Academy near Eugene, Oregon in 2006-2007.

Several players who might have been expected to be named to the team were not named. Zhang Dayu, who recently won MVP at Nike All-Asia camp and Zhang Yongpeng who made the all-star team at the camp, were not selected. Both were on the Zhejiang roster last season. Zhang Dayu was allegedly born in 1991 while Zhang Yongpeng was allegedly born in 1990. 1990 is the cut-off year for eligibility for this team.

Perhaps these players were not named because they were actually born prior to 1990. Sun Zhe, the 221 cm center from Dongguan who is playing in Australia, was not named. He was allegedly born in 1990. Was it age or geography that kept him off the team?

204 cm Cai Liang, who outplayed Tian Yuchen at Shanghai last season and was allegedly born in 1992, was not named. He is currently playing in the IBL in the United States. Once again is his absence caused by age or geography?

No players from Bayi were named to the team. Xu Zhonghao, a 6-11 center who played at the Global Hoop Challenge, was allegedly born in 1990 or 1992. He was not named. Players from Bayi used to dominate national teams at all age levels. Perhaps this is a sign of change in Chinese basketball.

Wang Zheng 216cm 120 kg C Guangdong
Dong HanLin 207cm 95kg PF/SF Guangdong
Tian YuChen 207cm PF Shanghai
Ren JunFei 202cm PF Guangdong
Ren JunWei 201cm PF/SF Guangdong ?
Liu ShuNan 200cm 94kg SF Liaoning
He TianJu 203 96 kg SF Liaoning
Cai LiLong 202cm SF Jiangsu
Mao Yang 198cm SF Jiangsu
Si Yuheng 195cm SF/SG Beijing
Zhao HongWei 192cm SG/PG Guangdong
Sui Ran 194cm PG/SG Shandong
Zhang ZhiHan 196cm PG/SG Tianjin
Cao Fei 193cm 80kg PG Zhejiang
Wang YingLiang 183cm 80kg PG Liaoning
Yu Penlong 184cm PG Jilin
Chang YaSong 183cm PG Jilin
Zhang BoWen 191cm PG Shanghai
Feng Qi Dongguan ?

U18 Asian Championship Roster - by Robert Wang
CBA released the roster of Asian Championship roster today led by Guang Dong head coach Li Chun Jiang. Asian championship will be hold in Iran on August this year.
Roster is here: Wang Zheng, Dong Han Lin, Ren Jun Fei, Zhao Hong Wei are from Guang Dong team; Liu Shu Nan, He Tian Ju Wang Ying Liang are from Liao Ning team; Tian Yu Chen, Zhang Bo Wen are from Shang Hai team; Yu Peng long, Chang Ya Song are from Ji Lin team; Sui Ran from Shan Dong team; Cai Li Long, Mao Yang from Jiang Su team; Zhang Zhi Han from Tian jin team; Cai Fei frm Zhe Jiang team; Si Yu Heng from Bei Jing team; Feng Qi from Dong Guan team.

Yao Ming Returned China - by Robert Wang
Yao Ming just returned China this afternoon through the flight CA986 from Houston, TX and appeared in Bei Jing airport. After taking some pictures with fans then back to his own place. That means Yao is starting to work out for the Olympic Game in China with his teammates soon. At the same time, China National team has been playing the tournament against some foreign teams as their practise tournament and Yi Jian Lian has been on the way to the good shape now. We will see the China national team moving status updated.

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  COSTA RICA   


Barva wins Apertura title - by Gianni Pascucci
Ferretera Brenes Barva swept the Final Series 2-0, defeating two times Liceo de Costa Rica, becoming the Apertura Champion 2008. Barva triumphed in Game 1 83-85 on the road the past friday night and largely won Game 2 yesterday at home, 85-67. Isaac St.Rose (190-G-84, college: John Brown) was the game top performer at 31 pts, Alonso Sanchez (174-G-85) scored 19 points in Liceo.

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  DENMARK   


Naestved signs with new coach - by Michael Ronne


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  D-LEAGUE   


Powell Earns Qualifying Offer from Miami HEAT - by Surujh Roopnarine
2007-08 NBA D-League MVP Kasib Powell (6'7''-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Texas Tech) was tendered a qualifying offer by the Miami HEAT, making him a restricted free agent. Powell started four of the 11 games he played in for Miami last season, averaging 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 27.6 minutes of action. He scored a career-high 18 points vs. Chicago on Apr. 8 and grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds at Toronto on Apr. 14. The well-traveled former Texas Tech Red Raider spent the majority of the season with Sioux Falls. During his MVP campaign, Powell appeared in 40 games for the Skyforce tallying an impressive stat line of 22.2ppg, 6.0rpg and 3.0 assists per game to go along with shooting percentages of 50.8 FG%, 41.2 3PT% and 69.6 FT%.

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


ww - by Herubey Grassals


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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Standings
Eurobasket S.League Standings
 1. Berlin 0-0 
 2. Rome 0-0 
 3. London 0-0 
 4. Paris 0-0 
 5. Madrid 0-0 
 6. Athens 0-0 
 7. Warsaw 0-0 
 8. Amsterdam 0-0 


Chicago Camp schedule announced - by Darryl Reshaw
ESL marketing director Darryl Reshaw announced ESL Chicago camp schedule:

Day 1: Thursday: (June 26)

Berlin vs. Rome Game 1 (1:00pm)
London vs. Athens Game 2 (3:00pm)
Paris vs. Madrid Game 3 (5:00pm)
Warsaw vs. Amsterdam Game 4 (7:00pm)

Day 2: Friday (June (27)

Looser Game 1 vs. Looser Game 2 Game 5 (12pm)
Looser Game 3 vs. Looser Game 4 Game 6 (2:00pm)
Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2- Game 7 (4:00pm)
Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 Game 8 (6:00pm)

Day 3: Saturday (June 28)

7th place Game: Looser Game 5 vs. Looser Game 6 Game 9 (12pm)
5th Place Game: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 Game 10 (2:00pm
3rd Place Game: Looser Game 7 vs. Looser Game 8 Game 11 (4:00pm)
1st Place Game: Winner of Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8 Game 12 (6:00pm)

The ESL Staff will name an ESL - Chicago All Tournament Team Eight (8) Players and a MVP of the ESL-Chicago

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  GERMANY   


Essen lands former NCAA2-topscorer - by Moritz Korff
ETB Essen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) signed Tayron Thomas (191-G, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Philadelphia) for the upcoming season. The graduate of Philadelphia University (NCAA2), who was named a D2 All-American after his junior- and senior-season, led the entire NCAA Division 2 in scoring during the 2005-06 season and averaged 29 points per contest. He also grabbed 7.8 boards a game. In 06-07 Thomas was a member of the Colorado 14ers (NBA D-League) and Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves (Portugal). He moved to Poland for the following year, but left DBE-side AZS Koszalin after 4 game (4.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg) and joined the Reading Railers of the Premier Basketball League. In 18 encounters for this team he averaged 17.7 points and 5.7 assists per game and made the USBasket.com All-PBL Second Team.

Kirchheim Knights select Ignjatovic as new coach - by Moritz Korff
As the local newspaper 'Teckbote' reported, Frankie Ignjatovic agreed to a one-year-contract with the Kirchheim Knights, who will go to the start in the 2. Bundesliga Pro A next season. The 41-year-old Serbian Coach has spent the past three seasons at TV Langen and led the Giraffes to a 9th place in 2007-08. Ignatovic will be the successor for Patrick Elzie who left the Knights to move back north.

