ABA’s Compton Cobras traveled to Norhern California to play in the Richmond Youth for Haiti Basketball Series.

The Richmond Youth for Haiti Basketball Series will feature seven (7) top Western Division ABA teams competing in regulation games held at the RPAL Arena February 1-6, 2010. The RPAL Arena located at 2200 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801. 

 Tipoff each night is at 7:00p.m and all event proceeds will go to support releif efforts to Haiti thru the Red Cross.

ABA Teams participating include the San Francisco Rumble (ABA Power Ranking, #4), Clayton Showtime (#9), Compton Cobras (#10), Se­attle Mountaineers (#12), Sacramento Heatwave (#22), California Sea Kings (#23) and the Hawaii Pegasus (NR).

All of the games will be played at the Richmond PAL Arena, 2200 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA 94804.

 Ticket prices are $10 at the door or discount series pass for $50.  Courtside seating is available for $25/night or $125/series pass.

Compton, California (January 11, 2010) – On Sunday night, the ABA’s Compton Cobras hit the road and headed south for their third match-up against the San Diego Surf. But after burying one of their team leaders, standout Cobras Shooting Guard Diamond “DJ” Johnson, on Saturday afternoon nearly half the squad remained home a day later still grieving from the tragic loss.

In the two previous contests, the Cobras won both games. However, tonight the tide turned and the Surf came out on top, winning 117-98. During the first half of the game, the (6-2) Cobras played with the fire and zeal of a contender team on a mission to make it to the championships. While, the Surf played like a championship team patiently calculating its takeover of the game. The Cobras’ lightning transitions to the opposite post after scoring kept the Surf trailing by as much as 10 points. Guard Calvert Wright led the team in field goals in the first half with 8 points, including one basket once the “3D” rule went into effect. The “3D” rule is in effect when turnovers are made in the backcourt, creating an opportunity for any shot to be worth three points, and a 3-pointer is worth four points!

Two other Cobras players took advantage of this opportunity with Guard Yemi Wells and Power Forward Deon Marcus both hitting from downtown and lengthening the Cobras lead. “The first half was pretty good. Our energy was high and we were pretty efficient in our offense,” says veteran Cobras Guard Calvert Wright. When the half-time buzzer went off, the Cobras had the lead 59-50.

“In the third quarter, we kind of ran into a wall,” Wright adds. “We started losing energy, and I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that we only had seven players.” With only two players coming off the bench, the Cobras became weak and lost steam on both ends of the court. “We started getting beat on the transition and press breaking,” Cobras Guard Yemi Wells says the team’s slow rotations left the Surf’s best shooters open.

The Surf then went on an 18-2 run, with Surf hometown Guard John Clark, an All-CIF and All-Western League MVP hitting from downtown. The long-range shooter went 5-for-5 during that segment and lit the match that set off the Surf’s resurgence. “The Surf caught fire in the third quarter and the ‘fat lady started singing,’” adds Wright. “The Surf started hitting all their shots and never looked back.” The final score was 117-98 with the Surf as the big winners for the night.

For the Cobras, this was an unexpected defeat that occurred during one of the most difficult weeks of the season. “A lot of the team is still devastated over the loss of Diamond. So, they’re dealing with it in their own way,” Wright reflects about the loss of his teammate. Wells adds, “With Diamond’s loss, it was a big impact. He was always the guy on the bench who would motivate us and keep our heads in the game. Now, we have to find another way and motivate each other like DJ used to do.”

With only their second loss in the season, the Cobras must now go home and work on defense transitions, rebounds and offensive boards. But more importantly, the team will discuss how to overcome an incident that has shaken the team’s foundation. Both Wright and Wells are optimistic. Wells puts it, “I think as a group, we’ll come back this Thursday against the SLAM. We’ll work on some things during practice this week, talk about what’s going on as a team, and work things through.”

The Compton Cobras will have several days of rest and practice before, Thursday, January 14, when they play at home game against friendly rivals LA SLAM led by star player and Rapper “THE GAME.” The two ABA teams are 1-1 in their matches and the contest takes place in the El Camino College Compton Center Main Gym at 7 p.m. This Thursday night also marks the first “Thursday Night Live Nights,” where all game ticket prices are discounted by 50 percent.

