The Volcanoes are Vancouver’s semi-pro basketball team and play in the International Basketball League. The league is coming into its seventh year and consists of 20 teams, four of which are international teams originating in Canada, Japan, and China.
The league has similar characteristics to the NBA, but has three distinct differences. Teams only get one timeout per quarter, there is an immediate inbound, and a 22 second shot clock, which all contributes to a fast game with not a lot of dead ball time.
“Come expecting a lot of highlights, dunks, 3-point shots,” head coach Bryan Hunter said.
The Volcanoes have played seven of their 22 regular season games, with a record of 4-3. Two of the games have been home games, which they play here at Clark’s gym, and tickets are only $5 .
“It’s like going to a Blazer game, but you're not going to end up spending $30 to $50 for the ticket, $8 for a beer, and $6 for pizza,” Community Ambassador Kevin Clemetson said.
The Volcanoes have sponsors, cheap concessions, video cameras, music, and even a dance team.
“(The girls on the team) don't look at this opportunity as a job but as a way to fulfill a passion,” dance team coach Desiree Goode said. “They love to dance and perform.”
Most of the team’s games are on weekends and start in the evening, so if you have a few hours between studying stop by Clark and you can see some fast-paced basketball.
“The IBL is a high-level basketball experience for a low cost. It's cheaper than going to the movies, cheaper than going to a Blazer game, and cheaper than going bowling,” Clemetson said. “If the college students are looking to score some free food for the week, try to win some prizes, or want to try to shoot a half-court shot they can do all of that at the games.”
Perks are always good and the Volcanoes will not disappoint.
“Over the last 2 years the Volcanoes have a 33 – 15 record and have always competed for the championship,” Hunter said. “This year we have added some higher level players and we expect to be right there again and hopefully this is the year that we bring home the championship.”
Only people under the age of 18 or over the age of 62 can come to the games for free, and anyone in between only has to pay $5. If you want to attend one of the upcoming games or simply score some free food you can check out the Volcanoes Web site at www.vancouvervolcanoes.com.
Contact Katie Unverzagt at kunve4441@students.clark.edu.
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