Explosion open exhibition season with a bang

The combination of M-P High School and the IBL expansion basketball franchise Everett Explosion worked like a charm. The event, arranged by the DECA club at M-P High School, brought in money to the school and offered the community an opportunity to see the team well before their season opener.
Senior Joe Fridrich, a guard on this years M-P basketball team helped to organize the event. He is active in DECA and contacted the team about hosting a fundraiser.
The Explosion came to us. We wanted to bring the community out to a game, even with a short time schedule to work with, said Fridrich.
With local product Darryl Walker currently the starting point guard for the Explosion, the connection with M-P seemed natural. Said Walker, Being an M-P alum, Im glad we could bring entertainment to the high school. Were looking forward to a big year, and we dont plan on losing.
And even with a relatively short time to publicize the game, Fridrich managed to bring in a crowd of 600 people, including many young children. The exhibition marked the first of three for the Explosion, all at area high schools. Upcoming games are scheduled at Meadowdale, March 17, and Monroe, March 24, before the home season tip-off April 10 at the Everett Convention Center.
Darcy Cheesman, director of community relations for the Explosion, noted that, We want the players to be active in the community we play in. Weve already had them at some charity Christmas events and reading at the elementary schools.
General Manager Nathan Mumm offered his own enthusiasm for the success of the club
I think in the next few years the IBL will be the dominant league below the NBA, surpassing the CBA, NBDL and Europe as a development ground for young talent.
As for the game itself, the Explosion looked good in beating a team of also-rans 148-88. They provided some highlight reel dunks, pinpoint passing and an overall sense that this will be a fun team to watch.
One notable fan taking in the game, former Seattle Supersonic Slick Watts, commented that he was looking forward to watching his son Donald on this years team. Youve got a nice community up here. A lot of lights where it used to be quiet. Im happy to see the IBL come together in a place that loves basketball so much.