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  GUATEMALA   


Sat-Cybertech ends Torneo de Apertura Undefeated - by Victor Padilla
Win a strong 84-70 win over Leones de Marte, the 2007 Liga Metro Champions, Sat-Cybertech ended Torneo de Apertura as the only undefeated team, showcasing once more the same good momentum and performance of the past few months. After a slow start from both teams in the first quarter, Sat-Cybertech strongly demonstrated an effective team play over a confused Leones de Marte, and obtained a comfortable 20 pts lead by half time that practically wrote the final story of the game. With four players over 10 points (Oscar Salguero 21, Enrique Samayoa 19, Thomas Gillespie 13 and Victor Padilla 11), the undefeated Sat-Cybertech imposed their offensive play to conclude their participation with a sweet triumph over the favorite champs. Now, with Liga Metro's recent reappointment of its authorities, it is yet to be seen what calendar, tournament format and structural changes will follow in the next months.

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  HOLLAND   


Thomas Roijakkers assistant-coach Upstairs Weert - by Fred Roggen
Thomas Roijakkers becomes the assistant-coach of Ollie van Kempen at Upstairs BSW. Roijakkers is now still the head-coach of the women of the German Halle Lions that plays in the bundesliga. Beside his work as assistant coach, Roijakkers becomes expressly involved in the training of the youth and promoting basketball in Limburg. In that role he will be also coach of the U-20 squad of Upstairs Weert.

Bluestream Seals Den Helder inks Matt Witt - by Fred Roggen
Bluestream Seals has attracted the American pointguard Matt Witt (183-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: E.Kentucky). Matt Witt, coming from Eastern Kentucky, played previous season in the second bundesliga of Germany for Schalke04. For this team he averaged 17.6 points and 4.7 assists per game. The Americans Bradley Strickland (206-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Evansville) and J.R. Duffey (201-F/G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Niagara) return for a second season in Den Helder. Also Tjoe de Paula (183-G-81, agency: Court Side), who came halfway the 2007/08 season of the bankrupt Omniworld Almere, signed for two more years.

Daniel Novak return at Hanzevast Capitals - by Fred Roggen
Slovakian NT-player Daniel Novak (201-F/G-78, agency: Interperformances) has signed a contract for one season with the Hanzevast Capitals, he returned therefore at the team for which he already played from 2003 till 2006 and with whom he
became Dutch Champion in 2004.
Novak has been attracted on explicit request of coach Marco van den Berg.
The forward was the previous season active in the Slovakian competition at Inter Bratislava, where he average 18 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

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  IBL   


PHIL GIVENS EXPLODES FOR 57 POINTS IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE - by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com Phil Givens scored 57 points to lead the LA LIGHTNING to a 140-124 victory over the Arizona Flame in an IBL game on saturday night at CAL LUTHERAN GILBERT SPORTS ARENA. Givens started fast in the IBL regular season game with 21 first quater points on 9 of 10 shooting. After scoring 26 in the first half, Givens tallied 27 points in the third quater matching the Flames team total for the quater. With the game in control, Phil played limited minutes in the fourth quater scoring only 3 points. In additional news, according to an unidentified scource,USBL OFFICIALS are still unsure if they plan to return for the 2009 season. We hope too have futher word sometime this fall.

2008 IBL Western Division Playoff schedule - by Trask Frost

Monroe, WA - The International Basketball League has announced that six teams will compete for the 2008 West Division crown and the right to host the East Division playoff winner for the 2008 IBL Championship. The six teams are listed below in order of their probable seed for the tournament.

1 seed- Bellingham Slam (16-4)- the Slam have challenged opponents with a balanced attack all season, but Ryan Diggs has been the catalyst. Diggs leads the Slam in scoring (25.5 ppg) and assists (6.4 apg). Tyler Amaya (21.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg), a member of the Explosion in 2007, was a terrific early-season acquisition for Bellingham.

2 seed- Vancouver Volcanoes (17-6) 2008 has been a surprising turnaround for the fourth-year Volcanoes, who have emerged as one of the leagues top teams after finishing below .250 in each of their first three campaigns. Porter Troupe (23.1 ppg, 5.7 apg) and Kevin Tyner (20.5 ppg, 6.9 apg) have both been outstanding for the Volcanoes this season.

3 seed- Edmonton Chill (12-7) the Chill were tough at home, winning the last 10 games on their home schedule. Sharp-shooting Jeff Dunn (25.9 ppg) joined the team late in the season, giving the Chill the number five scorer in the league. Former Georgetown Hoya Lee Scruggs (16.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg) has been a steady contributor on offense and on the glass all year.

4 seed- Snohomish County Explosion (14-9) the defending West Division champions will look for support from the hometown fans to win the West Divisional Playoffs this year. The Explosion have won their last four straight, and have been bolstered by the return of 2007 IBL All-Stars Rashaad Powell (6'6''-F-81, agency: Tank Sports, college: Idaho) (20.0 ppg) and Justin Murray. Murray (35.0 ppg) posted the highest single game total in the IBL this season with a 58 point outing versus the Jazz of Tacoma.

5 seed- Portland Chinooks (14-14) the Chinooks will rely heavily on the leagues top scorer in David Lucas (36.9ppg , 9.8 rpg) if they are to repeat as West Division Playoff champs. The Chinooks also feature IBL All-Star MVP Kenny Tate (18.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and the pure shooter Larry Smith (20.6 ppg).

6 seed- Central Oregon Hotshots (8-16) the Hotshots were up and down in their fourth IBL season, but have the ability to defeat any of the teams in the tournament. Potential All-Star Cliff White (16.9 ppg, 4.7 ppg, and 5.5 apg) is a complete player with his best feature being his defense. Joining White in the backcourt is mid-season acquisition Chris Nixon (14.8 ppg).



West Division Playoff First Round Friday, June 27
5:00pm Edmonton Chill vs. Portland or Central Oregon*
7:30pm Snohomish County Explosion vs. Portland or Central Oregon*


* If Edmonton wins their final regular season game on Thursday, June 26, they will be the #3 seed and they will play Central Oregon (the 6th seed), making Snohomish County the #4 seed to play Portland (the 5th seed). If Edmonton loses, then Snohomish County will move to the #3 seed (to play Central Oregon). In either situation, Edmonton will play at 5:00pm and Snohomish County Explosion will play at 7:30pm. The top two teams in the West, Bellingham and Vancouver have earned first round byes and an automatic berth into Saturday's final four. Their opponents and tip-off times are contingent upon the results of the Friday games.


West Division Playoff - Final Four - Saturday, June 28
5:00pm TBD vs. TBD
7:30pm TBD vs. TBD
The Saturday games will feature bye teams Bellingham and Vancouver versus Fridays winners. The game times will be known on Thursday night, at 10:30pm because of a final regular season IBL game.


West Division Playoff Championship Sunday- Sunday, June 29
12:00pm North All-Stars vs. South All-Stars*
2:30pm 2008 West Division Championship Game

*In addition to hosting the West Division Playoffs, the Monroe Sports Arena is hosting the IBL's first North/South All-Star Classic. This game will be held on Sunday June 29th at 12:00noon, and feature the top players from the IBL's West and Southwest Divisions. Former Seattle Supersonics Donald 'Slick' Watts and James Donaldson will coach the All-Star teams, and the Classic will also include a Slam Dunk Contest and Three Point Shootout. The All-Star Classic tips off at 12:30pm with the Three Point Shootout and Dunk Contest taking place at halftime. The West Division finals will follow the All-Star festivities.



Location of games: Monroe High School in Monroe Washington

Cost to attend: $70 for a weekend pass courtside
$55 for a weekend pass courtside bench
$40 for a weekend pass reserved seating
$30 for general admission

For questions: Contact the Snohomish County Explosion
Call (ph) 425-339-BALL and for tickets, hit extension #1



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  IRELAND   


Dante Hunter "I know that Ireland is an up and coming league thats growing and I would like to be part of that growth" - by Mariano Galindo


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  NCAA1   


Woods takes over at MVSU - by Kevin Cochran

Mississippi Valley St. has hired Sean Woods to take over the helm of the Delta Devils basketball program and serve as the university's 12th men's basketball head coach.

Woods, a former college basketball standout at Kentucky comes to Valley after serving two seasons at TCU as director of basketball operations and then assistant coach.

