National Wheelchair Basketball Association Champions

2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997

It's ability, not disability that counts

Mavericks to host Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation / American Airlines Invitational

The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks will host a tournament that features the top wheelchair basketball teams in the nation on March 21, 22 and 23rd at Brookhaven College. The Mavs will face the Toronto Raptors at 7pm on Friday night. On Saturday, the Mavs play the Milwaukee Bucks at 9am.

Sunday's matchup pits the Mavs against Vancouver again at 9am. Brookhaven College is located at 3939 Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch.

59th National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

March 30-31; Lexington,Kentucky

In case you were not aware, it is a Dallas world and you are welcome to it. At least that is the way it seemed at the 59th National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament March 30-31 at historic Memorial Coliseum at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. The NWBA’s Division I welcomed a new team to the party this year: Team British Columbia (BC). Their participation gave the league a whole new dynamic. In fact, our beloved Wheelchair Mavericks entered the championships as, gasp, the tournament’s second seed behind BC.

The first DI semifinal matched the Milwaukee Wheelchair Bucks against BC. The Bucks had the unenviable task of facing BC and trying to contain Patrick Anderson, who led DI during the regular season averaging 28 points and more than ten rebounds a game. Early, Anderson seemed content with getting the rest of the team involved and BC responded by building a 16-point halftime lead, 41-25. The Bucks kept it close, thanks to the three-point shooting of Dave Durepos, who finished with 22 points including going six-of-nine from the behind the arc; however Anderson et al were too much, advancing to face the winner of the second DI semifinal, 84-55. Anderson led three teammates in double figures with 33 points, fifteen rebounds and 12 assists. Richard Peter added 18 points and 10 rebounds while Brian McLennon added 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The second DI game renewed an old rivalry, pitting the Denver Rolling Nuggets against the defending champions Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks. The game would be the first time the teams had met in the playoffs since the 2004 NWBT where Denver came from behind, on the strength of Jeff Glasbrenner’s championship game record 63 points, to defeat Dallas. A lot has transpired since that game, though, not the least of which was Glasbrenner joining Dallas. As expected the rematch was close, at least initially. The Mavericks shot nearly 53 percent in the first half, yet led only by nine points at the break, 47-38. The second half was more of the same, as Dallas kept hitting shots when needed and pulled away ultimately winning, 92-74. Glasbrenner led five Mavericks in double figures with 25 points and 19 rebounds. Paul Schulte added 18 points and had 13 assists. Adam Lancia and Jay Nelms led the Nuggets with 16 points each. With the victory, Dallas advanced to play BC in the championship game everyone expected. The DII games had given fans a one-point overtime game and a four-point championship game. To keep up, DI would have to deliver something special to keep up. They did that and more.

Dallas and BC had split four games in the regular season, with BC owning a three-point scoring differential thereby gaining the top seed. The Mavericks had a one-two-punch with Glasbrenner and Paul Schulte, averaging 27 and 23 points respectively, to counter BC’s Anderson. The NWBA season came down to one game and it didn’t take long to live up to the hype.

Anderson got BC going with a steal and uncontested layup, in what turned out to be a precursor to a second-half scoring flurry. Jason Van Beek answered off an assist from Glasbrenner to tie the score. That set the template for the quarter, BC would score and Dallas would answer. Anderson assisted on the last four BC baskets of period, including three in a row to Brian McLennon. Glasbrenner was more than up to the challenge, finishing with seven points and an assist. BC led after one quarter, 18-15.

Although the Mavericks trailed, Schulte had yet to take a shot. Instead he focused on getting his teammates involved. In their final regular season game, Glasbrenner and Schulte combined for 51 points on the way to the most lopsided outcome in the season series, Dallas 87-64. With Glasbrenner playing well, it seemed only a matter of time before Schulte heated up. BC, however, had come up with a new plan of attack.

“When we played them in Dallas, Schulte and Glas killed us with the pick-and-roll,” said BC coach Peter Taylor. “Last night in the bar, we diagrammed a defense, using napkins spread out over the floor and walking canes, to disrupt their movement.”

Over the next twelve minutes, BC extended its defense, limiting the Mavericks and shutting down the pick-and-roll. Meanwhile Richard Peter of BC poured in ten points. Anderson, though, was ominously quiet with only four points. BC led at the half, 36-27.

