This was accomplished during this past weekend’s games in which the Sauk Valley Predators clinched the number 2 seed in the Central division by defeating the Chicago Muscle 107-89.  “This has been an exciting season joining the PBL. When we started this organization back in August of 2011, our goal was to bring a team to our city that our community can be proud of and to make the playoffs. We’ve achieved that goal and so now it’s time to bring the first championship to our fans,” commented Predators owner Brad Grenoble.

The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers secured the number 2 seed in the PBL’s Eastern Division after their win against the Dayton Air Strikers with a score of 111-89.  This was a close finish to securing the number 2 seed.  Even if the Dayton Air Strikers were to finish with the same record as the Steamers, the series record between the two teams belongs to the Steamers.  “This is something that our guys have worked hard for all season and it has finally paid off.  We are excited to be a part of the PBL’s Playoffs with this being our first season in basketball,” stated Steamers owner Joe Runco. “We could have not asked for a more successful season and want to bring a Championship home to Scranton Wilkes-Barre,” continued Runco.

The PBL’s Playoffs will consist of cross divisional play with the 1^st place Eastern Division Rochester RazorSharks competing against 2^nd place Central Division Sauk Valley Predators.  The 1^st place Central Division’s Central Illinois Drive will face off against the 2^nd place Eastern Division’s Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers.  “This playoff structure will provide some exciting basketball.  These teams have not played each other at all therefore the games will be interesting to watch as each team will not be familiar with the other’s style play,” stated Carrie Ann May, league commissioner and vice president of operations.

The Central Illinois Drive will hold on to the number 1 seed and home court advantage throughout the playoffs all the way to the Championship series.  “The Central Illinois Drive team and staff have had an exciting year, our first in the Premier Basketball League.  We are anxious to begin the 2012 PBL playoffs.  Our thanks go out to our fans, sponsors and everyone at the US Cellular Coliseum and the Premier Basketball League Staff for helping our inaugural season to be such a success.  Good luck to all the teams in the playoffs,” stated Central Illinois Drive co-owner Scott Henderson.

The Rochester RazorSharks, also last year’s PBL Champions will look to defend their championship as they square off against the Sauk Valley Predators in their first round of playoffs.  “This is the most exciting time of the year, and we’re looking forward to beginning the PBL playoffs with a win.  We’ll continue to take this time leading up to next week to prepare and get better, coming into the postseason fully focused on reaching our goal for another championship,” commented head coach Rod Baker.

Teams will play in a best of three series where the lower seed will host the first game.  The higher seed will then host the next two games (the third if necessary) at their home venue.

The PBL’s Playoff dates have been set and are as follows:

4/5/12 – Game 1, Central Illinois Drive at Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers.  7:05pm local time tipoff

4/6/12 – Game 1, Rochester RazorSharks at Sauk Valley Predators.  7:05pm local time tipoff

4/7/12 – Game 2, Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers at Central Illinois Drive.  7:05pm local time tipoff

4/7/12 – Game 2, Sauk Valley Predators at Rochester RazorSharks.  7:05pm local time tipoff

4/9/12 – Game 3, Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers at Central Illinois Drive.  7:05pm local time tipoff (if necessary)

4/9/12 – Game 3, Sauk Valley Predators at Rochester RazorSharks.  7:05pm local time tipoff (if necessary)

To keep up with PBL Playoff action, you can watch the games live by visiting www.AtSportsTV.com.  The PBL postseason games can also be seen on the TUFF TV Television Network (www.TuffTV.com)

For more information including ticket sales for the PBL Playoffs, please visit – www.DriveHoops.com, www.RazorSharks.com, www.SaukValleyPredators.com, www.SWBSteamers.com.

For more information on the Premier Basketball League visit www.ThePBL.com

The PBL’s Player of the Month for February 2012 – Marcel Anderson, Guard, Chicago Muscle

In his first season with the PBL, guard Marcel Anderson of the Central Division’s Chicago Muscle proved to be February 2012’s Player of the Month.  Anderson, a 6’0 guard from Harris Stowe State, in St. Louis, Missouri led the league for February in scoring with an average of 23.0 points per game.

Anderson, nicknamed “Cel” by his colleagues was born and raised in the Chicago land area and attended Rich South High School.  He has played for the Eurobasket Summer League for teams Lugano, Amsterdam and London.  Marcel was also the 2010 Harris-Stowe State University Dunk Contest Winner for their 2010 Intramural Basketball division.

Marcel enjoys bowling with friends and spending time with his family.  “Marcel brings excitement and energy to the game.  He is always a fan favorite especially with his breakaway dunks,” commented Dave Knickelbein, General Manager for the Chicago Muscle.