Prior to his time at TCU, Woods spent one year serving as an assistant coach at Texas A&M - C.C. and before that at High Point where he began his college coaching career assisting in game and practice preparation, player development and scouting.

Woods is known to college basketball fans as one of the Unforgettables (along with fellow seniors Richie Farmer, Deron Feldhaus, and John Pelphrey ) on Kentucky's 1992 East Regional final team that lost to Duke in what many experts consider the greatest college basketball game ever played.

Woods, who led the Wildcats in assists in each of his three seasons, ranks fifth on UKs all-time assist list with 482, and his No. 11 jersey was retired by the school and hangs in the Rupp Arena rafters. Over his three-year career, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.3 assists per game. During his time, he was coached by Rick Pitino , Tubby Smith , Herb Sendek and Billy Donovan . Pitino, Smith and Donovan all have won national championships as head coaches.

After graduating from Kentucky in 1992, Woods played for the NBAs Indiana Pacers and ran a popular basketball camp for collegiate and professional players for several seasons. Attendees included college and NBA standouts Derek Anderson (6'5''-G-74, college: Kentucky), Tony Delk (6'1''-G-74, college: Kentucky) and Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, agency: Priority Sports, college: Kentucky).

In 2005, Woods was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame as a charter member. Woods is married to the former Dashaynia Morones and has two children, Martiese and DeSean.

Courtesy: MVSU Media Relations



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  NIGERIA   


Union Bank role over Niger Potters 70-62 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
It was sweet victory for Union Bank basketball club of Lagos in a return premier league fixture against visiting Savannah Conference power-house Niger Potters basketball club of Minna Tuesday night at the sports hall of the Lagos National Stadium.

Both sides gave a good account of themselves with the Minna-based Potters coming from 20 points down at the close of the third quarter to lose gallantly by just eight points 70-62 to the Atlantic Conference strong team.

Potters guard and playmaker, Abubakar Usman and Union Bank guard/forward, William Ndounmbe were the star-players of the night with Usman urging his teammates on in the tension soaked encounter.

Cameroonian-born Ndounmbe who was spectacular on the night told our correspondent after the match that the game brought the best out of him and his teammates who surrendered to the Potters in the last quarter of their first road-trip game in Minna last month when one of their point guard, Daniel Daudu sustained a serious injury.

Both sides shared the quarters evenly with Union Bank winning in the first and third quarters (20-14 and 27-17) while Potters won in the second and fourth quarters (10-09 and 21-14).

Potters who on Monday defeated Delta Force basketball club of Asaba in its first road game to the Atlantic conference 76-40 points will today take on Nigeria Customs Service basketball club of Lagos.

..Whales, Comets win in Lagos City league

Whales basketball club Tuesday defeated Flames basketball club by 67-36 points in a Lagos City league game played at the sports hall of the National stadium, Lagos.

Whales coached by Charles Osho clearly out played the Flames in all department of the game winning in all four quarters 19-11, 16-08, 13-03 and 19-14 to brighten its chances of making it to the playoffs stage of the league.

Also on Tuesday, premier league side, Ebun Comets basketball club struggled to beat little known Rookies Academy by 44-31 points.

The Comets tutored by former Nigeria national team head coach, Ayo Bakare who may have underrated the Rookies who featured players between ages 13 and 17 have to fall back on experience and power play to out wit the Rookies who gave a good account of themselves with the fans cheering every of their moves against Comets.

The Comets won in three of the four quarters 13-06, 09-08, 13-07 and 09-10 to avoid a shock defeat.

Action continues today in the city league with the Rookies taking on the Raptors in a battle of the Academies at noon while Chariot will engage Union Bank at 14.00 hours before the big one between Customs and Potters at 16.00 hours.Abubakar Usman (192-G-86)

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  NPBL   


Bulldogs and Destroyers to play the Championship Game - by Gianni Pascucci
The Elmira Bulldogs defeated the Hudson Valley Hawks 126-113 advancing to the 2008 NPBL Championship Game. David Ruffin (6'4''-G/F-84, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Hartford), the 2008 NPBL scoring champion, led the Bulldogs with 25 points. Marlin Johnson (6'4''-F-75, college: Monroe CC) scored 17 points and hauled in 12 rebounds while Brandon Lawley (6'6''-F-85, college: Mansfield (PA)) scored 14 points and hauled in 14 rebounds. MacKenzie Clark (6'9''-C-83, college: Auburn-Montgomery) finished with 15 points in the win, and the Hudson Valley Hawks were led by Tay Fisher (5'9''-G-86, college: Siena) who finished with 19 points. Whiule everyone was waiting for the Maryland Bayraiders, the Delaware Destroyers produced a big upset, defeating that team, 149-139 on the road, and will challenge Elmira for the NPBL title on next weekend.

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  PANAMA   


Ayarza invited to Mullens Top 120 Camp - by Rolando Delabarrera
Josimar Ayarza of Cuesta College has produced solid numbers this seaon and the Panamanian power forward has been rewarded for his efforts with an invitation to the Jerry Mullens camp in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Mullens camp invites 120 of the top freshman JUCO players from the 2007/2008 season and has them compete during a day long event. The camp is a must see for all Division 1 coahes and is heavily scouted. If Ayarza plays up to his potential, look for a high interest from attending coaches in the fall. Josimar Ayarza (204-F-87)

*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


San Jose Defeats Sol de America - by Gianni Pascucci
San Jose Vitathon unexpectedly prevailed over Sol de Amrica, 103-98, in the last game of the Liga Nacional de Basquetbol, coming back in the race to the playoffs. Miguel Isola (198-F-83) topped the game with 30 points for San Jose, guards Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85) and Sergio Aceval (180-G-78) added 24 and 23 pts, respectively, while Renzo Ferrari (191-G/F-84) was the main performer in Sol with 22 points. The next league round is schedueled for tomorrow, with anopther game between Sol and San Jos Vitathon and Amrica de Pilar - Sacachispas

*****************************************************
  PBL   


Halifax jumps to PBL too - by Gianni Pascucci
The Halifax Rainmen will reunite with most of their former ABA rivals in the Premier Basketball League next season. Rainmen majority owner Andre Levingston announced that the team will join the PBL after their efforts to enter the NBA Development League by the fall were unsuccessful. Levingston said the NBA league hasn't made a decision on granting Halifax an expansion franchise by the 2009-10 season, and this caused the moving to the PBL. The total of the teams registered to play in the 2008-09 PBL is now 18, a dramatic enlargement from the 10 teams of the league inaugural edition.

*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Sieminski renounces Polish basketball club Slask Wroclaw - by Michal Falkowski

Waldemar Sieminski, who has been an owner of ASCO Slask Wroclaw club since 2006, disclaims a right to the club. A company is offered to the City Council of Wroclaw.

Holding a press conference today, the owner of the team from Wroclaw explained that he is going to offer the City Council of Wroclaw all of shares of the company ASCO Slask Wroclaw for their nominal price about 1.5 million of zloty. Moreover, Sieminski says 'I still want to be a sponsor of the basketball team. I just give the club back.' Although Seminski did not resign from sponsoring the team, the company 'Asco' will stop being a titular sponsor.

The owner added also what were the reasons of this choice. 'My directing the activity of the club misfired. Iron hand management, following the law and making imperious decisions which had not been consulted with fans all of this situations were mistakes.'

As a resulf of this case all of transfer negotiations and sport decisions are being suspended at the moment. If the city does not want to accept the offer, the worst option will happen. Polish champion of many years may be withdrawn from the competition.


According to www.plk.pl



*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Arecibo Captains one Win Away from Championship - by Luis Ramirez
The Captains withstood a late charge by Giants to earn the win and move one step closer to winning the 2008 BSN Championship 90-86. The Giants had taken the 1st quarter 23-22, but the Captains came back in the 2nd quarter to take the lead at the end of the half 44-37. In the 3rd quarter the Captains played a very tight defense and kept the Giants to only 17 points while they would go on to score 25 points to seemingly take a comfortable lead going into the 4th quarter. The Giants did have a big offensive quarter scoring 32 points during this quarter but it was simply not enough to take the win. For Arecibo, Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) scored 22 points and 10 rebounds followed by Rodney White with 20 points. For Carolina, Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) scored 27 points with 13 rebounds followed by Darius Rice with 18 points. The Series now moves once again to Carolina where the Giants are hoping to extend the series to its 7th and final game.