Compton Cobras Leading Scorers:
(G) Calvert Wright, 18 pts, 0 in 3’s, 3/5FT’s, 7 FG’s, 1-3D went into effect in first half, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 steals,

(G) Yemi Wells, 17 pts, 3/6in3’s but 1-3D, 4/9FG’s, 1/2FTs, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 blocks, 2 steals, 3 turnovers

(PF) Deon Marcus, 16 pts, 2/6in3s and 1-3D, 5/13FGs, 3/6FTs, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 0 turnovers

*(F) Jamar Cramer, 11 pts, 1/7FGs, 2/8in3s, 3/3FTs, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 4 steals,

*Had a double-double for the night.

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,

As a Heatwave, Johnson’s tremendous attack at both ends of the post and inspirational leadership skills earned him the team’s MVP award. He joined the Cobras at the beginning of this season, where he often started and averaged 10 points a game. “This is an extremely tragic and unexpected loss. My heart goes out to DJ’s family, especially his children,” says Compton Cobras owner Tyrone Rodgers. “DJ was the kind of veteran player that I admired. He was humble and knew how to teach, motivate and bring out the best in his teammates,” adds Rodgers. He, along with Head Coach Ralph Lawson, has created a close-knit squad of dedicated and dynamic players now having to cope with the sudden loss of a vibrant teammate.

“DJ was the life of the team,” adds Head Coach Ralph Lawson. “He led our team in prayer before every game. DJ and I were extremely close and spoke on the phone two or three times a week. I’m really going to miss him,” Lawson reflects. Johnson leaves behind; his mother, Lynn Johnson, brother, Clifford Burley, sister, Cherisse Burley, son Dominic and daughter Emma. The Cobras will celebrate the life of Johnson during this Thursday night’s home game against the San Diego Surf. The 7:30 p.m. rematch against the San Diego Surf is a highly-anticipated competition. In the two ABA teams’ previous contest, the Cobras made a miraculous 101-91 comeback victory on the Surf’s turf.

Following the home game, fans have the opportunity to interact with all ABA players. Affordable game tickets ($12 general admission, $8 students w/ID, seniors and military, $5 for ages 12 and under) make it possible for the whole family to enjoy skilled athletes go for high hoops. Home games take place at El Camino College Compton Center Main Gym (Ice Box), 1111 E. Artesia Blvd. in Compton, Calif. For a complete season schedule or to order tickets, call 310-237-5729 or visit www.comptoncobras.com.

Compton Cobras players and staff, along with Compton City Mayor Eric J. Perrodin, Dr. William Jones and members of the Compton City Council, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and brothers from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., participated in a “standing room only” Christmas Trees and Toys Giveaway at the Dollarhide Neighborhood Center in Compton. The Cobras donated 200 trees, while the other organizations contributed food and toys to more than 200 families in need. On Saturday, Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents lined up in droves to receive the much-needed holiday donations.

“We want the community to recognize us as more than just their basketball team,” says Compton Cobras owner Tyrone Rodgers. “It’s important that the community knows we are here to support them just as much as they support us,” adds Rodgers, who grew up in Compton. He, along with Head Coach Ralph Lawson, has assembled a deep roster of veteran and impressionable rookie players that are taking the ABA league by storm.

Cobras leading scorer Guard Isaac Burton, is a former IBL All-Star that was voted MVP as well as Defensive Player of the Year and averages 25 points per game. Small Forward Jamar Cramer and Power Forward Jermain Willform both average 16 points, are veteran defense powerhouses and members of last year’s West Coast ABA Championship team. Quick-handed Guard Yemie Wells is a veteran crunch player in the paint with 10 points a game, while rookie Small Forward Curtis Small can hit from outside the perimeter, steal the ball as well as fearlessly drive to the post.

The Cobras will have a short holiday break and then have a rematch at home on Jan. 7, 2010 against the San Diego Surf. In their previous contest the Cobras made a miraculous 101-91 comeback victory.

From the tip-off, the Cobras began a raging war to win the second of their two-game season opener. Cobras Power Forward Jamar “J-Ball” Cramer went hard in the paint, reading the post well and scoring 13 points in the first half. Helping to keep the momentum was Cobras Center Jermain “High Hoops” Willform, who charged the paint with several lay-ups scoring 11 points in the first half. Cobras Guard Diamond “DJ” Johnson was also hot on the outside perimeter shooting 8 points before the end of the first half.

LA SLAM’s Small Forward Jushay Rockett and standout shooter led his team in the first half of the game with 19 points. His quick ball handling and charge to the post proved to be a challenge for the Cobras defense. LA SLAM Small Forward and Rapper, The GAME, pitched in 10 points to help keep the Cobras’ first-half lead down. With three Cobras players in double digits by end of the second quarter, the Cobras led the first half 62-54.

