Welcome sports fans to this Spring edition of the CMB News.  When last we spoke nearly a month ago things were winding down in the PCBL Finals as the PCBL crowned Slow Motion 2 as it's 2003 Outback Tournament Champion.  Things have been quiet in recent weeks with teams and players enjoying some much needed time off, but soon the 2003-04 draft will be upon us and the spring and summer mini-camps will be in full swing.  That's why The News is happy to report on the leagues latest happenings, and for that we go live to Roseburg OR where PCBL Correspondent Stuart Scott is standing by...Stuart.

Thanks Dan, I'm just outside the CMB South Ranch in Roseburg where V.P. of Operations, G. Murph is about to hold a short press conference regarding the CMB's off season's signings. Let's listen in now.

G. Murph:  "Thank you for joining us today.  First off I'd like to say that J. Legend has asked that I hold this briefing and answer your questions as he is away on a scouting trip in Venezuela.  With that said I am pleased to announce that the CMB have signed two key free agents to our roster for next season.  They are point guard Billy Martinez, and small forward Matt Taylor.  We are very pleased to have these two high caliber players make the move to the West and we believe they can plug significant holes in our starting lineup vacated by the absence of Chris Fisher and Webber Martin who decided to exercise their contract option and not return to the team next season.  We think that Martinez and Taylor will be great assets to our team next season and for years to come.  Both players will be reporting to mini-camp in the weeks to come and we will hold a formal news conference at that time.  I'll answer a few questions now..."

Stuart Scott: "Mr. Murph...how is it that the CMB was able to snag a league MVP and the Rookie of the Year from the this season's champion in such a short time and with seemingly little effort?"

G. Murph:  "Well Stuart the CMB organization is always striving to find the best players and continue to be successful year after year.  As you well know our team's goal is to win the championship and we were not satisfied with our last two seasons of 4th and 3rd place finishes.  Things needed to be shaken up a bit from our past rosters and we hope to rectify that by adding championship players to an already potent roster of players with championship rings themselves and I think we have done that."

Scott:  "One follow up question sir.  What type of contracts did you have to offer these guys to leave such a great situation on Slow Motion 2's roster and make the jump to a team that seems to have inner turmoil and who appears to be on the downside of it's talent pool?"

Murph:  "With the departure of Fisher, Webber, and Workman this season who were some of our highest contract players, we had quite a bit of money under the cap for next season that was freed up to sign some quality players like this.  We have signed each to a 2yr deal with an option for a 3rd.  Contract terms will be disclosed at a later date.  As for your question about a team in turmoil I can only say this.  We in fact did have quite a few inner personnel problems that lead to the lackluster effort we put forth towards the end of the season.  I would also like to mention that this is not a team on the downside of any "talent pool" as you stated.  If you recall two seasons ago in the playoffs the CMB were without J.J. Bowden due to injury and J. Legend was also reeling from kidney stones and yet still played, albeit not to his usual All-Star standards.  Then this season we lost Bowden to injury again during the playoffs and I think we can both agree that if circumstances were different those two years the Finals outcomes may have been a little different.  I don't want to state that as an excuse by any means, we simply didn't get it done the past two years, but with that resolved and behind us, we can move forward in the direction we want to go for this franchise.  That's all the time I have for now.  As I stated earlier we will have a formal briefing when mini-cap resumes in the coming weeks.  Thank you and good day."

Well Dan sounds like some exciting news here from Roseburg, back to you in the studio.

Thanks Stuart.  Groundbreaking news it definitely is.  It seems the CMB who looked to be on the downswing of aging stars who had outlived their run at claiming title banners, have once again upgraded to a championship level, but only time will tell.  Well keep you posted as this story and other PCBL signings take place over the summer months.  Until then happy hump day and we'll see you next time.

04-11-2003: PCBL 2003 Final Four Edition

Good Friiiiiiiidaaaay sports fans and welcome to the Final Four edition of The News. The PCBL 2003 season finally came to a close Thursday night as the top teams from the first round advanced to semi finals.

In the East Semi-Final, Eastern Conference champ and #1 seed Slow Motion 2, took on Bethany Baptist Red the #5 seed, who had just come off it's upset win from Tuesday night over #4 Bethany Blue.  Although, Bethany Red showed signs of brilliance still lingering from Tuesday night, the Slow Mo's speed and swarming defense proved to be too much down the stretch.  Up by 25 early in the second half, Slow Mo 2 put the game on cruise control led by guard Ryan Nysly who scored 15pts and set a PCBL playoff record for steals with 9, in preparation for their move to the Finals and closed it out 58-44.

The Western Semi-Final went much of the same way as #3 seed CMB took on #2 Slow Motion 1 for their third meeting of the year.  The CMB who won by 4 early in the regular season were then torched by 25 in their second meeting with Slow Motion 1, so this looked to be a meeting of vengeance for both clubs.  Early on Slow Mo 1 jumped out to 13pt lead but the CMB, lead by Chris Fisher, who netted 21pts and a game 4stls, and J. Legend who shot 51% from the floor en route to a game high 30pts, would battle back.  But despite their consorted efforts, the Slow Mo's were just too much and too often for the beleaguered roster of the CMB to handle.  The CMB who were without All-Star forwards J.J. Bowden and Webber Martin, due to injury, were out manned and out gunned in a 60-52 losing effort.

After their energy draining face off with Slow Motion 1 the CMB had to turn right around and face Bethany Red in the Consolation 3rd place game.  It would be do or die this time for the CMB as they would try not to repeat their 4th place finish from a year ago.  Led once again by the hot shooting of Chris Fisher who scored 18pts connecting on 4-5 three point shots and pulled in 8 rebounds, to coincide with teammate J. Legend who also hit 4 threes and put up 26pts in the contest.  The CMB moved up by 20 early in the second half and managed to fend off a late rally by Bethany Red and pull out the 3rd place victory 55-50.  "It was a solid game for us.  We were really out manned in the first game and I don't even want to comment on the lack of Bowden and Webber in there, but we still did surprisingly well.  In the 3rd place game we didn't want to repeat our shortcomings from last years playoffs, so we gave all we had left to pull this game out," Team Captain J. Legend said after the game.

In the Finals matchup we were witness to a tremendous defensive and outside shooting battle between Slow Motion 2 and Slow Motion 1.  Although neither of these teams fit their moniker, they both put up great shooting performances and stellar defensive stints.  As both these teams battled for championship supremacy, Slow Motion 2 would prove to be the king of the hill as they fended off each and every Slow Motion 1 offensive down the stretch.  Led by All-Star point guard Billy Martienz, who scored 17pts and dished out 12 assists, Slow Motion 2 would roll on to their first PCBL Championship and claim the $200 Outback prize with a convincing 77-64 win.  Martinez was named PCBL 2003 Outstanding Player of the Tournament with a tournament average of 16.7ppg, 11.3apg, and 2.3spg.

Well that's a full lid folks, congratulations to Slow Motion 2 and all the teams that reached the Final Four in this years playoffs.  The 2003 PCBL season was sensational and next year only looks to be better.  Stay with us as your basketball news source and for all the latest happenings in the world of sports.  We'll have more press releases later in the spring and summer as we follow the mini-camps, the draft, and player personnel moves throughout the coming months.  Thanks again for your continued loyalty to the greatest hoops news on the net.  Out.....

04-09-2003: PCBL 2003 Outback Tournament addition

Good day sports fans and welcome back to the News, we apologize for our 2-week hiatus, but our news correspondents have been covering the war in Iraq and we at CMB News just felt it more pertinent to take a short leave from less important things while our troops march on to defend our liberty and freedom in the Middle East.  On another side note, we'd like to wish our best to the family and friends of David Bloom, former NBC news correspondent who recently died while covering Operation Iraqi Freedom from a unexpected and shocking Pulmonary Embolism.  Our hearts go out to them and we wish them all the best.

With that said the News is back and the PCBL 2003 Outback Tournament got underway last night as the top eight seeds in the playoffs battled for PCBL supremacy.  Most games when according to the suspected script, but there was one noted upset that we'll get to in a moment.  In the Western Bracket #2 seed Slow Motion 1 who started the game with on 4 players in uniform, took on #7 seed Westgate Assembly.  Westgate couldn't seem to muster enough gusto to pin down the fab 4 from Slow Mo 1 and fell under a 12pt lead at the half.  By the start of the second half Slow Motion 1 was at full roster capacity and Nell Carter had begun singing early for Westgate as the Slo Mo's started right where they left off and mowed down the assemblymen 94-55 to advance to the Semi Finals.

In game one of the East Regional the #1 seed Slow Motion 2 took on the lowly #8 seed Bethany Baptist White.  Is there really any surprise as to what happened here when you pit a 10-0 team versus a 0-10 team?  No crystal ball was needed for the outcome of this one as the Vegas odds weren't on the outcome of the game, but rather on whether or not Bethany White could score 25pts in the game.  We'll if your a betting man you would have cleaned up on The Strip as Slow Motion 2 rolled over Bethany White like an Abrams Tank in downtown Baghdad 82-24.  Slow Motion 2 moved on to the Final Four and will face #5 seed Bethany Baptist Red in the Semi Finals, who pulled off the only upset of the night by beating conference rival #4 seed Bethany Blue 48-44.  These teams spilt in the regular season with Red winning 61-60 in the first meeting and Blue winning the second meeting in double-overtime by 4.  "We just didn't execute our offense well and they really pounded us on the glass.  We couldn't make a bucket in the closing minutes when we needed it and that was all she wrote," team captain Bill Dickey said after the game.  It was a two-fold loss for Dickey, whose Baptist Blues failed to advance to the Final Four for the first time in 3yrs, but he was also celebrating his 35th birthday and that probably wasn't the birthday gift he had hoped for.

In other action #3 seed CMB took on rising power #6 Labish Center in what would be these two teams third meeting of the season.  The CMB were without PCBL leading scorer J.J. Bowden and backup PF Johnny Lago, both of whom were nursing injuries, so they only dressed 5, but that would be all they would need.  The CMB who won both regular season contests by 31 and 20, would take this night from Labish just the same.  The CMB just came out of the gate firing like a Patriot missile into one of Saddam's golden toilets, and jumped to a 12-0 lead behind the hot outside shooting of J. Legend and Chris Fisher who combined to hit four 3's in the first half and push Labish towards the exit door.  "We really came out hot and all our guys were hittting.  Workman was knocking down the open 12 footers, Webber clearing the glass...heck even Dan-O was filling the lane and scoring.  It was just a great feeling to see us all moving the ball so well," J. Legend said after the game.  Legend was one of many CMBers who was en fuego last night hitting 5-7 from behind the arc and going 7-7 from the free throw line to finish with 28pts and 7ast.  Webber Martin probably played his best game of the year filling the center spot vacated by the injured Bowden, and hit the boards with ferocity pulling down 15 rebounds and netting 16pts as well.  Fisher was assigned the daunting task of matching up on defense with All-Star phenom David Turkington, the leagues second leading scorer, and fared just fine holding him to just 5-18 shooting while snatching 6 steals from Turkington's teammates in the process.  "We just went out there to prove the CMB are peaking at the right time and that other teams better be ready, because we are set for Outback or bust," Fisher said after the game.  Fisher also finished the game with 20pts and 6rebs to go along with his game high 6 steals. 

This Thursday will mark the final two rounds of the playoffs with things shaping up like this:

What a Final Four we have to look forward two tomorrow night as we await the crowing of the PCBL 2003 season and out Outback Tournament Champion.  Until then...good day and God Bless.

03-20-2003: Injury report

This PCBL Injury Update is brought to you by Sprite, who reminds you to obey your thirst.  A spokesman for the CMB announced just minutes ago that perennial All-Star G. Murph who injured his left knee nearly 3 weeks ago against Slow Motion 2, will finally undergo an MRI at the teams medical facility in Medford Oregon.  "The knee is still giving me some problems with soreness and the swelling seems to come and go, so I think this is the next step in the rehab process," Murph said.  Team physicians initial report had listed the injury as a sever sprain, but requested the MRI when swelling in the knee persisted over the last few days.  Murph has been on the IL for almost a month and will not be in uniform for the CMB's game tonight versus Slow Motion 1 or for the remainder of the regular season.  Team officials have given no timetable for his return, but it is more than likely that he will be out of the lineup for the playoffs, or a major portion of those games as well.

Reporting from Salem, I'm Mike Tirico...good day.

03-10-2003: All-Star Recap

Good morning sports enthusiasts and welcome to this All-Star Edition of the CMB News.  I'm Mike Tiricio alongside Tom Tolbert and "Big Red" Bill Walton, were here to bring you all the highlights from the 3rd Annual PCBL All-Star Thursday, and recap the nights action the best we know how.

In years past we have seen the Western Conference dominate the night, especially in the past two seasons where the West has run the table on all 3 events.  Well this season the East decided to rise up from their mediocrity and show the PCBL that they are the best conference in the league and erase their "East is least" moniker.  The night began with the famous 2Ball competition where 6 teams set PCBL marks for scoring over 30pts in the first round.  After several teams were eliminated in the second round, it came down to the two tandems from Bethany Baptist Blue and Slow Motion 2.  In the end Slow Motion 2's team of Billy Martinez and Scott Parks would take home the trophy with a 3 round score of 117 pts.  But the fun did not stop there....

Attempting to be the first player in PCBL history to win 3 consecutive 3pt Shootout titles, J. Legend in his patented warm-up gear, did not put on a strong shooting clinic as in years past.  "I just tried to knock down the shots as best as I could.  I didn't really get into a good rhythm out there tonight and my 3's just weren't dropping," J. Legend said.  Legend finished with a meager 8pts in the first round of the competition which was 2pts shy of making the cut to advance to the second round.  In the final round it would be an all Bethany Baptist Blue final which pitted a battle of the "Marks."  2-time runner-up and East All-Star, Mark Culburn, against fellow Teammate and All-Star, Marcus Bigelow.  Colburn who set a first round record with 17pts was on fire through all 3 rounds, hitting money ball after money ball.  "I just went into a zone out there, the shots were coming off great and I took extra time with the money balls just to be sure," Colburn said.  Colburn would finish with 15pts to take the crown by 1pt over Bigelow.

In the nights climax, we got a chance to see the best and brightest of the PCBL 2003 season as the East vs. West All-Star game culminated the nights action.  The East lead by Slow Motion 2 guard, Billy Martinez, would lead the quick charge and take the East to 6pt lead, but that would be all the further they would get on the West.  The West rallied and ran off a 19-6 run of their own lead by the hot shooting of Tony Walters from Slow Motion 1 and Chris Fisher of the CMB who combined to hit 8 of 11 3pt shots in the first half alone.  With 8 minutes to go in the first half the West had notched a 13pt lead and then their reserves came in and it all went downhill from there.  The West reserves managed only 4pts in 8 minutes shooting 27% from the floor while the starters watched the lead they work so hard to build dwindle to 1 by halftime.  "Our reserves basically sucked it up out there.  They couldn't defend or score...I mean I know it's a fun game and all for the players and the fans, but even the fans want to see some decent hoops. What they saw in those 8 minutes was pure horror," an unnamed Western starter proclaimed.

With 12 minutes left in the second half, both starting squads for each conference took back to the floor and gave the fans a real treat for the final minutes.  With high flying dunks and stellar 3pt shooting, each team battled for the upper hand, but the games outcome wasn't decided until the final minute when the East took control of the ball and made key plays down the stretch to pull out the victory 78-69.  Rookie Matt Taylor from Slow Motion 2 who scored 18pts and pulled down 13rebs, was named Co-MVP along with Tony Walters from Slow Motion 1 who finished with a game high 25pts, and set a PCBL All-Star record with 7 three pointers.

Next week we are back to regular season action (see PCBL 2003 Schedule for more info) and the final three regular season games look to be great.  Thanks for joining us this morning and have a great day.  For CMB News, I'm Mike Tiricio good day.

03-05-2003: All-Star Selection Show Part II

Due to recent injuries and prior player commitments, there have been some player personnel changes to the current PCBL 2003 All-Star roster.  Player changes are noted below by an asterisk*.

West Starters	Team	East Starters	Team
Dave Turkington	Labish Center	Billy Martinez	Slow Motion 2
Tony Walters	Slow Motion 1	Matt Taylor	Slow Motion 2
Chris Fisher	CMB	Mark Colburn	Bethany Baptist Blue
J. Legend	CMB	Blair Anderson	Bethany Baptist Red
Scott Jurgenson	Slow Motion 1	Michael Fisher	Westgate Assembly
West Reserves	Team	East Reserves	Team
Chris Fowler	Slow Motion 1	Marcus Bigelow	Bethany Baptist Blue
Jeff Favel	Labish Center	Kevin Pruitt	Westgate Assembly
Steve Everett	Bethany Baptist White	Brian Eldridge	Westgate Assembly
Webber Martin*	CMB	Mark Holmes	Bethany Baptist Red
Jason Workman*	CMB	Ryan Nysly	Slow Motion 2
James Atkinson*	Labish Center	Bill Dickey	Bethany Baptist Blue
Jim Steele*	Labish Center	Dave Bartlett*	Slow Motion 2

*If a Starter cannot play due to injury etc, a player in the Reserve position will move up, thus a player in the Alternate position will fill the vacated Reserve roster spot.  For example, Webber Martin was the first Alternate for the West by total vote tally (15) and will replace Starter J.J. Bowden who will not be playing due to injury.  Other Alternate Players that have been moved up to the official PCBL 2003 All-Star Roster are noted below:

Top alternate vote getters:

03-03-2003: Injury Report Supplemental

Hello again, I'm Wandering Eye Stuart Scott, and this just in.

Clint Lago, a spokesman for the CMB, has just issued a statement to the media on the team's behalf regarding perennial All-Star G. Murph and the knee injury he suffered in last Thursday's game.  Team doctors report that initial x-rays on his left knee were negative and showed no structural damage or fracture to the surrounding bones.  However, a follow up MRI is scheduled in the near future along with rehabilitation therapy that could last 3-6 weeks assuming the MRI results on possible damage to the ligaments turns out to be negative.

At this time G. Murph has been moved to the IL and will be lost for the remainder of the season.  The CMB hopes that he will be back in time for their run in the playoffs, but only time will tell.  The CMB also then activated Rick Gardea from the IL to the active roster.

We'll have more information on this story as it develops....

03-03-2003 All-Star selection show:

Happy Monday to all and welcome to this special All-Star Edition of the News.  This Thursday March 6th will mark the 3rd annual PCBL All-Star Gala.  Dave Turkington from Labish Center leads the charge again this year by becoming the leading vote getter for the All-Star game for the second straight year with over 1 million votes tallied.  There were some surprises on this year's ballots, but most of the tried and true players that define this great league are once again going to be showcased for the fans come Thursday.  Listed below are the players that were voted in by the fans and the competing teams for this years East vs. West All-Star Game.

West Starters	Team	East Starters	Team
Dave Turkington	Labish Center	Billy Martinez	Slow Motion 2
Tony Walters	Slow Motion 1	Matt Taylor	Slow Motion 2
Chris Fisher	CMB	Mark Colburn	Bethany Baptist Blue
J. Legend	CMB	Blair Anderson	Bethany Baptist Red
Scott Jurgenson	Slow Motion 1	Michael Fisher	Westgate Assembly
West Reserves	Team	East Reserves	Team
Webber Martin*	CMB	Marcus Bigelow	Bethany Baptist Blue
Chris Fowler	Slow Motion 1	Kevin Pruitt	Westgate Assembly
Jeff Favel	Labish Center	Brian Eldridge	Westgate Assembly
John Turkington	Labish Center	Brandon Webber	Bethany Baptist Red
Meril Craig	Bethany Baptist White	Mark Holmes	Bethany Baptist Red
Steve Everett	Bethany Baptist White	Ryan Nysly	Slow Motion 2
Paul Beals	Bethany Baptist White	Bill Dickey	Bethany Baptist Blue

*If a Starter cannot play due to injury etc, a player in the Reserve position will move up, thus a player in the Alternate position will fill the vacated Reserve roster spot.  For example, Webber Martin was the first alternate for the West by vote tally (15) and will replace starter J.J. Bowden who will not be playing due to injury.

Top alternate vote getters:

02-28-2003

And then there was one.........

Welcome sports fans we have finally arrived the PCBL 2003 All-Star break.  There was some exciting action in the close of last nights games, including a battle of the "Unbeatens" and couple games that came right down to the wire, so let's sit back and crack open a frosty A&W root beer and enjoy the news.

In the battle of Bethany's, Bethany Blue took on the "Will we ever score 40" Bethany White.  Lead by the hot shooting of Mark Colburn who finished with 18pts and 5ast, it appeared that both teams came away with door prizes.  Bethany Blue took home the much coveted win to move to one game of being even (3-4) and Bethany White finally eclipsed the 40pt plateau scoring a red hot 42.  Allegedly Bethany White threw a post game party to celebrate their achievement that got a little out of hand by the time the authorities showed up, yet no arrests were made.  In other PCBL action Bethany Red held off a late rally by Labish Center 49-43, and Slow Motion 1 rolled over Westgate Assembly with no more then a blink of the eye to delightful score of 74-47.

In the nights marquee match-up we saw the battle of the only two undefeated teams in the league when the CMB (7-0) took on Slow Motion 2 (7-0).  The CMB who were playing without league leading scorer JJ Bowden (28.6ppg) who was sitting out with the flu, and minus their leading rebounder Webber Martin, who was away to tend to a private family matter, already had their hands tied before the ball went up.  SloMo jumped out to a quick lead that the CMB whittled away to move even before SloMo pushed them back to take a 10pt lead at the half.  In the second half Fisher, Legend, and Murph strapped it on and with amped up defense and rebounding to make a run. The CMB pulled to within 4, but that would be all the closer they would get.  Fisher fought hard on defensive and continued to drive the lane where it was like throwing meat to a pack of wolves in the key.  "They weren't calling squat inside, I mean nothing man.  Trying to get a call was like trying to be the fat man in a tribe of cannibals during Thanksgiving.  I'm not trying to make excuses for our team, we just didn't play well, but man that officiating was pitiful," Fisher said after the game.  J. Legend who was held scoreless for the first time in his 12yr career also had his worst career game shooting at 0-7.  He helped out on the defensive end of floor but not much elsewhere.  Slow Motion hounded Legend with different defensive matchups and pressured him each time he had the ball.  "I first must really apologize to my teammates.  With Bowden out I know the team needed me to step up on offense and I simply didn't deliver.  I couldn't find my jumper all night and it really hurt us," a sorrowful J. Legend commented after the game.

Just when it seemed the CMB were fighting to get back in it, G. Murph pulled in a clutch rebound only to come down on another players foot and injure his left knee.  His teammates carried him off the floor with 8 minutes to go in the game and he will be having an MRI test later this morning to determine if there is any structural damage to the knee.  At this time team doctors are saying it looks like a possible sprain of the inner Medial Collateral Ligament.  After Murph left the game Slow Motion fought back the late CMB rally and pushed the game out of reach for good, winning 48-34 and locking in the #1 playoff seed and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Teams are off this week for the 3rd Annual All-Star Gala that will take place Thursday March 6th.  All-Star selections will be announced after the final ballots are turned in and tabulated by Monday March 3rd so look for another news update then.  Until then, we leave you with the latest Power Rankings and a glimpse of the possible playoff picture with only 3 games remaining in the regular season.  Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Power Rankings as of 02-28-2003:

1. Slow Motion 2: They really proved they are a step above everyone in the league by taking out the CMB in rival fashion.  PG Billy Martinez is back after a minor ankle injury and they look to being moving full steam ahead into the playoffs.

2. CMB: They might have moved to 3rd this week after their debacle against Slow Motion 2.  However, they still hold the edge over #3 Slow Motion 1 and without Bowden and Webber in this past game the outcome might have been a better story.  G. Murph may be done for the year which will hurt them deeply come playoff time, but only time will tell.  Quick note to J. Legend...We hear they are selling jump shots down at the local K-Mart for $2.99, you best be on your way chump.

3. Slow Motion 1: They remain at the #3 spot with a convincing win over Westgate by 30pts.  They look better then in recent weeks and if they can keep it up they will make a push for the #2 playoff position barring any unforeseen injuries.

4. Bethany Red: They hold off Labish Center this week to win by 6, but they are struggling as of late and with Bethany Blue facing them just after the All-Star break, we could see a shake up in the Power Rankings.

5. Bethany Blue: Coming off 2 good wins and a most convincing one this week versus Bethany White, this team is back on the rise.  After the All-Star break they match-up against Bethany Red and we'll get to see who really wants that 4th playoff seed and who wants to go home early.

6. Labish Center:  Poor poor Labish. This team had tremendous heart and gusto, just not the talent to back it up.  At 2-5 they sit 3rd in the West, but have 2 of their final 3 games of the season against the CMB and Slow Motion 1.  Unless they can muster a miracle it's going to be another first round playoff exit for them.

7. Westgate Assembly:  Is this really the team that came close to upsetting the CMB 3 weeks ago?  Because if that team were to show up every night they might not be 1-6.  They are playing horrific right now and  we don't seem them getting any better considering they have to play Slow Motion 2 in their next game.  Hey Westgate welcome to the 7th playoff seed and an early ticket home in April.

8. Bethany White:  Well finally something good to say for this model of basketball mediocrity.  They managed to break the 40pt barrier this week (42) and to celebrate they gave up 20pts to Bethany Blue in their latest loss.  I guess their lucky number is 8, because they sit 8th in the Power Rankings, are currently the 8th playoff seed, and soon to achieve their 8th loss coming to a court near you.  Way to go fellas keep on keeping on.

02-21-2003

Welcome to this Friday edition of the News, We'd like to thank you for tuning in.  I'm your host Clint Lago, and we have some seat riveting action from last night's PCBL action to bring to you.  We were all treated to probably the best week of action thus far in the 2003 season, where we saw a few close games come down to the wire, and our first overtime match up of the season.  So let' get buckled in and hit the accelerator....

In the fist overtime game in the PCBL since last seasons playoffs, the Assemblers of Westgate went the distance with Bethany Baptist White.  Westgate, down 7 with under 2 minutes to play in regulation managed to knock down back to back three pointers and hit a free throw to tie the game in the closing seconds. In the overtime period they kept the shooting touch going and rattled off a 6-0 run to close Bethany out to the tune of 60-51.

