Vancouver Volcanoes ready to erupt in 2011

Last season, the Vancouver Volcanoes had an exciting run resulting in a winning record of 16-7 and a trip to the International Basketball League semifinals. They were one win away from the championship and this season they hope to win it all.

According to Volcanoes head coach Bryan Hunter, who is beginning his second year with the team, his team had a successful season in 2010. They defeated teams from all leagues and got to the semifinals of the IBL playoffs. Hunter said he believes this left a lasting impression on the group.

Sixth-year player Kevin Bloodsaw, also known as "Pip," recalls an intense end to the season last year.

"Our last four games are the most memorable because all those games came down to five points or less," Bloodsaw said. "Those were all dramatic games. All our home games were memorable as well. The crowd was in the whole time."

There is one main team goal for this season, according to sixth-year player Brad Lechtenberg.

"Our whole team is all on the same page as far as our goal: to win the championship," Lechtenberg said. "The playoffs are going to be played at Clark – in our house. Across the board, our goal is to win the game."

Hunter said they have improved the positions and have higher caliber players this season. He mentioned that recruiting was the biggest part of getting ready for this next season.

"It's all about finding the talent and putting the right pieces together," Hunter said.

Fifth-year player Alex Hartman believes that the new talent and his team's connection make their chances good for the upcoming season.

"There's new talent coming and it's a really good mix-up," Hartman said. "We know how each person plays and that's a good advantage. We have the potential (and) we have the players."

Bloodsaw echoed his teammate's sentiments and cited his team's gradual improvement as a big factor for recent success.

"It's all about chemistry," Bloodsaw said. "I think we're improving each and every year, getting smarter. We're a couple plays away from just being there."

Winning aside, the players want to stay close and help each other out.

"Each year that we get together it's like a brotherhood, a reunion," Bloodsaw said. "It's about us getting together again, spending time as a team, as a family."

Many of the players compete internationally during the Volcanoes' offseason. Hartman has the most overseas experience. He has been in Germany, Indonesia, and Slovenia, and won a championship. Every summer, he comes to play with the Volcanoes.

There are going to be 20 games this season, 10 of them at Clark. Hunter said Clark is a great venue and commended the gymnasium. His players agree with his praise.

"I love Clark," Lechtenberg said. "It's a friendly gym. The fans are right there. A lot of noise (and) a lot of good energy. I like it a lot."

According to Hunter and the players, the games are a great experience. Hunter also encourages Clark students to come and enjoy the games.

Bloodsaw said fans are a huge part of the game for his team and encourages basketball players who want to play professionally to come out and watch.

"When we see the crowd and the fans that are there, it hypes us up, brings us together, and keeps us motivated," Bloodsaw said. "For the guys that are looking to go further after college it's a good stepping stone to see some of the action out there. It puts into perspective where you want to be as a player."

The Volcanoes kick off the new season in Bellingham on April 29 and return for the first home game of the year at the O'Connell Sports Complex on April 30 at 7 p.m.

"It's the best basketball in Southwest Washington that you could possibly see," Lechtenberg said.