The PBL’s Coach of the Month for February 2012 – Rod Baker, Head Coach, Rochester RazorSharks

Going into his 7^th season as the Head Coach of the Rochester RazorSharks, Rod Baker has led the RazorSharks to four championships.  Coach Baker has a career record with the RazorSharks of 132-29 including the regular season and playoffs but not including the RazorSharks’ current season record of 12-1 through the end of February.  During the month of February, the RazorSharks went undefeated at 5-0 scoring an average of 106.4 points per game while defeating their opponents by an average of 11.0 points per game.

Coach Baker brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to the RazorSharks, and has spent time coaching at the Division 1 College level, USA International Teams, and as the head coach of the Harlem Globetrotters.  Coach Baker played at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and is originally from Philadelphia, PA.

The PBL’s Team of the Month for February 2012 – Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers, led by Owner Joe Runco

With an average attendance of approximately 1,000 fans at each of their home games for the month of February, multiple team owners praising their overall operation for a home game, and a second place record at 8-10 in the PBL’s Eastern Division, the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steams have been named the PBL’s Team of the Month for February 2012.  The Steamers have made a huge impact in their hometown of Scranton Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania since joining the PBL in July 2011 in preparing for their first season of Minor League Professional Basketball.  In a short period of time, the Steamers have put together an excellent organization comprised of quality basketball, community involvement and outreach, philanthropy and great leadership from their owner Joe Runco.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors, staff, local media and most of all, our new and loyal fan base for supporting our team. We are excited to be a part of the Premier Basketball League and have worked hard to follow their standard operating procedures.  It truly is an honor to receive such recognition,” commented Joe Runco, President of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers.

The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers scored an average of 118.2 points per game in February.

For more information please visit www.ThePBL.com

Ty Snow quickness made things difficult for the Steamers early and often.  Snow finished 8 points but lead all players with a game high 15 assists.  Pete Trammel scored 21 points of the bench for the Admirals and Jason Underwood finished with a team high 23 points.

Vinny Simpson had his 4th cosecitive game with a double doublefinishing with 18 points and 13 assists for the Steamers.  Matt Gorman joined Simpson in the double double with 17 points and a game high 11 rebounds.  Chris Commons stayed hot finishing with 33 points on the night in 38 minutes of playing time.  Darrion Griffon had an all around night for the Scranton Wilkes Barre Steamers finishing 11 points 6 assists and 9 rebounds in the game.  Nomanja Jokic also contributed with 10 points on the night.

The Steamers will be back at it Saturday versus the Visting and league leading Rochester RazorSharks.

Ty Snow quickness made things difficult for the Steamers early and often.  Snow finished 8 points but lead all players with a game high 15 assists.  Pete Trammel scored 21 points of the bench for the Admirals and Jason Underwood finished with a team high 23 points.

Vinny Simpson had his 4th cosecitive game with a double doublefinishing with 18 points and 13 assists for the Steamers.  Matt Gorman joined Simpson in the double double with 17 points and a game high 11 rebounds.  Chris Commons stayed hot finishing with 33 points on the night in 38 minutes of playing time.  Darrion Griffon had an all around night for the Scranton Wilkes Barre Steamers finishing 11 points 6 assists and 9 rebounds in the game.  Nomanja Jokic also contributed with 10 points on the night.

The Steamers will be back at it Saturday versus the Visting and league leading Rochester RazorSharks.

The Steamers took a 64-60 lead into intermission led by Kyle Robbins 8 for 8 performance in the first half.  Robbins finished 8 out of 9 from the floor and 16 points overall.

The Air Strikers came out firing in the second half with the hot hand of Bo Harris who connected for 3 of 4 three pointers and Avery Smith’s break away lay ups early in the second  half.  Harris finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds for the game and Smith a game high 31 points and a team high 7 assists.  Dayton outscored Scranton Wilkes Barre 40-27 in the 3^rd period.

The Steamers made a late effort on when Vinny Simpson connected with a Tyler Bullock alley hoop dunk mid-way thru the 4^th. Simpson finished with 20 points and a game high 14 assists and Bullock with 17 points.  Rob Robinson continued his double double streak finishing with a team high 23 points and 11 rebounds and Darrion Griffon  contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively.

The Scranton Wilkes Barre Steamers will now travel to Dayton Wednesday to take on the Air Strikers at 7:05

“It was an all-around team effort today,” said Todd McCoy of the RazorSharks, who finished the game with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.  “We were anxious to play and the team was ready.”

Everyone came to play on both offense and defense today, as the RazorSharks held the Steamers to a season low 38.7% shooting and gaining season highs in assists (27) and rebounds (69). The 69 rebounds are three shy of the all-time RazorSharks record.

The RazorSharks set these season highs after having a break of 13 days in between their last game and today’s game, leaving Head Coach Rod Baker a little restless.

“I was scared going into today after having so much time off,” said Baker. “But we came to play and it speaks volumes for where the team is going.” Even after two weeks off, the RazorSharks improve their record to 8-1 as they near the half-way point of the season.

