Wednesday, June 2, 2004

Lightning get two wins at home, stand atop WBA

The Southern Crescent Lightning hosted Raleigh and Bristol over the weekend, while also hosting Faith Nights for local youth groups. Those in attendance got to see a good show as the Lightning averaged 101 points and secured their lead atop the WBA standings.

On Saturday, the Lightning defeated the Raleigh Knights, 107-98. The Lightning built a 51-42 lead by the half and then had an explosion on offense in the fourth quarter scoring 32 points. Derrick Allen was the leading scorer with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Josh Powell had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Taylor also scored 16 points for the Lightning.

In an afternoon game on Sunday, the Lightning beat the Bristol Crusaders 95-83. Tied 20-20 after the first quarter, the Lightning built a 43-36 lead by the half. Powell got his second double-double of the weekend in the win with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Allen scored 18 points and pulled in eight rebounds. Tyrone Hayes added 17 points for the Lightning.

Allen was also named WBA Lightning player fo the week for May 17-23. In three games during that time Allen scored 58 points and pulled in 28 rebounds. He averaged 19.3 points per game and went 20-22 at the free throw line.

The Lightning are currently 10-4 and in first place in the WBA. they have won five games in a row and are looking tough. They will host Macon (4-7) on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Rome (4-8) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Thursday’s game will also be “Youth Basketball Night.” Peachtree City and Fayette Youth Basketball Associations and the Coweta County Recreation Department will be recognized Thursday night when the Southern Crescent Lightning takes on the Macon Blaze at 7 p.m. All youth wearing their League Basketball Jerseys will receive an SC Lightning “goodie bag” and can win a chance to enter a half-time shoot around for more prizes.

Twenty-five percent of all youth ticket sales (those wearing jerseys) will be donated back to the PTC, Fayette and Coweta Youth Organizations compliments of the Southern Crescent Lightning.

Tickets are $6 for students and $8 general admission and are available game day at Starr’s Mill High School.