Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Lightning goes 3-1 over four-day stretch

The Southern Crescent Lightning played four games in four days and improved their record to 4-2.

After splitting their first two games, the Lightning edged out Tree Rollins’ Macon Blaze 94-93. Derrick Allen was fouled while shooting to tie the score. The resulting free throw was enough to give the Lightning the win.

The following day saw the Jackson Rage defeat the Lightning 86-65 at home. The Lighting traveled to Raleigh on Sunday for a rematch with the Knights, the team that had handed them their first loss of the season, and won 93-89. Monday’s game against the Bristol Crusaders was a laugher, as the Lightning cruised to a 94-67 win.

During the first weeks of the season, players got an opportunity to demonstrate their ball skills before modest crowds. Among the observers were the WBA Commissioner, Milt Barnes, league President Leroy McMath, NBA veteran Sam Mitchell and numerous scouts interested in the teams and the players’ abilities.

“This league was designed to produce a platform for talented players to be groomed and promoted to the next level of play. These guys come every night ready to play hard and expect to win. They deserve the opportunity to further their professional careers and the minor league route is the right way to do it” said Lightning Head Coach Litterial Green, former UGA standout and NBA veteran.

The Lightning will play a total of 20 games this season (AprilÐJune) with seven home games remaining from May 29 through June 15. All home games are played at Starr’s Mill High School. Tickets are available day-of-game at the door beginning at 6 p.m. with game time scheduled for 7 p.m. The only exception is the game scheduled for May 30, which will have a 4 p.m. start.

The WBA currently has a total of eight teams in their league. The SC Lightning shares their division with Rome, Macon and Raleigh.

Visit www.wbalightning.com for more information.