Bad Links?
Other glitches?
Notify Webmaster

Lightning gearing up for another WBA championship run

After winning their third game in a row and sporting a 9 - 3 record, the Southern Crescent Lightning have taken control of the Eastern Division of the World Basketball Association. Last Saturday at Starr’s Mill High School, the Lightning built a 30 point lead in the first half, and held on for a 111-108 victory over the Gulf Coast Bandits. The team was led by Nate Williams, former Georgia State standout, who scored 20 points and had eight rebounds. Marcus Taylor added 18 points and eight assists and Jimmy Baxter scored 15 points and pulled in 10 rebounds.

Last Thursday, the Lightning defeated the Gainesville Knights 110-97. After a fairly even first half, the Lightning out scored the Knights 26-15 in the third quarter. Taylor led the way with 26 points, while Baxter chipped in 20. Xavier Oliver had 11 rebounds in the win.

The Lightning are the reigning WBA champion and are coached by Ricky Benitez.

Todd and TJ Hannon, owners of the Southern Crescent Lightning, have publicly stated their desire to bring another form of family entertainment to Peachtree City. The brothers are promising to get a larger part of the community interested in the team this year and vowing to not take a salary. Instead, proceeds will go directly back into the community with local high schools and youth programs receiving money. One of the ways the team has connected with fans is by providing themes, games and giveaways at each of their home games.

Starting this weekend, the Lightning will have a four game homestand with games on Sunday, May 29 (Military Appreciation Day), Wednesday, June 1 (Photo Night), Saturday, June 4 (Pizza Night) and Sunday, June 5 (Scouts Day).

At Military Appreciation Night, all military veterans, law enforcement, fire and EMT emplyees and their families are encouraged to attend. During photo night, parents acan have their child’s picture taken in a Lightning jersey for free, while all spectators at pizza night will receive a free slice of pizza. At the Scouts Day game, 15 year old Thomas Brady of Troop 242, sponsored by St. George Catholic Church in Newnan will be singing the National Anthem. Thomas is a Life Scout, a member of the Order of the Arrow, plays football and wrestles for Northgate High School in Sharpsburg. Brady has previously sung the National Anthem at the Senoia Raceway last summer and at a Boys Scout fundraising event held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier this year.

Sunday games start at 2 p.m. and all others are at 7 p.m. All games are played at Starr's Mill High School and tickets are $6. For information, go to www.wbalightning.com.