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
Finals
1. Arecibo 3-2
2. Carolina 2-3
Others
1. Bayamon 16-16
2. Humacao 16-16
3. Ponce 15-17
4. San German 15-17
5. Mayaguez 7-25
6. Guayama 6-26


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


CSKA signs Zoran Planinic - by Eurobasket News
CKSA Moscow inked a two-year contract with Croatian guard Zoran Planinic (198-G-82). The 26-year-old shooting guard is expected to be officially presented as CSKA player at press-conference on Friday. Planinic spent the last two seasons in Tau Ceramica. Last year he averaged 9.8 points, 3.1 boards and 2.8 assists per game in ACB league. His Euroleague stats came up to 10.6 points and 3.1 assists per appearance. Zoran Planinic started his career in Cibona Zagreb junior team. He later played in Cibona before the New Jersey Nets drafted guard in 2003. He suffered a broken left hand and was could tip off his NBA career in 2005. He then spent two years overseas scoring 4.2 points and pulling down 1.5 boards per game. He bruised CSKA for 17 points in this years Euroleague Final Four in Madrid.
Meanwhile Spartak Saint Petersburg aims at signing two more players following the agreement with Andrew Wisniewski. They also arranged the deal with Ural Great to acquire Aleksei Zozulin (199-G/F-83). The 25-year-old guard averaged 10.5 points and 4.1 boards per game in Russian Superleague last season. Spartak also is close to signing veteran guard Zakhar Pashutin (195-G-74) from CSKA. Pashitun appeared in 24 games in Russian Superleague this season scoring 7.6 points.

*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Vlade Divac in World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian and international basketball legend Vlade Divac beame member of World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. In Boise Idaho in annual ceremony Divac and his Humanitarian Organization Divac is officialy honored for his humanitarin work in society. This appreciation means lot to me and my family, also for the people who were involved with us in our humanitarian projects in last 15 years said Divac in official ceremony in Morrison center.

In the official site of Workld Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (www.SportsHumanitarian.com) Divac humantiarian activities are described with Group 7 and all campaignes in last 15 years, inclouding his Humanitarian Organization Divac and campaing YOU CAN TOO.

Vlade Divac in his great career played for KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo 1984-1986, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd 1986-1989, Los Angeles Lakers 1989-1996, New Orleans Hornets 1996-1998, Sacramento Kings 1999-2004 and again in Los Angeles Lakers 2004-2006. With Yugoslavian and Serbia and Montenegro national team he won three European championships (1989, 1991, 1995), two times World championships (1990, 2002).

Milan Dozet in BC Ael Limassol - by Zoran Popovic
After one season in Panellinios Athens, Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) moved in Proteas EKA AEL Limassol. With Greek club Dozet played ULEB Cup and scored 10.2Pts, 1.8Reb and 1.3 Ast per game. In National league he scored 5.2Pts and 1.5Reb per game.

In his career he played for BC Partizan Igokea Beograd, KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo, KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd Beograd, Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad and BC Kyiv. He won European championship U22 1998, National Cup with BC Partizan Igokea Beograd 1999 and KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd 2004. Dozet was in Serbia and Montenegro University National team 2005.

Showcase for free agents in Belgrade - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian agency Beo Basket organized showcase for their free agents during the Clinics in Belgrade. Ather the lecture of Tony Bennett and Garcia Aito Reneses it will be played small tournament between three team. Teams will have 9 players and they will play two NBA quarters (12 minutes per quarter). 27 players and free agents will have chance to show their skills and qualities in front of European coaches and Scouts.

On the list of Beo Basket free agents are Predrag Kosanovic (203-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) (203-F-76, agency: Beo Basket), Vladimir Mijovic (207-F-84), Rade Dzambic (188-G-80, college: NYIT), Vojislav Gojnic (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) and others. The game will be played in Hall Sumice, June 28th at 6.30PM.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Standings - D1
Extraliga Standings
 1. Pezinok 34-10 
 2. Inter Brat. 30-14 
 3. Svit 28-16 
 4. Lucenec 28-16 
 5. Nova Ves 27-17 
 6. Komarno 21-23 
 7. Handlova 21-23 
 8. Levice 20-24 
 9. Nitra 20-24 
 10. Prievidza 17-27 
 11. Dolny Kubin 10-34 
 12. Kosice TU 8-36 


Stats Leaders - D1
Extraliga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Milosevic, Hand 22.9
2. Majoros, Kom 22.0
3. Puljko, Priev 21.3
4. Hill, Nitra 19.3
5. Lukjanec, Pez 19.0
Rebounds Per Game
1. Micuda, Pez 9.2
2. Cvitanovic, Kub 8.6
3. Hill, Nitra 8.2
4. Klaric, Svit 7.4
5. Novak, Inter 7.3
Assists Per Game
1. Milosevic, Han 6.8
2. Micka, Inter 5.9
3. Ristanovic, Lev 5.2
4. Immink, Priev 5.0
5. Kovacevic, Luc 4.4
Steals Per Game
1. Storcel, Priev 3.9
2. Pandula, Inter 3.2
3. Golian, Han 3.2
2FGP
1. Praznovsky, Luc 57.1
2. Bicvic, Luc 53.2
3. Utlak, Kos 52.0
3FGP
1. Laco, Chem 45.7
2. Hovanak, SNV 45.2
3. Pivac, Kom 43.2
Free Throws
1. Hill, Nitra 80.9
2. Lutovsky, Lev 80.6
3. Maric, Kom 78.3


D2 - Standings
League Standings
Group East
 1. B.Bystrica 5-0 
 2. Michalovce 4-1 
 3. Legato Svit 3-2 
 4. Nova Ves 2 2-3 
 5. Zilina 2-3 
 6. Krompachy 2-3 
 7. Presov 1-4 
 8. Bask.Akad. 1-4 
Group West
 1. SKP Bratislava 5-0 
 2. Trnava 4-1 
 3. Pezinok 2 3-2 
 4. BSC Bratisl. 2-3 
 5. Inter B Brat. 2-3 
 6. Petrzalka 2-3 
 7. Prirodovedec 1-4 
 8. Ivanka 1-4 


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Market news and rumors - by Uros Vujic
ELektra Esotech's head coach Borut Cerar is building the team for the next season. Armin Avdibegovic (189-G-84), Elnis Prasovic (201-G/F-84), Elmir Forto (206-C-83) and Filip Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-83) were invited for a try-out in Sostanj. Zagorje KD FT is close to re-sign coach Dusan Hauptman for the next season and is negotiating to extend the contract with their key players Gilbert Goodrich (178-G-82) and Milos Savkovic (208-F/C-86).

Raptors trade Nesterovic to Pacers - by Zeljko Zule
On the eve of the NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers agreed to a trade. Pacers and Raptors have agreed to a deal that would send Jermanine O'Neal to Toronto in exchange for Slovenian NT captain Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76), T.J.Ford and the No. 17 pick in NBA draft.
Radoslav Nesterovic averaged 7.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg last year, but went from a regular starter for Toronto in his first year to a backup last year.

Smodis and Vidmar will miss Olympic Qualyfing Tournament, Lorbek close to CSKA - by Zeljko Zule

Slovenia's Olympic dream of basketball glory has been hit by a rude awakening. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) of CSKA Moscow and Gasper Vidmar (210-C/F-87, agency: Interperformances) of Fenerbahce will miss the the Olympic Qualyfing Tournament in Athens. Smodis was diagnosed with a injury in his right foot and is out for at least one montsh and Vidmar has broken right wrist. He is sidelined for four weeks.