In the early-bird special of the night we got to see Bethany Baptist Blue (2-4) crawl out of their quagmire of mediocrity to clinch their second win of the season over Labish Center (2-4).  The Baptists, who were playing without wingman Bill Dickey who was recovering from Strep Throat, managed to hold off a late rally by Labish and finish the game with a 57-39 win.  "We just played well tonight for once.  We shot well from the outside and also rebounded better then we have in past weeks.  It was a good win for us," Colburn said after the game.

The second game of the night featured the undefeated CMB pitted against the up and coming Bethany Baptist Reds (3-2).  After the sports world was shaken to it's core from yesterday's breaking news about CMBers Fisher and Martin announcing they will not be exercising their 3rd year contract option to return for next season, (click here for Breaking News from 02-20-2003), the CMB barely resembled the concept of a team, let alone one mentally prepared for a game.  Yet the CMB who struggled early in the first half and only managed a one point lead at the half, managed to turn it up a notch in the second half.  Playing with flu-like symptoms, PCBL leading scorer, JJ Bowden was feeling under the weather and finally pulled himself from the lineup with the CMB only leading by 2 with 12 minutes to go in the game.  "I just couldn't get going out there.  I was not only feeling horrible, I was still a little devastated by the news from earlier in the day.  We had a brief team meeting and everything worked itself out and we were focused on winning, but I was just too sick to really contribute as I know I can," Bowden said.

With plenty of time remaining and their leading scorer out of the game, it was up to veterans Fisher and J. Legend to lead the club home...and they did.  Legend hit on back to back 3pt plays and stepped up his defense with intense rebounding and 4 blocked shots in the second half.  "I knew when Bowden left the game that Fisher and I needed to step up.  I just took a page out of Fishers book of defense and went from there to help get us going," J. Legend said.  Fisher on the other hand put on another Kobe-like performance on both ends of the floor coming in just shy of a triple-double with 18pts, 11ast, and 8 steals.  "The guy once again put up a ditto performance from last week.  He's playing Sydney Moncrief-like D right now and hitting big shots on offense as well.  He's just flat out working guys out there," J. Legend commented.  A team thought to be dealing with inner strife and injury, really put on a show of veteran leadership and poise and the scoreboard reflected it.  Final tally CMB 55, Bethany Red 47.

In another close battle of titans, Slow Motion 2 handed Slow Motion 1 their second loss of the season, but just barely at 61-58.  Slow Motion 2, the only other unbeaten in the league will take on their toughest competition yet, when they go to Salem to play the CMB next week.  "They are a great team and are playing well as of late.  I don't put anything past them and respect their players, they'll be tough to beat," Slow Motion point guard, Martinez said.  "A lot of teams are counting us out already because of what's going on this season.  I'm glad they are, because we are focused on winning the title...and that alone.  I can't wait to stuff that junk back in their faces when we rise up next week.  It will be great," CMBer Fisher said in response.

Either way you look at it, it's going to be an exciting game when these to fighters square off next week.  Until then stay dry and have a great weekend, cuz we're Audi G!

02-20-2003: Breaking News

Good morning sports enthusiasts, I'm Ernie Johnson with TNT News and we apologize for interrupting this morning edition of SportsCenter you are watching, to bring you this breaking news story live from PCBL Correspondent Jim Gray, who is standing by live at CMB headquarters in Salem Oregon.  Hello Jim, what can you tell us?

JG:  "Thanks Ernie, I'm here standing just outside the press podium at CMB headquarters, where sources tell us that CMB GM, J. Legend, is about to make a very monumental statement to the press in just a few minutes."

EJ: "Jim is there any word on what this statement may entail?"

JG: "Not precisely, but sources tell us it that involves something of a contract dispute and a failure to communicate with management and players.  It also...oh wait...J. Legend is coming to the podium, lets change our attention there now."

J. Legend: "Good morning and thank you.  Let me first say that I have a brief statement to read, and then I will answer a few questions, before our plane leaves for Denver for tonight's game.  With that said, it is with a heavy heart that the CMB announce today, that 6yr veteran Chris Fisher, the leagues current leader in steals, will not be returning to the CMB next season.  Also, 5yr veteran and league leading rebounder, Webber Martin, will not be returning as well.  Both players had signed contract extensions in 2000 for and additional 2yrs with an option for a 3rd.  Charlie Ford, the agent that represents the two players, has stated that his clients do not intend to exercise their contract option and will explore other endeavors next season.  As a team, our policy is not to discuss contract issues during the regular season, but we felt that at this time this issue needed to be addressed and brought forth.  On behalf of all management, coaches, players, and other personnel, I can say that we will truly miss those two individuals.  Their friendship and devotion to winning has contributed greatly to the success of this franchise and will be forever remembered in the annals of CMB and PCBL history.  We wish them and their families the best, and hope that perhaps even after the season they may reconsider.  Thank you, and now I'll answer a few brief questions."

JG: "Mr. Legend, did either of the players give reasons for wanting to leave and do you think this midseason bombshell will hurt the teams focus, not only for tonight, but for the upcoming playoffs?"

JL:  "Look Jim we are all professionals here and we do not discuss player personnel issues outside the confines of the front office.  I'll admit our teams focus in recent weeks has been sub par at best, but we are a veteran team that has always managed to rise to the challenge.  Our entire teams focus is on winning the championship and I hold Fisher and Webber in the highest regard in that regard just as the rest of our team does.  I believe in them fully that they will continue to fulfill their contract and team obligations."

Peter Vescey: "Peter Vescey, TNT Sports here.  Mr. Legend did either player state in greater detail what "...explore other endeavors" meant?"

JL: "At this time I only know that Fisher has discussed the possibility of retirement.  I cannot speak further for either player, so you would need to contact them for more information on that.  I'll take one final question."

PV: "Do you think this story will have any affect on the game tonight?"

JL:  "Peter, now I know why I've always despised your crack-pot reporting that you pass off for journalism. Apparently you didn't hear me when I just told Jim that I do not believe in any way, shape, or form will this matter detour our focus from tonight's game and winning a title.  That is all, thank you but I must be on my way."

Well sports fans quite the revelation, but it sounds very amicable from both sides.  Both veteran players leave a great legacy behind.  Martin a an All-Rookie 1st Teamer in 1999, and a 2-time All-Star and All-Star Co-MVP in 2002, is currently the league leader in rebounds per game (13.0) and has lead the league in rebounding twice.  He also has career marks of 9.2ppg, 13.1rpg, and 2.5apg. 

Fisher a 5-time All-Star and 2-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner, he has career marks of 15.2ppg, 4.5rpg, and 4.5spg.  Rookie of the Year in 1998, he also won the 6th Man of the Year award that same year and holds PCBL records for most steals in a game (11) and most steals in a season (115).  He currently leads the league this season with 5.4 steals per game and is the franchise career leader in steal-per-game average (4.5)

02-14-2003

Good afternoon and Happy Valentines Day to all you true-believers.  The PCBL had some great action last night, including the usual couple of blowouts as well as a nail biter for the News's namesake.  So without further adieu...let's hit the News like Earl Campbell would a Rams safety.  (Guy was standing straight up...)

First off we had the exciting barn-burning contest between arch rivals Bethany Baptist Red and Bethany Baptist White.  I'll cut right to the chase here and spare you the suspense.  Bethany Red 60 Bethany White 34.  I don't know what's more unreal...the fact that Bethany Red hit the 60 point mark for a second time this season, or that Bethany White still hasn't hit the 40 mark in 5 games.  Maybe somebody needs to take a Kobe Bryant clinic on how to score.

Now let's jump ahead to Game 3 which featured Slow Motion 2, who was playing without the injured Billy Martinez (ankle), versus Labish Center.  Labish always a tough opponent, managed to whittle away an early lead by the Eastern leading SloMo's and was only down 22-23 at the half.  However the second half would be a different story.  Slow Motion 2 wiped away the cobwebs of their apparent coma from the first 20min of play and with some stellar D combined with tough outside shooting they quickly jumped out to a 12pt lead and you could begin to hear Frankie from American Idol start singing in the background.  Final tally for the game wining SloMo Deuce was 57-36.

In the night cap game Bethany Baptist Blue, who was coming off a dismal defeat from Slow Motion 2 two weeks ago, got the chance to take on their mirror image Slow Motion 1 this night.  The struggling Baptists battled hard in the first half and stuck with SloMo 1, trading them basket for basket.  However with only 5 players suited up due to injury, they seemed to run out of gas early in the second half and the wheels of Slow Motion 1 just keep on ah turning'.  Slow Motion 1 rolled on to an easy 84-40 win.

In the most remarkable and yet surprising game of the night the 4-0 CMB took on the 0-4 Westgate Assembly.  A game that should have been easily decided in the first 10 minuets with a probable outcome of a 30+ win for the CMB, would come down to the closing minutes.  The CMB were minus their leading rebounder, Webb Martin (13.0rpg), and their number one defensive stopper Chris Fisher, who pulled a J.R. Rider and showed up late for the tip-off.  Needless to say those two things plus some horrific shooting, allowed Westgate to build a substantial 20pt lead on the bewildered CMB in the first half.  The CMB then jumped on the back of J. Legend who scored on back to back 3pt plays and by the half the CMB were still alive only down by 11.  "We were in dire straights I can tell you that.  We shot terrible, couldn't block off and rebound, and we were getting no defensive pressure up front with Fisher missing," J. Legend said.

The CMB shot a astonishing 25% from the floor in the first half while Westgate shot 54% from 3pt line and 70% overall as a team in the first half.   The CMB were also out rebounded by 15 in the first 20min of play.  PCBL leading scorer JJ Bowden (26.8ppg) was held to 4-31 shooting for the game and finished with only 10pts and 5rebs.  "I played horrific let's no mince words.  I came off from playing one of the better games of my career, and then I just threw this one in the crapper.  We took them too lightly and I think were looking a few weeks ahead to Slow Motion 2.  I couldn't get my jumper going and basically I played like Cheryl Miller on crack, so let's just leave it at that.  If it wasn't for Fisher stepping it up for us, we would be ready to jump of an overpass," JJ Bowden said after the game.

Fisher, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, stepped up and stepped up HUGE for the fledgling CMB.  Fisher who is always good for say 14pts and 4-6 steals per game, really made the difference for them.  Pulling a J.R. Rider before the game and not showing up until 2min was left, Fisher vindicated his sins by taking over the game in the second half.  "Let's just put it this way...if we don't have Fish take over like he did in that game, we lose by 20.  The guy was off the charts, maybe from watching too many Craig Ehlo tapes, I don't know but the guy won the game for us and was the freaking Miller-Lite Game MVP in my book," JJ Bowden said during a post game interview.  Fisher who also scored a team leading 18pts, made two key defensive plays in the closing minutes to seal the game for the CMB.  He made a quick close out to block a shot and keep it in play that turned into 2pts for the CMB on the other end, and then 30 seconds later he makes another block on the baseline under the basket which turns into a 1-1 charity play for them.  55-51 ballgame folks.  "I don't know what it was with him.  Maybe the fact it was his birthday or the fact that he cut off his dreads, I don't know and I don't care.  He flat out dominated the game and we got the W...and that is all that matters," J. Legend exclaimed.

Some great action in this weeks PCBL, and the next coming weeks look to be even better before we hit the PCBL All-Star break.  Thanks for joining us this Valentines Day we leave you with this weeks Power Rankings, enjoy.

Power Rankings as of 02-14-2003

1. Slow Motion 2:  Struggled a little this week but then shut the coffin door on the lowly Bethany Blue's 84-40.  They are 5-0 and should have Martinez back in the line-up next week.  PCBL beware.

2. CMB:  They looked like a girls junior varsity team from Littleton Colorado last night by going down 20 to 0-5 Westgate, before Birthday Boy Chris Fisher brings them back from the brink to win by 4.  Nobody believes that JJ Bowden was wearing the #34 jersey last night for the CMB shooting 4-31, but I'm sure it was just a fluke.  J. Legend's play is still solid and when they get Webb back they should be back in the flow.  Two weeks from now their marquee match up vs. Slow Motion 2 will be a true test.  They are the only other unbeaten at 5-0 with SloMo2, but are they are beatable.

3. Slow Motion 1:  They have lost Tony Martinez for the season (blown Achilles), but they haven't lost a step.  Their 3pt shooting numbers are down, but still hovering around 40% for the team.  They should ride easy till the all-star break.

4. Bethany Baptist Red:  They move to 3-2 and are surprising a lot of nay-sayers in the league right now.  If they can stay consistent look for them to make a push toward a #3 or #4 seed come playoff time.

5. Labish Center:  Hung tuff with Slow Motion 2 for a half and then got a dose of reality...their not that good.  They drop to 2-3 and their schedule only gets harder in the final 5 games.

6. Westgate Assembly: They move up a notch even though they are 0-5, they are better than their record shows.  They have hung tuff with the top echelon teams and almost pulled off the upset of the year nearly beating the CMB this week.  It may be a short rise in the Power Rankings, but for now they can enjoy the 6th spot for a week or so.

7. Bethany Baptist Blue:  Oh how the mighty have fallen.  The past two seasons the defending Eastern Conference champs have slowly sunk lowered and lower each week and now sit at 1-4.  They struggled to get 40pts against Slow Motion 2 and seem to be getting dismantled each week by a different foe.  The question everyone is asking is where is Brent Hurst?  They guy is like D.B. Cooper man...it's sad.  Let's hope they can piece it together after the all-star break or they can say hello to the lottery.

8. Bethany Baptist White:  There are not enough verbs in the English language to describe how bad this team is.  Horrific, terrible, despicable, embarrassing, all come to mind, but they just don't do them justice.  They are 0-5 and what they call basketball would make Dr. Naismith rollover in his grave.  They might as well be 0-105 because unless they have a magic lamp from Aladdin that we don't know about this team is heading not only to an 0-10 season...but for contraction.

01-31-2003

Good afternoon and welcome to the News, we apologize for having such a late edition today, but some of us just take a holiday when it comes to Fridays, and today is one of those days.  The news crew is tired from the long week constant rain and were ready for the weekend as I'm sure many of you are. 

Let's not pull punches here okay, if you were anywhere near the Davis Life Centre last night you got see some great basketball action and some not so great.  In the words of Amy "Good Gorilla" from the movie Congo, "1 game good 3 game bad" kinda summed it all up for week 4.  In game 1 the now 0-4 Westgate Assemblers pulled off another brilliant loss courtesy of Bethany Baptist Red 42-36.  Although it wasn't a high scoring affair it did shake up the Power Rankings, but more on that later.  In game 2 Labish Center pushed the throttle down early on Bethany Baptist White and ran away 49-29 in the end.

We'll get to game 3 in a moment, but let's quickly jump ahead to the surprising action in game 3 that pitted Bethany Baptist Blue versus Slow Motion 2.  Bethany was coming off it's first win of the season while SloMo2 was trying to maintain their current unbeaten streak.  Long story short....Slow Motion 2 is still unbeaten.  Slo Mo jumped out to a quick 10pt lead just minutes into the game and they didn't look back.  In what was pretty much an open track meet last night, Slow Motion 2 rolled up struggling Bethany Blue 70-35.  "It was a plethora of problems that resulted in our loss tonight.  We didn't hit some shots we should have, we didn't get back on D, and we didn't yada yada yada.  We just didn't come out to win tonight," captain Billy Dickey said of his teams performance.  This unfortunate loss drops last years 3rd place champs to 1-3 and struggling to find their way in the East.

In game 3 we had the real treat of the night.  Two unbeaten rivals going head to head in the marquee match up.  Last seasons Finals contenders, Slow Motion 1, versus the always potent CMB.  The fans really got a treat in this one.  Both teams were battling back and forth in the first half with 10 lead changes alone.  Slow Motion 1, the leagues leading 3pt shooting team proved just how potent they were by connection on 6-10 from behind the arc in the first half which game them a one point lead at that half.  The second half would be much the same but with a different outcome.  PG Tony Martinez injured his left leg during a rebound squirmish and Slow Mo had to replace him with a backup.  The injury would force Martinez out of the game and turned out to be a severe injury to his Achilles tendon.  The CMB took advantage of the change and got behind the hot shooting of JJ Bowden to lead the way. "The guy was unreal tonight.  He always plays well, but it's few games fans really get to see his full potential. He saved us and they had no answer for him," teammate J. Legend said.  Bowden who shot an amazing 68% from the floor was firing on all cylinders last night as he hit from all angles to lead all scores with 36pts and 11rebs.

Some key turning points to the game came late in the second half as the CMB trailed Slow Motion 1 57-47.  In a mater of what seemed like seconds the CMB had ran off a 14-2 run lead by Fisher who hit a key drive to the hoop, Legend buried a 3 pointer a play later, Murph made some key rebounds in the low post, and then the play of the game occurred.  Leading by one, Fisher gambled on a steal opportunity from Tony Walters who quickly evaded Fisher and attempted a 3.  Fisher quickly recovered in time to block the shot away and funnel a quick pass to Bowden on the long break who got fouled converting what would be a 3pt play...ballgame folks.  With the CMB in the bonus in the closing seconds they pulled away 63-59 to move to 4-0.  "It was really a team effort.  We all stepped up to the challenge in the closing minutes and each of us made a key play to change the momentum of the game," Fisher said.

Truly some great hoopage from the PCBL for week 4.  The PCBL is into the bye-week for February 6th so there will be no news next week.  We know you are all deeply depressed to hear this, but stay on the Prozac Dr. Feelgood has you on and you'll make it thought till then.  Well leave you with the quick and short, nice and neat version of the Power Rankings today.  Good day and have a great weekend.

Power Rankings as of 01-31-2003

1. Slow Motion 2:  The rolled up Bethany Blue in a nice neat little package and sent them packing early 70-35.  To put it mildly this team is good...dang good.  PCBL beware.

2. CMB:  They beat the #2 team so they move up deservingly.  The looked like the veteran team of old last night and rallied back to grasp a big win.  The real question the other teams are asking now is not if this team can rise above last seasons disappointments, but can anyone stop JJ Bowden?  Uh....let me answer that one...NO.

3. Slow Motion 1:  You blow an Achilles and you also blew the game.  The loss of Tony Martinez for the season hurts them in the long run.  Can they hold on till Aprils playoffs? Only time will tell.

4. Bethany Baptist Red:  How this team is .500% we'll never know, but we don't know how they fit all that graham in Golden Grahams either.  Some things just are as the are...but don't let their #4 ranking fool you, they are the benefactors of any easy schedule thus far.

5. Labish Center:  Their pattern of win one lose one, is keeping them from really moving up the ladder.  If they don't put some consistency together after the break they will be at home watching it all come April.

6. Bethany Baptist Blue:  Hello....Earth to Bethany.  This team needs to find some real answers and find them quick.  At 1-3 perhaps the bye-week can help them figure it out.  Once a true power in the East is now becoming a doormat for other teams to wipe their Chuck Taylor's on.

7. Westgate Assembly:  Suck

8. Bethany Baptist White:  This team is so horrific it pains me to not only watch their games but have to report on them the next morning.  I really think I'm developing an ulcer here. They can play decent D at times, but offensively they couldn't score if they had 5 balls and played 5 on none for a half.  A group of handicapped monkeys from the test labs at Johnson & Johnson could win more games.

01-24-2003

Mornin' sports enthusiasts and welcome to latest edition of CMB News.  We apologize in advance for this edition, but our news anchor's back is killing him this morning, and the game outcomes from last night could have been predicted by the Amazing Krescin for that matter.  So we here at the news desk may be a little more cranky than usual.  So let's cut to the chase and get the quick recap of last night's action and the latest Power Rankings.

Since your time is important, let's not mince words here.  This is how you can sum up the entire PCBL league thus far this season.  There are 4 good teams and 4 teams that each have a foot in the grave...some are closer to having both.

Slow Motion 1 blew out Labish 81-40, no real surprise there, other then Labish finally reaching the 40pt plateau.  Their mirror image, Slow Motion 2, ran the table on Bethany Red to the tune of 69-31. Slow Mo 2 was up 26-4 at one point in the first half, so this one could have got real ugly, but they decided to downshift into 2nd gear in the second half and ease up on the rookies.  Games 3 and 4 is where we saw the best action where Bethany Blue took on Westgate and the CMB hosted Bethany White.

Bethany Blue was lead by Bill Dickey who was the consummate floor general at both ends of the floor.  He was rebounding, hitting 3's, and taking charges at the defensive end. "I don't know what got in to him.  He was just dancing around the entire floor like a jitterbug out there tonight.  I suppose it must be the Viagra in his Gatorade," teammate Mark Colburn said.  Dickey managed to put up 6pts, 6rebs, and 6ast for the game.  We were a little leery on the "Mark of the Beast-like" numbers but I must admit the guy played well.  In the end Bethany Blue pulled away 59-41 to snag their first win and move to 1-2 for the season.

In other action the CMB hosted Bethany White and once again struggled in the first half as Bethany kept it close with an uncharacteristic 2-3 zone they sprung on the CMB. "We just couldn't get in any rhythm with that dang zone.  Once we composed ourselves and started knocking down some open shots, it was all over for them," game high scorer JJ Bowden said after the game.  The CMB shot a pitiful 35% from the field as a team but managed to force 22 turnovers, including 6stls by Chris Fisher that broke open the game.  Fisher finished with 20pts to go along with his game high 6stls.  Even with their poor offensive production the CMB still managed a 66-31 win.  Box score leaders were, JJ Bowden with 22pts, 7rebs, Webber Martin with 11rebs, J. Legend with 14pts and 12ast.

That's the scoop for this week, let's move on to the latest Power Rankings.

1. Slow Motion 2: No big surprise here.  They are outscoring their opponents, by 42.3ppg and lead the league in steals at 14 per night.  Scary thing is that they haven't played at full speed yet.  Look for them to get a real test when they take on some of the upper echelon teams in the coming weeks.

2. Slow Motion 1: Their entire squad can shoot the 3 including their forwards, but apparently their opponents haven't figured that out yet.  They look like Loyola Marimount from the 80's the way they run and gun, and only look to be getting better.

3. CMB:  They continue to lead the league in rebounding at 45.3 per game, but their offense is truly struggling.  In each of the first three games they have come out of the gate sluggish and half asleep at times. They still have not reached the 70pt mark in any game, a consistent milestone in years past, and their shooting in first halves this season is a horrific 38% as a team.  However, they always seem to turn it on in the second half and their a seasoned team with proven veterans.  Perhaps they are a little complacent waiting for the playoffs, but if they continue at this pace they'll be in for a long season when they meet the likes of either of the Slow Motion teams.

4. Bethany Baptist Blue: The move up one notch after dismantling Westgate Assembly 59-41 this week, and are finally on the road to improvement.  They snagged their first win to move to 1-2 and should continue to get better if they stay healthy.

5. Bethany Baptist Red: Although they narrowly beat Bethany Blue 61-60 last week, it was obviously a fluke as they got their fannies handed to them this week to the tune of 69-31 courtesy of Slow Motion 2.  This team looks to be on the downhill slide and we predict a drastic Dow Jones-like spiral to happen in the coming weeks.

6. Labish Center: This team has a lot of heart but not much else.  Their offense only goes as far as Dave Turkington can take them with his 21ppg, but that's about it.  See memo to Toronto Raptors here.  They hit 40 points for the first time, but when your opponent scores 60 or more a game, it's kinda hard to mount a victory.  They will never crack the top 4 without an act of the Almighty so you can dial in a first round playoff exit again for this franchise.

7. Westgate Assembly: It's pretty much a cellar dwelling tie here between Westgate and Bethany Baptist White at the 7 and 8 spots, so we tried to add some flash to the Power Rankings by moving them up a tier.  It's really just window dressing since this team is worse then being Jack who traded the prize family cow and getting stuck with the magic beans.  Actually if I were Westgate I think I would make the trade for the beans, they might actually put some points on the board.

8. Bethany Baptist White: Can we just say that this team is really bad?  They gave the CMB a little bit of a run for about 3 minutes until the CMB came out of their coma and then abruptly ran them into a bridge abutment for a 66-31 win. They average 32.6ppg while their opponents average 87 a game.  It doesn't take a mathematician to see that translates into 0-3.  I mean come on!!!!

That's it...were sick to our stomach now....mommy please pass the Pepto Bismal.  OUT!

1-17-2003

Good afternoon sports fans, I hope that ham and Swiss on rye that you pounded down for lunch is sitting well, because we have some exciting hoop news to share with you this fine day, but before we turn it over to Stuart Scott for his thoughts on the match up between Ming Ming vs. The Bling Bling in Houston tonight, let's go to Salem for the latest CMB News.

Week two in the season last night began much like it's predecessor from last Thursday.  We saw a couple of blowouts and a nail biter go right down to the closing seconds.  Game one featured expansion franchise, Bethany Baptist White, pitted against last Season's Finals runner-up, Slow Motion 1.  Just from the names on the marquee you knew this one was over before the tipoff.  In a devastating display of pit bull-like defense and fast break offense, Slow Motion 1 ran away with this contest by becoming the first team in PCBL history to hit the century mark.  Final score 102-31...and no that's not a typo.

Game two we got to see another great budding rivalry with the CMB taking on Labish Center.  Although the CMB started out slow in first half Webber Martin took control of his defensive mis-match up and rattled off 8 straight points to get the CMB moving in the right direction.  Webber finished with a season high 10pts and 15rebs. In the end they routed Labish to the tune of 69-38.  "I think in order for it to be a rivalry it has to be an even match up doesn't it?  They have never beaten us and I don't think that's going to change any time soon," JJ Bowden said after the game.  Bowden lead all scorers for the second consecutive week with 26pts and pulled down 8rebs.  Other stats of mention were Chris Fisher who wreaked havoc on the opposing team with his defense, and had a game high 6stls and finished with 12pts.  J. Legend who had a stellar shooting performance from the field also knocked in 22pts and gave out 7 helpers.

In probably the best game of the night, eager fans got a chance to see Bethany Baptist Blue take on one of it's counterparts, Bethany Baptist Red.  Blue, who was coming off a tough loss to the CMB from last week was looking to right their wrongs with a predetermined win over the less opposing Bethany Reds.  On paper this thing should not have been close, but the Reds fought back from a 15pt half-time deficit with stellar shooting and gritty rebounding that made all the difference down the stretch.  In the closing seconds forward Jason Nault made a costly decision on the inbounds play by rolling the ball inbounds to save time on the clock, but his freelance move was unnoted by his teammates who watched the ball roll in just to be scooped up by the Reds who quickly converted...ballgame 61-60.  Team Captain, Bill Dickey spoke out with these harsh words for his teammates after the game.  "I don't know what he (Nault) was thinking. We had 20 seconds left on the clock and he goes rogue on us with that jacked up inbounds play?  We just didn't think out there tonight and now were paying the price."  I don't know about you sports fans but it sounds like after 2 consecutive losses, the Bethany Blue coach could be on the hot seat.