The second half of the game was an example of true b-ball wizardry and amazing athleticism. Cobras lightning speedster, Guard Shouki “Sho the Shark” Omara, blazed the court with quick-handed steals, blocks and no-look passes. Omara’s sprint to the post and finger-roll layups lit up the Cobras’ scoreboard with 6 quick points, drawing fans to their feet in roaring excitement. Guard Yemie “Crunch” Wells helped power the Cobras lofty lead, scoring 14 points for the night. Although Point Guard Curtis Small was shut down in the first half, the battle-wounded survivor rallied back hitting 12 points in the second half.

Cobras Center Willform also had the hot hands, shooting three out-of-four 3-pointers, and an additional 17 points for the second half. He led the Cobras in scoring with his 28 points for the night followed by Shooting Guard Isaac “Ice” Burton who was three-for-three from downtown and posted 21 total game points. Although Cobras Forward Cramer was slowed offensively by the SLAM’s quest to rally back, the quick-footed forward had several impressionable blocks and steals, ending the night with 17 points.

During the fourth quarter, the Cobras’ lead stretched by as much as 25 points before the SLAM attempted to quiet the post and change offensive attacks. Rapper The GAME shot 3 out of 9 from downtown and worked the paint from in and outside the perimeter, scoring 21 points in the second half. Small Forward Rockett also put pressure on the Cobras defense, shooting one for two from the three-point line as well as pounding the paint with 17 additional points in the second half. Rockett led his team in total game points with 41. Unfortunately, Rockett’s big numbers was not enough to prevent the Cobras from winning this game 122-107 and receiving a standing ovation from its thankful home crowd.

The Cobras next game is Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. when they play at home against the California Ballers.

In their second home game, the Cobras got off to a slow start as the Ballers fast-paced, big man offense set a 12-3 run within the first three minutes, startling the Cobras defense. Ballers Power Forward Tony Farmer shot 5-for-6 from downtown and led his team during the first half of the game with 20 pts. Ballers Guard and All-State athlete Vince Camper charged the post as well as hit a number of impressionable jump shots and gained 10 points.

Once the Cobras defense set a zone defense to stump Farmer’s hot hands, the snakes then attempted to poison their opponent’s defense. Cobras Guard Curtis Small hustled to the paint in a number quick, fake pivot outside jump shots and inside lay-ups that pulled the Cobras up from a five-point deficit. Small led the Cobras with 12 points for the first half and shot 1-for-5 from the 3-point range. Shooting Guard Isaac “Ice” Burton chilled the crowd, shooting two buckets, going 2-for-2 from the Free Throw line and hitting1-for-1 from downtown.

The long-range shootout continued when Cobras Guard Diamond Johnson hit two-for-two from downtown and another outside jumpshot before heading to the line, where he shot 1-for-2. While Cobras Forward Jamar “J-Ball” Cramer was bounced to the Free Throw line for the better part of the first half, he didn’t upset his bench or the crowd by stinging the net with 5-for-5 at the line. The half-time buzzer was a clincher when the Ballers missed a swift lay-up. Fans were left on the edge of their seats gazing at the Cobras narrow lead of 59-58.

The steady excitement continued during half-time as the event turned into a mock rendition of the TV game show Jeopardy. Cobras Announcer and comic Dexter Smiles led a hilarious series of trivial questions for audience members to win Herbal Life gift bags. Thanks to the Cobras other sponsors New Haven Trucking Co., Rodgers Protection Group, Wing Stop, The CREATERRY Printing Co. and Jump 4 Fun Bouncing Co.; fans enjoyed a number of delicious samples and pre-Christmas hand-outs. The season of giving continues through the Cobras Care Program as the team is now collecting unwrapped toys during this week’s game for a special toy drive. Next Saturday, Dec. 19, the team will help distribute Christmas trees and toys to specially-awarded area students and their families in need from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Compton Center Main Gym. On Christmas Eve, the Cobras players will play Santa’s elves again and hand out turkeys at the gym beginning at 10 a.m.

Going into the second half with a tight lead, the Cobras attempted to continue a zone defense set around the Ballers hotshot outside shooter Farmer and menacing Guard Camper. After five points from two quick perimeter shots, Farmer got into a scuffle that led to an ejection from the game. With Ballers leading scorer Farmer out for the night after earning 25 points, Ballers Guard Terrell Hendricks turned up his game, hitting four shots in the paint, seven assists, one steal and ending the night with 14 points. Guard Mike Martin, who was hot in the first half with three downtown shots, went hard at the post, where he had 8 defensive rebounds, went 2-for-2 at the Free Throw line, and ended his evening with 15 points. But, by the end third quarter, the Cobras had taken a safe lead of 96-87.