Leading the way in the paint for the RazorSharks was Aaron Williams, in his first start of the season, with a team high 19 points and nine rebounds. Jamaal Davis recorded a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Brandon Webster came off the bench for an eight point and eight rebound performance.

The guards played a great all-around game themselves, as Tasheed Carr finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists and Melvin Council and Jerice Crouch had 6 and 5 assists, respectively.

“The RazorSharks out hustled us and pushed us hard” said Dennis Mishko, Steamers Associate Head Coach.”  “The Sharks run their set plays well, know how to defend and play well together.  That is why they are on top.”

Leading the way for the Steamers was Lionel Armstead, who joined the Steamers mid-season and finished the game with 14 points off the bench.  Rob Robinson had a double double with 12 points and a game high 14 rebounds while fellow starters Chris Commons and Tyler Bullock finished with 11 points. The loss drops the Steamers to 4-4 on the season.

Lake Michigan made it difficult for Scranton to score early with the length of 7”3 Center Shagari Alleyne who had 3 blocks just in the first quarter.  Tychicus Snow paced the Admirals on the offensive end of the court with 25 points and 9 assists for the game.  Strong along with six other Admirals players scored double digits.

Midway through the first quarter, the Steamers picked up the intensity when Tyler Bullock came off of the bench and scored 6 straight points for Scranton.  Rob Robinson picked up where he left off last week on the defensive end with 18 rebounds to go along with 23 points.  Bullock finished with 14 points.

The Steamers went into halftime with a lead of 45-39.  At the start of the 3^rd quarter, they came out firing as Brandon Tunnell and Chris Commons made several baskets creating a double digit lead in the first 4 minutes.  Tunnell finished with 9 points and 8 assists while Commons had 16 points and 12 rebounds.

The game appeared to be out of reach with less than a minute left to play in regulation but the Admirals would get a break and get back into the game due to back to back turnovers by the Steamers and three pointers made by Odgra Bobo who had 19 points in the game.  The Steamers picked up a Technical when they called a timeout but had none left to use.  The Admirals’ Strong made the free throw to make it just a one point game.  After a quick bucket by the Steamers’ Kyle Robbins, the Admirals came right back down court with a layup by Tino Valencia with just 6 seconds left in the game which would eventually lead to an overtime period.

In overtime, Steamers’ guard Vinnie Simpson took over making some big three pointers and making some clutch free throws down the stretch for Scranton.  Simpson finished with a game high 31 points.

The Steamers broke the game open in the 2^nd period with baskets by Chris Commons who finished the game with a 28 point, 11 rebound contribution.  Commons also added 4 blocks for the night along with Rob Robinson who had an all-around game by adding 26 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists night.  Derrion Griffin Chipped in 21 points for the Steamers.

Charleston kept it in reach late in the 3^rd quarter with good shooting from Will Collins who finished with 17 points and Vince Goldsberrywho had a 19 point 18 assist night for the Gunners.  Lionel Armstead and James Helton each added 20 points each for Charleston.

The Steamers return to action when they visit the Charleston next week on Saturday Jan. 21 at 4:30pm.

The Steamers got off to a great start right off of the tip with Griffin making his first basket.  Moments later Kyle Robbins followed with another quick basket and set the pace early with a 29-23 lead at the end of the 1^st quarter.

The Air Strikers fought hard to come back and make the game close at the beginning of the 4^th quarter as Dayton’s Aaron Perry sank back to back baskets to tie the game at 81-81.  The Steamers’ Tyler Bullock spoiled Dayton’s comeback committing 3 steals late towards the final moments of the game and the Steamers sealed the game making clutch free throws to complete their win.

William Harris led Dayton with 22 points and 8 rebounds and Perry contributed 18 points and 12 assists.  The Steamers will be back in action this Sunday afternoon as they host the Charleston Gunners.  Tip-off is scheduled at 3:05pm.  For more information visit www.SWBsteamers.com

Benton Harbor, MI – The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Steamers(1-2) took advantage of multiple Lake Michigan Admirals (0-1) turnovers to gain their PBL victory with a final score of 120-106 at Farnum Gymnasium at Benton Harbor.

Lake Michigan led most of the first half, up by eight late in the second quarter before the Steamers started a run, cutting the score to 56-55 going into halftime.

The Admirals’ Rodney Alexander kept Scranton’s leading scorer Chris Commons, to just eight points in the first half with strong defense.

Soon after the start of the third quarter Scranton went on a 20-5 run, taking advantage of six Admirals turnovers. Commons broke loose with 23 points in the second half and Tyler Bullock hit 3 three-pointers that put the Steamers up for good.

Alexander led the Admirals with 26 points followed by Florentino Valencia and Romain Martin each with 19 points.  Lake Michigan out-rebounded Scranton 40-36 but the Steamers had just 10 turnovers to the Admirals 24.

Lake Michigan travels to Rochester on January 22nd to face last year’s PBL Champions, the Rochester RazorSharks.

For more information visit www.LakeMichiganAdmirals.com