CSKA Moscow is very close to Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) ex Roma. According to rumors from Italy, Lorbek has been offered 900.000 euros-a year deal to ink the contract.



*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Stats Leaders LNA
LNA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 J.McCurry, Star. 26.5
2 Mlandjan, Luga. 21.6
3 Brown, Laus. 20.8
4 Karim, Meyrin 20.7
5 SIR, Boncourt 20.4
Rebounds Per Game
1 Erwin, Luga. 12.2
2 Blankson, Month. 10.1
3 Pellerin, Meyrin 10
4 Thomas, Star. 9.8
5 Pietras, Luga. 9.3
Assists Per Game
1 Bah, Luga. 7.6
2 Derogatis, Geneve 6.9
3 PLeux, Laus. 6.0
4 Karim, Meyrin 5.8
5 Perrier, Fribourg 5.6
Steals Per Game
1 Gibson, Vacallo 4.4
2 Smiljanic, Vacallo 2.9
3 Dacevic, Vacallo 2.7
Blocks Per Game
1 Johnson, Fribourg 3.4
2 Erwind, Luga. 2.0
3 MaddoxA, Vevey 1.7
2FGP
1 Mrazek, Fribourg 78.9
2 Buettner, Geneve 73.9
3 Kautzor, Geneve 70.6
3FGP
1 T.McCrory, Star. 53.8
2 Kautzor, Geneve 53.3
3 Mrazek, Fribourg 52.2
Free Throws
1 Senderos, Meyrin 96.4
2 Van Stein, Laus. 92.6
3 Walkers, Laus. 90.9


Standings - LNA
LNA Standings
 1. Fribourg 18-4 
 2. Lugano Tigers 17-5 
 3. The Starwings 15-7 
 4. Monthey 14-8 
 5. Vacallo 11-11 
 6. Boncourt 11-11 
 7. Herens 11-11 
 8. Geneve 10-12 
 9. Nyon 9-13 
 10. Lausanne 7-15 
 11. Meyrin Gr.-S. 5-17 
 12. Vevey 4-18 


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. SAM Massa. 18-3 
 2. Villars 17-5 
 3. Chene 14-7 
 4. Neuchatel 14-8 
 5. Luzern 12-10 
 6. BC Korac Z. 11-11 
 7. Bernex 9-12 
 8. Vernier 9-13 
 9. Martigny 9-13 
 10. Zurich W. 6-15 
 11. Cossonay 2-20 


Stats Leaders - LNB
LNB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Dosic, KOR Z 26.9
2. Mrkonjic, BBC 24.1
3. Chambers, VER 21.9
4. Lewis, MAS 18.1
5. Kaiser, NEU 18.0
Rebounds Per Game
1. Ristic, PUL 16.2
2. Morris, NEU 12.0
3. Chambers, VER 12.0
4. Dosic, KOR Z 11.7
5. Toure, BER 9.7
Assists Per Game
1. Gothuey, CHN 6.7
2. Cheren, PUL 5.1
3. Lazarevic, BER 4.3
4. Lewis, MAS 4.3
5. Mrkonjic, BBC 3.6
Ranking
1. Dosic, KOR Z 29.3
2. Ristic, PUL 27.2
3. Chambers, VER 25.5
4. Lewis, MAS 23.1
5. Toure, BER 21.5


*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Go west, young men? - by Chris Wang
Chen Hsin-ans intention to play in China has become the hottest issue in Taiwanese basketball this past week as it stirred up heated discussion among fans on the current Taiwanese basketball environment. And the CTBAs response, a sanction on 24 local players prohibiting them to play for overseas clubs, didnt help either.

To maintain the competition level of the domestic league, the statement said, twenty four players will be listed on a 'protection list' which will be released on an annual basis. The players on the list are not allowed to play overseas.

Individual players, however, will be screened by a CTBA committee after submitting their application to play for foreign clubs. The permission, once granted, allows a maximum one years time and will have to be renewed every year.

The decision infuriated Chen and many fans. And its easy to know why. Chen stressed that the CTBA is not entitled to block his right to play for anyone while most fans would like to see Chen play in a more competitive league.

Playing in China, where most NBA teams sent their scouts year round to observe talents, will provide an opportunity, regardless of how slim it is, for him to be seen. Which might lead to a chance to play in the NBA, said Chen.

Anyway, I think a lot of people missed the point here. Last I checked, Chen is still under contract with Yulon. Word is that he has two and a half years left on his contract. If Chen leaves Yulon, it will be the second time he leaves the team in the middle of his contract.

About two years ago, Chen also intended to leave Yulon and sign with ETSN for a much higher salary. Surprisingly, Yulon didnt say a word. However Chen failed to reach an agreement with ETSN and rejoined Yulon.

I dont really understand what is happening here. Fans and some newspapers said all the good thing about a player who has breached his contract not once but twice?

True, the CTBA has no right to keep players from signing with foreign clubs as long as these players are free agents. But it is also true that no basketball federation would love to see an exodus of the local players. It has gone too far with the 24-player sanction list, but its not difficult to understand its concern that players of Chens caliber opt to play in China either.

The reported offer of Chens annual salary of 1.5M RMB (220,000 USD) looks overestimated because thats more than Wang Zhizhis salary. And I doubt that Chen is willing to buy out his contract with 8M NT (260,000 USD) as no one wants to buy out his contrct for 10 dollars and go make eight dollars in China. Its a simple math. And it doesnt make sense to me at all.

Whats interesting was that Chen said in a China Times interview which was published today that his objective is not playing in China but to point out the stagnant environment of Taiwanese basketball.

An Apple Daily story reported yesterday that Chen is still on NBA scouts watch list. The story, which I thikn is very questionable, said that Chen is on the watch list of scouts from Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats but did not cite any source in the story.

Anyway, when all is said and done, Chen is staying with Yulon for now.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Eagles get Moore - by Dave Ryan
Former BBL Player of the Season Trey Moore (192-G-75, college: Mississippi St.) has been added to the roster of the Newcastle Eagles ahead of the forthcoming 2008/09 season.
The 33-year-old Mississippi State graduate will help the Eagles defend their BBL Championship title, a piece of silverware that Moore has already experienced winning during his first spell with the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets back in 2004/05.
During that stellar season, Moore averaged almost 23 points, over 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He returned to the Jets last season, after a season in China and a spell with Strasbourg in France, and once more he averaged in excess of 20 points per game. The 6'4' Houston native first came to the BBL with Birmingham in 2003. In fact, the last time that Moore competed on the MetroRadio Arena floor was on the 8th April 2005, when his awesome 33 points led the Jets to a 94-96 win over the Eagles that all-but secured the BBL Championship title for his former club that season, as Fabulous Flournoy (192-G/F-73, college: Mc Neese St.)'s Eagles were runners-up. The Eagles avenged that defeat three weeks later as a 78-75 win at the National Indoor Arena saw them win the first of three consecutive BBL Championship Playoff crowns; they were led by 27 points from GB star Andrew Sullivan, whilst Moore managed 20 points in defeat.
Moore rejoined Jets midway through last season, but was released with a fortnight remaining.
Eagles' Managing Director Paul Blake explained why the club has plumped for Moore: 'We are looking to bring in some young and exciting players this season as we re-shape parts of the team in our bid to continue evolving and competing for league titles. 'Part of our strategy is to ensure that we still have experience in all areas of the court and in that respect we felt that we needed someone with experience and quality in the back-court. 'Trey fits the bill perfectly for us and will be just the kind of player who can not only score from anywhere but also provide some leadership on the floor.
'He has played in different leagues which is good for us because we get a veteran player who can adapt to different styles and brings that experience, but we also get someone who has proven himself at the highest level in this league. To have two BBL Players of the Season in the same team next season - Lynard Stewart and Trey Moore - will be great for the club and for our fans. If we get the right younger players in to add to that then exciting times are set to continue.'
Player-coach Flournoy meanwhile is equally delighted to have signed Moore, 'Trey is a proven winner and someone who will give us experience and versatility. He can play a combo role if we need him to and his flexibility on the court is important for us. We could have a whole new backcourt this season and we have to make sure we get the right balance and I know that Trey will give us that and most importantly he is a quality basketball player. We can't wait for him to join our team and we know he will work hard to make sure we keep competing for trophies and remain at the top.'

