News Archives

CMB News Archives: Updated 01/11/2008

03-23-07

CMB roll in the Semis behind Legend's 28pts and cruise into Final for rematch with SAC....

March Madness is upon us and if you can't feel the intensity of the PCBL playoffs then you better check your pulse and pop a couple of nitro pills. Either way the temperature was turned way up last night, just like a Corbus bedroom for these playoffs baby! The final rounds of the PCBL 2007 playoffs began last night as #1 seed SAC fought a tough battle against The Hoopsters to squeak out a 6pt win (86-80) and advance to the Final, but who would they face? Would it be defending champ CMB or the flashy young lineup of the Eagles?

The CMB, the #2 overall seed, were facing the up and coming Eagles (#3 seed) who finished off the regular season with three straight wins and a first round demolishing of Dutch Mafia. The game was close in the first half with no team gaining any real momentum until J. Legend decided to end things in a hurry and start prep for a Final versus SAC. It was the J. Legend of old coming out firing like Eric Murdock from NBA Live95! Legend connected on 5-6 from the behind the arc to go along with his 9-11 from the free throw line to net 28pts and 12rebs to lead all scorers. "I knew I needed to make a statement in these playoffs. This may be my last go round here and I wanted to leave no doubt that the CMB fully intended to defend our title. Were the champs until someone takes it from us and that's how our team played tonight...like champions. Just as the Nature Boy Ric Flair always says, "You wanna be the man...you gotta beat the man!"

The CMB rolled up the Eagles 68-51 and moved into a rematch with SAC in the Final. As you recall SAC made a come from behind win in their only regular season meeting, upending the CMB with their only loss 56-53. Well tonight would be different and revenge never so sweet for the mighty CMB. From the tip-off this game was like a sequel to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, only with better acting. Players where checking each other, bodies were flying, even a little blood was being exchanged and it wasn't courtesy of the Red Cross. The refs were letting them play and the CMB took full advantage of the situation by applying tough defense to force SAC into several unwanted shots that resulted in points at the other end for the CMB. The CMB were led by the strong inside play of Wendell Krohn who finished with 14pts and 18rebs, the most by a CMB player since G. Murph grabbed 22 back in a playoff game in 1997. J. Legend chipped in another 18pts along with another 10+ free throw attempt night, knocking down seven of them including four in the final 1:20 to push the CMB led to seven, 52-45. Billy Martinez would connect on a 3pt play in the closing seconds to ice the victory and give the CMB their second title in as many years. Final score CMB 59 SAC 51. "We really played as a complete team out there tonight. We were stepping up the D, moving the ball well, and taking good shots. All cylinders were firing for us tonight and it really paid off," Martinez said after the game.

Well folks the 2007 season has finally come to a close and all is right with the world. The CMB make the improbable run in the playoffs to win back-to-back titles, Florida looks set to repeat in that "other" tournament, and Britney will be back in rehab next week for the 3-peat. Oops...looks like I just cut another check to Pat Riley for that one. Anyway gents, thanks for hanging with us during this exciting season. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the PCBL and I can't wait for the action to begin. So many exciting storylines to explore. Will the CMB 3-peat (Cha-ching Riles,) are the Big 3 really going to make a final run together to close out the league decade? Will J. Legend finally retire, or will he pull a Favre and stick around for one more season? All these questions and many more in the days to come. Until then stay true and keep on reaching....

10 months and counting.....

02-23-07

CMB lock up division on J. Legend's comeback....

Been a long time true believers, we've had a lot on the plate here at the Juggernaut, most of which you don't care about so we won't bore you with the details. let's just say The News is becoming more and more a monthly periodical the older I get, so let's just enjoy this swan song while it lasts okay? Maybe it's all the coffee or the lack of a good dubie...what a minute...what the??? I don't use either of those...man I am I tired. Well you can thank that incoherent rambling to Dr. Z, I just read his column. Anyway on with the news...

Legendaaaaaaa is back baby! J. Leg came back with a vengeance last night after a sub par January that saw him score career lows and watch his shooting percentage drop to the very bowls of hell....well he delivered last night. J. Legend scored the team’s first 8pts on 4-4 shooting and continued his assault on the Ranger’s all night long.

Legend finished the game with 29pts, 8rbs, and 7ast, including 5-6 shooting from behind the arc and Toby Kadie chipped in another 23pts to lead the CMB to their 21^st straight win and an 8-0 record this season with a 63-52 victory over the struggling Walker’s Texas Rangers. “Look I know a lot of fans out there have been calling me out and telling you all that I’m done, well let the record show that I’m not dead yet. There is still some life in these bones and believe me I'm gonna suck every bit of marrow I can out of them. I felt really good out there tonight. My ankle was holding up and my shots were in the flow of the offense and I was in a great rhythm out there. I gotta give a lot of credit to Martinez (14ast) who kept setting me up all night long.” Legend said after the game.

With that win the CMB lock up the Pacific Division for a record 15th straight year and clinch the #1 seed in the playoffs. With only two games left in the regular season it appears the CMB are firing on all cylinders, yet their toughest test will come next weak when they take on SAC (7-0-0-1F) whom they have not played yet this season. So buckle in kids it's going to be a fun run to the playoffs as the CMB look to defend their title and vie to claim their second straight championship since 1997.

Out-----------------

03-24-06

The Highlander Edition: There can be only one.....CMB retake the PCBL crown by upending Free Methodist to win first title in 6yrs.

The PCBL 2006 season has finally come to a close, and what a season it was. We got to see tremendous play from new up and comers, multiple overtime games, and a Finals match-up worthy of the ages. Last night the PCBL 2006 Finals had two names on the marquee that were as familiar as Lakers vs. Celtics.

The undefeated #1 seed CMB (13-0) once again had the chance to take on their longtime rivals, and #2 seed Free Methodist (10-3.) Free Methodist the two-time defending champs and the team that beat the CMB in the 2004 Finals you may recall, was coming off a close win over Life Church in the Semi-Finals to catapult themselves into their 3rd Final in as many years. The CMB had come in the playoffs on a mission, trouncing Five Star by 44pts in the first round and Team-X by 21 in the Semi-Finals. Both teams were ready for battle...but there can be only one Highlander as the story goes.

