Document text
Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 14, 2006 Rogue Valley pro hoop team in the works By DON HUNT Mail Tribune Is the Rogue Valley ready to support a professional minor league basketball team? Local sports radio personality Jay Reese thinks the answer is yes, and he’s busy forming a franchise that is scheduled to begin play next spring. The team will be called the Southern Oregon Swish and, pending approval from the Central Point school district, will play its home games at Crater High School. "Right now it looks real favorable," said Reese, 45, a Central Point resident who hosts a sports talk show weekdays from 4-5 p.m. on radio station KAJO (AM-1270) in Grants Pass. "We have three people who are very interested in becoming owners and we also have several title sponsors in the works." The team would join the International Basketball League, which currently features 24 franchises in the West and Midwest. Squads already exist in Portland, Salem, Eugene and Bend. Advertisement The Swish would play a 24-game schedule beginning in late March or early April. The season would extend into June. The Rogue Valley’s last pro sports franchise was the Southern Oregon Heat, an arena league football team that lasted for just nine months in 2000 and 2001. Medford has played host to a number of minor league baseball teams, but none since 1999, when the Southern Oregon Timberjacks packed their bags for Vancouver, British Columbia. Reese believes a minor league hoop team can make it in the Rogue Valley if it is wisely marketed and vigorously promoted. Reese served as promotions director and radio play-by-play man for the Medford A’s — the name of the local minor league baseball team until it was changed to the Southern Oregon Timberjacks — from 1984 through 1987. "The key is, you have to be willing to invest a little extra to entertain people," Reese said. "Every timeout and every quarter break, you’ll see a dance team on the floor or some kind of contest going on. You’ll see someone shooting free throws from a recliner — that sort of thing. "It’s going to be PG family entertainment." Tickets will average roughly $10 per person per game, with less expensive rates for kids and season ticket-holders, Reese said. Of course, the quality and makeup of the team will undoubtedly be the biggest factor in fan interest. Reese hopes to lure mostly players with ties to the Rogue Valley, such as former South Medford High and recent Corban College graduate Eric Fiegi, Southern Oregon University All-American Shea Washington and former Grants Pass High stars Tyler York and Ian Elseth. Brandon Lincoln, who just finished up his eligibility at Oregon, former Oregon State player David Lucas and Oregon Tech senior-to-be Lavell Hesia are also possibilities, Reese said. "I believe this area will support a group of guys with local ties that they can connect with," Reese said. "We want the players to mingle with the kids and fans." With a 22-second shot clock, games in the IBL have been high-scoring, with 140- and even 150-point totals lighting up scoreboards. "I think the players and the fans will love the style of play," Reese said. "It’s racehorse basketball." Reese said the Swish will need to average 400 to 500 fans per game to break even. "Quite frankly, I think we’ll do better than that," he said. "I think when people see the product that they’ll want to come back. "This area is starved for a pro team. There’s only so many times you can go to the movies." Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail Rogue Valley pro hoop team in the works ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Advertisement s