Rob Paternostro appointed as the Riders head coach - by Eurobasket News
The Leicester Riders announced that Rob Paternostro (180-G-73, college: S.New Hampshire) will coach the team in 2008/2009 season. Paternostro played for the Riders last season leading the team to 10 victories. He also played for Birmingham in his BBL career. Paternostro tried his hand in playing in France, Spain, Belgium and Greece. His average career stats come up to 10.1 points and 5.2 assists per game. Rob Paternostro follows Dave Harris, Jerry Jenkins and Karl Brown as the former Riders player to take up the position. Paternostro had previous assistant coach experience in the USA.
In the meantime the Plymouth Raiders inked free agent Patrick Fitzpatrick (196-F-78, agency: 011 Sports). The small forward spent the last season in Irish Superleague with Neptune. There he averaged 14.3 points and 3.2 boards per game. He shot 52% from the field and 84% from charity stripe. Partick Fitzpatrick paced Neptune to the semifinal stage where the team fell short to the eventual winners Abrakebabra Tigers. The American forward signed a one-year contract with the Raiders. Fitzpatrick will join Plymouth as a Bosman player as he has Irish passport. He is in the USA now but is expected to join the team in August.

JETS LAND NEW PLAYMAKER - by George Manousidis
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets are pleased to be able to announce that they have been successful in obtaining the signature of 511 playmaker Chuck Evans (180-G-71, college: Mississippi St.) for the 2008-9 Basketball Season which starts in September. Evans, who played last season for the Worcester Wolves is an American / German Dual National is a graduate of Mississippi State University. He is an experienced point guard with considerable European experience, having played for Bayer Leverkusen of the German Bundesliga first division, as well as their rivals ALBA Berlin in the 2004 season. The 13-year-pro. has also featured for CSKA Moscow, where he was a Russian league winner, and has also won the German league title and been an All-Star in Poland.


Last season, playing for the Wolves, he finished up third in the league for assists, averaging 5.5 per game, and also seventh overall in three point shooting with a 42% success rate. He will bring both flair and experience to the squad that playcaller Paul Smith is steadily assembling.


Smith commented, I have been really keen on Chuck and the way he plays since the first time we played Worcester and it is really great news that he has agreed to put pen to paper. He is a genuine point guard, with many years experience in the top European leagues and he will lead the team we are assembling on the court. He is well aware of the role we want him to play - simply make the rest of the team look great as he did to the Wolves last season, and they ended up with the leagues top two scorers! I am confident that he can bring same approach to the Jets.


Pete Hawkins BiG Storage Cheshire Jets Director added Chuck is a proven player who will provide the creative backbone of next seasons squad, but just as importantly, he is a great person and he will be playing a major part in our expanded community programme which will bring healthy eating and living messages as well as basketball training to thousands of young people in Chester, Cheshire and North Wales.


Andrew Donaldson, owner of The Jets main sponsor, BiG Storage, also enthused, With the help of BiG Storages sponsorship Paul is starting to assemble a team that will Im sure be very competitive next season we look forward to hearing about further recruits

*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
 1. Aguada 16-4 
 2. Capurro 15-4 
 3. Verdirrojo 12-7 
 4. Nacional 11-8 
 5. Urunday Univ. 9-9 
 6. Goes 9-10 
 7. 25 de Agosto 9-11 
 8. Larranaga 8-10 
 9. Yale 8-11 
 10. Guruyu Waston 8-12 
 11. Olivol Mundial 8-12 
 12. Larre Borges 7-12 
 13. Marne 5-15 


Results for the Metro league 21st. round - by Hector Lopez
Aguada maintained the leadership for the Metro League after 21st round, beating Goes 92-70. For Aguada, Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83, college: Hofstra) scored 27 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, with 5 blocks, and a rnking of 50.
For Goes, Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, college: Wofford) netted 19, with 7 rebounds and 1 block. Other results (and main figures for import players) were:
Capurro 105 - Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 16 points and 8 rebounds
25 de Agosto 78
- - -
Nacional 85 - Marcelo Correa (208-C-77, college: San Diego St.) 13 points 7 rebounds 2 blocks
Verdirrojo 72 - Cam-Ron Clay (203-F) 10 points 8 rebounds
- - -
Larre Borges 94 - 'Pop' Thornton (201-F-74, college: W.Kentucky) 32 points, 12 rebounds 2 blocks
Olivol Mundial 80
- - -
Marne 76
Waston 74 - Alexander Blackwell (205-F/C-70, agency: Duran International, college: Monmouth) 18 points 13 rebounds- - -



*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Bendigo Spirit inks Hanna Zavecz - by Eurobasket News
The Bendigo Spirit have secured the services of Hanna Zavecz (183-F-85) for the upcoming season. The forward graduated from the Australian Institute of Sport before moving to the USA. Overseas Zavecz played for the University of Wyoming. In her senior year with the Cowgirls Hanna Zavecz led the team in scoring (13.9 ppg), rebounds (6.1 rpg), assists (3.6 apg), steals (1.6 spg) and blocked shots (1.6 bpg). She also was among leaders in the MW Conference. She was the second one in blocks and seventh in scoring. Her outstanding season with the Cowgirls was highlighted by the earning of All-America Honorable Mention. During her career in the University of Wyoming Hanna Zavecz was trumped the Defensive Player of the Year twice. She also was thrice selected to First Team All-MWC selection. Zavecz also represented country Victoria at the under 16 and 18 National Junior Championships.

*****************************************************
  CAYMAN ISLANDS - Women  


Lady Heels Reclaim Championship - by Eurobasket
Both teams had suffered a loss to the other. Both have high-calibre players. Truth be told, Fever looked better on paper, as most of their players are former national team players with international exposure. However, Lady Heels had the edge on fitness, and that, plus the overwhelming desire to win, is what propelled them to the top.
In the opening quarter Fever garnered a slight lead but by just a single point so no one was getting too comfortable. The crowds saw each team trade point for point, and then, just before the buzzer sounded for the first quarter, Fever's team captain, Lauri Webster, sustained an injury which incapacitated her for most of the game. The injury seemed to take the wind out of Fever's sails.
In the second quarter Lady Heels edged Fever, and it happened in the blink of an eye. First Sarrah Kidd scored a couple of lay-ups with assists from Dionne Anglin, and before long Lady Heels had secured the lead. Then Keisha Anglin's three-pointer from downtown plus Lady Heels' strong defensive placed them in a better position, with the score at 12-6 in their favour.
At this point Fever's top player was taking a sabbatical on the bench, and coach Shawn Pitterson realised that he had to act, so he made a couple of substitutions. Kamilla Nagy took to the court, and her quick action brought her team's scoring average up from 6 to 14 with little apparent effort.
The score was 20-16 going into the third quarter, and this is where Domino's turned up the heat and burned their opponents. Lady Heels' Benecia Thompson, along with Kidd and Anglin, stepped up, and Fever just could not catch up despite Theresa Hamil's netting a couple of three-pointers. But perhaps the biggest blow was that Nagy had to leave due to work commitments.
At that point it was easy to see the writing on the wall. Lady Heels were out-rebounding their opponents 67-44 and forcing turnovers at almost every corner. In fact, Fever seemed to miss point after point at the basket.
The fourth quarter started at 31-22 with Lady Heels in the winning position. Ellen Downey opened the scoring, and between her and Courtisha Ebanks, along with Kidd, Fever just didn't stand a chance.
Benecia Thompson's 13 points, 17 rebounds and 5 steals helped to seal Domino's Lady Heels' victory. Sarrah Kidd added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals, and Anglin 8 points, 24 rebounds and 3 assists.
Theresa Hamil, despite an injured ankle, led for Esso's Fever with 15 points and 8 rebounds while teammate Nagy added 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Dominio's Lady Heels coach, Collin Anglin, praised his team. 'We executed our game plan to perfection, which was to minimise our opponent's top player, Kamilla Nagy's, touches on the ball. In addition to that I instructed the players to attack the basket, which heightened our offensive play while getting the other team's players into foul trouble. The players also stepped up when Dionne Anglin had to sit out.'
Dominos Lady Heels secured the National Women League Title on Sunday Night at the Digicel Court. Photo: Robert Blackman