Cobras Shooting Guard Isaac Burton was the Cobras leading scorer for the night with 25 points, 5 assist, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. In his usual “go hard” fashion, Guard Small had another double-digit night with 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. The double-double for the night was made by Center Willform, who had 20 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist. As the Cobras slyly slithered around the Beach Ballers, the exciting night ended with a poisonous sting to the Ballers in a 128-113 clincher.

The Compton Cobras are now 2-1 for the season and their next game is Saturday, Dec. 13 when they play at home in the El Camino College Compton Center Main Gym against the San Diego Surf at 7 p.m.

Following the tip-off, the two teams went at the ball with speed, b-ball agility and madcap “nothing-but-net” shooting. When the dust settled, Compton Cobras’ mighty Forward Isaac “Ice” Burton led the half with 19 points. Cobras Center Marcel “Big Poppa” Jackson came off the bench as a towering inferno that nearly shut down the post, and was second in scoring for the half with 13 points. The LA SLAM’s Small Forward Jushay Rockett led his team the first half with 15 points, while his teammate Small Forward Dion Marcus also helped contribute to the team’s first half points. The Cobras led the first half 67-56.

The second half of the game proved to be just as intense, quick and exciting. Cobras’ Forward, Burton continued his scoring drive as well as being driven to the foul line, where he completed 9 Free Throws, tacking on 14 more points to his second half scoring drive. He finished the game as Cobras leading scorer with 33 points and 2 assists. The Cobras’ other leading scorer for the night was the swift Forward Tracie Cathay, who scored an impressionable 12 points in the first half. Cathay then went into overdrive and floored to the post deep in the second, gaining an additional 16 points for 28 total points.

With back-to-back scoring and both teams trading leads in the third quarter, the scoreboard had reached triple digits with the LA SLAM leading the Cobras’ 100-96 by the quarter’s end. The LA SLAM’s Small Forward Rockett continued his post penetration with 15 more points during the second half and led his team in scoring with 30 total game points. His teammate and standout, Small Forward ,Dion Marcus scored all his points in the second half – when it mattered the most – earning 26 points. Contributing points by RAPPER and LA SLAM Small Forward ,\”THE GAME,” Point Guard Sean Harris and Center Donald Jones help put the SLAM on top and fans on their feet for the team’s victory 131-129.

Stay tuned for this Saturday night’s “part two” of the thriller season opener, when the Compton Cobras and LA SLAM meet at the Cobras’ homecourt in at Compton Community College Gym, (The Ice Box) at 1111 E Artesia Blvd. Compton, CA……….

To jumpstart Thanksgiving festivities, the Compton Cobras will help distribute turkeys and all the trimmings at Compton City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 25, beginning at 9 a.m. Owner Tyrone Rodgers is excited about this first city-sponsored giveaway. “I think it’s important that our team be involved in the community. I want the people of Compton to see that we support them just as much as we look forward to them supporting us this season,” says Rodgers of the Cobras Care program. This philanthropic outreach follows the league’s ABA Cares format of community involvement and benevolent endeavors.

Holiday giveaways continue when the Compton Cobras hand out Christmas Trees at the El Camino Compton Center Main Gym to several Honor Roll students from the Compton area on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. (Winners are selected based on academic achievement and recommendations from teachers and administrators.) And, to ensure that needy families are ready to cook up a hearty Christmas feast, the Compton Cobras will distribute turkeys and all the trimmings on Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24 beginning at 10 a.m. at El Camino Compton Center Main Gym. “I want the residents of Compton to know that we are here for them – not just as a professional basketball team, but as responsible members of the community. We want to do our part to help when we can,” Rodgers comments about the benevolent gestures of giving.

With more than 50 ABA teams nationwide, the Compton Cobras have a tough schedule that includes 17 home games against teams that are past divisional playoff leaders. Affordable game tickets ($12 general admission, $8 students w/ID, seniors and military, $5 for ages 12 and under) make it possible for the whole family to enjoy skilled athletes go for high hoops. El Camino College Compton Center Main Gym (Ice Box) is located at 1111 E. Artesia Blvd. in Compton, Calif. For a complete season schedule or to order tickets, call 310-237-5729 or visit www.comptoncobras.com.