Not separated by more then 8pts the entire game, both teams would claw and scrape their way to a brutal showdown in the closing minutes. Bodies were flying, blood was flowing, and the CMB were turning the tide in their favor. "We just turned it up another notch in the closing minutes and made the defensive stops we needed to swing it our way," Point guard Billy Martinez said. The CMB who were down by two with roughly 6min to go when they went on an 8-0 run to go up 44-38, led by back-to-back baskets by league MVP J. Legend. "We flat out just wanted it more plain and simple. We have been so hungry for this moment for so long and this time we were ready. I just wish Murph and Bowden could have been here to enjoy this, but I know they are with us in spirit," J. Legend said after the game referring to his long time friends and former teammates G. Murph and J.J. Bowden who were both unable to play this season for undisclosed reasons.

The CMB would hold off a final onslaught by Free Meth as J. Legend took a hard shot to the knee which forced him out of the game with 2.5min to go, but he would reenter the game with 36sec to play, just enough time to hit a free throw and help the CMB close out the Finals 51-46 and reclaim the title they so richly deserved. The CMB won their 13th overall title with that win and moved back up to the top tier of the PCBL ranks once again by also cementing a record setting season going 13-0 overall. It was quite a feat, one many didn't think the franchise had in them, but some of us pundits were happily proven wrong.

With the season concluded, there is still hype surrounding the league and the two biggest questions reaming. Can the CMB repeat in 2007? Secondly, will J. Legend retire now after 15 seasons. Let's start with the first. I know it's a long way off, but I definitely think the CMB can repeat. They return nearly all their starters and key reserves and should ready to defend their title. As for the J. Legend story that's another matter. In previous interviews he has alluded to the fact that this may be his final season if they won the title, so one may think he would lean that way. On the other hand we know this fiery veteran loves this game and would probably relish in the idea of defending the title. So we caught up with J. Legend after the game to get his post game thoughts and his potential future with the club.

Jim Nantz: "So Legend tell us what your feeling right now after this impressive win."

J. Legend: "Well Jim words can't really describe it. In the past 6 seasons since our last title I have played in 3 Finals, two of which we lost in the very closing seconds. That doesn't sit well, it eats at you day and night day after day. You constantly remind yourself of what could have been or what you could have done, but all that second guessing is gone now. We accomplished what we set out to do and that was to bring a title back to the CMB. Nothing can take that away and the feelings of joy are overflowing for me at this moment."

JN: "Yes I must say congratulations on a wonderful season. You guys stayed unbeaten, you won your 6th MVP trophy, and most of all you guys won the title. With all that left on the table I must ask you, are you coming back next season?"

JL: "That I can't answer for sure right now. For now I'm going to relax and bask in this title. I'm heading for Hawaii in a few weeks for some much needed R-n-R, and I'll probably start thinking about my plans in the coming weeks after I return. As you well know I have contemplated retirement for the past few seasons, mainly with the thought that our title days may be over and to give the reigns to a younger generation of CMB'ers. I have nothing left to prove, I've won titles, awards, am comfortable financially, and I could leave this game a very happy man. But after losing in the 2004 Finals I knew I would be back to avenge that loss no matter how long it took and we did that tonight."

JN: "J. Legend if this is your swan song then let me be the first to say good luck to you and thanks for the memories."

JL: "Thanks Jim, it's been fun."

Well there you have it folks, intriguing issues to come already for the PCBL 2007 season while the coals are still hot from this past season. You just have to love March people. So stay tuned throughout the spring and summer as we follow the league and all the news that's worthy to print. Until then stay true, stay cool, and stay in school.

Oh yeah one more thing....Blue Horseshoe loves CMB....Until we meet again.

03-21-06

And then there were four...Top 4 seeds advance in PCBL tournament.

Dateline Salem, OR - Macleay Court...Hello true-believers it is once again that time of year, when rains begin to cease, flowers begin to bloom, and Bradley and Bucknell throw you into a roid-rage-like hysteria as you shred your bracket into a billion pieces over the weekend! Yes folks it's March...March Madness it is.

We open the PCBL tournament in usual fashion with the top 8 teams advancing to the Dance. Other then the 44pt "Leave no doubt game" by the CMB (#1) over Five Star (#8), the other 3 games on the docket proved to be the better bang for your ticket stub. Both Life Church (#3) and Team X (#4) fought close battles until the waning moments of each of their games before shutting the door on Salem Evangelical and The Hoopsters, as they marched on to the Semis. The Hoopsters ended their current 7 game 1st rd win streak, with a disappointing loss to Team-X 76-62. "It was a tough loss for us, we just became too complacent late in the year and we got burned," Guard Scott Jarnagin said after the game. Salem Evangelical who opened the season 1-4, rebounded in recent weeks to nab the #6 seed, but left the tournament just as quickly as they skated in on the losing end of a close 66-59 loss at the hands of Life Church.

In the Billy Packer game of the week, #2 seed and two-time defending champ Free Methodist took on the up and coming youngsters of #7 seed MCR Warriors. This game was nearly the equivalent of the usual #12 upsetting the #5 in March, but Free Methodist would not see that happen on their home court. Down 3pts with 8 seconds to go in regulation, Free Methodist was on the brink of losing a 1st round game for the first time in 5yrs and MCR was about to make PCBL history. Yes you heard that right, Free Meth was down by 3 with 8sec to go and MCR had a foul to give before reaching the bonus, but eventually veteran experience prevailed. In what should have been an easy close out for MCR and an upset of epic proportions turned out to be a poorly mismanaged final few seconds, the kind the NY Knicks would be proud of.

MCR somehow allowed Free Meth to inbound the ball without pressuring it as they quickly moved up the court and kicked the ball to wingman Roland Fields who calmly knocked down a three to tie it at the buzzer. And that my friends would be the Porky Pig moment for MCR, as Free Meth would move to take the lead in O.T. and send MCR home 74-72. "We just crapped the bed out there...that's basically it. How else would you put it? We choked, we blinked, we lost. We had a chance to make the Cinderella story come true but instead we turned into the pumpkin as the clock struck 12," MCR forward David Watters said.