The quietness was short lived. After the half, Anderson came out shooting and hitting from everywhere. Over the next 12:37 seconds, Anderson scored 27 points, including nine in a row at one point. He scored on lay-ups, mid-range shots, and three pointers, both traditional and from behind the arc. As impressive and dominant as the display was, though, Dallas was hanging around. Schulte found his touch, making three buckets, one from long range, and adding four assists. Glasbrenner, too, continued to produce, adding 11 points. Perhaps more than anyone, though, it was the timely shooting of Willie Hernandez that kept Dallas within striking distance. Hernandez hit his first six shots of the game, and finished the third quarter totaling 16 points. Going into the final stanza, BC led 66-52.

As BC was racking up points at an ever-increasing rate, the team’s two main scorers were also accumulating fouls. Peter spent the last 1:38 of the quarter on the bench after picking up his fifth foul. Anderson, too, had picked up his fourth late in the quarter in what was a sign of things to come.

The fourth quarter started as the third had ended: Anderson for three points from the left side of the floor. Unfortunately for BC, on the next play he picked up his fifth foul. When he BC got the ball back, its season began to unravel. Schulte knocked the ball from Anderson and the two went after it. Hernandez, who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time for Dallas, got to the ball at the same time Anderson did. A referee blew his whistle. If the call went against the Mavericks it would be Hernandez’s fifth foul. If it went against Anderson, his day would be over and BC would be in trouble, despite a 15-point lead. The referee seemed in no hurry to signal his call. Both teams looked anxious and the crowd was certainly more than restless. Just as Anderson moved to inbound the ball, the referee signaled the foul on white, number 10. Anderson had fouled out. His day was over. BC led, 69-52 with 11:23 left in regulation.

Dallas scored on its next two possessions. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, so did BC. At that time, Maverick coach, Dug Jones told the team to apply the press. Over the next ten minutes, Dallas applied suffocating pressure to BC, forcing turnover after turnover. While the defense limited the scoring, the Mavericks continued their second half scoring barrage. Schulte either scored or assisted on 19 of 28 Maverick points in the comeback, including a streak of ten points. Still, though, after a Richard Peter lay-up with 18 seconds remaining, BC led 83-80. After a Dallas time out, the Mavericks worked the ball to Van Beek in the lane, who scored and drew the foul. Just as his old teammate Welch had done in the DII championship, Van Beek drained the free throw, sending the game to overtime.

BC broke through first in the overtime as Peter made one-of-two free throws. Paul Hill tied the game. Then Ryan Hundemer’s ten-footer gave Dallas its first lead of the game, 86-84. BC tied the game and the teams traded baskets. With 20 seconds on the clock, Glasbrenner made a free throw giving Dallas an 89-88 lead. BC got the ball down the court and had several shots to win the game, but for the first time all weekend, BC could not get the ball to drop. Dallas won it second straight DI championship and third in four years in one of the greatest come-from-behind wins in NWBT history.

“This was certainly our most exciting championship,” said an obviously relieved Dug Jones. “We shot 33 percent in the first half. They were the best defensive team all season and even more so today. They did a great job on Schulte. Willie was huge for us. He was five-for-five in the first half.”

“I am really pleased that my guys didn’t cave in. We have played from behind several times this season as the division has gained more and more parity throughout. That experience helped us today.”

For BC it was a great first season in the NWBA, despite the final outcome. “It’s the best league in the world and great competition throughout and we would like to thank the NWBA for including us,” said BC coach Taylor. “I’d like to congratulate Dallas. They are a great team. We would have just liked the opportunity for the athletes to decide the game. The teams and fans deserved that.”

Dallas placed five players in double figures, led by Glasbrenner with 25 points. Schulte finished with 19 and 13 assists. Anderson led BC with 37 points, on 15-23 shooting including 4-5 from the three point line. Anderson, the DI MVP, averaged 35 for the weekend, shooting a blistering 60 percent from the field and 80 percent on three points. Peter added 26 points, on 9-10 from the field and eight free throws.

All in all, the teams playing in championship weekend produced great basketball and exceptional competition. The 59th NWBT will go down as one of best run, most exciting of all NWBA championships.

Ian Jaquiss

Rocky Mountain Classic

Mavs run record to 8 and 1 (1/28/07)

The Mavericks overcame a sluggish start and ultimately rolled to a comfortable 91 to 69 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Midway through the first quarter the score was knotted at 8 each and both teams were struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Dallas extended the defense into the Bucks back court, began generating baskets in transition, and ended the quarter up 20 to 17. By the half, the Mavs pressure had extended their lead to 10 points. Milwaukee was sharper in the third quarter, but was unable to get the deficit back under 10 points. The 11 point margin at the end of the third quarter ballooned to 25 during the 4th quarter and the game ended with Dallas winning by a score of 91 – 69.