That concludes this weeks News, but we leave you with this seasons first release of the PCBL Power Rankings:

1. Slow Motion 2: This team is just unreal.  They post 168pts in two games and have an average margin of victory of 44.5ppg.  PG Billy Martinez is leading the league in assists per game with 9.6, and rookie Matt Taylor is the surprise of the league chiming in 18pts and 6rebs a night.

2. Slow Motion 1: Last season's Finals contender is looking much better then expected.  Losing Martinez in the off-season to free agency hasn't seemed to slow them down (no pun intended.)  Their outside shooting is tops in the league at 41.3% from behind the arc as a team and their inside game is looking tough.

3. CMB: After derailing in last years playoffs with injuries to JJ Bowden and J. Legend, the CMB look to be back on track.  They are 2-0 and although their scoring is down, Bowden and Legend are both averaging over 20 per game.  Their defense has stepped it up and is best in the league for opponents scoring average of 41.5 per game and they lead the league in rebounding with 46.2 per contest.  Chris Fisher is once again leading the league in steals per game with 6.0 and Webber Martin leads all players with 13.2rpg.

4. Bethany Baptist Red: This new expansion franchise is answering some doubters already as they have hung tough with teams like Slow Motion 1, and then upended their twin sister, Bethany Baptist Blue this week to move to .500% thus far this season.  Although they are still very young they have tremendous upside and could make some waves this season.

5. Bethany Baptist Blue:  Okay can anyone tell me what in the *%&$!*~ is going on in Big Blue?  Last seasons Eastern Conference champion has looked withered to say the least.  In week one they lose by 23 to the CMB and then 61-60 to the expansion Reds this week.  Earth to Bethany Blue??? Are you there?  One thing going for them is that its way too early in the season to write them off yet, but sitting at 0-2 can't be too comfortable for the coaching staff.  They should turn the ship around this week against Westgate Assembly, if not look for Coach Dickey in the unemployment line come Friday morning.

6. Labish Center:  They have improved their offensive shooting this season, but Human Highlight Film, Dave Turkington, still doesn't get enough looks.  Their defense is still weak, especially inside, but they never give up in a game and should move up down the road.

7. Bethany Baptist White: The moniker "White" fits this aging group of players to a T.  The haven't hit the 40pt plateau yet, but they have a lot of heart and after they get a few players back from the IL they should win some ball games, until then bet the spread for their games, they are sure to cover.

8. Westgate Assembly:  Okay we really looked hard for something positive to say about this expansion franchise, but it was all for not.  They are the typical expansion team.  No offensive weapons, no defensive stoppers, no fans, and most of all no wins.  33.5 points per game is not going to get it done fellas, not unless your opponent is 5 dead guys and they spot you 10.

That's a full lid people, see you next week.  Have a great MLK and stay strong.  OUT!!!!

01-10-2003: Injury report update

Welcome to CMB News your leader in sports news.  We interrupt the program in progress, "Matlock: The case of the underhanded handyman," to bring you this late breaking story.  We have confirmed that CMB wingman, J. Legend, did undergo a mild procedure just hours ago to help alleviate his chronic lower back pain.  Team physicians injected a small dose of Lidocaine and Cortisone in to the S.I. Joint on the lower left side of Legend's back.  "I'm just glad to have it done with.  This thing has been bothering me for weeks now, and I hope this will alleviate the pain for the remainder of the season so I can get back to doing what I love at 100%," J. Legend said after leaving the hospital.

The procedure is intended to relive the chronic inflammation in the S.I Joint (click here for image.  Red indicates location of injection point.)  "It's a very common procedure among pro athletes and usually is very effective.  In a week or so Mr. Legend should be back to normal," Team Doctor Gary Vitti said.

That's the latest from Salem for now, we'll keep you posted as news breaks.  We now return you to Matlock...go get em Mr. Mayberry.

01-10-2003

Well happy Friday to all the weekend is finally here and while were all gearing up for some exciting NFL playoff games this weekend, let's at least focus for now on the most exciting basketball action West of the Mississippi...I'm talking about the PCBL 2003 season of course.

The PCBL opened up it's 6th season at the FeelGood Centre last night and although most of the outcomes followed closely to analysts predictions, there was more then one shining moment on the hardwood last night.  The season opener pitted returning Labish Center against newcomers Westgate Assembly, and to put it mildly the players and especially the fans could not wait for this nightmare to end.  Both teams struggled to get going and it only went downhill from there.  "It was like watching two blind monkeys with no appendages trying to find the last banana hanging from the tree...it was sad," one lowly fan said.  Labish and Westgate combined for a PCBL record 42 turnovers and a season low of 28% shooting.  In the end Labish was able to get one foot out of the grave and pull off the victory 37-24.

In other action Slow Motion 1 rolled up Bethany Baptist Red and sent them home to lick their wounds in a decisive route of 79-43.  Tony Martinez led all scorers with 22pts and 6ast.  Their Biazzaro counterpart, Slow Motion 2, played pretty much in the same fashion by throttling Bethany Baptist White by 57pts in a very comfortable 93-36 win.  Billy Martinez led all players with 11 assists and rookie forward Matt Taylor led all scorers with 28pts.

In last nights marquee match up we witnessed an exciting rematch of last years quarterfinals, as playoff perennials Bethany Baptist Blue took on the CMB.  Both teams started out sluggishly in the first half and Bethany jumped out to a quick 11-8 lead before J.J Bowden stopped the bleeding with a quick 3 pointer to tie it and the CMB found their groove. The CMB were at full roster capacity for the first time in nearly two years and nearly injury free.  "We really came out of the blocks late in the first half.  We didn't have a set rhythm and none of our shots were dropping like they normally do for us.  It was the first time we had our regular roster in a long while and it felt good to be out there with all of them again in our rightful place," Bowden said after the game.  Bowden put on a clinic from the field hitting his first 7 shots and getting to the foul line repeatedly.  He finished with a game high 23pts and added 7rebs.

Another bright spot for the CMB last night, other then their convincing 68-43 win, was the return of semi-retired power forward, G. Murph.  After being away from the game for nearly 2yrs, G. Murph didn't show too many signs of age or the layoff for that matter.  "I felt pretty good out there tonight.  It was a little weird coming off the bench, but I worked my way into the lineup and managed to contribute quite well I think," Murph stated at the post game press conference.  Murph's statements may have been modest, but his game was not.  Murph played only 22 minutes, coming off the bench for the first time in his career, but managed to get his customary double-double with 12pts and 11rebs to go along with 5ast.

Other mentionables from the CMB box score were Chris "Plastic" Fisher who made consistent lay-ups and finished with 12pts and a game high 6stls.  J. Legend who has continued to play through the preseason with an inflamed S.I. joining in his lower back, managed to hit 7-8 from the charity stripe and dished out helpers to boot, dropping in 16pts and 7ast.  "It was just so great to have a full squad and run the floor with Fish, Bowden, and Murph again.  It's how it was meant to be and I can almost smell that Bloomin' Onion now," J. Legend said.

Although the game was bleak for Bethany from the onset, they were playing with their starting five for the first time this year as well and they did manage to have some bright spots to build on for the weeks ahead.  "We just couldn't sustain fire power of that magnitude.  We continued to turn the ball over and they were firing on all cylinders after about 15 minutes.  Then we had to play catch up all night long," Bethany Captain Bill Dickey said.  Dickey, one of the few bright spots for Bethany last night, moved well without the ball and had an impressive 5rebs to go with his 5' 9" frame.  Other notables for Bethany Baptist Blue were Mark Coluburn who finished with 12pts and 4ast.

That completes the recap for this weeks action.  Next week be sure to tune in to get the latest PCBL news and the first release of this seasons Power Rankings.  Until then have a great weekend and be safe.  For CMB News I'm Will McDonough.

01-06-2003

Well Happy New Year sports junkies (no pun intended Bowden), we at CMB News hope you had a festive holiday season, but now is the time to shed those extra pounds you put on over the holidays chowing down on all that ham and turkey and it's time to shake off your tetraphin coma and get back into shape with the latest edition of the CMB News for the upcoming 2003 PCBL basketball season.

The preseason officially wrapped up last week and the league is ready to kick of it's 6th glorious season this Thursday January 9th.  Early speculation has our analysts asking some critical questions like, can Slow Motion rebound from All-Star guard Bill Martinez's exit to free agency and still overcome it's playoff demons?  Will Bethany Baptist with it's newly donned 3-headed monster of teams, finally get out of the first round of the playoffs and make a serious run towards glory?  Can the CMB, once so dominate, but now facing an ever aging roster and J. Legend's chronic back problems, really be considered a major threat in the playoffs...or the Western Conference for that matter? 

Well we hope within the next few weeks those questions and many others will be answered.  With the first games of the season still a few days away the debate continues as to who will dominate the regular season in the PCBL and stake their claim to the coveted Outback prize.

Until then, here is Conference breakdown and the PCBL 2003 schedule for week one.

	CMB		Bethany Baptist Blue
	Bethany Baptist White		Bethany Baptist Red
	Labish Center		Slow Motion 2
	Slow Motion		Westgate Assembly

Schedule for Week 1 Thursday January 9th

12-16-02: Preseason Injury Report

For the week of December 12th here is your preseason PCBL injury report.

Bethany Baptist: After last weeks preseason opener Baptist guard, Bill "Rawhide" Dickey, suffered a minor tendon strain to his ankle and had to leave the game.  "The ankle was really bothering me for a day or two, but I think with some good stretching and rest I should be good to go," Dickey said.  Team trainers have applied treatment to the ankle, and he has been resting it as well, so he should not miss any game time.  He is listed as probable for Thursday night's action.

CMB: J. Legend who suffered a severe lower back injury during a charity football game nearly 3 weeks ago on Thanksgiving day, and then re-aggravated it this past Thursday night, was in to meet with team doctors this morning."  J. Legend has been diagnosed with a minor inflammation of the Sacral Join or "S-I Joint" which is the lower joint that helps connect the lumbar to the pelvis (click here to see image).  Team physicians prescribed a chronic (not "the chronic" Bowden) time-release anti-inflammatory medication and he will have several sessions of physical therapy beginning this Wednesday afternoon.  "My back has really been killing me for the last couple of weeks.  I had hoped that with rest and some heat/ice would cause it to subside, but it hasn't.  I believe that the therapy and medication will do the trick and I won't be forced to miss any action," Legend said at team shoot around this morning.  You may recall that J. Legend played in last years playoffs while suffering from kidney stones only to watch his team lose in the Quarter-Finals in double overtime to Bethany Baptist.  Legend is in his 12th season with the CMB has never missed a game to date.

That concludes this weeks PCBL injury report.  Stay tuned to CMB News for all the late breaking sports news across the nation.

10-25-02:

Welcome to this afternoon edition of CMB News, brought to you by the makers of Jock Juice, the refreshing sports drink with the funny little name.  Now lets move on to today's top story....

Spokesmen from the CMB recruiting affiliate in Medford Oregon, have issued a statement today that semi-retired former center and CMB Hall of Famer, G. Murph, has signed a letter of intent to re-up as a player with the CMB for the 2002-03 season.  The report states the G. Murph may be relocating with his family and taking a position with the CMB Southern Region office in Roseburg/Sutherlin, to work as an assistant coach and scout for the CMB South Farm Team.  The report also stated that G. Murph will commit to a players contract of 5 regular season games including the playoffs, with an option for another 5 games.  This news has the PCBL buzzing as it gears up for its preseason just a month away.

Wait just a moment....We are getting word that CMB Owner and GM, J. Legend, is about to hold an impromptu press conference to discuss this report.  Let's go live to Salem...

J. Legend: "Thank you all for joining us, we hope you are having a great day.  I would like to confirm reports that are coming out of southern Oregon today regarding former CMB great, G. Murph.  I had a phone conversation with Mr. Murph this morning and we finalized a deal that should be beneficial to both parties.  Mr. Murph will be relocating to our southern farm team office in Roseburg/Sutherlin in a matter of weeks.  He will temporality take on the position of Assistant Coach and Recruiting Scout for our southern farm club. We have also offered him a very lucrative players contract which he has agreed to verbally.  The commitment is to play in 5 regular season games including the playoffs, with an option for 5 more regular season games.  This change will help us two fold, it will allow us to explore the possibility of starting a full fledged CMB South team, which we have discussed several times in the front office, and it will bring back one of the greatest players in CMB and PCBL history to their rightful home.  This is something that has been in the works for nearly a year and we must say that we are very exuberant over this turn of events and hope this turning point will help the CMB achieve it's goal of winning a 12th title."

G. Murph brings back with him career marks of 20.3ppg, 13.5rpg, and 8.7apg.  He is also the CMB's all time leader in rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage.  He is an 8-time All-Star and 6-time League MVP .

Well sports fans, this looks to be an exciting time in the roller coaster ride of the CMB this season.  I can hardly wait for the season to get underway.  Reporting for CMB News, I'm Andrew Siciliano, good day L.A.

09-23-02:

Good morning sports fans and welcome to this CMB News special report. 

It is with a heavy heart the CMB are officially announcing the retirement of one of their most appreciated staff members.  Pastor Mark Gering, a former player and current CMB Chaplin, has accepted a position as Senior Pastor at an Assemblies of God church in St. George Utah.  Although it saddens us to see Chaplin Gering go, we wish him and his family the best during this promotion time in their lives.  Gering played 4 short seasons in the PCBL and his last and only one with the CMB in 2000.  He has been serving as CMB Chaplin since his departure from the active roster.  He had career averages of 8.6ppg, 3.5prg, and 4.3apg.

But the daunting news doesn't end there for the CMB.  In yet another fleecing of the CMB, recently re-signed power forward Eric Schaffner will also be leaving the team to join Chaplin Gering as an associate in St. George Utah.  Schaffner, who verbally agreed to play with the CMB in 2000, only to sign with another team that eventually went on to win the championship that year, played last season with the CMB and help them work their way towards the playoffs only to leave the final two weeks of the regular season to pursue a professional baseball career in Germany.  After playing one season of baseball in Germany, Schaffner decided to return to the US and continue his basketball career.  He signed a one year deal with the CMB in August, but will once again be absent from the roster come this season. "I really feel distraught about leaving the CMB again.  I had hoped to help them get back to the Finals this season, but we really felt led by the Lord to take this position with Chaplin Gering and make the move to Utah," Schaffner said.

Although the emotional core of the CMB may be somewhat rocked by this news, their focus and vision is not. In fact the CMB's front office was in late night discussions last night with agents for Dave Bartlett and Billy Martinez.  "We are not stirred by this news, yet we are saddened by it.  Although this mixed blessing is tough to deal with, we shall not lose our focus on winning and will not be deviated from our vision of winning a title," GM J. Legend said. As you may recall Martinez was the All-Star rookie PG for Slow Motion last season who shook up the league by winning the title in 2002.  Martinez's agent seems very direct, in wanting to move his client to another team for "max-out dollars" and a shot at winning another title. Since Slow Motion has lost several players to free agency already, and the with the CMB having nearly 20 million under the cap this season, both parties are very interested that this move may be workable. 

Bartlett is a 3-time All-Star power forward, who is returning to basketball after 2 seasons off working as a baseball manager for a local little league team.

With the 2002-03 season just a couple of months away, the CMB's devastating roster has been devastated once again.  A team that looked unbeatable in the off season, now looks like it may be grasping at straws to fill their roster to be competitive this season, but only time will tell.

09-12-02:

Dateline, Salem OR...

While many of us, along with the CMB, were remembering and honoring the fallen of 9.11.01 last evening, the CMB front office was hard at work.  The CMB have once again solidified their 2002-03 roster with a plethora of new and returning talent. 

First off the CMB have officially announced the retirement of off guard, Bob West.  West played 3 seasons with the CMB, 5 total in the PCBL, but lingering leg injuries had forced this star to retire early.  "I will really miss playing for the CMB organization. They always treated me fair and gave me a shot at winning at the highest level and I truly want to thank them for that.  I just couldn't seem to stay healthy enough to play at the high level I usually excelled at, and thought it best to move on," West said.  In his 5yr career West averaged 4.6ppg, 3.4rpg, and 3.2apg.  He was a 2-time 2Ball competition winner and was selected as an All-Star 2 times.  West will remain with the team but in a different fashion...He will assume duties as a probationary scout for the club in it's Gig Harbor affiliate in Washington.

In other roster news, the CMB have resigned power forward Eric Schaffner to a 1yr deal.  Many of you may recall that Schaffner played on the PCBL's 2001 Finals Champion Schaffer's Squad, and then signed with the CMB in the off season as an unrestricted free agent.  He helped lead the CMB towards the playoffs last season, but left the team in the final weeks of the regular season to pursue a once thought shelved pro baseball career in Germany.  Schaffner has since returned for the fall off-season baseball months, and has signed on to play a full season with the CMB this year.  "It's really great to have Shaff back.  He will definitely solidify our middle and give us much needed rebounding," GM J. Legend said.

The CMB have also signed University of Portland standout, Kasey Flicker, to a 2-game deal that includes an option for 4 games and the playoffs. Flicker who was a high school phenom at McNary High School in Salem, will bring added fire power and ball control to an already potent offense.

And finally in an unrelated matter, the PCBL Media Office is sorry to report that Trinity Prayer House Head Coach Ivan McRae, also a star running back for Western Oregon University, has been suspended by the NCAA for violating rules regarding an alleged incident where he allegedly accepted payment while playing for the Salem Doom in 2000, a semi-pro football team in Salem Oregon.  As you may also recall last season, Trinity Prayer House was suspended from the PCBL postseason tournament for failure to comply with it's contractual agreement for payment with the PCBL.  "It is disheartening to hear of this incident and our thoughts go out to Ivan and his family.  He was always a pleasure to deal with as a coach in the PCBL and he was a phenomenal football athlete as well.  I hope this matter can be resolved and Ivan can get back to playing the game he loves," PCBL Commissioner J. Legend said at a press conference later this afternoon.

As an amateur athlete, the NCAA strictly prohibits those athletes from receiving compensation for participating in a professional sport of the same nature.  Attached below is a link to the full story which ran today in the Statesman Journal's Sports section. The CMB Media Office will follow this story as it develops.  Thank you and good day.

Statesman Journal article 9-12-02: Wolves hope running back returns

08-01-02:

CMB send out summer camp invitations...and announce a little surprise

Dateline, Salem OR...

The CMB front office has confirmed that their precious "Summer Invites" are in the mail and some exciting players have will be invited to camp this summer.  ESPN reporters managed to discover the identity of some of the invitees, most notably would be Jason Workman a 2nd yr PG from Salem, and Kasey Flicker a rookie from the University of Portland.

Workman signed a 10-day contract toward the end of last season if you recall, when serious injuries plagued the CMB's starting roster.  J.J. Bowden was lost for the remaining 3 weeks of the season and the playoffs,  when he partially tore his Achilles tendon and J. Legend was no better then 50% while playing in constant pain with kidney stones.  Workman came in and played in the regular season finale and the first two rounds of the playoffs.  The then rookie managed to help the CMB move to double-overtime in the Western Conference Semifinals by hitting two clutch free throws with 1 second remaining, before they narrowly lost to Bethany Baptist.  "Workman can do a lot of things for us.  He's an excellent shooter and passer and we needed more consistent play from the point position and I think that Workman can deliver that for us," CMB GM J. Legend said.  Workman averaged 8.3ppg and 3.6apg during the CMB's short lived playoff run last season.

Flicker would bring a new flavor to the table for the CMB.  The former McNary High School and Portland Pilots star brings versatility and desire to a championship organization in need of a slight morale boost.  If signed, the CMB would enjoy a faster moving triangle offense and a better perimeter defense behind the 6' 4" Flicker at the 3-spot which would allow J. Legend and Fisher more room to roam outside and get back on defense.  Flicker's deadly outside shooting would also open up the middle for the low-post play of Bowden and Webber Martin.  "I think Kasey would be a great asset to this team and definitely make us a title contender for sure, but there is a lot of contract work to be done before now and then," says VP of Operations G. Murph.

These two possible acquisitions would definitely bolster an already potent roster...but an aging one.  The added youth would be a boost for a team who finished a franchise low (4th) in last years playoffs, and whose average age is 29. But it still does not address the CMB's desperate need for a solid power forward to play alongside Martin and Bowden.  However, the CMB front office has just announced that they are in meetings as we speak regarding the signing of a legitimate power forward, who we are told, will drastically improve their roster and shake up the league...and no it's not Bison Dele (a.k.a Brian Williams.)

Stay tuned for more on this breaking story as it develops.

07-03-02

Dateline, Salem OR...

Thank you for joining us once again. The Associated Press is now reporting that the CMB have officially removed Fisher from the NBA waiver wire and fully intend on resigning him to the maximum they can allow under the salary cap without having to pay the luxury tax.  With early estimated numbers that would appear to be a a 4 or 5 year deal worth an estimated $44 million or more plus incentives, however terms of the contract were not disclosed due to team policy, so we can only speculate at this time.

07-03-02

Dateline, Portland OR...

The Associated Press reports today that the CMB front office has made it known to the NBA and the NBA Players Association, that veteran swing man, Chris Fisher, is officially on the waiver wire.  However, since Fisher is a restricted free agent the CMB can match any offer made by another team to keep Fisher right where he is.  The CMB who are very close to having to pay the luxury tax may be looking for a way to rework his contract and still give him the maximum amount allowed.  However, details surrounding the decisions were undisclosed due to team policy at this time.  We hope to have further information as this story develops.

04-09-02

Good morning sports fans and welcome to this special news brief from the leader in hoops news.  A spokesman for the CMB is reporting today, of two ground breaking stories that could very well crush the hopes of the CMB regaining the title this year that they are so desperately seeking.

In one story the CMB headquarters is reporting that J.J. Bowden's calf/hamstring injury was re-aggravated Sunday night in a scrimmage, and he may not be able to play in the Semifinal game this Thursday.  "I don't know what I was thinking...apparently I wasn't.  I shouldn't have been in that scrimmage and I should have been resting the leg to prepare for the Semifinals.  The coaches had left the decision to play up to me, and I wanted to test how the leg was doing.  I should have heeded the trainers and doctors advice and stayed off it instead.  It really doesn't matter though I'm still going to play even if my leg has to be amputated.  My team needs me and I plan to deliver," Bowden said at this mornings press conference.  This is the second time in less then 2 weeks that Bowden has injured the leg, and he will be going through intense physical therapy right up till game time this Thursday. Coaches stated that it would be a game time decision as to whether he plays or not.

In our second story, and what turned out to be a real scare to the CMB when it occurred.  Was when perennial All-Star, J. Legend was rushed to the Salem Hospital Emergency Room late Monday evening, after suffering very acute and intense pain in his lower right abdomen.  J. Legend was planting some trees in the back yard of his estate when he suddenly went down writing in agony clutching his right side.  "I thought I had torn an abdominal muscle or slipped a disc in my back or something.  All I do know is that it felt as if I had been kicked in the side by Bruce Li.  I'd never experienced pain like it before, it was so intense and I literary thought at times that I was going to die," J. Legend said after arriving at the hospital.

J. Legend was quickly admitted and several doctors and nurses began to try and decipher what was ailing him and causing so much discomfort.  After running several blood and urine tests, it was determined that he has at east one, if not more, kidney stones.  "It was obvious he was in a lot of pain and we needed to get him on an IV so we could quickly administer some narcotics to relieve his pain, and run further blood and urine tests.  I told him they eventually would pass, but more acute pain was to be expected," ER doctor Peter Reed said.  After several hours in the emergency room, J. Legend was given several prescriptions to treat his pain, and then discharged.

So what does this do to the CMB's chances of reaching the Finals now that these two earth shattering incidents have happened.  Well According to team physicians he and Bowden are to remain grounded and get as much rest as possible.  "The pain medication they gave me at the hospital is helping immensely, but I still have a lot of pain and fell quite nauseas at times.  Nevertheless, if the pain is manageable and I am still mobile enough to get around, I will be playing in the Semifinal game this week, you can go to the bank on that," J. Legend said.

Well folks this makes for one exciting playoff run.  A team that once looked invincible, and has already lost it's All-Star power forward, Eric Schaffner, has also potentially lost two other key cornerstones to this great franchise.  Stay tuned in to CMB News for all the latest breaking hoop coverage, for ESPN radio, I'm Stuart Scott.  Good day.

04-02-05 Playoff Edition: 1st Round

A good Friday to all and thanks for joining this playoff edition of CMB News.  I'm your host Marv Albert, and let's go right to the news desk for all the latest scores and highlights from last night's action.

In the first round of the playoffs we saw the #2 seed, Slow Motion, dismantle Pete and BJ's squad by 16, which was to be expected.  The we witnessed a great battle between the #4 seed, Bethany Baptist, who held on to win a nail biter over #5 Labish 61-53.  But really now, let's get on to the news we all want to know...what happened in game one with the CMB? (Sorry Slow Mo and Bethany, we'd love to get you more ink, but this press is funded by the CMB ya know, and the playoffs is their time ;-) )

In game of 1 of the playoffs we saw the mighty CMB, the postseason #1 seed, take on the 0-10 #8 seed, NWSC.  It doesn't take John Nash to deduce what happened here, as the CMB rolled over NWSC by a score of 77-21.  Led by the phenomenal shooting of Chris Fisher who shot 58% from the field, including a perfect 6-6 in the second half, to finish with 30pts and 7stls.  J. Legend, who scored 18pts also set a CMB, and league playoff record, with 21 assists.  "Fisher was flat out going off out there tonight.  I mean come on the guy was dominating both ends of the floor and didn't miss a shot or lay-up in the second half.  That's just sick man.  As for me, it was fairly easy to dish out 21 helpers when you have guys like Webb, Fish and Bowden filling the lanes on the break.  I just keep pushing the ball up the floor to them and they just kept converting them.  It's a win-win situation for us all," J. Legend said after the game.

Also to note, J.J. Bowden who was coming off the 5 day DL for a strained hamstring and calf contusion, played limited minutes (22) and finished with 16pts and 8rebs.  "I felt pretty good tonight, I've been on a steady regiment of physical therapy along with several muscle relaxing medications...I'm also taking some Ibuprofen for my leg as well. Although my leg isn't 100%, I'm still getting it back into shape and should be ready to go at full strength in a few more days," Bowden said.