It was quite the opening night for the playoffs and this Thursday looks to be even better as the Semi-Finals and Finals will commence and a champion will be crowned. Who will it be? The highly favored and undefeated CMB, perhaps the resurgent Life Church, or Team-X whose been hiding in the shadows? How about the two-time champs of Free Meth? Can they shake off the near upset by MCR and regroup to their usual playoff form or will the CMB finally bring down the hammer on the tournament as they once did and take no prisoners? Join us this week as it will be revealed and we'll be here to bring it to you.

Until then, enjoy the sunshine and remember Blue Horseshoe loves UcLa....

03-10-06

CMB close out season with win to stay unbeaten...

Salem, OR.....Good morning folks, March Madness is upon us as the PCBL 2006 regular season came to a close last night. No real stories of measure to report as most of these games were a formality. With the outcomes of the tournament seeding already in hand, the night was fun-filled with fast pace games and high scoring. The only game of note Thursday, was that of the CMB vs. Five star. This was preview game of the 1st round playoff match up these two will have come next week as the tournament begins.

The CMB (10-0) were able to sustain their unbeaten streak and defeat Five Star to the tune of 74-50 in the nights early evening game. Point guard Billy Martinez was back in the starting line-up and a welcome addition to a team looking for floor leadership in the past few weeks. "With Billy back in the rotation we had a better sense of defense out there on the court and we all felt more comfortable running the floor knowing he was there to deliver the ball," forward John Paul said after the game. Martinez came back in blazing fashion shooting a scorching 5-6 from the 3pt line to go along with his 11ast and game high 4 steals.

Consequently J. Legend, who was coming off his worst shooting and scoring game in 5yrs last week, was poised for a comeback this week. Chipping in only 14pts he improved greatly at the charity stripe which has been a problem for the marksman in recent weeks, hitting on 7-8 free throws. "It was great to get my feel back at the line. Just a freaking embarrassment I've been from the line in recent days. I've looked like Artis Gilmore out there and it wasn't pretty. I got my mental game back this week and just stepped up and knocked them in as usual," J. Legend said.

The CMB finished up at 10-0 and a combined 20-0 the past two seasons. The first time a PCBL team has done that in 12yrs since the 93' and 94' seasons when the CMB went 24-0 on their way to capturing a 3rd consecutive title in a row. (http://www.legend21.net/Statitudes.htm)

Now all that stands between them and their first title in 6yrs...is themselves. Sure they have to take it one game at a time and reach the Finals, but pending a hurricane to the NW by next Thursday or the entire starting five coming down with Ebola, it's going to happen. The CMB have a different outlook this season and a mental toughness they haven't had since the days of the triple-threat presence of Bowden, Murph, and Legend. They believe they are going to win every game...every game. They've been down in games this year, played in several overtime games, and each time they find a way to win. That's what great teams do...they find a way to win in the clutch. With the two-time defending champs, Free Methodist (8-2) waiting in the wings, the CMB must be up to the challenge or their undefeated season will be all for not. Just as it was last season when they blew out the competition on their way to 10-0 and a first round playoff exit.

So the tournament begins next week and the "Madness" is already mounting. Can Free Methodist pull of the 3-Peat, will the CMB exorcise their demons from the past, or will one of the emerging young teams of Team X, or perhaps Life Church, upset the balance of power and win the whole thing? We'll all just have to wait and see and I can hardly wait. Until then remember that Blue Horseshoe loves Teldar Paper this week and sirloin can be a little tough when cooked at Medium-Well but can also be a little pink.

PCBL 2006 Post-season Tournament, Presented by Outback Steakhouse

03-03-06

CMB escape with OT win as J. Legend is held in check…

Sportsline Salem, OR….Good morning PCBL fans, I hope you are gearing up for the weekend and I hope you enjoyed last night’s PCBL action. For those of you that were pulling OT at work or just too blitzed to remember last night, here is the latest from around the league.

CMB 58 - Life Church 55 O.T.

The CMB, with only 5 players suited up, took on the up and coming Life Churchers in an excellent marquee match-up. Life Church has been on a tear as of late winning 3 straight games including a 2pt win over The Hoopsters last week. The CMB have been minus their starting PG, Billy Martinez, for two weeks now who was suspended for 3 games for conduct detrimental to the team. Forward Matt Taylor who made his stellar season debut two weeks ago was also out last night recovering from the flu. Nonetheless the CMB pressed on as they always do and found a way to win.

With CMB clinging to a 6pt leading with 5min to go, they pulled out the old “Delay-of-game” routine to force Life Church out their zone and commit them to playing man-to-man. “We were struggling all night with that freaking zone. We weren’t hitting outside shots like we normally do and with Taylor and Martinez out it was tough for us to get penetration inside and make our presence known in there. We had to force them out of that zone and match-up, so we could maximize their lack of size and speed and it paid off. And it was a good thing it did since I wasn’t hitting my jumper and was just out of it mentally somewhat. When your top passer and floor general are out for several weeks it really makes a difference. I just hope Billy can get his head on straight and get back here for the playoff run, because frankly this is just stupid. With him and Taylor here we win this by 20…no question” A fiery J. Legend said after the game. Consequently that zone and various double-team match-ups by the Churchers, held league leading scorer J. Legend (22.3) in check with just 4pts on the night.

In the closing minutes of regulation the CMB used a 1950s style of delay to spread the floor and manage the clock which eventually forced Life Church to break their zone, which had kept them close all game long, and match up. Once they did that the CMB ran a 1-4 low isolated offense and broke down their opponents with hard drives to the basket which resulted in late lay-ups and free throws for the CMB. In the 3min overtime the CMB won the tip and never looked back. Using nearly the entire clock on one single possession until they made their move with 10sec to go. They drew up a play to isolate PF John Paul at the top of the key, let him break down his defender and then either score or dish to J. Legend or Joel Paul waiting on the baseline for an easy 12ft jumper. And that’s just about how it played out. Paul broke down his defender penetrated to the basket and drew a double team, then kicked the ball to J. Legend spotting up from 12, but Legend bobbled the pass and couldn’t get a shot off before the defense recovered so with 1.7 sec left he flipped a pass to SF Ross Deferness who calmly stuck a 3-pointer to ice the game.