Paul Schulte and Jeff Glasbrenner led the Mavs scorers with 32 and 26 points respectively. Glasbrenner was 12 for 16 from the floor. For the Bucks, Dave Durepos scored 23 points, but was held scoreless from three point range.

Dallas finishes strong in win over Denver (1/27/07)

Jay Nelms hit 5 first half three-pointers to pace the Denver Nuggets to a 46 – 43 halftime lead over the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas stayed close by sticking with a balanced, steady offensive set that was resulting in easier baskets. Five Maverick players scored at least 7 points each in the half. After a low scoring third quarter for both teams, Dallas exploded for 33 fourth quarter points to turn a one point deficit into a 10 point victory. For the game, Denver made 9 of the 20 three-pointers they shot.

Dallas was led by Paul Schulte’s 35 points (23 in the second half) and Jeff Glasbrenner’s 22 points and 14 rebounds. Jason Van Beek also added a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds. Raul Ortega also finished in double figures (14pts) for the Mavs. For Denver, Nelms was held to 6 second half points and finished with 27. Paul Capasso chipped in 21.

Mavericks hold on to beat Vancouver (1/26/07)

The Dallas Mavericks started fast and then held on late to beat Vancouver 78 -71. In first half action, Raul Ortega carried the Mavs with 16 points. In the second half, it was Jeff Glasbrenner’s 16 points that paced the Mavs.

With five minutes remaining in the game, Dallas held a 17 point lead, but poor free throw shooting opened the door for Vancouver to rally. Pat Anderson sandwiched Mavs free throw misses with four baskets (two of them three-pointers) to bring Vancouver within 4 points with a minute remaining. Ryan Hundemer’s clutch basket from the elbow with 53 seconds left and a Jason Van Beek free throw at 38 seconds closed out the game for Dallas.

The win avenged a season opening loss to Vancouver in Vancouver. For Dallas, Glasbrenner scored 24 and Raul Ortega finished with 21. Pat Anderson led Vancouver with 23 while Erik Hagreen added 22.

Mavs win 2006 National Title!

National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament (4/08/06)

Lexington: Life is all about perspective. Consider a team attempting to win its third national championships in four years and its seventh championships in the last ten years. Either way of looking at the recent history of the Dallas Mavericks is impressive.

Consider sitting at one end of the historic Memorial Coliseum at the University of Kentucky and looking at the seven NCAA Championship Banners and many, many, many Southeast Conference Championships the UK basketball program has won.

Well, if you were Tubby Smith, the men’s coach at UK and the person who won their latest banner, you got to consider those things and a whole lot more at the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament April 7-8.

Coach Smith watched from the far end of Memorial Coliseum as the Mavericks faced the Milwaukee Bucks in the championship game. Smith quickly found out why the Mavericks have won so often. Raul Ortega swished a shot from the side just inside the three-point line, and Paul Schulte went one better, swishing one from outside the line. He followed that with two perfect free throws. Dallas 7, Milaukee 0, 46 minutes left to play. Things looked bleak for the Bucks. “When Paul hit those early shots, we went away from our game plan,” said Bucks coach Steve Wilson. “Our switches were late because I think we lost sight of what we had to do.” The Bucks made a run, cutting the lead to three on Dave Durepos’s first three-point field goal, 16-13. Dallas answered though, again and again, outscoring Milwaukee 13-2 to finish the quarter.

The Mavericks eased up a bit in the second quarter, leading 45-32 at the half. Raul Ortega led Dallas with 14 first half points. Schulte chipped with 11 points and six assists.

“I was very pleased with the way we played in the first half,” said Dug Jones, Maverick coach. “We shot 61 percent and I don’t think we played better all season.”

Dallas put the game away in the third period, outscoring Milwaukee, 30-19. Jeff Glasbrenner led the second-half onslaught with 10 points in the quarter. Jones played the game out, freely substituting the Mavericks so everyone could experience the thrill of winning a championship.

“This was the most satisfying (championship). Just the association with this group is rewarding,” said Maverick coach, Dug Jones. “Today our priority was rebounding. Milwaukee is the best shooting team in DI and, we believed, that to beat them we had to limit their chances.”

Dallas did limit the Bucks’ chances and made the most of their own. Dallas out rebounded Milwaukee, 51-37. Jeff Glasbrenner grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 22 points. Schulte, on his way to tournament MVP, scored 25 points and passed for 13 assists.

