The Broadway Recreation Center was the setting for the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship Division 10th Annual Basketball Blowout November 22-23.   The Banner Wheelchair Suns were host to six teams that came to play wheelchair basketball.  First game at action at 8:30 AM on Saturday saw the U of A Wildcats Men vs. Albuquerque Kings.  The well condition Wildcats college team had no trouble with a 73 to 21 victory.  The second game had the host Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns playing the Tucson Lobos.  The Suns strong defense kept the Lobos under control for a 75 to 24 victory.  The Suns had balance in scoring led by Ryan Stevens with 16, Kelly Case 15, Jim Miller 14 and Tommy Schroeder with 10.  The third game the Tucson Sidewinders defeating the Albuquerque Kings 31 to 16.  Game 4 the Banner Wheelchair Suns again played terrific defense and defeated the U of A Women 72 to 39.  Leading scores for the Suns were Ryan Stevens with 21, Kelly Case 20 and Tommy Schroeder with 11.

Afternoon action the U of A men defeated the Tucson Sidewinders 72 to 39.  The U of A Prieloau led Wildcats with 32 points.  The sixth game of the day was a close hard fought game with the Tucson Lobos winning by 1 25 to 24. 

Pool cross over play had the Banner Wheelchair Suns prevailing in a close battle 61 to 58 over the Tucson Sidewinders.  This would advance the Suns to Sunday’s championship round.  Balanced scoring was again the rule for the Suns, Tommy Schroeder leading with 17, Ryan Stevens and Kelly Case each adding 15 and Jim Miller with 11.  The second crossover game had U of A Wildcats Men advancing easily to the championship game 77 to 18 over the Tucson Lobos.  Prioleau again let the Wildcats with 22.  Downes added 20 and Ah-Fook and former Suns Rielly adding 15 each.

On Sunday the Albuquerque Kings would play the U of A Wildcat Women for 5th place.  The game was close throughout with Albuquerque taking 5th place 55 to 50.  The game for 3rd place had two Tucson teams doing battle the Tucson Lobos vs. Tucson Sidewinders.  The game was close the first 30 minutes with the Sidewinders pulling away with a 59 to 46 and 3rd place.  The Championship had the Banner Wheelchair Suns playing the U of A Wildcat men.  This was a hard fought contest with good defense played by both teams leading to a very poor shooting percentage.  The Wildcats pulled it out at the end for a 57 to 48 win and first place.  Congratulations to the Wildcats on their victory.

Submitted by Gary Venjohn