Exciting times in the PCBL, and with just one week left in the regular season thing are shaping up for a possible rematch of CMB vs. Free Methodist in the Finals, but that’s still a ways away…and it’s March Madness now so we all know anything can happen in Hoopsville and dreams really do come true Dorothy. Until next week, stay real true believers and remember Blue Horseshoe loves Anacot Steel.

02-24-06

SG Mailbag tribute edition :

In honor of fellow columnist Bill Simmons, we are delivering a “Mailbag Edition” today after this recent email from a fan.

“Your PCBL columns are too long and take too long to read. I don’t have time for this stuff just give me the news…” G.D.M, Sutherlin Oregon.

Well Mr. G.D.M, here ya go. For those of you who can’t read and comprehend more then 717 words (number in our last PCBL column 02-17-06,) here is your wish and the latest PCBL News.

The CMB are still undefeated, The Hoopsters are having the wheels come off, Life Church is on a tear, and Free Meth is still Free Meth…the defending 2-time champs. Everyone else doesn’t matter. Free Methodist won in a route of Five Star last night, 85-53 led by Spencer Jones 21pts. Life Church moved their win streak to 3 in a row beating The Hoopsters 68-66. The Hoopsters talked their way to 3 technical fouls and an ejection in the final 5min of regulation and lost their second straight, which moved them down to the #4 seed currently in the playoffs. The CMB moved to 8-0 behind 23pts from J. Legend and held of a late run by Team X, to win 88-75.

That’s it enjoy all 281 words of it. Hope it wasn’t “too long” for you all. Can’t wait to see how the other half responds in the mailbag next week. Am I bitter…nah.

If anyone cares anymore, here is the entire league standings breakdown as of 02-24-06:

CMB 8-0
Free Methodist 6-2
Life Church 5-3
The Hoopsters 4-4
Team X 3-4
Salem Evangelical 3-5
MCR Warriors 2-5
Five Star 0-8

dmd

02-17-2006

Broke-backs and Chalupas! CMB lock up #1 playoff seed.

This week’s theme in the PCBL was “Broke-backs” and not the kind that Oscar and Richard Simmons are partial too, but the real deal folks. Thursday night saw the CMB lose two of their key players, Toby McGuire and Cliff Beckman, both lost for the remainder of the regular season due to lower back issues. McGuire had previously injured his lower back two weeks ago and the pain has really not subsided, “I thought it was getting better, but it was just giving me too many problems in practice yesterday so I had to make the decision to shut it down, rather then risk further injury to it,” McGuire said. After further tests by team doctors an MRI revealed a partial herniated disk in McGuire’s lower back. Team doctors will evaluate his condition and prescribe treatment as necessary,thus the CMB moved him to the Injured List early Thursday morning.

As for forward Cliff Beckman, his injury is far less severe. He has been experiencing back spasms as of late that have prevented him from playing to his full ability. Beckman will be undergoing treatment tomorrow in the team’s practice facility in El Segundo and it’s unlikely given that fact that the CMB locked up the #1 seed in the playoffs last night, that Beckman will play again in the regular season. “We’d rather have him rest and rehab as much as he can in the remaining 3 weeks so that it’s possible he can make a return for our playoff run,” G.M. J. Legend said.

Now for the good news on the “back” front. With McGuire and Beckman out, Matt Taylor made his season debut last night after being on the IR for nearly 10 months due to a car accident that severally injured his lower back. Taylor had missed the entire preseason and regular season up until this point, but the team was welcomed to have him back. “It was just a great feeling running the floor with Taylor out there. With him being out so long it was nice to see him getting in the flow of the game and playing much better then we all expected given his time off from hoops,” guard Ryan Nysley said after the game.

Taylor made his return in stellar fashion by chipping in 11pts and 9rebs in his 23min of action, including a thunderous dunk in traffic late in the second half that put the exclamation point on the CMB’s 106 to 66 victory over the MCR Warriors. Other numbers of note where Ryan Nysley who added 10pts and 8ast as well as J. Legend who knocked in 18pts and added a season high 11ast.

The CMB have now notched the #1 seed heading into the playoffs and look to close out their remaining 3 games in the same fashion they did last season, by going undefeated at 10-0. As you may recall, and who can’t, the CMB went 10-0 last season only to be upended in the 1st round of the playoffs by their arch nemesis Free Methodist. In the past 5 seasons, since their last Finals title, the CMB have a staggering regular season record of 45-5 with a .900% winning percentage, however during that tenure their playoff mark is pitiful 5-6 just under .500% (.454%.)

So heading into their 2006 postseason push, these questions are begging to be asked. Are the CMB just past their heyday? A remarkable franchise just without the caliber of talent and desire they once had? Have the CMB become the Indianapolis Colts of the PCBL? Good enough to dominate the regular season only to fold in the playoffs? Even the best of race horses are eventually retired out to stud. Their recent track record would lead one to believe that, but this season may be different.

The final lingering question remains…Where in the sam hell is G. Murph? With 3 regular season games left, will he show? Is he holding out for his Willis Reed moment? The team has been mum on the status of their Hall-of-Famer, yet what was all the hype about with his return in the preseason? Is he hurt, is he holding out, or is he Markinson? Only HE can answer that…..

Stay tuned true believers………………………

02-10-2006

CMB win 6th straight, stamp out Free Methodist in nail biter…

Good Friday to all, thanks for tuning in to this edition of the PCBL news. We apologize in advance for the shortness of this column today, as our team of correspondents is making it’s final preparations for coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympics which begin tonight, but we thought we’d get you the news you need and throw out this month’s Power Rankings. So buckle in and get some…

CMB 68 Free Methodist 65

Coming off a close win last week versus The Hoopsters, the CMB were able to hold off a late rush by Free Meth last night and pull out the victory, despite missing 8 free throws in the final 4 minutes that could have sealed the game. “I don’t know what our freaking deal is. Mentally we are so tough down the stretch and especially in close games, but tonight we just had some real mental lapses,” J. Legend said who scored 17pts and added 8ast, yet missed 3 crucial game clinching free throws from the stripe that could have put the game out of reach.