So with that said, here is how the 2nd round of the playoffs is shaping up:

The loser of games 1 and 2 will play in the Consolation 3rd place game immediately following Semifinal game 2.  The winners of both Semifinal games will meet in the Finals to play for the PCBL 5-on-5 2002 Championship on NBC.  So keep your dial honed in and start saying your prayers and eating your vitamins, cuz next week is sure to he one Hulk-a-mania of a time!  Now get some...

For NBC I'm Marv Albert, and I don't bite.  See ya next week.

03-25-02

We interrupt this broadcast of ESPN Classic, to bring you this late breaking news brief from CMB Headquarters in Salem, OR.  ESPN has learned that All-Star forward, J.J. Bowden suffered a severe hamstring injury late Sunday afternoon while playing in a charity basketball event this past weekend.  CMB Press Secretary Ari Fleischer is about to issue a brief statement regarding J.J. Bowden's injury, so let's listen live now.

Ari: "Thank you and good afternoon.  The CMB would like to report that All-Star forward and MVP Candidate, J.J. Bowden suffered a very debilitating hamstring injury Sunday afternoon while playing in a charity basketball game for the NAACP.  Bowden was quickly rushed off the court by team trainers and then Life-Flighted to the teams training facility in El Segundo California, where he is currently receiving treatment.  At this time he is in a lot of pain and unable to put much weight on the injured leg.  He will be having a preliminary MRI done later today.  Until further medical testing is complete, we do not know if this will be a season ending injury or not.  We would greatly miss him if he is unable to play in this weeks final regular season game, but we would hope he could return for the playoffs, however that is unknown at this time. 

Regarding other matters, we would like to report that Off-Guard Bob West, will miss the regular season finale versus Trinity as well as the first round of the playoffs, due to family matters beyond his control.  West left early this morning for Burien Washington to address those matters, and hopes to be back in time for the second round of the playoffs.  We wish him all the best and a speedy return.  In lieu of these developments, the CMB front office has been contacting several players to potentially fill the vacated roster spots, although we have nothing confirmed at this time, except to say that we have been in contact with agents for G. Murph, Richardo Garcia, and Aaron Downs.  If, and when we do fill our vacant roster positions, we will be sure to update the media accordingly.  That is all we have to report at this time, thank you."

Well this is hardly what the CMB wanted to hear just days after they lose All-Star Power Forward Eric Schaffner, who decided to leave the CMB to pursue a pro baseball career in Germany, and now they lose West and possibly Bowden for the remainder of the regular season.  This is not a good sign for the 11-time champion. Without Bowden and Schaffner, I doubt this team could make a significant push toward the Finals.  However, the CMB front office has been known to pull off a miracle or two in the past and they may just do that again, but we'll all have to wait and see.

Reporting for ESPN, I'm Stuart Scott...good day.

03-22-02

Good afternoon folks and welcome once again to the News.  We had some very exciting action in the two marquee games last night that pitted the top four playoff teams in some heart fought battle.

In their second meeting of the season we saw Bethany Baptist take on Trinity.  Bethany who was fresh off a 40pt win from last week, seemed to have the early momentum on their side.  Trinity, who was coming off a close loss to West Salem last week, was out to prove they are still the one true power in the East.

The game got heated early on when Mark Colburn made a great play for a jump ball on Paul McRae's fast break which sent both players flying out of bounds and into the baseline wall.  Trinity coaches were screaming for a flagrant foul, but none was given.  "It was unreal!  It looked like it was obvious to us that he got creamed and we should have been awarded a flagrant, but the refs didn't see it that way.  I guess they never do with us," Trinity coach Ivan McRae said after the game.  Some persistent jaw jacking between Bethany's coach and Trinity's coach continued until one of the officials had to break up the tea party and restore order, by warning both benches to put a lid on it.  "Were just sick of hearing it week in and week out.  Every game they complain about not getting calls and being in the bonus so early.  Well if they didn't play hack-a-Shaq every time down the floor they wouldn't be.  Were all just done hearing the incessant whining," Dickey said after the game.

After that Trinity seemed to fuel their fury and make a push to take the halftime lead.  Bethany would not go away quietly though.  With hot outside shooting from Mark Colbun and Daryll Weidner, and stellar rebounding from Lucky Rogers, the Baptist found themselves neck and neck with Trinity down the stretch.  With just 2 minutes remaining Trinity had only a 3pt lead, and Bethany had possession.  A quick two cut the lead to one, but that is as far as Bethany would get.  Having to foul in the closing seconds Trinity went on to win 50-46 and lock up the #3 seed for the playoffs.

In the second game of the night cap we witnessed league leaders CMB vs. Slow Motion.  The CMB came in to the game riding an 8 game win streak, and SloMo's only loss on the year was to the CMB in week 2 of the season, and things wouldn't change much tonight...or would they?

Slow Motion came out gunning for the leagues top team and were tenacious in their pursuit to disrupt the CMB's inside presence and they did just that.  Slow Motion jumped out to any early 9pt lead, only to see it slowly fade away as the CMB went inside to J.J. Bowden time and time again.  "He was virtually unstoppable tonight.  Bowden could get off a shot any time he wanted and he was hitting everything," J. Legend said after the game.

As the CMB regained the lead to go up 5 at the half, they new that SloMo would not go away.  So the CMB came out firing in the second half and hit 3 back-to-back-to-back shots to push the lead to 9pts, however just like a pesky fly that you can't ever swat, Slow Motion kept hanging around.  Billy Zane's 3pt shot with 29 seconds left tied the game at 57 all.  Webber in bounded to J. Legend and he was calling for the team to relax and plan for one final shot.  With 21 seconds left, Legend got the ball to the hot hand of Bowden, who would decide the games fate.

With 3 seconds left in regulation, Bowden hoisted up a 3 pointer that rattled in to win the game with a final of 60-57. Fans were chanting "MVP, MVP" after Bowden hit the game winner, and they may be right.  Bowden is leading the league in scoring at 30.8ppg and in Field Goal Percentage at 56.3%.  He is also in the top 5 in Rebounding and Blocks.

"It was flat out unreal!  The guy had ice in his veins all night long.  I haven't seen a performance like that since Magic dropped in the "Baby-Hook" to beat the Celtics.  Bowden was awesome...simply awesome," Fisher said after the game.  Awesome indeed...Bowden would score 38 of the CMB's 60pts and hit 5-7 3pt shots to go along with 8rebs and 2blks. Other notables were J. Legend who finished with 13pts and 8ast and Chris "Hi I can play D" Fisher who dished out 5ast and had 6stls.  This game also marked the final game for Eric Shaffner, who as mentioned before in last weeks news, will leave the CMB and go on to play professional baseball in Germany next month.  Shaffner ends his basketball career for the time being with career marks of 15.4ppg, 11.4rpg, 3.1apg, and a lead leading 2.4bpg.  Shaffner will be missed and we wish him all the best.

This now solidifies the top four playoff seeds, and the rest are pretty much dialed in as well.  Here is the current playoff seeding for Round 1, barring any major upsets in the final regular season games next week, which looks about as likely as God flooding the entire earth with water again like in the days of Noah. 

Final regular season game next week so stay tuned for all the latest news and a look back at the entire season in next weeks CMB News, until then were out........

03-15-02

Good Friday to all and welcome to the "March Madness" edition of the CMB News.  We realize that many of you had your TV sets tuned into the NCAA Tournament last night for the opening games, but for those of you that tuned in to PCBL, you sure got a treat last night.

Bethany Baptist 81
Pete & BJ's Squad 41

So Bethany upends Pete & BJ's Squad by 40, and although the win was expected, the margin of victory was not.  The Baptists get a career high 25pts our of Darryl Weidner who goes 9-9 in the first half before missing his first basket.  Weidner also connected on 5-5 from the 3pt line and led the hot outside shooting for Bethany.  The Baptists set a team record for 3pt percentage shooting an amazing 61% from behind the arc.  Even the sometimes inconsistent Bill Dickey, hit on 3-4 from behind the 3pt line. :-)  It seemed that every player on their team that hoisted up a three or two, seemed to connect on nearly all of them. "We were just on fire out there tonight.  Darryl was unreal and the rest of us just caught the bug I guess," Dickey said after the game.  The Baptists take on the infamous Trinity Prayer House next week in what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

Speaking of Trinity Prayer House, what happened there?  For those of you that were watching Gonzaga lose to Wyoming last night instead, the great and mighty Eastern power fell to the meager 2-7 West Salem 4 Square to the tune of 57-54.  At one point in the game West Salem was up by as much as 16, before Trinity battled back to make it interesting.  This really shakes things up in the final two weeks of the season as Bethany takes on Trinity in a battle of Eastern titans next week.  With a win there the Baptists could swap spots with Trinity and move into the #3 seed in the post season tournament.

In other news the CMB steamrolled over the lowly NWSC 87-25, and although they didn't get Chalupas, this game had some great moments.  The very best being the return of G. Murph to the CMB lineup.  G. Murph who semi-retired at the end of last season, made a guest appearance for the first time this year in a CMB uniform.  "It was good to be back.  I had a little rust to work off in the first half, but I think I was in the flow by the end of the game," Murph said.  G. Murph managed to fill the box score with 4pts, 8ast, and 17rebs.  "It was great to have him back!  It was like old times out there, and our offense seemed to flow even better," Bowden said after the game.

Bowden played as his usual self by putting up a solid performance to compliment last weeks 32pts, Bowden scored virtually every time he touched the ball hitting on 12-18 shots to net a game high 26pts for the game.  J. Legend who was coming off a stellar performance from last week as well, had his choice of players to dish too, and ran away with a 12ast,and 19pt performance for the evening. "It was almost too easy out there tonight.  With Bowden, Shaf, Webber, Fish and Murph all filling the lanes on the break it was simply a matter of who did I want to dish a helper to this time down the floor," J. Legend said after the game.  Other notables for the night were Chris Fisher who finished with 10pts and 8stls, and Eric Shaffner who notched 16pts and 8rebs.  "Fisher was flat out awesome tonight!  Nobody could get by him and he was always in the passing lane at the right time.  Heck, the guy had 5 steals in the second half alone.  I mean come on...that is just sick," Bowden said after the game.

In other CMB News, the CMB are sad to announce that All-Star Power Forward Eric Shaffner, will play his final game in a CMB jersey next week versus Slow Motion.  Shaffner as you may know also was a professional baseball player a few years back, and played several years of Triple-A ball for the New York Yankees.  When he was released by the Yankees, he turned back to hoops.  As his first love, Shaffner has always wanted to get back to baseball, and now he has that chance.  Shaffner signed a one year contract this week with the Bond Capitols of the German Pro League.  Although we are greatly saddened by Shaffners departure, we are also very happy for him and his family and wish him all the best.  In a related story the CMB front office is trying to work out deal that would insert hall-of-famer G. Murph, into the starting lineup for the rest of the season.  If the league grants the CMB a salary cap exemption for losing Shaffner, and with the 6 million they already have under the cap, they may be able to resign Murph for 1 or 2 games including the playoffs.

Be sure to keep the dial tuned in for CMB News, as we'll have more information on this story as it develops, as well as more exciting news from the PCBL.  Until then enjoy the NCAA Tournament, and may your bracket fair well with the NCAA gods.

03-08-02

Good morning sports enthusiasts and welcome once again to the leader in hoops news across the nation.  Today we'll look back at game seven in the season, which proved to be quite routine, yet quite exciting.

The Baptists from Bethany stormed back from last weeks narrow loss to the CMB, to dismantle West Salem 4 Square in quick work last night.  Bethany was lead by the phenomenal outside shooting of Mark Colburn who hit 4-4 from behind the arc, before West Salem actually realized he was on the court.  Colburn almost single handedly beat West Salem, by hitting on 12-18 shots to finish with a game high 30pts.  "Mark was simply fantastic!  He finally had a game that were all accustom to seeing from him.  The rest of us just simply stood in awe and let him go to work," Dickey said after the game.

The Baptists would cruise to a final score of 63-51 to move to 4-3 on the season, and pretty much solidify their position as the number 4 seed in the playoffs.  Bethany takes on Pete & BJ's Squad as they strive to improve on their record and chase the number 3 playoff position.

In other action the CMB were back to their old tricks by handing Labish Center a hefty 79-42 shellacking.  The CMB were lead by the outstanding inside-outside play of J.J. Bowden, who on the eve of his 31st birthday put up a game high 32pts.  "I was really feeling the rhythm out their tonight.  I've been working hard on my rehab program and it felt good to play without the pressure from what substance abuse can do to you game.  I just wanted to play hard and I'm glad we got the win.  NWSC has serious problems next week when they face us...it won't be pretty mark my words," Bowden said during a post game interview.

Also back in fine form was J. Legend who was coming of a lackluster game versus Bethany Baptist last week in which he shot a poor 4-12 from the field and finished with only 10pts.  But that would not be the case this evening, as J. Legend was determined to make a statement to the league that his game was not gone, and he could overcome the naysayers.  "I really wanted to make a statement tonight.  Bowden and several other guys on the team had simply "called me out" during the week, and  I wanted to show them and the league that last week was an anomaly and I just had an off game.  Tonight I put the hurt on Labish from the outside and also with my passing ability," J. Legend said.  J. Legend hit 3-3 from behind the 3pt arc and dropped in 26pts to follow suit behind Bowden's performance.  He also managed to also dish out 12 helpers in the process to bring his league leading assist average up to 10.2apg.

The real story of the game was Chris "Plastic" Fisher though.  Although his meager box score of 6pts, 5ast, and 3stl seemed low, his key was on the defensive end of the floor.  Fisher would put on a defensive stand that Sydney Moncrief and Gary Payton would have been proud of.  Fisher was put in charge of stopping All-Star and MVP candidate, Dave Turkingon from Labish who is averaging 30pts per game this season...and stop him he did.  Turkington would go 2-9 in the first half chucking up forced shot after forced shot, and only managed to accumulate 6pts in the first half.  "Fisher was without question the player of the game tonight.  He simply made a choice that he would shut Turkington down, and dominate the game with his defense.  Turkington wasn't an All-Star or MVP tonight...he was nothing.  Fisher is quite simply the best defensive player in the league in my opinion," Bowden said after the game.

Fisher would go on to hold Turkington to an even more depressing 1-6 in the second half, in which Turkington would finish with an Allen Iverson-like shooting percentage of 20% and go 3-15 from the field to finish with only 11pts, a drastic drop from his usual 30+ a game.

Next week the CMB will shoot for Chalupas when they take on NWSC, and there have been rumors circulating that G. Murph could very well be in uniform that night for one final game, as the CMB will officially retire his #41 jersey during the pregame festivities.  Stay tuned for that, as that will most surely be something none of us will want to miss.

As for the rest of the league, we really don't care too much now since most are out of playoff contention and only the top 4 really matter anyway.  But did we really care in the first place?  Nah...but here are the updated Power Rankings for Friday 03-08-02.

Power Rankings:

1. CMB:  J. Legend is back on track now, and Bowden is only getting better...which is scary for the rest of the league.  With Fisher staking a claim for Defensive Player of the Year, this 11-time champion still looks mighty hungry for a 12th.

2. Slow Motion:  SloMo rides to victory minus All-Star Billy Martinez, who is nursing a thigh injury.  However they dismantled the lowly NWSC as was expected 78-33, but they are solidify their spot at #2 with each oncoming win.

3. Trinity: They blow by Pete & BJ's Squad to the mark of 78-51, but they were only up 6pts with 3 minutes to go in the 1st half and only had a 10pt lead at the break.  They poured it on in the second half, but how many times can they flip the preverbal switch before the light doesn't come on?

4. Bethany Baptist: They bounce back after narrowly losing to the CMB last week to rip West Salem by 12pts.  Mark Colburn appears to be back from the shooting fog he was in, and his outside shot is getting more deadly with time.  Lucky Rogers is blocking more shots since they have changed up to a primary zone defense, which has helped the other players with their defensive assignments too.  The true test will be in two weeks though when the face Trinity for the second and final time.

The bottom 4 teams suck, but what's new.  So DC DC DC DC on them and we will see you next week.

Out!

03-04-02

Happy Monday to all from ESPN News, and we hope you are all having a spectacular day.  I'm your host Dan Patrick sitting it for Stuart "Wandering Eye" Scott whose taking the day off.  We were privy to some serious basketball excitement last Thursday night, as the two defending conference power houses squared off in this season's most anticipated match up.

The CMB were playing without All-Star center and MVP candidate, J.J. Bowden, who was sitting out a one game suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.  The Bethany Baptists came into the CMB's home court thinking they were going to pull off the upset of the season...and they almost did.  The CMB jumped out to an early 26-14 lead in the first half behind the tenacious inside play of Webber Martin and Eric Shaffner.  However, the Baptists would not go out so quietly in the opening half and battled back with stellar defense and tough inside shooting, that whittled the lead to merely four points by halftime.  "We were really firing on all cylinders in the first half.  We stepped up our D and I think the zone confused them just enough to get them off kilter," Dickey said.

The CMB came out in the second half determined to regain a more dominate lead, but their hopes of that would slowly fade away as they missed jumper after jumper.  "We were shooting horrendous in the second half.  We couldn't throw it in the ocean if our lives depended on it.  If it weren't for Shaff and Web getting offensive boards and put backs we would have lost by 20," J. Legend said after the game.

The Baptists frustrated the CMB into a season low 28% shooting spectacle in the second half and almost regained the lead, and with 38 seconds to go in regulation the Baptists had cut the lead to 1.  Then Shaffner nailed down a put back, and Bob West, who was in his first game back since coming off the IL, nailed 1 of 2 free throws to make the lead 47-44.  Bethany came down and hit a quick jump shot to close within one again only to inadvertently foul West and send him the foul line once again.  West missed the front end of the one-and-one, and Shaffner made the play of the game as he tipped in West's miss with 11 seconds left to push the lead to 49-46 in favor of the CMB, and that would be all she wrote.

"Shaff and Web just battled all night long.  Shaff made the play of night when he tipped in that free throw miss.  Without those two guys I don't think we would have pulled this win out," Fisher said during his post game interview.  Webber ended the game a game high 18pts and 22rebs, while is partner in crime, Shaffner, compiled 11pts to go along with 15rebs.  Other "not-so-notables" stats in the box score were Fisher who finished with 7pts, 4ast and 3stls, and J. Legend who finished with a meager 10pts and 5ast.

"We basically suck....that's really the bottom line here. I don't care if Bowden is in the line up or not, we should have won by 20!  If we play like this against a team like Slow Motion or Trinity, we are going to get our heads handed to us faster then Fisher can blow by Dickey in the open lane.  And speaking of Fisher, the guy needs to step up and finish a play for the love of Pete!  I mean I love the guy like brother, but good ol' G. Murph has called us out, and we both need to respond.  I take a lot of the blame myself, as the point guard I need to be the floor general out there and help dictate what goes on out there on the floor.  I shot a little better then a corpse, but that's about it.  I think I have been to set on trying to compensate for Murph's absence, and trying to put up big numbers instead of just letting the game come to me.  Sometimes I just get too amped to realize I need to sit back and relax and get our offense moving. We just need to refocus on what got us here and why we are 6-0.  Yeah that record is great now, but it doesn't mean jack if we can get back to the Finals," a very distraught J. Legend said at the post game press conference.

Well it sounds like the CMB have been called on the carpet, but can they respond? Only time will tell, but with just 4 games left in the regular season, both these teams have serious issues to address, since this win moves the CMB to a league best 6-0 record, while Bethany Baptist moved to .500 at 3-3.

That's all for now, but stay tuned for the following Power Rankings update.

Power Rankings:

1. CMB:  With one more win they should secure the #1 seed, and claim home court advantage throughout the playoffs.  But at a time where they should be coasting down the home stretch, the CMB appear to be having some inner turmoil.  First West goes on the IL for three weeks, then J.J. Bowden get suspended...again, and now Fisher and J. Legend appear to be falling off the stat map.  Hey guys get it together already!  Here are a couple of suggestions for the CMB:

West: Get in the gym and get healthy already.
Bowden: Flush the powder and the sauce and then call Betty Ford.
Fisher: The new hairdo is great, but don't be come AI.  Stick to your game of D-ing up the best  players in the league and hitting the open jumper, you are much better then your numbers suggest.
J. Legend: Get a clue and figure out that Murph is gone!  Where has the mental toughness and athletic prowess you preach to your players gone?  Look in a mirror and get it freaking done already.

2. Slow Motion: They hammer West Salem 4 Square 79-55 and are still truckin'.  Hey CMB you hear the knocking at the door yet?

3. Trinity:  They dismantle NWSC as was expected 84-25, but they haven't fully recovered from the loss to Slow Motion a few weeks ago.  They are very tough, but not unbreakable.

4. Bethany Baptist: They put a huge scare into the hearts of the CMB this past week, only to lose by 3pts.  Their 3-3 record is somewhat deceiving, but they should snag a top seed in the playoffs nonetheless.

5. Yeah after the top 4, is there really any team left worthy of talking about in the Power Rankings?  Let me answer that as candid and as clearly as I can..."NO!"  The rest of the league is slowly fading away and the rest of these cellar mates here have no chance of reaching the promise land anyway, so why waste the print space?  Exactly...now have a nice day and see you all next Thursday.

02-28-02 News Update:

We interrupt your regularly scheduled lunch time matinee on TBS, to bring you this exclusive CMB News update from Salem Oregon. ESPN News has learned that in just a few minutes the PCBL will officially announce that it has suspended J.J. Bowden of the CMB for one game and fined him $10,000 dollars, for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.  Bowden apparently failed a random drug test yesterday evening after the teams practice, and will be unavailable to play in tonight's game versus Bethany Baptist.  Bowden is no rookie when it comes to suspensions, if you recall, Bowden was suspended twice in the last three years for violating the leagues substance abuse policy and paid substantial fines.  Bowden also sat out the entire 2000-2001 season while serving a year long suspension for violating these very rules for a third time.  This incident could quite possibly end his playing career.

Bowden and his agent were both unavailable for comment, but CMB acting GM, J. Legend, did make a brief statement at a press conference just moments ago.  Let's listen to that clip now...

J. Legend: "Thank you all for joining us at this difficult time for our team.  We agree with the actions of the PCBL and take full responsibility for our players and their actions.  In doing so the CMB has also fined J.J. Bowden $100,000 for committing actions detrimental and unbecoming to this team and organization.  I spoke to Bowden earlier this morning and he is greatly distraught over this matter.  Bowden acknowledged long ago that he had a substance and alcohol problem, and has continued to work hard to rehabilitate himself and his life.  We also realize this is not an overnight flip of the switch mind you, but a long and strenuous process of recovery.  Although we are saddened by the actions of J.J., we will continue to work with him and wish him the best in this difficult recovery process.  Our utmost concern has always been, and will continue to be, for our players lives and their well being; and that will never change."

This incident comes on the heels of the CMB's marquee match up with Bethany Baptist. Can the CMB overcome this mental hurdle or will Bethany feed off the turmoil and dominate tonight's game?  In either case be sure to tune in tonight at 9pm for this battle of titans.

Thank you and good day, for ESPN News, I'm Stuart "Wandering Eye" Scott.

02-22-02 All-Star Thursday Recap

Welcome to this special All-Star edition of the CMB News.  I'm your host Marv Albert alongside The Czar, Mike Fratello.  Last night was the 2nd Annual PCBL All-Star Thursday, which recognized the best players from the Eastern and Western Conferences.  We were privileged to be a part of the gala and thrilled to see all the great talent the PCBL has to offer.

The night opened with the 2Ball Competition which started out slow, but after two rounds had 3 teams tied at 47pts and fighting for the final spot.  Most of that would not matter though, as the defending 2Ball Champion, CMB, took the floor in the final round with Bob West and Chris Fisher.  Fisher and West had already netted a combined 60pts for the first two rounds and they would not stop there.  Hitting shot after shot, these stellar representatives of the CMB would go on to notch 34pts in the final round to amass 94pts total for the 3 rounds, which would be more then enough to defend their crown.

Bob West who was recently activated off the IL, and will be in regular season action this week,  was in heightened spirits after his teams performance, "I was really feeling good after the first two rounds.  Fisher and I were knocking down a lot of 5pt and 7pt shots, so going into the final round I knew we could win it, it was up to us to stay focused and win," West said after the final round.

Then we moved on to the 3pt competition that would match defending champ, J. Legend of the CMB against 15 other competitors from the East and West, all looking to reach the promise land.  If you recall last year we got to enjoy a spectacular 3pt Shootout final that pitted Mark Colburn of Bethany Baptist versus J. Legend of the CMB.  J. Legend would go on to edge out Colburn by a narrow 19-18 final score.  So would this years competition see the same star-studded excitement?

After one round eight players had advanced.  Among those were, Bill Dickey with 9, Chris Fisher with 9, J. Legend with 9, and Mark Colburn with 10.  Other newcomers to the competition like James Atkinson of Labish and Paul McRae of Trinity, also advanced with 12pts apiece.  Heading into the second round the filed of eight would close to a final four, after J. Legend compiled 13pts alongside Paul McRae, Matt Dockery and James Atkinson each with 12pts. 

Moving to the 3rd and final round would prove to be the turning point for J. Legend of the CMB.  J. Legend who would miss 4 of 5 shots at the start would go on to rattle off a PCBL record 9 straight shots including 3 of 5 money balls to put the 3pt Shootout out of reach.  He would finish round three with 18pts and claim his second 3pt Shootout title in as many years. "I asked the other guys before the competition started, "who was coming in second?"  After the start of the final round I thought it might have been me.  I was really struggling going into the final round though.  I had not taken any warm-up shots prior to the Shootout and by then my legs were almost gone.  After missing 4 of 5 to start the final round, I knew I just had to take a little more time and focus on my form and release, and that is exactly what I did," J. Legend said after excepting his second 3pt Shootout trophy.

Finally we moved on to the 2nd Annual East vs. West All-Star Game.  Bethany Baptist would led the East with Mark Colburn, Jason Nault, and Bill Dickey.  The West would be led by leading vote getter, Dave Turkington of Labish, and J. Legend and Webber Martin of the CMB.  This game would prove to be a truly exciting fast pace match up for both the players and fans.  Neither team could pull away from the other, although the West managed to acquire a 28-24 halftime lead, led by the relentless inside attack of Webber Martin and the hot outside shooting of Dave Turkington.

