ABA’s 12th-Ranked Compton Cobras Rattle San Diego Surf!

Compton, California (January 8, 2010) – On Thursday night, the ABA’s San Diego Surf rolled into Compton for a highly-anticipated rematch against the Cobras. For the Compton squad, this was also a week that began on a tragic note following the sudden loss of a promising player and team leader.  The Cobras lost their Shooting Guard Diamond “DJ” Johnson Sunday, January 3^rd. Prior to the game, a tearful dedication ceremony was held for the 400-plus crowd.

Compton Cobras players and staff shared final thoughts about the veteran Johnson, who was known for being a likeable jokester off-the-court, and humble, motivational leader on-the-court. The former ABA All-Conference MVP often went out of his way to instruct teammates on playing a sport he had developed a passion for as a child. Gospel artist “Dani B” performed the heart-tugging inspirational tune, “Gone, But Not Forgotten,” while Johnson’s family was being awarded the fallen player’s jersey and an autographed game ball.

“It was a very emotional game – especially considering it was the first game we played without DJ,” says Compton Cobras Owner Tyrone Rodgers. Thanks to BET Comic View comedian Dexter Smiles who announced the game, the almost-somber arena switched gears and became roaring with laughter and applause. The first period was a nail biter as the two tough SoCal Division rivals traded leads before the Cobras got up 24-22. Cobras Center Marcel Jackson returned from a three-game injury chalking up 8 points and hitting 2-for-2 from downtown. Point Guard Isaac Burton also contributed to the Cobras’ first period lead with 6 points. The Surf stayed within a shot thanks to Guard Chris Angus who led the Surf with 6 points.

The tug-of-war continued in the second period as the Cobras continued to battle at the post. Helping to keep the Surf deficit small was Guard Angus who had a total 10 points, while Center Jamal Kendrick shot from downtown and hit a couple of field goals to score his own 8 points for the half. However, Cobras Power Forward Jamar Cramer picked up his game, knocking 1-for-2 from the 3-point line and hitting four field goals to tie with Cobras Center Jackson for 11 points in the second period. Another trey came from Guard who scored a total 7 points and helped the Cobras stretch their lead at the end of the half 46-39.

Thanks to the Cobras sponsors Rodgers Protection Group, The CREATERRY Printing Co. and Jump 4 Fun Bouncing Co.; fans enjoyed a number of great prizes and samples. Wing Stop provided a delicious spread for VIP guests and all the players (following the game). For the nearly 200 kids that attended Thursday night’s game, halftime intermission was just as thrilling as many competed for giveaway bags sponsored by Herbal Life. Once again, the zany comic Smiles offered a bevy of entertaining trivial questions as well as hilarious impersonations and call-and-response phrases that caused members to sing and shout. Along with Jefferson Elementary school, other youth organizations included Camp Fire and the local One Way Foundation.

As well as running a tougher defense, the Surf also began penetrating the post during the third quarter. San Diego Surf Guard Kalonji Kaanina clinched 10 points with two coming from three-point range. His teammate, Guard Sonny Smith also hit from downtown, and scoring 5 points for the period. While the post may have been tight for the Cobras offense, Power Forward Cramer continued hitting from downtown, racking up an additional 9 points. Guard Wright contributed two field goals and a free throw, helping the Cobras to grasp the third period 65-63.

“It was extremely hard for our players to get into the game after that ceremony. But somehow, we managed to come back and get another victory,” reflects Rodgers. The fourth quarter proved to be a fight to the finish as the Cobras continued to hammer their way through a relentless Surf team defense.

But Cobras Forward Cramer had the hot hands and hit another 3-pointer as well as a couple of field goals, completing his night as leading team scorer with 27 points, 5-for-6 from 3-point range and 3 assists. He was followed by Cobras Center Jackson with 18 points, 3-for-5 from downtown and 4 rebounds. All four Surf guards also ended the night in double digits: Angus had 18 points including nine field goals, Kalanji had 15 points and hit 3-for-4 from 3-point range, while Smith scored 14 points and 1 3-pointer, and Jamal Kendrick had 12 total points and one basket from three-point range. When the final buzzer rang, it was a glorious 94-86 Compton Cobras triumph. Many on the Cobras bench and in the stands were filled with tears of joy and pain as the night bid farewell to one of heaven’s newest angels.

Compton Cobras Leading Scorers:

Power Forward Jamar Cramer, 27 pts, including 6 field goals, 5/6 – 3-pointers, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Center Marcel Jackson, 18 pts, including 3 field goals, 3-out-of 4 Free Throws, 3/5 – 3-pointers, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal

Guard Calvert Wright, 14 pts, including 3 field goals, 5-out-of 6 Free Throws, 1/1 – 3-pointers, 2 rebounds, 1 assist,