Free Methodist down as much as 12 with 10min to go, fought hard with stellar outside shooting and defensive to battle back within 1 with 8sec to go. The Meth’s called time to setup their press, but the CMB countered with their move with the West Linn Press Break, which resulted in the ball never hitting the floor on the inbound leading to a lay-up for forward John Paul…ballgame ladies. “We knew if we had the final possession this thing was over. We are just too tough to let that slip away. Free Meth just wouldn’t go away all night. It was like battling Malaria out there,” point guard Billy Martinez said after the game.

The CMB roll on as the only unbeaten at 6-0 and should move that number to 7-0 as they take on the 2-4 MCR Warriors next week. So until then stay plugged in, enjoy the Luge and Half-Pipe this weekend, and leave with the taste of the latest Power Rankings in your mouff.

Power Rankings as of 02-10-06

8. Five star: 0-6 is all we have to say. Their young, their last in total offense, last in total defense, last in our hearts. In the immortal words of Bill Walton, “Please for the love of God Five Star; put a W up one time!”

7. Team X: The PCBL equivalent of the Saints, only with better uniforms. Point guard Jason McConnell is the only bright spot on this squad and you just feel like it’s painful for him to suit up each night. Not like he’s hurt, but painful like the pain you feel the night after you had the broccoli and 3 cheese omelet at Denny’s for breakfast.

6. MCR Warriors: Their young, quick, and show flashes of brilliance, but just can’t put it together long enough to pull out the wins. A lot like a sparkler on the 4th of July. It’s hot, it’s flashy, lots of sparks, and then it fades out usually followed up by some 3yr old screaming on his way to the ER.

5. Salem Evangelical: Okay this one boggles us. They are 2-5, but are better then their record shows. So why are they losing so much? Answer: Shawn Kitner. He’s their best player and also their worst player. Think Antoine Walker, but with a better outside shot. When he’s on the E-Vans are formidable, when he’s off their like road kill.

4. Life Church: This team is on the rise after back-to-back wins. Point guard Derek Conn, is back in form leading the league in 3pt PCT. with 48% from behind the arc. They are still a little weak inside, but are finding ways to balance their lack of size and put runs together.

3. The Hoopsters: Probably could have been either #2 or #3 here, but they suffered another heartbreaker to the CMB last week 89-84. Of their two loses it only totals 6pts. Beware of The Hoopsters, they are playing with something to prove now and like a dog backed into a corner, the outcome is never good.

2. Free Methodist: The 2-time champs are looking back in form at 4-2 having only lost to the CMB…twice. Looks like they may have their number this year, but Free Meth is getting healthy at the right time and will look to make a strong push in the final 3 weeks.

1. CMB: 6-0 and the only “unbeaten” left. They are tough inside and out, have a solid bench (finally,) and if the game is close at the end you might as well pack up shop…they just don’t lose close games. Although their free throw shooting has been atrocious the last few weeks in the tight games, a mere 62% from behind the arc for the team, they always seem to will their way to win. Another win locks up the #1 seed in the playoffs for them. A place they’ve been many times before, but will this year’s playoff run be any different then the last two?

Until next week, enjoy the Olympiad and remember, Curling = Communism

02-03-2006

J. Legend erupts; leads CMB to O.T. win…

This Thursday’s Game of The Week was a doozy as it pitted the #1 CMB vs. #2 The Hoopsters. And let me tell you friends…it did not disappoint. Heading into Super Bowl weekend this top match-up would get your motor running…to the motor city that is. (Shout out to Detraught and our boy Doug Collins.)

The CMB were hampered from the start with 3 of their starters, (Ross Deferless, John Paul, and Joel Paul,) all sitting out at the coaches decisions for being late to a mandatory team meeting earlier that afternoon. Although the CMB were light in the lineup they still battled fiercely in the start, led by J. Legend’s 16 first half points. But that would not be enough. As time wore on in the first half The Hoopsters began a 3pt barrage that quickly grew to a 17pt lead at the half.

Disgruntled and a little bewildered, the CMB would fight on as they have so many times before. “We’ve been in plenty of situations like this over the years. You lose a player to injury or something…the rest of the crew just picks up the slack,” guard Ryan Nysley said. And pick up the slack they did. With Coach Jackson haven driven his point home to his other starters, he quickly inserted them back in the lineup, and the fresh attitude and legs helped.

The CMB would jump out to a quick 10-0 run and bring the lead to within 7 before The Hoopsters stealthily knocked in back-to-back 3’s to move the lead back 13 with just under seven minutes to go. And that’s when J. Legend took over. Riding high from his first half outburst of points, he single handedly put the team on his back to carry them down the stretch making key baskets, steals, and rebounds to will his team on. With 8.6sec left the CMB had tied the game off of two clutch free throws by Billy Martinez just seconds earlier to bring it to 74-74 all. The CMB called time, and setup their defense to pressure The Hoopsters for the final possession as they would attempt to go the length of the floor for one final shot. The Hoopsters in-bounded and ran a fairly well executed play for PF Chris Randle who bobbled the inbounds pass, but recovered in time to some how get an off-balanced 3pt attempt off…and it rattled in.

With 5.2sec left on the clock the CMB found themselves down 77-74 and seeing their 17pt rally coming to a close…oh would it? The CMB drew up another inbounds play and ran J. Legend off a couple of screens to get free, but he could not. Once the ball was in-bounded to Martinez, The Hoopsters somehow allowed J. Legend to get free and fade out to the 3pt line and that spilt second defensive mistake would be enough. Martinez eyed J. Legend on the far side of the court and hurled a pass to him with 3.6sec left and then J. Legend played the “giant killer” once again, by knocking down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie the score 77-77 and send it to overtime.

