Battle Creek Knights

IBL team
color1 = orange
color2 = black

pixels = 150px
founded = 2004
league = IBL 2004-2008

PBL 2008-present
history = Battle Creek Knights
2004-present
arena = Kellogg Arena
2004-present
city = Battle Creek, Michigan
colors = Black, Silver, & Orange
owner = Scott Niecko
co-owner = James King
co-owner = Mike Lee
co-owner = Mike Beck
coach = Terry Sare
championships = 1 (2005 - IBL)
titles = 1 (2005 - IBL)
dancers = Illegal Motion
mascot = Sir Jam A Lot

The Battle Creek Knights are a team in the Premier Basketball League located in Battle Creek, Michigan. They previously played in the International Basketball League.

2005 season

The Knights lived up to their nickname of "The IBL's Power Team", by beating opponents by an average of 128-114. The Knights were led in scoring by Mike Williams, at 22.4 ppg. The Knights were undefeated in the regular season, and won the championship game, beating the Dayton Jets 124-121, for a final record of 21-0.

In addition to being the IBL's power team on the court, the Knights also led the league in attendance. Playing at Kellogg Arena, crowds of 2,500+ were not uncommon, and the team drew 1,854 to the championship and All-Star game, which they hosted. Three Knights made the all-star team; Bobby Madison, Jamal Gooding, and Mike Williams.

2006 season

The 2006 Knights were a casualty of the IBL's expansion. The team finished 11-10, respectable, yet a far cry from being undefeated. The team lost their only playoff game 144-139 to the Holland Blast, an expansion team. Again, three all-stars were named, Logan Vander Velden, Mike Williams, and Jay Youngblood. Youngblood was also in the top 25 scorers, averaging 22.0 ppg (he also played part of the season with the Cuyahoga Falls Cougars. After the season, coach Williams resigned and was replaced by former Knight Logan Vander Velden.

2007 season

With Vander Velden at the helm, the Knights began to regain their winning ways, and locked into the 5th seed for the IBL playoffs [ [http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070621/SPORTS/706210330/1006 The article requested can not be found! Please refresh your browser or go back. (A5,20070621,SPORTS,706210330,AR). | Battle Creek Enquirer - www.battlecreekenquirer.com - Battle Creek, Mich ] ] , where they were eliminated by the defending champion Elkhart Express in the East final.

2008 season

The Knights started off with a 1-4 record, but rebounded to eventually end the regular season with a record of 9-11. The Knights opened the playoffs with a win against the Elgin Racers 116-100, only to fall to the Elkhart Express in the Eastern Conference finals 130-147.

During the off season, the Knights announced a switch to the winter playing Premier Basketball League. [cite web | url = http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3692898 | title = Premier Basketball League Welcomes Battle Creek Knights | publisher = Our Sports Central | date = 2008-07-31 | accessdate = 2008-07-31 ]

Roster and coaching staff

"Roster for the 2007 season" (As of 3/19/2008)

eason by season results

2005 - IBL Champions

All-Stars

2005

* Jamel Gooding
* Bobby Madison
* Mike WIlliams

2006

* Jamel Gooding
* Logan Vander Velden
* Jay Youngblood

2007

* Isaac Jefferson
* Nick Zachery

References

External links

* [http://www.bcknights.com Official Website]
* [http://iblhoopsonline.com/teamBattleCreek.asp Team page on IBL Website]