Both teams battled till the very final seconds until Billy Martinez of Slow Motion hit 2 clutch free throws to put the West up 46-40 with 47 seconds left to go in the game.  The East desperately tried to comeback launching three 3pt shots in a matter of 10 seconds, all of which would fall short.  The West would go on to win their second consecutive All-Star Game by the score of 50-45.  Webber Martin of the CMB, who finished with 10pts and 12rebs, would join Dave Turkginton of Labish, who finished with 12pts including three 3pt baskets, on the winners podium as Co-MVP's. 

All in all it was a fun and exciting evening for the fans and the players.  For those of you who tuned in at home, we hope you felt the same.  Next week we return to action in Thursday's marquee match up between Bethany Baptist and the CMB.  Until then, for NBC Sports I'm Marv Albert and good day.

02-20-02 All-Star Preview

We have finally arrived at the halfway point in this 2001-2002 PCBL season, and it seems like only yesterday that this illustrious season began.  We have seen many new things so far this season, like the rise of rookie sensation and leading All-Star vote getter, Dave Turkington from Labish, and the high octane play of Trinity Prayer House and it's growing legion of high strung fans.

We have also seen some familiar things like Webber Martin from the CMB getting his customary 15+ boards a night or Bill Dickey of Bethany Baptist, banking in 3pt shots from downtown. We have also seen the once mighty Eastern Conference falter at times while the West is strong but still dominated heavily by the CMB.

All in all it has been a great season thus far and will only prove to be more invigorating as the second half of the season gets underway next week, but until then, we move the focus to the PCBL 2nd Annual All-Star Gala tomorrow night at the FeelGood Centre in Salem Oregon.  With the family BBQ to kick things off at 6:30pm, followed by the 2Ball competition and the 3pt shootout, it looks to be a great evening.  We wrap things up with the East vs. West All-Star game, and then go back to business for next week.  So without further adieu here are your 2001-2002 PCBL All-Stars:

*Alternates will only move up to Reserve status, in the event that a Starter or current Reserve player is unable to play. This will be based upon a players total number of votes, the more votes, the greater the potential for that player to move up on the roster if the situation permits.

*Eric Shaffner moves into the open starting position, vacated by J.J. Bowden from the CMB.  Shaffner had the next highest vote total from the reserve squad (20) and thus moves up one spot.  Bowden will be placed on the IL retroactive to 2-15-02 to get treatment and rest for an arthritic toe on his left foot.  Bowden who received the second most votes for the game (28 of 35) will return after the All-Star break when the CMB face off against Bethany Baptist next week.

**G. Murph who retired from the PCBL last season after 8 glorious seasons with the CMB, and who is currently still listed as "Occasional" on their roster, received 3 votes even though he has not suited up for a game yet this season.  Can you say Magic Johnson in 1992?

Enjoy the break and we'll see you after the season's second half gets underway next week.  Until then, be good to yourself and each other, were out....!

02-13-02

Hello again sports fans, I'm Dan Patrick and we bring you this much anticipated CMB News update in its fullest form once again.  We have lots of sports news ahead but first we must address a few issues here at the studios amid the controversy surrounding our various CMB News affiliates and a recent libel suit filed in Marion County Circuit court this morning regarding NWSC vs. Legend Industries.  There is plenty of hoop news to report, but first let's address this matter.  For live coverage on this hot topic we go to our roving reporter on the courthouse steps in Salem, where Jim Mclyshezeki is standing by.  Jim...are you there?

Jim: "Yes Dan, I'm here standing right outside the Marion County Courthouse, where lawyers from Weston and Associates, representing NWSC, have just filed a defamation of character lawsuit against J. Legend and the CMB. I'm told that they are seeking a full retraction and punitive damages in the amount of $100 million dollars, for all the alleged derogatory statements made in the last few editions of the CMB News for 2002, concerning their team."

Dan: "So Jim, have you had a chance to speak with anyone from either party yet?"

Jim: "Yes, in fact I spoke with the lawyers for NWSC just moments ago as they exited the courtroom and they informed me that their clients were very distraught about this subject and would pursue it to the full extent of the law.  It sounds like they mean business Dan."

Dan: "Thanks Jim.  We'll be checking in with you again shortly, but now I'm told that we are going to go live to CMB Headquarters in Salem, where CMB Owner, J. Legend is about to make a formal statement.  So let's go there now."

J. Legend:  "Thank you all for joining us today on this darkest of days, where once again the CMB and it's friends have to defend it's honor and unfettered reputation once again in front of the liberal media.  I have just a few comments and then I will take a few questions concerning this matter.  First off I would like to say that we are utterly appalled at the actions taken by NWSC.  It's bad enough that a thriving organization like ourselves, has to take the heat from lesser individuals who are simply jealous of what we have accomplished over the last decade and have turned it into fodder for the press.  We have no issue with NWSC, nor any of it's players, we simply report the news just like it is and sometimes the truth hurts.  Don't blame us we are only the messengers."

"Secondly, I would like to state for the record that we will be defending ourselves in this matter to the fullest extent of the law.  For once someone has to take a stand against these ambulance chasing law firms whose only goal is to exploit people in their quest for the all mighty dollar.  This matter I'm guessing will be resolved soon and if need be we will defend our livelihood to fullest."

"I apologize, but that is all I have to comment on for now.  I'm being told by my advisors that we need to leave for a meeting with our inside counsel.  Thank you."

Dan: "Wow...exciting stuff going on in the smoldering cauldron of Salem it appears.  We'll have more on this story as it develops, but in the meantime let's check in with Rich Eisen in our El Segundo studios for the latest in hoops."

Thanks Dan and welcome once again to this edition of the CMB News for Wednesday February 13th, I'm your host Rich Eisen and we have some exciting news to report in hoop realm today.  So just sit back and enjoy the ride cuz CMB News is on the way.

Last night the PCBL League was wrought with upsets, in game 1 we saw unbeaten Trinity fall to the hands of Slow Motion.  In what was a tight fought game till the final minutes, Trinity could not overcome the smart heads up play of Billy Martinez and slow motion.  "We really played well tonight.  Definitely our best game of the year.  We hit some big shots down the stretch, and played solid D all night," Martinez said after the game.  Slow Motion made key defensive stops down the stretch to hold of Trinity's shot at a comeback, and closed the deal at 53-47.

In other action, Labish Center snagged their second win of the season by upsetting West Salem 4 Square 55-52.  Hot outside shooting helped Labish fend off a run and gun offense by West Salem.  In the end Labish clinched the deal by hitting four clutch free throws to put the game out of reach.

Now we move on to the expected wins for Bethany Baptist and the CMB.  Bethany finally got the game they have been expecting from Mark Colburn.  Colburn lit it up from the outside going 5-7 from the 3pt and driving the ball hard to basket time and time again.  The rest of the Baptist's followed suit by shooting a season high 55% from the filed, which led to their 57-37 win.  Dickey had a season high 5pts, but also managed to dish out 7 assists.  Colburn finished with 8 rebounds to match his game high 40pts.

The CMB, who played horrific in the first half by turning the ball over an unprecedented 11 times, were led by the tough inside play of Webber Martin and Eric Shaffner.  Playing without J.J. Bowden, who was sitting out a one game suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy, the CMB were taken to victory by the rest of their supporting cast. 

Webber Martin dominated inside as usual, pulling down rebound after rebound and running the break like a gazelle.  Martin put up season highs for rebounds with 22 and points with 18.  The other part of this dynamic duo, Eric Shaffner, managed to contain the inside by blocking 4 shots and finished the game with 26pts to lead all scorers.  Fisher and J. Legend rounded out the 78-40 box score by notching 16pts and 5 steals for Fisher, and J. Legend with 12pts and 9ast.  One other note to mention for the CMB, was that

Guard Bob West, whose been nursing a nagging calf muscle injury,  met with team doctors early this morning and has been upgraded from the IL to be listed as day-to-day.  West probably won't see any action till maybe a game or so after the All-Star break, but he should be a nice addition to an already potent offense.

This week capped off the halfway point in the season and will lead us into All-Star Thursday next week.  Some teams are faltering while others are up and coming, which makes for an exciting, and much anticipated second half of the season.  With that, let's look at this weeks Power Rankings.

Power Rankings:

1. CMB:  They are clearly alone at the top now since Slow Motion knocked off Trinity this week.  They have shown to be just as deadly with or without Bowden in the lineup and that only means bad things for the rest of the league.  Their inside combo of Shaffner and Martin brings back memories of Wilt and Baylor.  I think it's time to lock the doors and hide the kids, cuz the CMB is coming to your town next.

2. Slow Motion: They pull off the upset of the year by knocking off Trinity this week 53-47.  These guys really play smart basketball that would make Dr. Naismith proud.  Their outside shooting is superb along with their defense, but can they keep the momentum going?

3.  Trinity: A heart wrenching loss to Slow Motion this week drops them to the number 3 spot, but they might not be there for long.  If they can control their outrage and turn it into positive energy for the team, then they can bounce back to the top and be a title contender.  Oh yeah...and are we sick of the pregame music and cheerleaders yet?  Just checking.

4. Bethany Baptist:  They take a nice win against NWSC to ease into the All-Star break. Their outside game is improving and it finally looks like Colburn is taking charge of this team.  If he can perform at a high level the remainder of the season, then they should be able to make a push come playoff time.

5.  Labish Center:  What was once the mainstay spot for West Salem, is now owned by Labish after their impressive win this week.  Labish is still not championship material, but remember they gave Trinity a good scare last week and may not be the doormat we all thought.  Only consistent wins and smart game play will decide that verdict.

6. West Salem 4 Square:  They drop a hard one to Labish 55-52, but they are still decent enough to stay at the 6th spot.  They are beginning to falter after 3 consecutive losses, but they aren't quite in the basement yet.

7. Pete & BJ's Squad:  This half of the Cellar Dweller Tag-Team almost got ran out of the gym by the CMB this week, but they still show signs of greatness here and there.  If only they had 5 guys show up every night they might make a run at the 5 or 6 spot, but they probably never will.  And hey can their Jason Williams-like point guard take a seat already?  Trying to make a no-look pass that hits the wall out of bounds is only so entertaining when you've seen it a dozen times a game.  Sub please????

8.  NWSC:  They can't win even playing NBA Live 2002 on the Xbox with the cheat codes, so what do they do?  They file a grievance with the league front office and a libel suit for defamation of character against the CMB News reporters.  Is David Stern now running the show at NWSC?  Something smells rotten in Salem and it ain't the mushroom factory.  Can we help it if this team is beyond repair and nothing but a tattered heap of what once resembled a basketball team?  No!  The CMB News office only reports the truth and sometimes it isn't pretty, and sometimes it won't win the Pulitzer, but it always scores.  Unlike NWSC who are still trying to reach the 40pt mark for the first time in a game still.  That last statement speaks for itself, so whose defaming who now?

Were out till after the All-Star break, so take care of you and your family and we'll see you next time on CMB News.  Peace.....

02-11-02

Hello again true believers and welcome to this edition of CMB News.  I'm your host Ahmad Rashad, alongside Jayson Williams and Pat Croce.  Due to the intense coverage by CMB News affiliates for the opening ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake, and the continuing coverage of those games over the next two weeks, the CMB News will arrive in this abridged format until after the All-Star break.  It will return to its fullest and finest form on Friday 2-22-02.  Once again we apologize for delay and thank you for joining the PCBL news leader.  Here's a recap of last weeks action and the latest Power Rankings.

Power Rankings:

1. CMB: Their dominance of the West is well proven, and now they move on to the rest of the East after a devastating 40pt win over West Salem last week.  They lead the league in scoring, steals and assists, and will have a true Eastern power test when they take on Bethany Baptist after the All-Star break.

2. Trinity: Still the best in the East coming into the halfway mark of the season.  Each game they seem to falter more and more, but then bounce back to put up some impressive wins.  They pulled out a close one against 7th place Labish 53-41, but they will really be tested when they face the powers of the Western Conference in the second half of the season.

3. Slow Motion:  They overtake Bethany at the 3 spot after defeating them last week 63-49.  They have put together a nice couple of wins and are only getting better.  They are starting to find scoring from other outlets besides PG Billy Martinez, and that only makes them more potent.

4. Bethany Baptist:  They drop a notch to #4 after losing to Slow Motion in an unimpressive fashion.  This team has solidified their front court but their outside game still lacks consistent scoring.  Other then Colburn who is shooting 46.6% from the filed, the rest of the guard core is a mere 29.3%.  They need consistent outside help or come playoff time, their lack of scoring and shooting will be exposed.

5. West Salem 4 Square:  Staying alive at #5.  This team will probably remain here for a long time, barring a natural disaster.  They are decent, but nothing to write home to mom about.  They get blown out by 40 courtesy of the CMB last week, but even still, they are better then any of the cellar dwelling bottom 3 teams.

6. Labish Center: They almost pull off the upset of the decade last week by pulling within 7pts of Trinity last week in the closing seconds only to lose by 12.  They showed a lot of heart and determination, but their lack of a 2nd go-to man finally showed through in the closing moments.  Nice job guys, but keep on truckin'.

7. Pete & BJ's Squad: They manage to beat NWSC by 17, but a group of blind men in wheelchairs from the local YMCA could have done that.  They still are a poor scoring and defensive team and that will only become more evident when the take on the undaunted CMB this very week.

8. NWSC: Two words...."They Suck."

Nuff said, for CMB News, I'm Ahamad Rashad and were out! 

02-05-02 News Brief:

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program, to bring you this news brief from ESPN Radio.  I'm Stuart "Wandering Eye" Scott, and now let's go live to our reporter in the field, Bill Pido. 

Bill Pido: "Thanks Stuart, I'm just outside CMB Headquarters here in Salem Oregon, were I'm told that in just a few moments CMB GM J. Legend will be making a brief statement to the press.  Preliminary reports indicate that Mr. Legend will be making a statement regarding his phone meeting with super agent David Faulk that took place yesterday evening.  I see Mr. Legend coming to the mic now so let's take a listen."

J. Legend:  "Thank you all for stopping by today I will try and make this brief, and I will also try and answer any pertinent questions if time permits.  First off let me state that I did in fact have a conference call with Mr. Faulk last night in which we discussed several of his clients, including my old friend G. Murph.  Mr. Faulk indicated that his client may be interested in attempting a comeback and resigning with the club, if the correct situation presented itself.  I stated to Mr. Faulk that the CMB would be happy to entertain any possible scenarios that would involve G. Murph returning to our lineup.  Murph has been a long time friend and will always have a place here at the CMB for as long as he so desires.  That is all I have to say regarding this, but I will take a few questions."

Pido: "Mr. Legend, are you saying that G. Murph could be back in a CMB uniform this very season?"

J. Legend: "Perhaps, but the circumstances would need to be right for that to happen."

Pido: "Are you then saying then, that if Murph decides to make a comeback at age 27 and after being out of the game for nearly a year, you would take him back?"

J. Legend:  "Obviously Mr. Pido, you don't know the meaning of the world PALS.  Murph is still better at age 50, then most players in the league.  And it doesn't take long to shake the rust off after only a year, just look at J.J. Bowden and you can see that. He was out for 2yrs and it had virtually no effect."

Pido: "One final question sir.  If G. Murph changes his present circumstances and becomes a viable free-agent after the All-Star break, then you would sign him?"

J. Legend: "No question, he's got a roster spot.  All he needs to do is show up.  Game time is 7:20pm this week."

Pido: "Well guys you heard it hear first, now back to you in the studio Stuart."

Well thank you Bill for that exciting report.  I'm sure we will have more to report as this story develops.  Until then for ESPN Radio, I'm Stuart Scott and we now return you to your program already in progress.

02-01-02

Good afternoon sports fans and thanks for tuning in to this edition of the CMB News.  Reporting from downtown Salem, I'm your host Trey Wingo, now on to this weeks PCBL action.

Bethany Baptist (w58)
Pete & BJ's Squad (44)

This game was a dog fight for most of the first half, with no team really pulling to a significant lead.  With The Squad fighting tooth and nail through the first 20 minutes, the Baptists managed to escape the first half with only a 4pt lead.  But Bethany's experience paid dividends in the second half, outwitting and simply outplaying Pete & BJ's Squad.  With the power inside game of Lucky Smith and Jason Nault, the Baptists took control of the paint which opened up their outside game for Colburn.  "Once we took control of the middle early in the second half, it seemed to be the difference and really opened us up to shoot uncontested outside shots," Colburn said.

Bethany jumped to a quick 10pt lead and held it much of the second half before Pete Watters hit back to back 3's to cut the lead to 4, but that would be as far as Pete & BJ's Squad would get.  With time fleeting away, Bethany reached the one-and-one bonus and that was pretty much all she wrote.  Bethany continued to get defensive stops and it forced The Squad to continue their fouling ways, placing Bethany at the charity stripe time after time.  Bethany closed out the game with an impressive 58-44 win.

CMB (w96)
NWSC (35)

In what was probably the most lopsided game in PCBL history, the CMB ran away with a laugher over NWSC 96-35.  And although the fans didn't get Chalupas, since the CMB failed to reach the century mark, there was still plenty to cheer about.  "It was a fun up and down game for us.  It's too bad we didn't get a 100 for the fans, but we enjoyed ourselves and I think they did to," West said after the game.

Minus J.J. Bowden, who was sitting out nursing a minor quadriceps strain, the CMB were lead by the hot shooting and defense of Fisher and J. Legend.  "Fisher really stepped it up huge tonight.  He came out hitting on all cylinders and was stellar on the defensive end as well.  Its the type of game we are use to seeing from him but has been absent for the first part of the season," J. Legend commented.  Fisher who had only scored a total of 10pts in the previous 2 games netted 28 for this game to go along with his 10 assists and game high 6 steals.  "I really felt great out there tonight.  I was knocking down my outside shots and was finishing well at the rim too," Fisher said.

The other half of this dynamic duo, J. Legend , seemed to be completely out of his game one shooting slump and knocked down 5-7 from behind the arc as well as dishing out a season high 13 assist for the game.  "I was really looking to get Fisher and Shaffner going in the first half.  With Bowden out I knew we had to find scoring in other places.  With Fisher's 28 and Shaffer adding another 25, those two really came through and delivered tonight for us," J. Legend said at the post game press conference.  J. Legend only had 10pts at the half, but finished with 31 to lead all scorers.

Scores from around the league and this weeks Power Rankings:

Power Rankings:

1. CMB:  With the leagues leading scorer, J.J. Bowden, sitting out due to injury, this team still put 96 points on the board this week. True, it was against the worst team in the league since the Clippers were in San Diego, but still it was a nice win.  With Bowden returning next week, and with J. Legend's outside game back on track, this team is deadly and is only getting more venomous.

2. Trinity: Still dominating the East, but not always in the same fashion.  Sometimes they beat you by fast-breaking, other times they pound it inside and beat you in the paint.  They are very tough to defend in the open court, but teams are starting to be more aware of the few weaknesses they have, and are exploiting them on occasion.  If the stick to the basics of what they do best, then they should continue to run the table on the Eastern Conference. 

3. Bethany Baptist:  Coming of a tough loss to Trinity last week, the Baptists showed their veteran experience by dismantling Pete & BJ's Squad.  Their inside game that was once in question, looks to be getting more solid with every coming game.  They still need to develop a second outside threat to compliment Colburn, but things are shaping up nicely for the defending Eastern Conference champs heading into the All-Star break.

4. Slow Motion:  PG Billy Martinez is still their main asset, but other team members are stepping to the plate to add substance to this one dimensional team.  They still lack a true inside presence, but are developing it each passing week.

5. West Salem 4 Square: They seem to like the number 5 spot and are still there for the second consecutive week.  The put up a good fight with Bethany, but their inexperience and youth wasn't enough to win the game or push them up the rankings.

6. Labish Center:  No change this week for Labish either.  Just like WS4, they are young and inexperienced and still have nobody on the team other then Dave Thomas that can score!  Figure it out fella's and get a free agent forward or guard who can help carry some of Thomas's heavy burden.

7.  Pete & BJ's Squad:  Still suck, and will continue to do so until they have 5 guys who can actually play the game...nuff said.

8.  NWSC:  Just when you thought this team was finished breaking historical PCBL records they surprise us once again.  They almost got "Chalupad" this week by breaking their previous record for largest margin of defeat, getting trounced at the hands of the CMB by 61pts.  "Hi NWSC I'm Earth....have we meant?"  This team is obviously from another planet and time, because no team on Mother Earth can play this consistently and pathetically horrible week after week.  I don't think anything could help this team now other then divine intervention.  You can press CTRL-ALT-DEL now cuz this team needs a reboot.

01-25-02

Week 2 in the PCBL was just as intriguing as first week...well at least for the first 3 games of the night.  The two most interesting matchups were Bethany Baptist taking on Trinity and the CMB versus Slow Motion.  Both games were close in the early going, but some teams just couldn't hold on and overcome their opponents in the end.  Here's the nightly recap:

Bethany Baptist (38)
Trinity Prayer House (w52)

Trinity came out running and gunning in the first few minutes of the game scoring 8 unanswered points, but Bethany weathered the storm and stuck close throughout most of the first half behind the hot shooting of Mark Colburn who knocked down 3 baskets from behind the arc in the first half alone.  "Mark was really feeling it early on and we just kept getting him the ball.  It's too bad that the rest of us couldn't hit some outside shots to help the team out," Dickey said after the game. Bethany shot a season low 34% from the field, but did manage to out rebound Trinity 44-36.

Bethany got as close as 4 with about 10 minutes to go, but then Trinity went on a small run to push their lead to 8 and then never looked back.  Trinity rolled on to a 52-38 win.

CMB (w74)
Slow Motion (51)

After last weeks debacle between Fisher and J. Legend, both all-star players were determined to get their game back up to a respectable level and they did just that.  J. Legend on the offensive end and Fisher acting as the "Glove" on the defensive end of the floor.  The CMB flew out early to a 10pt lead behind the phenomenal 3pt shooting of J.J Bowden and J. Legend.  Bowden knocked down four 3pt shots in the first half, and J. Legend added another which kept Slow Motion on their heels.  "I really felt good out their tonight.  I was feeling the grove and just kept knocking down shot after shot," Bowden said.  Bowden shot 5-8 from the 3pt line and finished with 28pts and 8rebs for the game.  Slow Motion was only down 9 at the half but the CMB opened the second half with a quick lob pass to Bowden for a 3pt play, followed by another 3pt basket from Bowden on the very next trip down the floor that quickly pushed their lead to 15, and then they never looked back.

The CMB's other offensive weapon of the night was J. Legend.  After shooting a career low 0-6 from the 3pt line last week, he stepped up his game and went 2-2 from behind the arc, 7-8 from the charity stripe and shot 61% for the game to finish with 21pts. "I knew I had to make a statement after last weeks horrific effort.  You could start to hear the murmurs in the crowd that "I'm getting old," or "He can't play without Murph."  Things like that I couldn't stand for and I think I proved that tonight with my improved shooting and by getting others involved.  However I actually believe Fisher was the player of the game though.  He really locked on defensively to their point guard and basically made him a non factor for us in the second half. "  J. Legend not only shot better from the floor, but he dished out 10 helpers again for the second straight game to assist his team to victory.

Fisher, the consensus Player of the Game by his teammates, really did put on an impressive defensive effort.  After letting point guard Billy Martinez score 17pts in the first half, Fisher got a severe tongue lashing from J.J. Bowden at halftime.  "Bowden was all over me telling me to step up and put the clamps on Martinez.  I knew my other teammates were feeling it too, but Bowden doesn't pull any punches and just says it like it is.  That got me motivated and I went out in the second half to shut him down," Fisher exclaimed.  Although Fisher only managed to scrounge up 4pts and 8ast for the game he held Slow Motions best player to 2 points in the second half and got all of his team high, 5 steals, in the second half as well.

Other scores from around the league and this weeks updated Power Rankings:

Power Rankings:

1. CMB: The CMB are finding their grove behind the stellar offense of J.J. Bowden and J. Legend.  With Shaffner and Webb inside, they make for devastating outside/inside threat, and are only looking better.  Oh yeah, and that 2001 Defensive Player of the Year guy, Fisher, ain't too bad either.

2. Trinity:  The run and gun show of Trinity Prayer House is fun to watch and their outside shooting is very strong, but Bethany Baptist exposed some chinks in their armor especially in the post.  They'll need to improve their post defense to compliment their offensive prowess.

3. Bethany Baptist: They lost a tough battle with Trinity this week, but improved their inside game and rebounding which has been sorely lacking since the preseason.  If they can get a strong second scorer to match Colburn then they will be right back atop the East.

4. Slow Motion: They hung with the CMB for a half, but Billy Martinez needs some help on O.  They run the floor well, but can they handle the size of the other Western teams?  Only time will tell.

5. West Salem 4 Square:  WS4 holds steady at the 5 spot this week after their win over Pete & BJ's Squad.  Their offensive is improving, but they still need to address their defensive rebounding issues.

6. Pete & BJ's Squad:  These clowns move up a notch this week, but primarily only because the 7th and 8th positions are horrific.  The "Squad"  needs help on offensive and D, but they did look a mildly better.

7.  Labish Center:  Moving down the rankings a little, but they still had a decent win over NWSC, but then again a team of blind guys in wheelchairs could beat them.  They notched only 36pts in that game, but that was plenty to beat NWSC.  They still need a second scorer to compliment Dave Thomas, but I don't see anyone stepping to the plate yet.

8. NWSC: Could this team possibly get any worse?  Yep.  They top their feat of last week and only manage 9pts in the first half of this weeks game.  They better that only by adding 10 in the second.  19pts for the game????  Are you kidding me?  Their team mascot could score 19, maybe he should get the starting nod for next week.  This team is so bad a group of corpses could beat this crew.  Wow wow wow...that's about all that can be said for these guys.  Maybe Isaiah Thomas can buy them out and add them to the list of his defunct CBA teams.  For the love.......

01-24-02

Injury Update: As CMB News reported yesterday afternoon, Off-Guard Bob West was put on the five day Injured List.  After West met with an orthopedic specialist in Salem yesterday concerning the reoccurring pain in his left calf muscle, the CMB have revised that decision and moved West to the 15 day IL.  "Its unfortunate for us that Bob will be out that long, but we are pleased that his calf injury is finally being dealt with appropriately.  Hopefully this won't be long term and he'll be back before the regular season is over," Team Doctor Gary Vitti said.

After several tests during his visit yesterday, it was determined that West's calf muscles weren't only strained, but he also has a partial tear of the Soleus muscle and will be out a minimum of 3 weeks.  The Soleus muscle is one of the two main muscles that make up the calf and it's located under the larger Gastrocnemius muscle.  Typically rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy seem to be the best treatment, unless the injury is severe and requires surgery to repair the muscle.  West's injury does not appear that severe at the moment and he will be reevaluated on February 4th.