In the 3min overtime J. Legend would drop another 8pts, including 3 key free throws to hold off The Hoopsters final run and deliver the game to the CMB 89-85. “It was just a great win for our team. To come out of the gate down 17 and then claw our way back to a victory was just an awesome thing for us,” J. Legend said after the game. J. Legend would lead all scorers with a season high 36pts, 11rebs, and 4ast.

Next week the CMB will take on two-time defending champ Free Methodist once again. The Meth’s have fallen on hard times as of late losing to The Hoopsters just a week ago and having a tough battle with Salem Evangelical as well. As you recall the CMB put the hurt on the Meth’s in the opening game of the season winning going away by 29pts.

Until then enjoy Super Bowl XL and Go Steelers! (Hate them seachickens)

01-13-2006

Defending champs escape with victory. CMB upend Kitner and the boys…

Good morning PCBL fans, it’s a casual dress Friday and t-minus 4hrs till the weekend. In last night’s two marquee match-ups, fans were treated to some exciting action, well worth the price of admission.

In the opening game the two-time defending champs, Free Methodist, took on the mighty Hoopsters of the West. An out-of-conference rivalry that has grown in the past few seasons, and it did not disappoint last night. Both teams battled for the lead until the final seconds, each trading basket for basket. “Offensively each team was just on fire. We were hitting tough shots, and they were matching them,” Methodist forward Roland Fields said.

The game would be decided on the final play. With 4.5 remaining on the clock, Methodist sharpshooter Ryan Johnson made a Barry Sanders-like juke at the top of the key to free himself and then made a hard move toward the basket, pulling up from 14 and nailing the jumper at the buzzer. Free Meth 67 The Hoopseters 66…ball game.

”The shot felt great when I released it and when it dropped in I knew that was it for them,” Johnson said after the game. With that game in the fridge it puts Free Methodist back atop the Eastern Conference and leaves the CMB as the only unbeaten at 2-0.

In the headlining match-up of the night, we were privy to an outstanding game of shooting and defense…all coming from the CMB. The CMB minus their best perimeter defender in Ryan Nysley, who went on the injured list this week with a lacerated elbow and still missing the inside presence of Matt Taylor, (still on the IR with a back injury,) managed to step up their defense and force 12 turnovers from Salem Evangelical. “We knew with Ryan and Matt out we’d all have to step up on the defensive end, and we certainly did tonight,” guard Joel Paul stated.

The CMB lead by as much as 15 with 9 minutes to go, but Salem cut the lead to 7 with 1:43 to go, but that would be all the closer they’d get. J. Legend knocked down 4 free throws in the closing minute to keep them at bay and lead the CMB to their second win of the season 69-62. ”We just really put the screws to them late in the game. Their zone defense was horrific and we all stepped up on defensive end of the floor to counter act the loss of Nysley and Taylor,” Legend said after the game. J. Legend led all scorers with 25pts on 9-11 shooting including a blazing 5-6 from behind the 3pt arc. PG Billy Martinez added 17pts to go along with his game high 6 steals.

The CMB appear to be firing on all cylinders at the moment and now just one final question remains. Where is perennial All-Star and 6-time MVP, G. Murph at exactly? He’s under contract, not listed on the IR, and yet has missed the first two games of the season. So what gives? This seems strangely odd to those of us reporting on the league and we promise you we won’t rest until we uncover this story.

So tune in next week for another exciting addition of the PCBL news. Until then enjoy the weekend and don’t follow the Billikin to any bars. Better yet, don’t follow him anywhere.

PCBL 2006 season begins!

01-10-06 Salem, OR……

Well happy New Year to all, I trust you all survived the holidays. Glad to have you tuning back in to your source for PCBL News. We've been on hiatus during the summer and fall, but are looking forward to brining you latest from around the league this season.

First off I'd like to welcome two new expansion teams to the league. After meeting with league and city officials from several potential host cities for the past few months, we are pleased to have The MCR Warriors and Team X join us, and congratulations on your entry into the PCBL. MCR and Team X will face off against each other coming this Thursday at 9:00pm so be sure to get your tickets before they are all sold out.

Now let’s get on to the news of the roundball league. This off-season has been a tumultuous one for our beloved CMB. Retirement was both good and bad for them as they lost perennial all-star Eric Schaffner and two-time League MVP J.J. Bowden to retirement. On the flip side the CMB brass has managed to lure longtime fan favorite and Hall of Famer, G. Murph, off of the beaches of Maui and back into the lineup.

Many of you will well recall the retirement of G. Murph some 4yrs ago. Since his exit the CMB have yet to win another title. Coincidence? We don’t think so, which is why the league is buzzing at the return of one of it’s all-time greats who helped build this league during the 90’s and helped the franchise win 5 titles during his tenure. How will the time off effect his ability to produce at the level he once did and how will his 4yr beachcombing retirement add to the rust which is undoubtedly there. Time will tell…and we’ll be here to report it.

Let’s move on to this week’s box scores as well as the season opening Power Rankings:

Week one box scores:
Salem Evangelical W71 Life Church 60
CMB W71 Free Methodist 42
Five Star 54 The Hoopsters W91

Power Rankings as of: 01-10-2006

8. MCR Warriors: This is one of the two expansion teams, composed of high school and recent high school grads. Young but athletic.

7. Team X: Nothing is really known about the other expansion team of “Team X.” We’ll see how they progress as the season moves forward.

6. Five Star: This rag-tag group has its work cut out for it. They narrowly miss getting hosed by 40pts in week 1 and didn’t look good from the outset. A band of journeymen players paired with a few rookies in the mix. We all know how those recipes turn out. Usually burnt and smoking with someone calling 911 for the fire department.

5. Life Church: They narrowly lost to Salem Evangelical on opening night and have the potential to play well if all cylinders are firing. A gaping hole at center though will push them to the max when the face the larger-sized teams of Free Methodist and the CMB.

4. Salem Evangelical: This team had a great off season, signing top free agents Shawn Kitner and Chris Fisher. They have solidified their shooting back court, but still are minus a tough inside presence. The looked solid in their first outing so keep an eye on them moving up the charts.