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  GERMANY - Women  


Zberch from Chemnitz to Herne - by Moritz Korff
Katja Zberch (189-C-78, agency: LBM Management) signed a two-year-contract with Herner TC (DBBL). The 30-year-old Forward/Center played for the ChemCats Chemnitz in this past season and averaged 14.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per contest, making the Eurobasket.com German DBBL All-Bosmans Team. Zberch, born in Minsk, Belarus, is currently waiting for her German passport. She suited up for TV Saarlouis in six years prior to joining the ChemCats and advanced to the DBBL-Finals with the Royals twice.

Mueller returns home to BG Donau-Ries - by Cornelius Damm
After two seasons with TSV 1880 Wasserburg German national player Alexandra Mueller (175-G-83) leaves the champion in order to return to her hometown club BG Donau-Ries (former TSV Noerdlingen) where she started her career. As Noerdlingen had to quit in 1.DBBL due to financially problems in 2003 Mueller went to the US for a year of college basketball in Chicago. One year later she came back to Germany for two seasons with Ludwigsburg in the 1.DBBL before winning two championships with Wasserburg and one cup title. Now as Noerdlingen returns back to 1.DBBL it was also a perfect moment for Mueller to return home.

Along with her another player will leave TSV 1880 Wasserburg to join BG Donau-Ries. U18 National player Nathalie Ebertz will suit up for the 1.DBBL newcomer this season.

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  ITALY - Women  


Italy NT ready for July training camp at Bormio (It) - by Carlo Grilli
New Italy NT coach Giampiero Ticchi selected these 18 players to Bormio training camp (July 9th to 23th), and for next Bormio Tournament (July 24th to 26th):

1. Marte Alexander (192-C-76, college: Arizona) (76, 1.96, c, Faenza)
2. Ballardini Simona (81, 1.81, f, Faenza)
3. Bagnara Benedetta (87, 1.78, g, La Spezia)
4. Ciampoli Federica (80, 1.90, f-c, Schio)
5. Corradini Licia (85, 1.73, g, La Spezia)
6. Franchini Maria Chiara (79, 1.81, g, Faenza)
7. Gianolla Angela (80, 1.80, g, Priolo)
8. Giauro Eva (86, 2.04, c, Venezia)
9. Giauro Sara (79, 1.90, f-c, Napoli)
10.Macchi Laura (79, 1.87,f, Schio)
11.Modica Francesca (81, 1.75, g, Venezia)
12.Montagnino Jami (85, 1.76, g, Ribera)
13.Pastore Chiara (86, 1.72, g, La Spezia)
14.Ramon Emanuela (82, 1.82, f, Faenza)
15.Ress Kathrin (85, 1.96, f-c, Schio)
16.Sarni Silvia (87, 1.88, f, Napoli)
17.Zanoni Ilaria (86, 1.80, g-f, Parma)
18.Zanon Manuela (80, 1.87, f, Parma)

Disposable at home:
1. Bonafede Monica (85, 1.86, f, Taranto)
2. Casadio Giulia (76, 1.78, g, Faenza)
3. Gentile Immacolata (75, 1.75, g, Napoli)
4. Giorgi Sara (86, 1.88, f-c, Livorno, A2)
5. Grasso Adriana (74, 1.90, c, Pozzuoli)
6. Greco Michelle (80, 1.78, g, Taranto)
7. Mauriello Paola (81, 1.84, g-f, Napoli)
8. Nadalin Jenifer (83, 1.87, f, Venezia)
9. Paterna Stefania (80, 1.80, g-f, Napoli)
10.Sciacca Beatrice (80, 1.80, g, Priolo)
11.Siccardi Valentina (82, 1.82, g, Viterbo)
12.Zanoli Valeria (84, 1.70, g, Basket Cavezzo, A2)

Staff:
Federal Executive: Paolo Troncarelli
Team Manager: Marco Gatta
Team Director: Mara Fullin
Head Coach Giampiero Ticchi
Assistant Coach Renato Nani

Schedule
10th -23th July
h. 10.30 -12.30 practice
h. 18.00 -20.00 practice

24th July: Bormio Tournament
h. 17.00 Italy-Greece
h. 20.30 Belgium-Lithuania

25th July: Bormio Tournament
h. 17.00 Italy-Lithuania
h. 20.30 Belgium-Greece

26th July: Bormio Tournament
h. 17.00 Italy-Belgium
h. 20.30 Greece-Lithuania

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  POLAND - Women  


U18 Team Poland 3rd in Reze, France - by Maciej Schwarz
Very good start of preperations for coach's Roman Skrzecz team of U18 Poland. On 20th Friendly International Women Tournament in Reze, France Polish Team came 3rd with only one loss with the later winner of the tournament- Lithuania. In first game Poland outscored selection from USA 104-87. Second game Poland came down to Lithuania 67-58. After the loss Poland beat Croatia 57-52, and in small final against Czech Republic, Poland finished 85-71. Polish team will host another Tournament in Gdynia 02-04 of July 2008 with the further preperations to the European Championship in Nitra, Slovakia. Poland will play against Romania, Russia and Spain.

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Romanian U20 team completes tourney to Naples - by Eurobasket News
Romanian U20 National Team resumed their preparation for the upcoming European championship in Division B. The event will take place in Poland from July 11 through July 20. Romania got into preliminary Pool A together with Great Britain, Ireland, Slovak Republic and Hungary. Lately Romanian team travelled for the international tournament in Naples. Romanian U20 Team got to a flying start as they held off Italian Selection Campania Team 70:47.
Next Romania faced Israel and had to surrender in a tight clash. Israel snatched a narrow 49:47 victory at the end. But the most exciting game was left for the last day of action. Romania played against Italian U20 team and came back from behind late in the fourth term to force overtime. However the hosts proved strength at the end handing Romania another narrow defeat 65:68. Claudia Pop (185-F-89, agency: LBM Management) was named the tournament's MVP after the game.

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Standings - Women
Extraliga Standings
1-6 Places
 1. Kosit 2013 28-0 
 2. MBK Ruz. 21-7 
 3. Nitra 17-11 
 4. UMB B.B. 12-14 
 5. Viktoria K. 12-15 
 6. Cassovia K. 8-17 
7-10 Places
 1. Poprad 13-10 
 2. Roznava 11-12 
 3. Slovan 3-20 
 4. Myjava 2-21 


Stats Leaders - Women
Extraliga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Gresnerova Cass 18.7
2. Oravkova UMB 18.6
3. Antalecova Roz 18.0
4. McCarville Kos 17.8
5. Perostiyska Vik 17.8
Rebounds Per Game
1. Perostiyska Vik 10.3
2. Antalecova Roz 10.1
3. Lalovic UMB 9.7
4. Sangare Pop 9.5
5. Podesvova, Ruz 8.7
Assists Per Game
1. L. Wilson Ruz 5.7
2. Jalcova KOSIT 5.7
3. Barenyiova Roz 4.2
4. Vackova Cass 3.9
5. Csavas MBK 3.6
2FGP
1. Benuskova Kos 50.0
2. McCarville Kos 49.1
3. Kupcíkova Ruz 45.3
3FGP
1. Michulkova KOS 53.7
2. Chlebovkova Nitra 49.2
3. Cikosova Kos 48.5
Free Throws
1. Malinkova CITY 90.0
2. Cikosova Kos 88.6
3. Michulkova KOS 87.9