In conjunction with these recent developments, the CMB have tentatively signed journeyman free agent Bill Brown to a one day contract for tonight's night's game against Slow Motion.  The 5' 10" guard played sparingly last season with the Park Rangers, and averaged 4.2ppg along with 3.2apg.  If the deal goes through this will be Brown's 4th different team in his 5 seasons in the league.  "Were pleased to hear the Brown may be in uniform for tonight's game.  He's a solid bench player that can come in for a couple of minutes and spell the starters for a quick break, while not hampering the team defensively.  He's a decent midrange shooter and we'll be happy to have him for a game or two," J. Legend said at this mornings shoot around.

That's all for now, we'll have more to report Friday on tonight's hoop action.  Until then, for ESPN and CMB News, I'm Stuart Scott.  Keep it real true believers, I'm out.

01-23-02

Today at noon Pacific Time, the CMB placed Bob West on the five day Injured List.  After injuring a reoccurring muscle strain in his left calf.  West re-aggravated his calf during a routine drive to the basket at shoot around this morning.  West first suffered the injury back in 1999 while playing in the NBDL, and has been able to manage it with rest and a steady regiment of Flex-All 454 and Ibuprofen. 

He was evaluated by team doctors this morning and will meet with an orthopedic specialist this afternoon for a possible MRI.  The good news is that it does not appear too serious as of now, and J. Legend who suffered a mild ankle sprain in last weeks game, is close to 100% and will be back in action tomorrow.  This means that the CMB will be down to their five starters and an empty bench for tomorrow night's action versus Slow Motion.  "It's a tuff loss for us as far as team moral goes.  Bobby is a pleasure to have in the locker room and a spark for us off the bench.  We plays well within the Triangle Offense, and we just hope he's back soon," Eric Shaffner said during this mornings practice.  In the meantime the CMB said they will test the free agent market to look for a temporary replacement for perhaps a couple of games, but did confirm that they will not offer unsigned free agent Brayden Thomas any contract as of now.

West will miss tomorrow night's game against Slow Motion and possibly next weeks contest against Northwest Sports Cards.  In the seasons first game West notched only 1pt, 3ast and 3rebs in 10 minutes of play.

01-18-02 Regular Season Opener

It has finally arrived, the regular season has officially begun and we actually had some surprises from a few teams that we will get to in a moment, but first let's get a recap of last nights action.

Bethany Baptist: 62
West Salem 4 Square: 48

The first game of the regular season was quite exciting and was very close, no team had more then a 3 point lead all the way through the first half.  At the beginning of the second half, the Baptists ran out to a 12pt lead and really never looked back.  West Salem cut it to a little as 8 with 7 minutes to go, but the hot outside shooting of Mark Colburn quenched that fire and Bethany ran away down the home stretch to a 14pt win.  "We really made a concerted effort to come out in the second half and take it to them.  Turnovers and a poor shot selection in the first half hurt us somewhat, but we were able to overcome it in the second," Dickey said after the game. Notables: Colburn 18pts 7rebs, Dickey 3pts and 5ast, and Fitty with 4pts and 4rebs.

CMB:78
Labish Center: 45

This game went pretty much as expected.  Labish relied on the hot shooting of Dave Thomas who shot an amazing 7-8 from the 3pt line to finish with 30pts total for the game, but he alone was not enough to overcome the CMB's substantial lead from the get go. The CMB relied on the stellar play of three of their superstars, but not the usual players you might suspect.  Back from a year hiatus and a severe drug rehabilitation program, J.J. Bowden came out of the gate early and got his by finishing with 36pts and 8rebs, along with Eric Shaffner who notched 17pts and 11rebs.  The "Chairman of the Boards," Webber Martin, grabbed 17rebs and also managed to nock in 8pts to boot.

The CMB ran off 18 unanswered points in the first half to take a comfortable 32-16 halftime lead.  "We really wanted to come out and send a message to them, and the league, that the CMB was back in full force and ready to dominate anyone in our path," J. Legend said after the game.  J. Legend and Fisher sent a message of their own, but not in typical fashion.  Both of perennial All-Stars played like Cheryl Miller, and combined to only score 16pts on 7-21 from the floor.  It was the first time either of them had not scored at least 12pts in a game. 

Fisher who only managed 6pts, did step it up on the defensive end of the floor and picked-pocketed 4 steals by games end.  J. Legend who shot a horrific 0-6 from the 3pt line, managed to net only 10pts and 8ast, and was hampered most of the second half with a severally sprained right ankle.  Concerning his lackluster play, J. Legend had these comments after the game, "The defender had inadvertently stepped on my foot as I was  driving the lane and I just felt something pop and went down.  It's pretty swollen and painful right now, but I'm not missing any action if at all possible.  I'm gonna play all 82 baby."

He is listed as day-to-day and shouldn't miss any game time according to team officials.  J. Legend had already been suffering some pain in his right foot due to a bone spur on his heel from early in the preseason, and this injury only compounds the problem.  Can you say Grant Hill?

Other box scores and highlights

Updated Power Rankings for 01-18-02

1. CMB: J.J. Bowden is an unstoppable force that can do it all.  He shot 61% for game one and put down 36pts for the game, and remember he didn't even play last season.  Shaffer and Webber make up arguably the best power forward tandem in the game averaging a team high 28 boards per game between the two.  Unbelievably Fisher and J. Legend are the question marks right now for this elated franchise, after a horrendous game one performance by both of them, but it's more of an anomaly then anything else at this moment.

2. Trinity:  It's a close call between them and Bethany right now.  Trinity looks to be a little more polished and a better rebounding and fast-breaking team, but only time will tell.  Their best player, Marcellus LaShon Johnson, is done for the year most likely with season ending knee surgery.

3. Bethany Baptist:  With the help of Lucky Smith and Jason Smith, they may have solved their rebounding issues, for the moment.  They looked good on offensive and always have good shot selection and a better then average outside game.

4. Slow Motion:  Okay they could have jumped into the top 3, but they played NWSC in the opener and that really isn't a true measuring stick for any team in the league considering how awful they are.  Don't be fooled by the name "Slow Motion" because these guys run the floor well and use precision passing to win.

5. West Salem 4 Square:  They make the biggest jump this week from #8 to #5.  They played very well against Bethany this week and showed some glimpses of glory, but only in very small flashes.  They lack consistency on offense and don't always get back on D, but they are slowly improving.

6. Labish Center:  Ok we all now that Dave Thomas is their whole team, and every team will try and put the clamps on him, but can anyone stop this guy?  The CMB certainly couldn't and they threw everything at him but a hatchet.  If Labish can develop a second scorer to play alongside Thomas, then they may win a lot of games, but right now they are two one dimensional to be a true threat.

7. Pete & BJ's Squad:  They weathered the storm by Trinity this week and showed some real poise, but look at the name of this team, can anyone name the other 3 starters?  Exactly, there aren't any to mention and unless they get some help off the bench they can dial it in now.

8. NWSC: Last week's #6?  What on earth were we thinking here at ESPN?  I mean we knew these guys weren't the best team out there, but for the love of Magic, this team is six floors beneath the cellar right now.  It looked worse then a Globetrotters vs. Senators game from back in the day, only nobody was laughing except for their opponent.  After setting league records for lowest points in a half with 10, and largest margin of defeat, they ended up getting pummeled by 57...that's 57 folks!  Absolutely unreal, this group of "Never Will-Be's" couldn't beat a team run by Dairy Queen.  Thanks for playing guys, but geez Louise, take any dignity you may have left and stay at home.  It's better for all of us.

That's it sports fans, tune in next week for more CMB News, good day and God bless.

01-11-02: Preseason Conclusion

Well sports fans the 5-on-5 Peoples Church Preseason came to a close last night and things are looking bright for the league this year.  The start of the official regular season will start next Thursday January 17th.  All of the teams in the league look good this year, but there are a few surprises and shake ups in each conference, so without further adieu let's take a look the first issuing of this seasons "Power Rankings."

Power Rankings:

1. CMB: With J.J. Bowden's return to the lineup this week, they look dominate the West once again, and should be the team to beat, but can they sustain it throughout the whole season?

2. Trinity Prayer House: Showed a strong showing in the preseason's week 4, but have shown their inexperience in several games that their raw talent has been able to overcome.  The question remains will they show up each night and if so will their mental game come along?

3. Bethany Baptist: Rookie sensation, Brian Fitty, looks to definitely help them at off-guard position and their experience will be nothing to squawk at.  However, they still lack a prominent rebounder and inside defender.  Who will step up to the plate is the question.

4. Slow Motion: The Latino Connection has shown to be a quick and good shooting team.  A lack of size has bumped them to the #4 spot, but they may surprise some teams. 

5. Labish Center: This one man show is fun to watch with their lighting quick fast break ability, but poor outside shooting and a lack of size may be their downfall come playoff time.  They should be good enough to pull a 3 seed out of the West if they step up their defense.

6. NW Sports Cards: Fun loving group of youngsters, but they have poor shooting and their defense is highly suspect.  They should be here at #6 or #7 most of the season, so don't expect their "Beckett" value to rise anytime soon.

7. Pete & B.J.'s Squad: These long time veterans have some decent players with All-Stars Peter, and B.J., however that is all they have and it's pretty much a 2-man game. Last time we checked it took at least 5 to win a title.

8. West Salem 4 Square:  This team was over before they got started.  No size, no shooting, no defense, spells NO PLAYOFFS.  Sorry but, hate the game not the player.

Final Preseason Results as of 01-11-02:

01-07-02

With one week left in the Preseason, things look to shaping up for quite an interesting season.  Newcomers Labish Center and Trinity Prayer House look to add more spice to an already kicked up pot of Emeril's famous chili, but is it too spicy for the young guns?  So let's take a look a the Preseasons top teams and see what's cooking.

Labish Center:  This new expansion team provides a lot of excitement by sticking to the old school tradition of Loyola Marimount style basketball and simply running and gunning any chance they can get.  Although they can score in bunches and can fill it up from the outside, the tend to give up a lot of points as well.  With no dominate big man in the middle to divert incoming traffic, they look to be nothing more then a probable flash in the pan.  Predicted Western Conference finish: 3rd

Trinity Prayer House: Another exciting expansion team in this years field, but unlike Labish they seem to have more tools of the trade when it comes to finishing the job.  They have two dominate players in point guard Marcellus Jones and wingman LaShon Johnson  They rebound well and get out on the break, better then any team playing right now.  They ran the table in last weeks preseason action going 6-0, including decisive wins over defending Eastern and Western Conference champs, Bethany Baptist and the CMB.  If they can all remain healthy and be able play as a team over the long haul, they might just have what it takes to win the East and a trip to the Finals.  Predicted Eastern Conference finish: 2nd

Slow Motion (Western Mennonite): The Latino connection, as they sometimes go by, may just be the dark horse of the season thus far.  With no player toping 6' 1" this team of Mighty Mice are giving other teams in the league fits with their blazing speed and spot-up shooting.  Lead by 5' 6" point guard, Billy Martinez, look for this squad to run with the big dawgs.  They have what it takes to be a contender, but only time will tell.  It is a long season.  Predicted Western Conference finish: 2nd

Bethany Baptist: Last season's Eastern Conference champion seems to be in a little bit of a quagmire as of late.  With still no dominate center or power forward-type player, the Baptists lack much needed rebounding.  With the recent addition of free agent Lucky Smith, they may have found that missing link.  All-Star Mark Colburn has returned from the Preseason IL and will supply their main source of offense.  Veterans like Bill Dickey and Daryl Weidner, will supply added backcourt help.  If the Baptist can get out of the gate early and sustain the flux from some of the expansion teams, then they should be able to weather the storm of the East and return to the top.  Predicted Eastern Conference finish: 1st

CMB: The CMB are swimming in stagnant waters right now, and yet are still atop the West.  They have lost more games (5) in this preseason, then they have the previous three preseasons. They have yet to play with a full roster, due to injuries, and have played with 6 different starting lineups.  Not to mention they have been deeply hurt in the middle from the loss of G. Murph then was previously expected.  With the only consistent play coming from J. Legend and 6th man Bob West, the CMB look to have the pieces in place, but can they find the mark before the regular season gets away from them?  With the return of J.J. Bowden for this weeks preseason finale, the CMB will have their entire starting five for the very first time this preseason and look to get back on track towards their journey for yet another title. Predicted Western Conference finish: 1st

Top 5 Preseason Teams as of 01-07-02:

12-21-01

Not much to say about the Preseason opener, it was pretty poor and nobody's game was ill, but we'll keep it brief and stick to the highlights (which were few and far between.)

Beff Baptist: Missing a few of their key components, like All-Star's Hurst and Colburn, the came out cold and stayed in the icebox all night.  Dickey looked great in warm-ups but came out chilly and shot an amazing Iverson-ish 4-35.  Then he ended up finishing the night with Plantar-Facitias in his right foot, and is now listed as day-to-day.  Rookie guard, Brian Fitty showed signs of greatness by hitting some outside shots early on, but apparently the AC came on and his game went cold as well.

CMB: Playing without Bowden, and Shaffner (who are both sitting out with minor injuries this week.) J. Legend was unable to lead his team to a single scrimmage victory.  He came out great, scoring on 4-5 shooting along with slick drives to the bucket and handing out several helpers, but his patented 3pt shot was off and he lost his legs toward the end.  "I just wasn't feeling like myself.  I was coming off some flu-like symptoms, and couldn't get me 3 to go down.  Oh well this is what the preseason is for, to get back in shape and get ready for the regular season," J. Legend said after the game.

Fisher however looked great.  After tweaking his ankle early in the first scrimmage, he shook it off and then proceeded to dominate the floor with what I'm told were some "sick" moves.  Fisher was cutting and slashing to the hoop up and down the hardwood.  He was hitting some outside shots and more importantly he was finishing his lay-ups.  Recently re-signed Webber Martin, was back to his old tricks by snatching every loose ball and taking a few gangsta basket's here and there.

And for the highlights that's about it.  Like I said there was Nadia Comaneci going on last night on the hoop front.  So join us next week as we hope to bring you the first of many exciting news updates from the land of basketball.  Until then, for the NBA Today, I'm Mark Jones goodnight.

12-18-01

Hello sports fans and welcome to this edition of the CMB News, brought to you by AT&T.  We are just days away now from the Preseason opener and things have shaken up in the league already.  With just 2 days before the preseason tip-off, Bethany Baptist is still missing one important cog in the wheel of Eastern Conference superiority and CMB seemed to have added even more power to their lineup.

First we go to South Salem, where the Baptists are gearing up for another run at playoffs with one key ingredient missing, rookie sensation Brent Hurst.  Hurst has yet to resign with Bethany Baptist and appears to be holding out for more money and a longer term deal.  We spoke to Point Guard Bill Dickey about his friend and hopefully this seasons teammate.  "It's still a little early to be circling the wagons just yet, but I know the front office is still tying to work a deal for Hurst.  We would love for him to stay and could benefit greatly from his rebounding and defensive skills, but we do know this is a business and if he decides to sign elsewhere we wish him all the best."  The Baptists, who have all the starters returning from last season, except for the possibility of Hurst, still look to be the dominate force in the East and the team to knock off the mountain there.

Now on to the CMB. With negotiations that went into the wee hours of morning, the CMB have more then likely secured a trip to the Finals, if it all pans out that is.  In what has been one of the most controversial stories from last season, the CMB have officially signed All-Star Power Forward Eric Shaffner.  Although terms of the contract were not disclosed to the media, we did manage to find out the deal was for a two year period, with a team option for a third.

As many hoop fans can recall, the CMB aggressively pursued then free agent Eric Shaffner last season only to have it backfire in their faces in what most analysts have dubbed "The Fleecing of the CMB."  Shaffner had signed a letter of intent for the CMB and even participated in some preseason practices, but never actually signed his contract offer.  He then left the team one week before the regular season started to sign with another club.  The CMB subsequently lost in the Finals for the first time in team history in 12 tries to Shaffner's team.

"We made some key mistakes while trying to obtain Shaffner last season, mistakes that won't be made again, and we paid the price for it. The CMB have always been a franchise built on integrity and honesty, which was obviously not returned by Shaffner nor his former agent.  The CMB however are not an organization without mercy, and you need to look no further then the resigning of troubled veteran J.J. Bowden to see that.  In this league memories can fade fast, and although the CMB will never forget the fleecing we suffered at the hands of one particular player and his former agent, it doesn't mean the whole league is crooked.  In these times it seems like "It's what have you done for me lately?" and we need to move on as a whole.  These things sometimes happen in the league, even to the best of teams," GM J. Legend said at practice Tuesday.

Although tension may still be amidst with Shaffner joining the squad, if any coaching staff can mold such ego's and erase such turmoil, it is the CMB.  What was now thought to be a lost season for the CMB, after losing perennial All-Star G. Murph to partial retirement and the end of their decade long league dominance.  It seems that they may not only be the team to beat in the West, but they may have just saddled up for another decade of history, but only time will tell.

For ESPN Sports and AT&T, I'm Rich Eisen.  Good night and God bless.

12-11-01

Welcome back true believers and welcome to the first edition of the CMB News Preseason Edition.  The Preseason begins on Thursday December 20th at 6:30pm, and it looks to be one with many questions still unanswered.  Is Defending Champion, Shaffners Squad still intact and the team to beat after all the vacancies on their roster due to free agency?  Can the CMB get back to the glory days again and reach the promise land or is the loss of 6-time MVP, G. Murph too much to overcome?  Can defending Eastern Conference Champion, Bethany Baptist recover from a disappointing 2nd round playoff loss last season and really be a contender for the title?  All these questions and more we hope to answer in the next coming weeks, right here at CMB News.

Defending Champion, Shaffners Squad looks anything but the power house it was last season.  Power Forward Eric Shaffner and Point Guard Ed Arellano look to be the only starters left from last seasons high caliber roster.  "We took a big hit due to free agency over the off season.  It happens occasionally after winning a title, sometimes players look to jump at the best deal their agent can get them. I may not be here by the season opener myself, we'll just have to wait and see," Shaffner said at a recent practice.

The CMB opened training camp much different then the past 8 seasons.  Perennial All-Stars like J. Legend and Chris Fisher we still in uniform, but one key element was missing....G. Murph.  Long time CMB'er G. Murph who partially retired at the end of last season was not in training camp this year.  "It's hard on all of us.  You get use to a guy like Murph and establish a sense of belonging and security with him around. It will be difficult to move on, but the CMB have never turned their back on a challenge. He was truly one of the greats," J. Legend said during Tuesday's media day.  The 12-time Champion CMB lost the Finals for the first time in team history for which they qualified.  The CMB will rely mainly on the efforts of resigned J.J. Bowden, and long time veterans, Chris Fisher, and J. Legend if they hope to return to the Finals this season.

Finally we move on to the defending Eastern Conference Champs, Bethany Baptist.  Rookie Farm Teamers, Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst, outsourced their skills to Bethany Baptist and turned an expansion team into an Eastern power.  Both players were selected to their first of what is probably many All-Star games, but their lack of experience showed up in the playoffs when they lost in the 2nd round to 4 seed OSU. Were they just a flash in the pan?  Be sure the Baptists will be a team to reckon with, but they might not go too far if they don't resign Hurst who is looking for more money over the long team, but only time will tell.

Well that's it for this edition, join us next week as we report on the Preseason opener.  For Bill Walton and Kenny Smith, I'm Irwin M. Fletcher.  Good night and good health. 

07-24-01 Summer League Update

Good afternoon and thanks for joining Fox Sports News here at the Staples Center for the NBA Summer League 2001, I'm your host Chick Hearn alongside Big Game James.  Today we focus on the surmounting rumors about the CMB bringing back long time veteran J.J. Bowden.

CMB GM and Owner, J. Legend, announced at a press conference earlier today that they have made another formal offer to Bowden's agent Mr. Billy Idol, and that they can confirm that they have a verbal agreement with J.J. Bowden for the 2001-2002 season.  Here are some of the comments made yesterday at that press briefing.

J. Legend: "I spoke with Mr. Idol and Bowden yesterday afternoon.  They both seemed pleased with the newly arranged contract offer of $7.5mil for one year.  Both recipients have signed the contract offer and Bowden stated that he is very excited to get back in the mix with the CMB and will hopefully make several of the summer league games.  I am pleased to say that we are very glad to have Bowden back amongst the fold.  We still have some minor paperwork to take care of, but the deal is done as far as both parties are concerned."

With preliminary contract matters out of the way, it appears that the CMB have once again secured a spot in next seasons title hunt.  Join us next time for more CMB news.

05-31-01. The Postseason Edition Volume III:  "Robert Downy Jr. back in the mix...?"

Good day sports fans from ESPN remote studios in El Segundo, I'm your host Dan Patrick.  We interrupt your regularly scheduled program of Bonanza, to bring you this late breakingnews.  We have live via satellite CMB GM J. Legend with us now to discuss the alleged story of J. J. Bowen coming back into the CMB fold.

DP: "Mr. Legend my first question is in two parts.  First is there any truth to these rumors about J. J. Bowden coming back and resigning with the CMB after he is released from the Betty Ford Clinic in June?  Secondly are your plans to use him to fill the void left by G. Murph retiring this year?" 

JL: "First off Dan, let me tell you that the CMB, and myself personally have nothing but the utmost respect for J. J. Bowden.  Furthermore he has made certain mistakes in his life that he has more then paid for by now, and the past should be just that....the past.  As for filling the void left by G. Murph that is as ridiculous as it is stupid.  We could never replace his presence on the floor, and to think that anyone could is ludicrous."

DP: "So in a sense he will be filling the 5 spot for you then?"

JL: "Are you talking?  If your just getting up to speed now the train has left the terminal Dan.  Yes he would be filling our vacated spot at center.  Although we cannot replace the great G. Murph, I also have a team to run and to make it the very best I possibly can." 

DP: "Wow you move pretty fast then.  One day after G. Murph officially retires and you aren't waiting a single day for his seat to get cold before you fill it."

JL: "Dan you are treading on thin ice pal. This league moves at a high octane of speed, you don't get to the position I'm in by waiting for things to happen.  You make them happen.  I love Murph like a brother and no one will ever understand the Zen between us, but you don't win 11 championships by waiting for the ice to melt, you put a bonfire under it."

DP: "That's great Mr. Legend, but you didn't answer the question."

JL: "Let me tell you something Danny Boy.  I'll answer whatever questions I want to pal!  No one dictates to the CMB.  I could have you put to sleep like an aging poodle with a single phone call buddy, so let's ease back on the tone there and stick to the message at hand."

DP: "I apologize Mr. Legend and please forgive me.  The heart of my question was, is Bowden truly in the CMB's plans for next season?"

JL: "Bowden is in the CMB's plans every season.  Once a made man, always a made man.  I will confirm that I did have a conversation with him this morning about this very issue and it went very well.  He is in the final stages of completing his drug rehab treatment and is a model patient and citizen from what staff at the clinic tells me."

DP: "By that then can we conclude that he will be on your roster for next season?"

JL: "You media hounds can conclude whatever the heck you want.  You paparazzi freaks always seem to do that anyway.  No one in your profession seems to be interested in the truth anymore."

DP: "So what is the truth of this situation then Mr. Legend?"

JL: "The truth is...if you can handle it, is that J. J. Bowden, if all things go according to plan, will be once again in a CMB uniform next season.  We are using all of our resources necessary to make this happen.  We have missed his presence dearly and cannot wait to have him back."

DP: "And with that we will bid you good day sir.  We know you are a busy man and need to get back to your duties.  So thank you for joining us and thank you viewers for tuning in.  We will have more on this story as it develops.  Thank you."

05-30-01. The Postseason Edition Volume II Addendum 1:

Hello everyone, this is Dick Enberg with the Lake Oswego Times, reporting live to you from, you guessed it, Lake Oswego. I am here with GMurph to discuss his long discussed and rumored retiring from the CMB, Murph, the mic’s all yours.

GM: First of all, Richard, I am not retiring from the CMB. Once a made man with the CMB, always a made mad with the CMB. It’s obvious you don’t know the meaning of the word, “PALS”.

DE: Murph, I don’t know that you need to have such an attitude. This is big news here and I’m just trying to get the truth.

GM: You want the truth?

DE: I think I’m entitled.

GM: YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!! The truth is I am a CMB member for life. At this time in my life, however, it is necessary for me to follow the Force and relocate the Rebel Base to another locale. Will I sign with another team? Perhaps I will to continue my training and maintain sharpened skills.  Will it come close to comparing to the CMB? That’s as ridiculous of a question as Bob having the balls to tell Legend he should take the last shot. He’s no Maverick. He has no shot. Look, Ritchie, it is a difficult thing to do to move on from the CMB and from J.Legend and family. However, nothing is final and absolute so I will not rule out a possible comeback at some point in the future. This is why I must continue to play, even if in a developmental league, to keep the skills honed for the future.

DE: Are you saying that you will stay with the CMB?

GM: Earth to Dick.

05-30-01. The Postseason Edition Volume II:  "And then there was one..."

Thank you for joining us on this beautiful Wednesday morning, I'm Ahmad Rashad alongside Peter Vescey and K.J.  Sources tell us that very shortly, CMB Founder and GM, J. Legend, will be holding an unprecedented press conference in Salem.  Peter, what do you think this announcement will bring?  "Well sources tell me that the CMB are about to announce a serious roster shake up.  It appears that after today's statement, the team might never be the same."

Thank you Peter.  Let's go live to Salem now, where NBC Sports Correspondent Jim Gray is standing by outside CMB headquarters,  Jim...."Thank you Ahmad, yes in just a few moments J. Legend will be approaching the mic in what many analysts think will be the most profound press conference in the history of the franchise.  Word has leaked from an inside source that future Hall-Of-Famer, G. Murph will be retiring from the team.  Let's go now as GM J. Legend approaches the podium."

J. Legend:  "Thank you all for joining us this morning.  As many of you know by now, the rumors circling about G. Murph retiring from the team.  For many years this had been a rumor that Murph would retire or resign with another team.  Year after year this has been the case and the outcome always the same.  Murph suited up for the CMB as usual. This next season will be different and I am hear to confirm those very rumors now.  I spoke earlier this morning with G. Murph himself and his agent.  We had a lengthy discussion about his years with the franchise and what he has meant to the league and this organization.  