3. Free Methodist: The two-time defending champs looked like a mere shell of their former selves getting trounced by 29pts at the hands of the CMB. They were minus their starting point guard who was out with a torn POTA ligament, and perhaps the CMB were out for revenge from losing to them twice in the last two playoff series, but in their 1st game they looked like they went to sleep Wednesday night all safe and sound in their bed at home and woke up Thursday morning with change missing from the dresser and their daughter knocked up. That’s the look they had on their faces…I’ve seen it a thousand times…

2. CMB: Last season they went 10-0 in the regular season and ended up in 3rd place overall. In 2004 the lost in the Finals by one at the buzzer. Do they have anything to prove? Any animosity still lingering from these old dawgs? I think we got our answer last week as they put the screws to Free Methodist. J. Legend was back in form scoring 20pts, as well as rookie Joel Paul who also knocked in 21. They were minus all-star Matt Taylor (sitting out with a back injury) and minus hall-of-famer, G. Murph, yet they still beat the defending champs by nearly 30. They looked good, but they looked great last year and that 10-0 record came up void in the playoffs. They are 19-1 in the past two regular seasons, but can't seem to get it done in the playoff run as in years past. Is that killer instinct gone? Can an old vet whose been playing shuffleboard the past 4yrs really make the impact they need? As always they are interesting, but can they be great once again?

1. The Hoopsters: This is the old Mavericks team for those who remember them from back in the day. They have a new name and some new players and look as solid as Mac truck. They have the potential Rookie of The Year in Joe Zandorf, who scored 31 on opening night just a week after he dropped 61 in the final preseason game. They were quick, ran the floor, hit the outside J, and played suffocating D. Their good and will only get better.

As Porky Pig always use to say….”That’s all folks.” See you next week for the latest from the PCBL News. Until then good day and happy New Year.

Tampa Bay Roundtable?

04-19-2005 Salem, OR……

We interrupt this episode of Bonanza to go live and join an impromptu press conference at CMB Headquarters in Salem, OR with Ari Fleischer.

Good afternoon and we thank the various media outlets for joining us. As spokesperson for the CMB we would like to read a prepared statement regarding recent headlines and rumors circling in the media the past few days and then take a few of your questions if time permits.

First of all the CMB and its affiliates would like to once again congratulate Free Methodist on winning the 2005 PCBL title this season. Secondly we would like to report that after extensive X-ray’s and an MRI exam that J. Legend’s right knee looks to be in fine order and containing no structural damage. He should make a full recovery without the need of any surgery. With that said, let us address the recent media rumors about a possible on the court reunion of the “CMB 3” as you all have dubbed them, referring to PCBL greats, J.J. Bowden, G. Murph, and J. Legend.

ESPNr reporter Jim Gray has recently reported that those 3 individuals plan to have a roundtable meeting in Tampa Bay Florida next week to discuss these matters and have already had extensive talks about reuniting next season and making a bid for a final PCBL title between them. I can confirm that no such meeting has been scheduled and that this reporting by Mr. Gray is grossly inaccurate. What we can only confirm is that Mr. Gray and J. Legend did have a brief phone conversation yesterday evening, but what was discussed was purely between the two parties on the phone. Furthermore, we ask that in the future for accurate information, and if any of you would like to retain your media credentials here, you come to the source for CMB news and pose your questions to our media department who will be happy to address those matters. Thank you.

I have a few spare minutes before my next engagement, so I will take a few brief questions. “Yes, Stuart…”

Scott: “Stuart Scott for ESPN News. So Ari you stated that no such “Tampa Bay roundtable” had been scheduled, but will there be?"

Ari: “Honestly, I don’t know. No meeting has been scheduled as of right now that I am aware of.”

Scott: “A quick follow-up if you will….Any truth to the allegations that Bowden and Legend wouldn’t want Murph back if he decided to make a comeback?”

Ari: “That idea of fiction just doesn’t hold water. Those three are great friends….life long friends and I can only speculate, but if they were to reunite on the court, I cannot fathom any situation in which they would not want to all be together.”

Scott: “So you are alluding to a reunion of the “CMB 3” then are you not?”

Ari: “You have our statement; I must be going now that’s all the time I have. Thank you.”

Stay tuned to PCBL News for more breaking news as these stories and others from around the league develop….

04-15-2005 Playoffs Semi-Finals/Finals:

Bracket buster special...top seeds get sent home

Friday April 15th 2005 Salem, OR

This is it...the 7th sign of the Apocalypse...or as REM would say, "...the end of the world as we know it." Thursday night April 14th 2005 will be a day long remembered in the PCBL. It noted the first time in PCBL history that both the #1 and #2 seeds in the playoffs got knocked out in 2nd round of the playoffs. Yes you heard me correctly...unfortunately.

In Semi-Final Game 1 the 11-0 CMB and #1 seed in the playoffs were defeated by their arch nemesis, Free Methodist, whom they had previously beaten in their first two regular season contests. If you recall it was Free Methodist that cut the hearts out of the CMB in last seasons Finals as the narrowly beat the CMB with a buzzer-beating jumpshot to win the title by one, and Free Methodist would not be denied again Thursday night.

In route to their back-to-back PCBL championships this night, the mighty Methodists hounded the CMB with a fierce 2-3 match-up zone defense that immobilized the CMB's front court and held them virtually scoreless from outside. "We just did not come out aggressively in the first half and we turned the ball over way too much, in order for us to have a chance to win," CMB point guard Billy Martinez said after the game. The only bright spot for the CMB was the stellar play of 14yr veteran J. Legend. Playing on a tweaked right knee that was wrenched late in the first half, J. Legend valiantly tried to lead his team to a comeback victory in the closing moments. Legend hit a clutch three to bring the CMB within 3 at 26-23 with three minutes remaining, but that would be the closest the CMB would get. J. Legend tallied up 20pts shooting 4-5 from the 3pt line and adding 9rebs as well. The CMB only able to manage 30 total points, had to result to late fouling in exchange for possessions as they tried unsuccessfully to mount a come back. Final score Free Methodist 45 CMB 30.