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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Standings - LNF
LNA Standings
 1. U.Neuch. 20-1 
 2. BBC 17-4 
 3. Riva Basket 15-6 
 4. Martigny 11-10 
 5. Brunnen 9-12 
 6. Fribourg 6-15 
 7. Meyrin 5-16 
 8. Pully 1-20 


LNSA Stats Leaders
LNA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Diouf, BRU 26.9
2. Smith, RIV 24.8
3. Maclot, MEY 23.5
4. Crisman, BBC 22.4
5. Covington, FRI 21.2
Rebounds Per Game
1. Kane, PUL 17.1
2. Smith, RIV 11.5
3. Crisman, BBC 11.1
4. Perry, MAR 11.1
5. Logan-Friend, RIV 10.8
Assists Per Game
1. Charlier, NEU 5.4
2. Diouf, BRU 3.9
3. Slaviero, NEU 3.8
4. Chevillat, MEY 3.2
5. Despinic, MAR 3.1
Steals Per Game
1. Crisman, BBC 4.6
2. Diouf, BRU 4.3
3. Chaix, MEY 4.3
Blocks Per Game
1. Kane, PUL 2.3
2. Logan, RIV 1.6
3. Charlier, NEU 1.3
2FGP
1. Covington, FRI 62.4
2. Charlier, NEU 62.4
3. Hicks, NEU 58.8
3FGP
1. Cochand, MAR 47.6
2. Crelot, NEU 45.9
3. Kellogg, BBC 43.2
Free Throws
1. Volpe, BBC 88.3
2. Maclot, MEY 86.6
3. Yanni, MEY 81.8
Ranking
1. Perry, MAR 27.0
2. Smith, RIV 26.8
3. Crisman, BBC 26.3


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


GB U20 WOMEN LOSE 2ND TEST - by George Manousidis
With several players fighting a stomach bug that has moved its way through the team, the GB U20 women fought valiantly in a 82-56 loss to the Netherlands.
The performance of the team was improved over the previous day with a reduction in turnovers and better looks at the basket on offense. Lapses in the second and fourth quarter allowed the Dutch to go on runs that were difficult to counter.


Leah Dehaan (178-G-89), who lead the team in scoring on day one, sat out with a minor knee injury.


Leading scorers were as follows:


Harriett Yea (180-G-89) 14

Anderson 12

Stoddart 12

Buchan 10


Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial noted progress from day one, 'The team has been hampered for several days with this bug and it was good to see them work hard today. We took some significant steps today and, given that we are one week into our preparation period I am pleased with where we are at. We will benefit from a day off on Monday and look forward to our match on Tuesday.'



The U20s tip-off against the Canadians in Almere at 4pm local time.

From the web site of British Performance Basketball

GB U20 Women Test Result - by George Manousidis

GB lost 75-44 in a test match versus the Netherlands in Almere.

With three days of training under their belt, Coach Sergio Lara-Bercial kept the performance in perspective. 'These are early days for us and it was great to have an opportunity to get some new faces on the court together. Over the course of the next four days we will have an opportunity to clearly identify what we will need to focus on prior to the European Championships in Poland. We have lots to work on and the players are keen to get to work tomorrow.'

GB was lead on the scoresheet by Leah Dehaan and Rose Anderson with 11 and 7 points respectively. Charlotte Stoddart played a strong game, gathering 8 rebounds off of the bench.

GB plays Holland again on Sunday and a Canadian All-Star team on Tuesday.


From the web site of British Basketball



U20 Women Continue to Make Progress - by George Manousidis
The GB U20 women lost by one to a university all-star team from Canada. The Canadian team, on tour through Europe, includes some of the best players from Western Canada and earlier in their tour defeated the U20 German team and the Luxembourg senior national team.

Final score was 63-62 in favour of the Canadians. GB was lead by Harriett Yea (180-G-89) and Crystal Turner with 14 a piece and Rose Anderson (175-G-88) (175-G-88) with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Coach Lara-Bercial saw Tuesday's game as a big step in the right direction, 'As a team, we are starting to get to know one another better. As well, we are starting to understand what we are playing for. The last 8 days have been very productive - we continue to go from strength to strength.'

'With each game we are getting better defensively and today we had excellent balance between our perimeter and post play on offense.'

The team will have a few days off after returning to the UK before beginning phase two of training at Aldershot on 30 June - which includes games against the Mali Senior National Team. GB will travel to France for these games on the 5th and 6th of July.

From the web site of British Performance Basketball

*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connect. S. 11-3 
 2. Detroit S. 10-4 
 3. Indiana F. 7-6 
 4. New York L. 6-6 
 5. Washingt. M. 5-8 
 6. Chicago Sky 3-8 
 7. Atlanta D. 0-13 
Western
 1. L.Angeles S. 10-3 
 2. S.Antonio SS 8-5 
 3. Seattle S. 8-7 
 4. Minnesota L. 7-6 
 5. Sacram. M. 6-7 
 6. Phoenix M. 5-7 
 7. Houston C. 5-8 


Atlanta sends Camille Little to Seattle - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Dream decided to part ways with Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina). The team sent forward to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the 2009 second-round draft pick. Camille Little started her second pro season. As a rookie she averaged 3.9 points and 4.5 boards per game for the Silver Stars. This season she appeared in 13 games for Atlanta tallying 4.8 points and 3.1 boards per encounter. Little is the North Carolina University graduate. There she posted 11.7 points and 5.5 boards per game in her senior season.
Meanwhile the Atlanta Dream immediately replaced Little with free agent Kasha Terry (6'3''-F/C-83, agency: Ronsport, college: Georgia Tech). The Georgia Tech graduate played for the Indiana Fever in the last three seasons. She played just two games in this season before the Fever waived her. Her career stats come up to 1.6 points and 1.6 boards per game. She produced 6.5 points and 5.8 caroms per game in her senior season with the Yellow Jackets.
Meanwhile the 2007 WNBA champions Phoenix Mercury visited the White House. They presented George W. Bush with a team jersey and a replica of their championship banner. The president congratulated the team on the title. The meeting inspired the Mercury to an impressive win over the Washington Mystics in the capital the next day.

Houston snatch overtime win in San Antonio - by Eurobasket News
The Houston Comets posted a rare away from home victory beating the San Antonio Silver Stars in extra period yesterday. Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) knocked down a jump shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime to carry the Comets to the 5th win in the season. Michelle Show led the Comets with 17 points and 11 boards. Tina Thompson finished with 16 points, while Mwadi Mabika had 15 in a win. Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) answered with 25 points for the Silver Stars. Ann Wauters came up with 19 points as the hosts suffered their first home loss in the season.
Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) provided 22 points, 11 boards and 3 blocks to lead the Los Angeles Sparks past Seattle at the Staples Center. The Sparks rookie dunked in the second straight game and the hosts rolled to a 76:62 victory at the end. Delisha Milton-Jones added 19 points in the 10th win for the Sparks. Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) paced the Storm with 11 points. Lauren Jackson was held to 10 points as the visitors fell to 8-7 record in the ladder.
The league leaders Connecticut Sun had little problems dealing with Detroit 85:68 at home. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) bruised the Shock for 20 points, while rookie Amber Holt (6'0''-G/F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) was impressive with career-high 19 points. The Sun relied on an 11:2 run in the final period to clear off to an unassailable distance from Detroit. Another rookie Kerri Gardin also posted her career-high 14 points in a win. Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) replied with 17 points for the Shock.
Diana Taurasi (6'0''-G-82, college: Connecticut) scored 31 points and Cappie Pondexter added 28 as Phoenix held off the Washington Mystics 98:90 in the capital. The Mystics were paced by career-high 31 points and 12 boards from Taj McWilliams-Franklin. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, agency: Ronsport, college: Duke) had 19 points in the 8th loss for the Mystics.