Murph will not be in his regular #41 jersey for next season and he will be greatly missed.  This decision comes at a very difficult time in his career and the history of the team.  Murph and his family have decided that the time is right for them to move on and begin a new chapter of their lives in Medford.  Murph will be exploring new ventures in the NBA's Developmental League and mentoring young athletes.  Although, not in uniform, he will be with us in spirit on the floor.  Murph will also move to a remote management spot with the team in the capacity of Assistant Director of Player Personnel and as a scout.  

Later in the day G. Murph we assume will be issuing his own statement regarding these matters.  In light of that we at the CMB would also like to announce a special retirement ceremony in his honor.  The CMB later this week will be retiring G. Murph's #41 jersey and inducting him into the CMB Hall Of Fame.

We would like to thank G. Murph for his many years of service, loyalty and dedication to winning.  No other player in franchise history played with more heart and soul then he did.  He will be greatly missed and appreciated in that same regard.  I feel very proud and honored to have played alongside him and to call him friend.  We wish you well, and may the Force be with you...always."

J. Gray:  "Wow Ahmad what a shocker!  I wouldn't have believed it unless I heard it here.  Truly a shake up not only for this team, but the league as well.  Back you Ahmad."

Ahmad: "Truly a shake up indeed.  Many questions abound about what the CMB will do?  How does the team regroup with the only remaining member of the original CMB, J. Legend?  How will they cope with the loss of Murph?  Does this still make them a title contender or just a decent team now?  Many of these questions and more will be addressed by Peter, K.J. and myself on the next edition of Inside the NBA next week.  Until then, thank you for tuning in, and good day."

05-16-01: The Postseason Edition Volume I

Good Wednesday to you all and welcome back to your choice for the best sporting news in the world.  I'm your host Stuart "Wander-Eye" Scott and alongside me this week is Sir Charles himself.  Now lets get on to the news.

The CMB had their annual Championship Dinner on Monday evening at the Outback Steakhouse, only this year it wasn't quite the same as years past.  As you well know the CMB lost it's first Finals Championship in it's illustrious 11 year career, making it a sad ending season note for the team.  "True the loss is probably harder on me and Murph, more then anyone else.  We each had chances in regulation and in overtime to win that game, and we didn't succeed.  It's troubling, but not the end of us, we have much better plans on the horizon and I guarantee you we'll win it all next year.  You can go to the bank on that," CMB Founder J. Legend said.

The CMB were in jovial spirits as usual at the dinner.  Giving the business to each other and making rookie Bob West the brunt of the annual "Birthday Dinner."  "I had no idea what was going on when all these waiters started singing and such.  I was thinking what the heck...and then it hit me, I was the gimp here happy birthday to me," West said after the meal.

Although the dinner was a much anticipated event for the franchise as always, nothing is more anticipated then the undecided roster lineup for next season.  With more then rumors this off season of G. Murph's retirement and the possibility of losing rookie Bob West, next seasons club could be nothing more then a hyped up expansion team.

The CMB will have to look not only at resigning free agents this season but also into the draft for some potential long term talent.  "We have some serious issues to tackle in the off season.  Although talked about for years, the retirement of Murph may be the inevitable this season, which I believe is not an option for us.  Mark my words we will use everything, I repeat everything, in our power to not let that happen.  Trying to win a championship without Murph at center is like trying to bring up the Titanic in one piece," J. Legend said.

Although stable spots on the roster are filled with J. Legend returning for his 11th year, Chris Fisher at of guard, and Webber Martin at power forward.  Some other players are still unsigned and may not return like Dayn Thomblison, rookie Bob West and Jamie Bowden, who sat last season due to drug rehab.  "We have issues on the roster, I will not deny that, but mark my words next season will be different.  No team in the league will wanna face us," Fisher said.

The CMB recovered from a similar situation in the 1994-1995 season when they lost in the closing seconds of the Western Conference Finals and did not qualify for the Finals for the first time in 4 seasons.  The next season the CMB came back with a vengeance, posting a regular season mark of 19-1 and went undefeated in the playoffs to win their 4th title in 5 years.  The CMB set records in steals and average margin of victory by 32ppg that season.  G. Murph was the driving force on that team winning the All-Star MVP, League MVP honors and the Defensive Player of the Year.  

So stay tuned during the off season for more exciting CMB news as it breaks because If this is any indication of what is to come next season, then the league better lock the doors and hide the kids now, cuz the CMB are coming and hell is coming with them!

04-24-01

Better late then never I guess, but the CMB News "Playoff Preview" edition is finally here.  We apologize for being close to a week late, but we had to finalize some internal business matters concerning our website.  With that said we are please to announce that CMB.com will be launching its Online Store in June.  Stay tuned for previews at CMB.com.  Now on to the news.

Well last Thursday brought a close to a tremendous yet tumultuous season for the inaugural People's Church 5-on-5 League.  The season saw 3-time defending champion CMB battle through weekly roster change-ups with a series of team and league fines to boot.  We endured a media invoked frenzy of rumors of an unsubstantiated riff between G. Murph and J. Legend, just to have them end up in a familiar place atop the West and the #1 seed in the playoffs.  

We saw the rise of young stars like Chris Fisher who stepped up his game with Terence Stansbury-like performances where he scored 30+ in numerous games.  We saw Farm Prospects Dickey and Hurst emerge as true rookie powers in the East, leading their expansion team of Bethany Baptists to the Eastern Conference Title and a #3 seed in the playoff tournament.

We had the weekly turmoil and strife between refs and players which lead to the foreclosure of one entire franchise, The Mouthpieces.  The league saw more technical fouls dealt out then Rasheed Wallace has, but other then that everyone lived.  "We learned a lot this season as management, " J. Legend acting League Commissioner said.  "All in all the season went better then expected.  Yes we did run into some issues that we will try and avoid in the future but those are to be expected with any new venture that is getting off the ground.  We had some great teams, a wonderful turn out for All-Star Weekend and it looks to be a great playoff tournament as well."

Last Thursday in the closing games Bethany Baptist demoralized OSU once again and went on to victory at 66-38.  Dickey played tuff and was able to lead his team to the Eastern Conference Title.  "We played pretty well last night and I think our chances of getting to the Finals look very good right now," Dickey said after the game.  Dickey finished the regular season with a line of 8.3ppg, 5.5rpg and 5.2astpg.  As for the dominate force in the middle for the Baptists, known simply as Mt. Hurst.  Hurst posted great numbers for a rookie with per game averages of 6.2ppg, 12.5rpg and 3.5blkpg.  Hurst also lead all rookies in rebounding.  Both Hurst and Dickey were also named to the Eastern Conference All-Pro 1st Team and All-Rookie 1st Team .

As for the trial tested CMB they managed to dance their way to their 10th Division Title and 7th Conference Title to claim the #1 seed in the playoffs once again and home court throughout the playoffs.  "We had quite the season I must say.  Our early roster shakeups left us kind of in a daze, but we quickly regrouped and focused on winning the championship at all costs," Fisher said.

Fisher finished his 3rd season in what might be called his best season yet.  Fisher came on strong for the CMB when the team suffered injuries to G. Murph and J. Legend, that had the team wavering.  "When Murph was out for those couple of games and Legend was recovering from his Bronchitis ailment, I knew I had to be the man and strap it on for the team.  I got in a great grove the second half of the season and established myself as a force to be reckon with," Fisher said.  Fisher finished with a great year and a nice per game line of 19.2ppg, 5.9astpg and 5.2stlpg.  Fisher was also named to the Western Conference All-Pro Team, as were G. Murph and J. Legend, and Fisher was named the Sports Illustrated Defensive Player of the year for a second consecutive year.

The CMB grasped the top seed by defeating arch rival Shaffners Squad in the season closer, 68-42.  In what was a surprise loss for Shaffners Squad, they could not stop the low post play of G. Murph and the outside presence of Fisher and J. Legend.  "They basically could do nothing to stop us.  We played amoeba-like defense that suffocated their inside game and then we just got out and ran the daylights out of them," G. Murph said.  G. Murph who turned 27 late in the season showed no signs of aging while leading the league in assists with a 9.2astpg and rebounding for a 4th straight year, with a 15.5rpg average.  Murph also finished second in scoring at 20.3ppg. Murph also notched 5 triple-doubles during the regular season. 

As for the senior member of the CMB, J. Legend looked as impressive as ever.  Leading the league in several categories such as scoring with 23.7ppg, 3pt Percentage of 57.5%, and Free Throw Percentage with 84.4%.  "I felt I had a really great year despite some ailments I fought along the way.  My overall concern was winning a championship.  Having the other hardware is nice, but its rings in the end that matter most," J. Legend said.  Legend also finished 2nd in steals per game at 4.4stlpg and assists with 8.6astpg.  Along with achieving all of that, G. Murph along with fellow CMBer J. Legend, were named the Shick League Co-MVP's.

Well that will put a cap on an exciting regular season for the league, but you haven't seen anything yet!  The playoffs begin this Thursday so come out and catch the wave on TNT.  You'll see #1 seed and 3-time defending champion CMB take on the #4 seed OSU Beavers.  Also in second game action you'll see #2 seed Shaffners Squad take on the #3 seed of the impregnable force known as the Bethany Baptists.  So stay tuned and get your tickets early because it looks to be a great ending to already great regular season.  Good night and God bless.

04-13-01

Well its Good Friday sports fans and it might as well have well be "Good Thursday" for the Western Conference last night.  In week 10 of the regular season all 3 Western Conference teams went undefeated.  In the late game night cap, the Eastern Conference Champion Bethany Baptists took on the Juggernaut know only as the CMB.

Right from the tip off the game became a heated battle.  Players throwing bows left and right jockeying for post position.  Guards driving the lane and hitting the deck with not a whistle to be heard.  Both teams fought a nail biter right down to the closing minutes.

Bethany Baptist, who was without All-Star Brent Hurst who was sitting out with the flu allegedly, were led by fellow Farm Teamer Bill Dickey and All-Star Mark Culburn.  "It was a tough game and we knew it would be.  Without Hurst it really hurt us inside as Murph dominated the low post.  He just had an unbelievable night.  When he's shooting like that is impossible to stop him," Team Captain Dickey said.  Dickey finished with 11pts and 5ast to compliment Colburns 21pts.

All-Star center G. Murph was the story of the game as stated.  Murph dominated the blocks from every slope and angle. "I was getting good looks all night long.  They played me pretty physical, but there was nothing really they could do, with 5' 9" guys guarding me it was over," Murph said after the game.  Murph dominated the entire night to finish with his 2nd triple-double in a row and his 4th of the season with 26pts, 16rebs and 10ast.

Coming off 3 straight 30+ games, Fisher stepped into the mix to add solidarity to the CMB lineup.  Fisher sliced and diced his way through the lane for lay-up after lay-up.  Fisher also was hitting from the outside and played stellar defense as usual.  "I wasn't concerned about getting 30+ for a 4th straight game.  My concern was to do what my team needed at all costs to win the game.  That is all that matters to us," Fisher said.  Fisher still had an impressive box score of 16pts, 5ast and 4stl.

Leading MVP candidate J. Legend was not forgotten in last nights game.  Although shooting 1-4 from beyond the 3pt line, J. Legend hit key buckets and free throws when it counted.  The Baptists cut the lead to 7 with 2:20 to go in regulation, before J. Legend started a 8-0 run by the CMB that closed the deal at 68-52.  

J. Legend hit a big three point shot and two free throws with under two minutes to play that cut off any comeback changes the Baptists had left.  "I was shooting poorly from the behind the arc tonight, but I hit it when it counted most.  I was able to get some other good shots up and felt I played some good defense," J. Legend said.  Legend finished with 18pts, 8ast and 3stl. 

Well next week completes the regular season and then its off to the playoffs.  So far the CMB, Bethany Baptist and Shaffners Squad have all clinched playoff berths, but can anyone dethrone the 3-time defending League Champion CMB? Only time will tell.  See you then.

04-06-01

Week 9 in the regular season and the CMB show no signs of slowing up.  Instead they look to be putting on a full head of steam to take into the playoffs, starting with a demoralizing 75-43 win over the Replacements last night.

Returning to the starting lineup after a two week hiatus, was all-star G. Murph, who appeared to show no signs of rust from the layoff, but looked as impressive as ever.  "I was feeling really well out there tonight.  I was hitting the boards hard and felt I got us going offensively," Murph said after the game.  Murph started up the CMB offense by dishing out pass after pass to various finishers.  With three minutes remaining in the game, Murph dished out assist number ten to J. Legend who dropped in the lay-up shot to help push Murph over the triple double mark for the third time this season.  Murph finished the game with an impressive stat line of 17pts, 21rebs and 13ast.

Coming off two back-to-back 30+ plus games, Chris Fisher started right where he left off scoring the teams first basket and numerous others that night.  "I feel I'm really in a good grove these last few games.  I hate to say it but Murph's absence the last couple of games helped me realize that I needed to step up my game to the level it should be...and I finally have," Fisher said.  Fisher ended with his third consecutive 30+ game with a line of 30pts, 8ast, and 5stl.

With Murph and Fisher dishing out assists left and right, J. Legend found himself on the receiving end of most of those phenomenal passes.  "I just kept moving without the ball and they kept giving it to me, making the lay-ups was the easy part.  It was a blessing to have Murph back and I must say Fisher the last few games it flat out unreal.  He may vi for the MVP yet" J. Legend said.  J. Legend feed off his teams unselfishness and complimented it by serving up 33pts and 8rebs for the night.

There are two weeks left in the regular season and the CMB take on arch rival and Eastern Conference leader Bethany Baptist next game.  So stay tuned for next weeks wrap up, because it is sure to deliver.  Thank you and good afternoon.

03-30-01

Good afternoon folks and welcome to this edition of the CMB news.  I'm your host Ernie Johnson, alongside Peter Vescey and K.J.  For this weeks league round up let's go right to Peter for this weeks update...Peter.

Thanks Ernie.  Well week 8 was the week of blowouts.  Shaffner's squad routed The Park Rangers 85-66, the CMB annihilated OSU 87-61, and Bethany Baptist took out The Replacements 71-58.  The Farm Teamers Dickey and Hurst combined for 26pts and 15rebs respectively.  We at TNT would like to give a big shout out to Brent Hurst who constructed a game clock program just before game time to substitute for the stadiums faulty scoreboard.  "It was the least I could do for a league that has enriched me so much this season.  With my vast programming knowledge I knew I could whip out a nice like countdown clock to help them out," Hust said.  The Farm Teamers host The Park Rangers next week, so be prepared for a physical and emotional game.

The CMB lit up OSU like the 4th of July last night.  Jumping out to a 22-0 lead before OSU converted a field goal.  OSU pulled within 7 before the break, but the CMB upped it to a 17pt lead at the half.  The CMB were once again without All-Star center G. Murph in the lineup.  Murph is still sitting out after having dental reconstruction two weeks ago.  When asked about the 2-time MVP's return, CMB GM J. Legend had these comments.  "We would have loved to have Murph back in the lineup with us tonight.  I understand his alleged rehab is going well, but I'm sure he will still receive a substantial fine from the league as well.  We hope to have him suited up next week, that is all."

G. Murph as you recall was fined a league record $6 million dollars by the CMB and $150,000 by the league for failing to make the game last week.  Murph was fined an additional $3 million by the CMB for this week.  As of yet the league had not handed down its ruling on the matter.

As for the players that were suited up, they were lead by J. Legend and Chris Fisher who combined for 65 of the CMB's 87 pts.  J. Legend came on strong in the first half connecting on all 3 of his 3pt attempts.  J. Legend came out of the gate firing in the second half as well, scoring the teams first 10pts of the second half.  J. Legend finished with 30pts, 6rebs, and 7ast.

Fisher picked up right were he left off last week, going 5-7 from the 3pt line and setting the defensive tempo for the team.  Fisher had a game high 8 steals and capped it of with 8 assists to go with his team and game high of 35pts.  "I was feeling really good out there tonight.  My shots were dropping and I was like a swarm of bee's on the defensive end of the floor," Fisher said after the game.

The CMB went on to route OSU by 20+ points for the second time this season and their fourth 20+ win of the season.

That's all for this week.  Join us again next week, when we bring you all the latest news and highlights from around the league.  For Ernie Johnson and K.J., I'm Peter Vescey.

03-23-01

Week 6 in the league round up, fresh off the All-Star break and here's what's happening around the league.  First off Team 4, formerly known as the Mouthpieces, officially folded this week due to payroll problems and a lack of advertising endorsements. Neither GM Trevor Jordan nor Owner Matt Jordan were available for comment.  A spokesmen for the team stated that although they regret having to close up shop, it was in the best interests of the players and the league.  The Team 4 slot will be filled by "The Replacements," a make shift group of CBA and Farm Team players, to finish out the season and tournament play.  

The Farm Teamers and the rest of the Beth Bap. squad took on Shaffners Squad in the much anticipated rematch and Sportscenter Showcase.  The highly rated game was everything it was meant to be coming down to the final seconds of play before a winner was decided.  With tempers high and flagrant fouls coming left and right, it was amazing both teams didn't get thrown out of the game.  Hurst was dislodged from the blocks and a late call could not dampen the forwards temper.  luckily he subbed himself out before losing his head completely.  "I just had enough out there.  They were doing it all night long and the ref's were flat out awful tonight.  I was ready to tear that kid's head off, but I used what little composer I had left to get myself out of the game," Hurst said.

Instead Farm Teamer, Bill Dickey got T'd up for his team and took the brunt of their frustration to a new level.  "I was just as sick of the poor officiating as the rest of my team, but I had to do something before it got too out of hand.  I took the T so that the rest of my team would not suffer.  I felt it was a good strategic move at the time," Dickey said.

So with 5 seconds left to play, All-Star guard, Mark Colburn drove to the basket and was fouled.  His swooping lay-up shot nearly dropped in which would have tied the game at 56, when the buzzer went off.  With no time reaming in regulation, Colburn stepped to the line to try and send it into overtime.  An 82% foul shooter, Colburn missed the front end of the two shot charity and that closed the door for them at 56-54.

When asked about the conduct of his Farm Team Prospects, CMB GM J. Legend had these comments.  "I felt the were getting kind of a bum rap out there on some calls.  But it was going both ways as well.  True there were several flagrant fouls that were not even called, but come on let's strap it on and play.  Dickey did a good thing by taking a T for the team.  Better him then Hurst or Colburn getting tossed out of such a crucial game, and I commend him for it.  As for the complaints of poor officiating I can tell you this...I am sick of it.  Every week all the teams play under the same conditions and some nights its down right brutal out there.  You might as well be playing in the NFL.  But somewhere a team has to get its head in the game and not be mentally thrown out of a game.  If you let your head go its over, pack up shop and go home.  I find is fascinating that the teams that are not mentally prepared or fall behind in a game, always blame the ref's.  Just go out there keep your comments to yourself and play the game.  That's all we ask and that's all I have to say on that."

As for the CMB it was business as usual.  Playing without All-Star center, G. Murph, who was having dental reconstruction, the CMB started off slow falling behind 15-4 early in the first half before J. Legend rattled off 8 unanswered points to cut it to 15-12.  "It was tuff to get going without Murph there.  We usually work the triangle inside out, and without his inside presence it was difficult at first, but we got our grove later on," J. Legend said.  The CMB managed to push the lead to 32-24 at the half.

As for G. Murph he was fined a whopping $150,000 by the league and an unheralded $6.5 million dollars by the CMB.  Both totals setting new historical league records.  When asked about the fines, CMB GM J. Legend had these words, "Murph knew full well what he was doing.  His surgery could have been rescheduled if he had wanted it to be.  We fined him an amount that would hurt the pocket book, yes, but we had to send a statement to our players and the team.  No single player is above the program and its policies.  Everyone is equal no matter if you get paid $12 mil a year or the league minimum.  Other teams may run things differently but, not at the CMB."  Murph's fine was equal to more then half of his $12 million dolllar a year salary, and you can bet he won't miss another game this season.

CMB teammates Chris Fisher and J. Legend stepped up to fill the void and played astronomical.  Fisher went on a scoring frenzy with swooping drives to the basket and connected on 5-7 3pt shots.  Fisher picked up the load and ran with it ending the game with 30pts 6ast and 3stl.  "I was so proud of Fisher.  He finally had the breakout game we knew he was capable of.  He really stepped it up and was an unstoppable force out there," West said after the game.

J. Legend was no slouch either.  Deciding to fill the Magic Johnson-like role of the 1980 Finals, Legend moved to the center spot and ran it like a fine oiled machine.  Scoring on post up move after post up move, and dishing out no look passes to Fisher and Webber, he filled in nicely for the void left by Murph.  J. Legend finished one board shy of a triple-double with 24pts, 9rebs and 11ast.

That's all for this week.  Join us again next Thursday as the CMB take on OSU and the Bethany Baptist take on new expansion team, "The Replacements."  Until then, have a great weekend.

03-16-01  All-Star Break

The first annual All-Star Thursday was held last night and what an extravaganza it was to behold.  With tuff competition in 2Ball, the 3pt shootout and the East v. West All-Star Game, the fans were not disappointed.  

The night began with the 2Ball competition which looked to be all locked up by Shaffner's Squad, with a first round total of 55pts, their nearest opponent was only within 13pts of their total in round 1.  But Dayn Thombilson and Bob West from the CMB managed to get into the final round and put on an impressive showing, knocking off Shaffner's squad in the final with a score of 42pts.  "We really got into a nice rhythm out there and started knocking down some big shots," West said after the match.

Next we moved on to the exciting 3pt shootout which looked to be a match up of some serious bombardiers.  Fans were not disappointed when the 6 players to make it to the final were all in close range of overtaking one another.  Leonard Brubaker and Peter Waterson were tied with 15pts.  Mark Colburn and Chris Fisher were tied with 12pts and Ben Unruh and J. Legend were tied with 11pts, both barely making the final.  "I must admit I was a little nervous about making the final.  I started out hot but by the final two shooting stations I rushed things and was losing my legs out there," J. Legend said.

All was not lost, Mark Colburn and J. Legend were the last two players to shoot in the final with only one of them needing 13pts to become the champion.  It was a knock down drag out race, but in the end the CMB and J. Legend were victorious.  Legend hit his first 9 shots and nailed 4 out of 5 money balls to eclipse Colburn's 18pts and finish with 19pts.  "I was feeling really good out of the gate.  I was knocking them down right and left.  My shooting coach, G. Murph, just kept telling me to relax and take my time.  That really paid off when it came to making the money balls.  I'm just glad that the fans got to see an exciting shootout." J. Legend said after the final.

And finally we moved on to the 1st East vs. West All-Star game. Which pitted the mighty dominance of the West and their distinct height advantage, against the smaller, quicker and more scrappy Eastern All-Stars.  The East was compiled almost entirely of the East leading Bethany Baptists including Farm Teamers, Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst, who was moved up to reserve status at game time.  The West was complied mostly of the West leading Shaffners Squad and the CMB, including J. Legend, G. Murph, Chris Fisher and Bob West.

The West was off and running in the first quarter jumping out to an impressive 14-4 lead in the first 6 minutes of play.  The East battled back to cut it to a 3pt lead before the West jumped out again to a 32-16 half time lead.  "We were out to send a message early in the game that the West is much more dominate then the measly East and the Finals Champion will come out of the West.  I guarantee it," G. Murph said at half time.

Murph's words, which were somewhat in jest, lead the Western squad to a quick 12-0 run to start the third quarter.  After that the West never looked back.  While getting strong performances from Colburn who finished with 17pts and Dickey and Hurst, who finished with 11 and 9 respectively, the East had too big of a hole to crawl out of.  

The West dominated the final minutes in route to a 74-54 win.  CMB'ers G. Murph, who finished with the bakers dozen triple-double of 13pts, 13rebs and 13ast, and J. Legend who notched 18pts and 9ast, were named Co-MVPs of the game.  "I must say I was a little surprised to be named MVP along with Murph.  I thought Mark Colburn had locked it up from the Eastern team, but when Murph hit his final shot to get the triple-double, I thought he had moved in front.  Its just nice to win in a game like this with so many great players out there," J. Legend said after the game.

Well join us next week after coming off the All-Star break and jump back into the regular season, until then, good day and God bless America.

03-09-01

In this edition of CMB news we will recap Week 5 in the season and preview All-Star Thursday which is next Thursday at 6pm.  The league has tallied the fans and coaches All-Star Ballots and rest assured we will reveal the All-Star selections for the East and West, because the votes are in and there will be no recount in Marion County :-).

Week 5 marks the half way point in the season and some teams headed into the All-Star break in unsure waters, however the CMB and the Farm Teamers were not among that list.

The Bethany Baptist Farm boys moved to 3-2 atop the Eastern Conference and pulled off an exciting win over The Mouthpieces who dropped to 1-4, by dismantling them 64-32.  Although the margin of victory was quite surprising, the final out come was not.  "We played some tuff defensive and didn't give them any second chance shots.  Daryl and Mark hit some key shots in the 2nd half to solidify out lead and we never looked back," Farm Team Captain Bill Dickey said after the game.  The Baptists were without starting center Brent Hurst who was home nursing an illness along with rest of his family.

As for the CMB, they performed as was expected against the 0-4 OSU Beavs and moved to 4-1 on the season.  The CMB pick-pocketed their way to 12 steals in the first half which resulted in a 49-12 halftime lead.  "They just could not setup on offense at all.  We were swarming like bees out there tonight and they felt the sting," Fisher said.  Fisher ended with a game high 8 steals to go with his 14pts and 5ast.

Webber Martin was back to his old Rodman-like antics this evening, but in a positive way.  Webb was Mr. Windex on the offensive glass, grabbing 11 offensive boards.  "The guy was freaking everywhere out there tonight.  If a rebound was coming off, he was going to get it and that was the bottom line," Fisher said.  Webber finished with 20pts and 22rebs.

G. Murph and J. Legend just back from their goodwill trip to Los Angeles, did manage to show up just before tip off, and it looks like the trip paid off.  J. Legend still recovering from Bronchitis, played a lack luster first half offensively only connecting on 4 of his 12 shots and netting 8 points in the first half.  Legend came out on fire in the second half putting up 16pts, connecting 3-3 from the 3pt line and on the defensive end as well by rejecting 3 OSU shots in the second half alone and grabbing 6 steals.  Legend also did not play the final quarter deciding rather to rest his ailing lungs. "I felt like I was in slow motion in the first half, maybe it was the jet lag, the Bronchitis, or my shooting angle, but I decided to strap it on in the second half and take control."  J. Legend finished with 24pts, 6ast, 6stl and 3blks.