After the game CBS reporter Jim Gray, caught up with J. Legend to get his thoughts on the game.

Gray: "So Legend, two questions to start out. I know this must be a tough loss for you and the team, what's running through your mind right now and hows the knee holding up?"

Legend: "What's running through my mind right now? That's a helluva thing for you to ask me Jim. Are you that stupid you effn moron? My knee is what it is. I'll undergo an MRI this week I'd imagine, but I've been fortunate over my career to not have any major injuries and I hope this is just that same. Regardless, we were the #1 team going in to this thing and we flat out choked tonight....bottomline!"

Gray: "So I take it your upset about the outcome? You did manage to recoup and take 3rd in the Consolation game though. That must account for something to you guys?"

Legend: "Recoup? Consolation game? My word Gray...you must be the most ignorant reporter on the planet! Look we sucked it up tonight, bigtime. No excuses, we were just not mentally prepared to answer their onslaught and they beat us down like a coy dog. I'll hand it to Free Meth, they came to play and we didn't."

Gray: "Thanks J. on what must be a hard night for you and your teammates. On a related note, many of us in the media have been speculating for months now, so I must ask. Was tonight your final game as a professional?"

Legend: "Geez Jim, your lack of tact knows no bounds does it? Even with your blatant lack of respect, I'll still answer the question, since I don't duck anyone. Look I'll be honest, I've thought about retirement for the past couple of seasons, but I really thought that we could rekindle that dream of a championship that Murph, Bowden, and I had when we realigned this team a couple seasons back, and we've come close the past 2 years, and yet still always gone home a bridesmaid. I don't know what I'm going to do yet. If we had won the title tonight I would have given it serious consideration...very serious. Maybe I should have followed Murph's lead a couple of seasons back, or Bowden's at the end of last year and just bowed out then. But that just wasn't my logic then, you know when you've put in 14yrs of taking your hard hat and lunch pail to work each day, it can become routine and comfortable and one day you just call it a career. Yet part of me still burns for one last title and I still believe we have the tools to do that. Will I hang 'em up after tonight? I don't know, but I will be thinking about it in the days to come."

Gray: "Thanks Legend, always a pleasure. Back to you Stu in the studio."

Well there you have it folks. No real need to ramble on about what went down in the FeelGood Centre last night, no need to hash it out further, other then to say this. Hats off to Free Methodist, great job on winning your second consecutive PCBL title. As for the rest of the league, some daunting questions still remain. Will Free Methodist defend the title again to claim a 3rd ring? Will Salem Evangelical be able to sign it's numerous free agents to make a run at the title again from the East? Will Labish go 2-8 again for a 9th straight year? Okay kidding on that last one, we had to add some levity to this sorrowful discussion. But perhaps the most intriguing question of all. Will J. Legend say goodbye after 14 seasons? Will the not so mighty CMB do what is needed in the offseason to recover mentally from this ousting, and make a bid for that elusive 13th franchise title?

All those questions and more we will be tracking as the days and weeks go by. Until then, we bid you farewell from our studios in Salem, OR. Good night and God bless.

04-08-2005 Playoffs:

CMB upend ExtremeBlexicans 63-53 to move on

Thursday April 7th 2005…Salem, OR In what some said might possibly be the greatest playoff blowout in PCBL history, the 10-0 CMB, and #1 seed in the tournament, fended off a tough late run by the #8 seeded ExtremeBlexicans to clinch their first playoff win of 2005 and advance to the Semi-Finals to face the defending champions of Free Methodist.

The CMB who were playing without starting center Eric Schaffner and point guard Billy Martinez, both of whom were sitting out with injury, jumped out to a 13pt lead early on but then had to fight off a late run by the Blexicans. The CMB rose up to the challenge of their rivals behind the stellar play of Matt Taylor and J. Legend and marched on to victory. Taylor dominated the key with his top-notch defense, holding All-Star forward, Brian Blair to just 8pts. He also pulled down a playoff high 18rebs to match his 18pts. J. Legend stepped up his defense absent the prescience of lock on defender Martinez, and grabbed 5 steals and finished with 16pts as well as shooting 9-10 from the line, including 4 free throws in the final minute to seal the win.

All in all the CMB showed why they are the #1 seed, by hitting clutch free throws and not getting rattled late in the game and by playing premier defense. Next up are the defending champs of Free Methodist, whom the CMB beat twice in the regular season. But still lingering in the back of their minds like a festering wound, they remember that last second shot by Free Meth to win the title by one point last season. Ya think they want this one? Hey Methodist….lock the doors and hide the kids because your about to reap the whirlwind!

Out 05-07-2003: Off-Season Preview

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:

Semi Final Game 1	#1 Slow Motion 2	vs.	#5 Bethany Baptist Red
Semi Final Game 2	#2 Slow Motion 1	vs.	#3 CMB

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:

West	Team	Replaces	Team	East	Team	Replaces
Webber Martin	CMB	J.J. Bowden	CMB	Dave Bartlett	Slow Motion 2	Brandon Webber	Bethany Blue
Jason Workman	CMB	John Turkington	Labish Center
James Atkinson	Labish Center	Meril Craig	Bethany White
Jim Steele	Labish Center	Paul Beals	Bethany White

Top alternate vote getters:

West	Team	Votes	East	Team	Votes
Jason Workman	CMB	13	Dave Bartlett	Slow Motion 2	14
James Atkinson	Labish	10	Cliff Beckman	Slow Motion 2	14
Jim Steele	Labish	9	Scott Beckman	Slow Motion 2	13
G. Murph	CMB	6	Joe Castaneda	Bethany Baptist Blue	8

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:

West	Team	Votes	East	Team	Votes
Jason Workman	CMB	13	Dave Bartlett	Slow Motion 2	14
James Guy	Labish	10	Cliff Beckman	Slow Motion 2	14
Jim Steele	Labish	9	Scott Beckman	Slow Motion 2	13
G. Murph	CMB	6	Joe Castaneda	Bethany Baptist Blue	8

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