G. Murph was the real story of the game though.  Fresh off his first triple-double of the season last week, he matched it tonight by recording his second trip-dub of the year.  Murph was virtually unstoppable in the low post and on the glass.  Murph grabbed 8 offensive rebounds which converted into 10 second chance points.  Murph was also dishing out the dimes as he passed to cutters left and right.  "I was feeling great after coming back from L.A.  the good will trip did some good for me and let me rest my aching knees.  I was able to score whenever I wanted and get my teammates involved as well," Murph said,  G. Murph finished with 29pts, 18rebs and 12ast.

The CMB annihilated OSU in route to a horrific score of 98-34.  Maybe OSU can recruit a little better for next season...geez.  Anyway now on to the moment you have all been waiting for, the All-Star selections.  Just a reminder to all you television viewers and radio listeners, that All-Star Thursday begins at 6pm and all ticketmaster locations are sold out!  Viewers can tune in on TNT and Fox Sports Net Radio at 5pm for the pre game show.

I must say the voter turn out was tremendous and there are a few surprises in the tallies as to who made it and who was a bridesmaid.  Without further adieu he are your 2001 People's Church East and West All-Stars:

Top 5 Leading vote getters (out of 42 possible votes):

Eastern Conference:

Western Conference:

03-05-01

We are happy to let you know that the CMB website is back up and the news is on its way.  We apologize for our downtime as we were updating the site and implementing some new web servers.  We appreciate your patience and are glad to have you tuned in...now on to this weeks news.

Well last week was the ultimate civil war between the CMB Farm Teamers, Bethany Baptist and the defending champion CMB.  This game was hyped more then a Don King boxing bout and it delivered.  With the CMB of course cutting the apron strings in the end and defeating the Baptists 55-49.  "This game was a tuff fought battle, it was a little too close for out tastes, but we prevailed nonetheless," Dayn Thombilson said after the game.

Farm Teamers Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst put on stellar performances of their own.  Hurst who had the unruly job of defending Murph in the low post did quite well for a rookie and had a breakout scoring game with 18pts.  "I knew my first job was to block Murph off and try and contest each of his shots. He can basically get a shot anytime he wants, my job was to just play solid D.  I also knew that on the offensive end I had to make an effort to score to keep him honest.  It was a grueling task, but one I loved enduring," Hurst said.

Dickey helped the Baptists cut the lead to one by hitting a 3pt shot with 2 minutes remaining, but it was two little to late.  The CMB continued to launch their low post assault and were able to get into the double-bonus early and that meant curtains for the Baptists.  The CMB hit 6 free throws in the final seconds to push their lead and fend off the Baptists.  Dickey finished with 16pts and a career high 9ast.

Plasticman Fisher was a key to CMB's defensive stand snagging 6 steals and turning the momentum back to the CMB late in the game.  "I couldn't finish a lay-up to save my life tonight, but I was picking peoples pockets left and right.  Its amazing to me that people soon forget who the Defensive Player of the Year was in 2000 and I was going to make sure the Baptists didn't forget it tonight," Fisher said after the game.  Fisher did manage to net 14pts and 6rebs to go along with his 6stl.

The CMB from the opening tip made a concerted effort to work the ball in the post and establish a dominate low post attack, that turned to be key to the game.  "I decided to get the ball into Murph early on.  After two sub par games from our 2-time MVP, I knew we had to get him off early and we did," J. Legend said.  Legend, playing with Bronchitis, sacrificed his own scoring to work the ball in the post and it paid off.  J. Legend efforts as the floor general paid off for him as well by putting 16pts and 10ast in the box score.

G. Murph was virtually unstoppable on the blocks getting any shot he wanted and dominated the defensive glass.  Murph turned in his first of many triple-doubles to come this season netting 27pts, 13rebs, and 11ast. "After a couple of lackluster performances by myself in recent weeks I needed to send a statement to them and the league.  I really think the turning point in the game was the tip-off that we controlled.  From then on it was downhill for them.  I'm not a 5-time MVP for nothing and I proved that tonight."

The CMB improved to 3-1 on the season and second place in the West. Bethany Baptist moved to 2-2 but still maintained their Eastern Conference lead by nearly 3 games.  These two juggernauts will meet again after the All-Star break so get your tickets and pay-per-view now because it could be a Finals preview folks!  That's all for now, join us next week as we preview week 5 around the league and gear up for All-Star Thursday on March 15th.  Until then I'm Bob Costas for NBC.

02-23-01 News Extra

Good afternoon, I'm Fred Carter with TBS.  We interrupt the program you are watching to bring you this late breaking news from CMB headquarters in Salem, OR.  Reports are coming in that CMB GM J. Legend has contacted renown NBA agent David Faulk, concerning his client Jamie Boutin. Lets go live to Salem where our on the scene correspondent, Peter Vescey is standing by where J. Legend is about to make a statement.

J. Legend: "Good afternoon my fellow Americans and thank you for joining me on such late notice.  I would like to comment on many reports in the media today about my conversation with Jamie Boutin and his agent, David Faulk.  David and I are great friends and I contacted him earlier this morning to discuss some team matters.  As you well know Mr. Faulk is the agent for CMB free agent Jamie Boutin.  I indicated to him that we would like to open the lines of communication with his client and discuss the possibility of resigning him to a long term deal.  Boutin is still listed on our active roster and will always have a home at the CMB.  I will field a few questions now before I catch my plane to New York."

Vescey: "Mr. Legend.  Is this deal a fallout from the loss last night and the loss of Jeff Wilson?"

J. Legend: "First of all there is no deal as of yet.  We are simply discussing preliminary offers with Mr. Faulk and his client.  Secondly this is not from the fall out from last night.  You paparazzi idiots in the media always put the spin on things.  You compare one loss in the regular season for the CMB like the fall of Rome.  True, we are disappointed with the loss and we are sorry to lose Wilson.  As a GM I must look at our roster and make decisions on what is best for our team.  Right now the best thing for our team is to play smarter."

Vescey: "So do you think you can sign Boutin before the trade deadline on March 15th and if so what kind of numbers are we talking here?"

J. Legend: "You can talk about whatever fuzzy math numbers you want pal.  We will not disclose the terms of any deal with the media until a player is signed.  I'm sorry but that is all I have time for right now I must be going.  Thank you."

Vescey: "Well Fred you heard it hear first, back to you in the studio."

Carter:  "Thanks Peter.  Well interesting developments at the CMB ranch.  We will keep you posted as this story develops.  For TBS I'm Fred Carter...Good day."

02-23-01

"And then there was one...."

In what was the feature marquee match up of the evening, the CMB came out on the losing end of it.  Yes you heard it hear, as unbelievable as it may seem the thought-to-be impenetrable Goliath of the CMB lost on a Tyus Edney-like shot at the buzzer that lifted Shaffner's Squad to a 61-59 win over the mighty CMB.

"We didn't lose that game on that shot.  We lost the game ten minutes earlier when we dug ourselves into a 15pt hole," J. Legend said after the game.

Leading All-Star vote getter, Eric Shaffner, was not the dominating presence he usually is.  Scoring only 12pts and grabbing 11rebs, Shaff did not dominate the paint.  "We switched up our defensive match up on him in the second half by putting Fisher on him.  Shaff became frustrated being guarded by a faster player with more alacrity, and that took him out of his game," West said.

While improving his shooting from the foul line, going 4-4, Murph seemed a little out of sorts on the blocks.  Rushing a few shots and missing some easy jumpers, he usually makes during the course of the game.  Murph did manage to finish with 15pts, 11rebs and 5ast.  

G. Murph had these comments after the game, "I was rushing my shots and let it get into my head a little.  I'm normally a very strong minded player, but some little things just got under my skin, like the ref yapping my ear off about some calls I questioned.  I should have let it go but he's an idiot, and while I'm getting fined anyway for that last comment I might as well say that David Stern can die too.  I should dominate every player every game.  Come next week Hurst from Bethany Baptist has a big problem....and the problem is me.  Hell hath no fury like my revenge."

While the CMB tried to climb their way out of a 15pt deficit with 3 minutes remaining, Bob West hit a clutch 3pt shot that changed the momentum and got things going.  On the next several possessions the CMB tightened up the D and put the clamps on.  Fisher came up with 2 huge steals that the CMB then proceeded to feed the rock to the hot hand of J. Legend who scored 9 unanswered points hitting 3 consecutive 3pt baskets, including the game tying shot with 7 seconds left.  

The CMB called their last timeout and setup a press.  Shaffner's Squad quickly inbounded to their point guard who flew up the court amongst numerous defenders to hit the hail mary game winning shot.  "Hey when a guy throws up a shot at the buzzer that hits glass and rattles in...I guess I'll take that.  That's a one in a million shot and he nailed hit.  We should have done things earlier to rectify the situation and we did not.  He didn't beat us we beat ourselves and that is what is so frustrating," J. Legend said.  J. Legend finished with 19pts and 8rebs.

In other CMB news, 2nd year guard Jeff Wilson jumped ship after the game and landed a major contract with another team.  Wilson signed a 6yr $84 million dollar deal with Team Benedict Arnold and was unavailable for comment.  Wilson was an unrestricted free agent and the CMB had only signed him to a 10-day contract.  CMB GM J. Legend was available for comment after the game and had these words.  "I am sorry to lose Wils, but some players like money more then championships, its as simple as that.  Take Glenn Rice for instance.  He wins a ring with the Lakers last season and then wants more money and flees to New York where he got his $9 million dollar a year deal, and now he comes off the bench and averages 12 a game.  You can draw your on conclusions from that.  We at the CMB are sorry to lose Wilson and wish him well.  As for next week...I pity Bethany Baptist, cuz come next week they will see a hurricane of fury that IS the CMB."

Updated League Stats for 02-23-01:

02-16-01 Addendum:

This just in from CNNSI.  We are happy to report that we have preliminary People Church 5-on-5 league stats from the first 2 weeks for the following categories:

02-16-01

From NBC studios in New York, here's your host Ahmad Rasad:

Well the CMB were back to their old tricks in week two of the season defeating Team Unruh 81-48 and moving to 2-0 for the season.  The CMB starters all finished in double digits, including 3 players that finished with 20+. Throwing no-look passes left and right and setting a season high mark for steals with 17, the CMB looked like their old selves and sent a message to the rest of the league.  "Last weeks game was just a fluke.  We were not mentally prepared and it showed.  We should have beat the Mouthpieces by 20 and Team Unruh by 50, but a win is a win," Murph said.

Chris Fisher brought a more consistent game on Thursday night getting off early and scoring 14pts and snagging 4 steals in the first half alone. "I was feeling very good out there tonight.  I was in a good rhythm early, and the guys were getting me the ball on the break," Fisher said. Fisher finished the game with 20pts and added 7 more steals to his league leading average of 5 steal per game.

G. Murph stepped out of his funky cold medina from last week and dominated the boards and the low post.  Murph connected on all 8 of his first shots and had the Kansas Jayhawk jump hook working all night long.  "I had to step it up from last weeks game.  I played like Cheryl Miller on crack then.  Tonight was a different story, I was able to work my moves on the low post and get a good shot whenever I wanted.  I was determined to dominate the blocks and the glass...and I did."  Murph finished the game with 23pts 17rebs and 8ast.  Murph also took over the league lead in rebounds per game at 17.5.

J. Legend performance wasn't to shabby either.  Legend who was very quiet in the first half, only scoring 6pts and dishing out 3 assists, came on strong in the second half.  J. Legend came out en fuego in the second half connecting on 4-5 from the 3pt line and adding 5 more assists to his total.  "I was very happy with my performance in the first half.  I tried to get Murph some open looks in the paint and get the other guys involved. I can get a shot anytime I want, but my focus was to get the team going early and just let the game develop."  J. Legend finished with a game high 29pts and 8 assists. J. Legend also took over the league scoring race at 25.5ppg.

Jeff Wilson rounded out the CMB squad by hitting key shots early in the first half and finishing well on the break. "I really enjoyed getting out on the break and playing some solid D.  We really put the clamps on them on the defensive end of the floor. They were so rattled offensively it just turned in to lay-up after lay-up for us," Wilson noted.  Wils finished with 12pts and 6rebs.

In other league action the Bethany Baptists almost upset Shaffner's Squad, and narrowly lost 47-43. The Baptist held former league leading scorer and rebounder, Eric Shaffner, to just 12pts and 10rebs.  "We just missed some shots down the stretch that we normally make.  They left the window open by missing some foul shots in the last few minutes, but we just didn't take advantage of it," Dickey said.

The Baptists had an opportunity in the final 2 minutes when Shaffner's Squad missed 7 free throws that would have put the came on ice.  Dickey finished the game with 2pts and 10ast.  Hurst played stellar defensive all game long and ended with 6pts and 11rebs.

Join us next week for the latest CMB news, until then I'm Ahmad Rashad.

02-09-01

Welcome to this edition of CMB News, I'm your host Ernie Johnson alongside Peter Vescey.  Well the regular season began last night and there was some very heated action from all of the teams competing last night.  Farm Team prospects Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst, put on a great showing in their first regular season game.  Dickey finished with 18pts hitting 4-5 from behind the 3pt arc.  Hurst struggled a little bit from the field, but managed to chip in 8pts and pull down 11 rebounds.  Hurst also suffered minor back injuries due to battling 7 footer, Larry Ball-Ball-Baller, and is scheduled to see the team chiropractor today.  Team doctors said that Hurst should not miss any upcoming action.

The real story of the night was the rematch of last seasons NBA Finals game, pitting the CMB and the Trevor Mouthpieces.  The Mouthpieces got off early and jumped out to a 8pt lead before the CMB knew what hit them.  The game was very up tempo and very physical.  The CMB managed to battle back and grasp the lead by the half at 27-23.  "We just weren't playing smart. We had too many mental mistakes and didn't take care of the ball.  We played down to their level and let them dictate the tempo in the first half," Murph said after the game.  

The CMB committed a team high 10 turnovers in the first half, but only committed 4 in the second.  Game high scorer J. Legend made these statements about the second half, "We played much smarter in the second half.  We played more to our strengths.  Our patented triangle offense was not firing on all cylinders, so that hurt us a little, but our mental toughness is what brought us through the night."

With under a minute to play in the second half the CMB had a small lead at 56-54.  A few seconds later J. Legend iced the game by hitting two clutch free throws to make it 60-56 with 13 seconds left.  "The game was never in question.  We knew it would be a tuff battle and it was all night.  We knew we had to just settle down in the second have and dictate the game. Our mental edge was the key to our success, them fouling me with just seconds to play was their demise," J. Legend commented after the game.  J. Legend finished with a game high 22pts and went 6-7 from the free throw line.

G. Murph struggled from field and the line, shooting a career low 40% from the field and 60% from the charity stripe.  "I was having a tough night. I didn't bring my A game and couldn't seem to knock down some shots I usually make with ease. I realized that with our team I could do many other things to help us other then score, so when not all of my shots were falling, I decided to stap it on and hit the glass," Murph said.  Murph did manage to hit double figures though, chipping in 16pts and snagging 18rebs to go with his 5ast.

Fisher who was playing with a mild case of the flu, managed to overcome his sickness and contribute to the win.  Fisher went 2-4 from behind the 3pt line in the second half and finished the game with 12pts and 3 steals.  "I struggled a little bit in the first half on the offensive end.  I made some passes that I shouldn't have made, but that didn't matter, I wasn't going to let that get to me.  I finished strong and made some key shots when it counted."

Other notables in the game was the play of 2nd year guards Jeff Wilson and Dayn Thomlison.  Wilson provided clutch defense and rebounding that the CMB desperately needed late in the game.  "Wils did some good things for us out their tonight.  He boarded hard on both ends of the court and he made some timely Ron Harper-ish baskets when we needed them.  Dayn came off the bench and added a nice spark of energy for us and hit some clutch free throws late in the game," J. Legend said.  Wilson finished with 10pts and 9rebs.

The CMB got their wake up call this week. Expect the carry over of their pent up frustration from last night to carry over to next week's game, I pity the team that plays them next week.  I have one prediction for next week's game....."PAIN".  For the NBA on TNT, I'm Ernie Johnson.  Join us next week for the latest CMB News and rumblings from around the league.

02-05-01

Good afternoon, this is Dick Enberg, and we interrupt the game you are watching to take you live to CMB headquarters in Salem, where GM J. Legend is about to hold a brief press conference.  

"Thank you for joining me on such short notice.  The CMB is proud to announce that we have resigned 2nd year sensation Jeff Wilson to a 2 year extension.  We are very pleased he is back among the fold and feel we have solidified an already potent roster by adding Wilson.  He will be suited up for our first regular season game this Thursday against the Trevor Mouthpieces.  That is all, thank you and God bless America."  - J. Legend

Wilson had these comments, "It’s all about the love of the game rather than the Shaq like Money!” 

Wilson who was thought to be close to signing with the Clippers months ago, had also been perusing a very lucrative deal with Minnesota.  Instead he resigned with the defending champions for 2 years at $4 million and a $2 million dollar signing bonus.  His contract was also filled with various incentive clauses as well, but the remaining terms of the contract were not disclosed.

02-02-01

The Preseason has come to a close and the CMB finished it with a record of 10-2.  Overcoming major adversity and some disenfranchisement since last week, the CMB rolled on and closed out the preseason on a good note.  

The CMB did not file a grievance with the league over the contract dispute with Eric Shaftner, as was expected. At a press conference earlier in the week, CMB Chief Counsel Alan Brickley had these comments on the Shaftner matter. "Although the CMB is disappointed with how they were misled and treated overall in this matter.  We are not without our dignity and will not stoop to the level of other players and teams in this league.  If we are one thing it is an organization with integrity and honor.  We are glad this matter is laid to rest."

Despite having the flu for the past week and numerous other afflictions, J. Legend mustered up enough strength to finish the preseason with a 20.2ppg scoring average and was named to the Preseason All-League Team for the 10th straight year.  Chris Fisher was also named to the Preseason All-League Team for the 3rd time and grabbed Player of the Week honors as well, with 12 steals in 4 games to give him a league leading 4.6 steals per game average. 

G. Murph was selected to the Preseason All-League Team for 8th consecutive year.  G. Murph's veteran dominance in rebounding continued as he lead all Preseason teams with a 13.2rpg average.  Working off a slightly gimped ankle, Murph's scoring suffered a little as he shot below 50% (44.3%) from the field for first time ever in the preseason, but his determination to dominate the glass more then made up for it.  We caught up with G. Murph after last nights final game. "Yeah my ankle was bothering me a little when I was trying to establish my low post shots.  I rushed things a little, but just decided to strap it on and board hard all night and that is exactly what I did.  Other then that and Legend having the flu, we came out okay. Our most important goal right now is to get healthy for the beginning of the regular season."

Other notables in the news were Farm Team exclusives Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst who were both named to the Preseason All-League 2nd team.  Dickey finished with a 5.5ppg average alongside his forward counterpart, Hurst, who finished the preseason with a 8.8rpg average.  J. Legend had these words about his Farm Team prospects. "Both Hurst and Dickey looked pretty good in the preseason.  Both showed some heart and determination to learn the pro game.  The CMB has decided to outsource their abilities and put them on the expansion team with Bethany Baptist.  This way they can learn the riggers of the regular season and get more playing time then they would under the CMB roster.  We wish them both the best."

That is all for now, the regular season gets underway next Thursday on Feb. 8th.  Join us again on Feb. 9th when we will have more CMB news and action from around the league.

01-26-01

We are in the second week of preseason and just when things were looking good for the CMB, trials and tribulation have hit this starry franchise once again.  Other then Farm Team players Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst, that showed signs of potential goodness, by beating last year's Eastern Conference Champions, massive disarray hit the team last night.

First, 2-time MVP, G. Murph was a no show for game time.  Then Eric Shaftner attempts to void his contract with the CMB and not only signs with another team, but plays with them that night before the league can even rule on his arbitration claim.  Then to add insult to injury, Bob West attempts to jump in the drivers seat of management and sign Ryan Gimpness to a one year deal to fill Shaftner's vacant spot. It was needless to say that GM and Owner J. Legend was shocked and appalled as this unraveled right before his very eyes.

J. Legend issued a statement at his daily press briefing earlier this morning and this is what he had to say.  "Good morning my fellow Americans.  Most of you know about the developments that occurred last night, but for those of you that have been living in Montana for the last week, here's our position on these matters. G. Murph missing the game was a late afternoon decision by him, and he cited personal reasons for being absent.  The CMB front office was well aware of this, but nonetheless had to fine him $10,000 for missing the game.  We run our unit how we run our unit.  No one player on this team is greater than its sum.  We have policies within our teams infrastructure and those must be upheld.  No one player is above them.  That is why the fine was issued and that is the end of this issue.  There is no ill will between G. Murph and management, nor will there be.  Murph will be there next week and you can go to the bank on that.  Now on to the other issues at hand.

Concerning the defection of Shaftner was somewhat surprising to us at the CMB.  Although this was a difficult free agent signing, that came with much controversy, we thought he was among the fold.  I am sorry to say that he is not, and will also say that we are sorry not to be playing with him this season.  As for filing a grievance with the league, we have left that matter up to our Legal Counsel, Alan Brickley.  Although we are represented we believe this is a league matter and most likely will not pursue it any further.  In our minds Shaftner was not forthcoming on his position with the team, and misled us as to his intentions.  Shafter will not be a part of the CMB's plans this year and that is final.

As for Bob West.  He has been fined $7,500 by the league for impersonating a league General Manager and has also been fined $50,000 by the CMB front office.  Here at the CMB we do not tolerate breaking the chain of command.  We had to make a statement and set the record straight, that we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to player personnel and contract negotiations.  Bob is new to the team this season and is still learning his place among the veterans.  He has apologizedto the league and to the team and we accept that, but correcting the one's you love sometimes requires strict discipline.

On another unrelated note.  The CMB has been contacted by Jeff Wilson's agent and I will be meeting with him later today to discuss his clients possible resigning with the team.

That is my final comment for now.  Next week will be the final preseason games and Feb. 8th will be opening night for the league.  I suggest you lock the doors and hide the kids, because the CMB are coming and (Insert Wyatt Earp reference here) is coming with them.  

01-19-01

Preseason began last night, and what a turn out!  30+ players showed up trying to make a team by strutting their stuff on the court, but by the end of the night the core of the CMB were the only players left standing.

G. Murph looked just as good as his previous two MVP seasons, if not better.  With no definite point guard at the helm of his make shift team, Murph and Shaftner took the reigns and dominated opening night.  Point/Forward G. Murph went off, scoring inside and out and dishing out 18 assists on the eve.  Murph finished with 58pts, 40rebs, and 32ast in 4+ games.  Shaftner found his role and gelled right into the offense grabbing 13 offensive rebounds in 4+ games.

J. Legend and Fish teamed up with two other players from the Farm Team, Bill Dickey and Brent Hurst.  Legend was his consistent self, hitting on 12 three point shots and running the point.  Fisher came up with steal after steal in two close games that made the difference.  Fisher ended with 13 steals in 3+ games.  

As for Hurst and Dickey it was quite apparent that these two were out of shape, but they still performed fairly well for their first preseason at the Big Show.  Dickey dished out several assists and even hit a jumper or two, while Hurst dominated the boards with fierce tenacity.  Look for these two make some waves as the season progresses. 

That's it for now, join us next week for the latest CMB news!

01-16-01

The CMB are three plus weeks into training camp now and the team is gelling quicker then expected.  "We are coming together faster then I thought we would, especially with our new additions to the team.  The rust we usually have to shake off in the preseason has already diminished and we look in prime form.  That could mean trouble for the rest of the league," J. Legend said.  

The CMB have recently signed perennial journeyman, Bob West and fellow teammate Mark Gering, to round out an already potent roster. The CMB have also acquired 2-time all-star Eric Shaftner from the Trevor Mouthpieces.  This was a highly controversial free agent deal and could still make waves before the season starts.  Sources tell NBA analyst Peter Vescey that Shaftner's moving to the CMB may be only talk, but only time will tell.  "I personally don't care if he comes with us or if he turns traitor and runs back crying to his old team.  With or without him we are still winning the title and nothing can stop the inevitable," G. Murph said leaving practice Tuesday.

One other glaring exemption still on the roster....where is unsigned free agent Jeff Wilson?  When asked about the former CMB guard, J. Legend had this to say, "I have no comment at this time regarding Jeff Wilson and how he fits into the CMB's plans for this season."

The preseason starts this week on Thursday the 18th, game time is 7pm.  Check your local listings for time and station changes.

12-20-00

The CMB opened their winter camp last night at the Courthouse club in Keizer.  Although they had not played together in over 2 months the CMB looked pretty sharp.  This begins the 9th year for the CMB that has a rich history in greatness. Having won 11 championships in the past 8 seasons, the CMB look to start right where they left off.  Surprisingly at this camp unsigned free agent and 2nd year guard from Salem, Jeff Wilson, looked to be in the best shape of the daunting roster.  Wilson has been steadily working in the off-season to improve his stamina and outside game.  "I tried to get into better shape for this camp during the off-season.  Being unsigned still, I figured I needed to put on a great performance," Wilson said.

3rd year guard Chris Fisher showed some impressive defense as usual, but needed a little help on his shot. "I was a lock-on defender all night, but I just couldn't get my outside jumper to fall.  It didn't seem to matter though on this team.  Its nice to know if one of us has a bit of an off game the others always step up," Fisher sad.

As for the old standby's, G. Murph and J. Legend look as impressive as ever.  Although a little winded after the first two scrimmages, the two seemed to gel by the 3rd game.  "It was jus like old times, we started off a little rusty, but then started playing off each other and scoring at will as usual," Murph said.

The CMB are also proud to announce a new member to the franchise.  Chief Legal Counsel, Alan K. Brickely.

12-18-00

The CMB is proud to announce it has resigned 5-time league MVP, G. Murph, to a one year extension.  Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

We have also resigned Chris “Plastic” Fisher to a 2yr $6.3 million dollar contract with various incentives that were not disclosed.  As many of you in the media know, Fisher was on temporary waivers after allegedly taking non-prescribed DMSO for an alleged ankle injury.  Also after the Hauck Middle School incident he had his scouting responsibilities yanked from the CMB management.  After successfully completing numerous hours of community service, demanded by the league, we are pleased to announce he is back among the fold.

Other free agents Jeff Wilson and Webber Martin are still unsigned, but negotiations are progressing.

We also just got a major update from a very reliable informant, that the Magoo’s team from The Hoop has 3 key injuries to players from last years team.  2 of which are possible season ending.  Nice.

Thank you,

CMB Owner/Founder, J. Legend.  

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