“ Dallas played a great game. They started great and we just lost concentration,” said Steve Wilson, Milwaukee’s coach. “They scored early and we just could not match their intensity.”

The Mavericks advanced the Championship after overcoming a determined Phoenix team in the semifinals. Mark Shepard got the Suns off to a fast start, but the combination of Jeff Glasbrenner and Paul Schulte was too much for the Suns. Dallas moved on with a 88-76 victory. Schulte and Glasbrenner scored 32 and 22, respectively. Shepard scored 25 points from all over the floor. The other semifinal, the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Buck, was a game that Kentucky basketball fans call an old fashioned shootout. It was long ball after long ball as the Nuggets’ Jennifer Ruddell matched the Bucks’ Dave Durepos, three-point basket for three-point basket. The game was even at halftime, despite the Nuggets shooting 63 percent. The Bucks heated up when it mattered, though, pulling away at the end, 103-92

By - Ian Jaquiss

Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation/American Airlines Invitational

Mavericks beat Raptors (3/24/06)

In the first game of the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation / American Airlines Invitational, Paul Schulte and Jeff Glasbrenner led the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks in an offensive explosion that overwhelmed a hard working and determined Toronto Raptors team 117 -56. Glasbrenner shot an amazing 16 for 20 from the field on his way to a 39 point performance. Schulte, whose performance included six three-pointers, led Dallas with 42 points. Chuck Allen, Ryan Hundemer, and Raul Ortega each chipped in 10 points for the Mavs. For Toronto, Chris Stoutenberg and Mikael Poulin tallied 14 points each to pace the Raptors.

Dallas Quick start too much for Milwaukee (3/25/06)

In a game where the Milwaukee Bucks struggled from the field early, the Mavericks took advantage of the early opportunity to race out to a 17 point (26 -9) first quarter lead. The Bucks generated a third quarter run to cut a 19 point halftime deficit to 9 points, but the Mavericks were able to regroup and go on a 13 -0 run that began at the 9:38 mark in the 4 th quarter to extend their lead back to the final 22 point margin of victory (86-64). Dallas was led by Jeff Glasbrenner’s 27 points and 16 rebounds. Jason Van Beek added 22 points and 18 rebounds for the Mavs. The Bucks were led by Gavin Cloy (16 points) and Jeremy Lade (14 points). The key game statistic was Dallas’ +24 rebounding margin.

Mavs beat Suns but lose Ortega (3/26/06)

In a game where the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks struggled at times to find an offensive rhythm, Jeff Glasbrenner continued his hot shooting to pace the Mavericks in an 83-50 victory over Phoenix. The win capped an undefeated regular season for Dallas, but the accomplishment was overshadowed by the apparent loss of Raul Ortega to a right deltoid injury early in the second half. Ortega who injured the should reaching for man errant Phoenix pass six minutes into the second half left the game and never returned. Ultimately, the Mavs worked through the rough patches, found a rhythm for a fourth quarter 16 – 2 run, and closed out the Suns. For Dallas, Glasbrenner tallied 32 points on 11 for 15 shooting from the field and snagged 12 rebounds. Paul Schulte added 18 points. Phoenix was led by Mark Shepherd (18 points) and Rob Knight (14 points). The extent of Ortega’s injury isn’t completely clear. He will miss a minimum of 10 days. Dallas plays a national semi-final on April 7th and hopes to have Ortega back in the line up on that day.

Bucks Invitational

Mavs wear down Bucks (2/24/26)

In the opening game of the Bucks Invitational in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks used a strong fourth quarter to wear down and beat the homestanding Milwaukee Bucks 88 - 74. Milwaukee, especially tough at home, scored 47 first half points en route to a 4 point half-time lead. The second quarter was particularly problematic for Dallas from a defensive standpoint as the Mavs allowed the Bucks to score 34 points, 9 from three-point range. Neither team was particularly efficient in the third quarter and the teams moved into the fourth quarter with Milwaukee clinging to a 63 – 61 lead. With six minutes remaining in the game, Dallas had battled to a 71 -69 lead and was poised to finish strong. Over the next five minutes, the Mavs reeled off a 17 – 2 run to put away the pesky Bucks. A late 3-pointer by Milwaukee’s Joe Chambers brought the Bucks back to the final 14 point deficit. For Dallas, Raul Ortega and Jeff Glasbrenner lead the team in scoring with 21 each. Paul Schulte and Jason Van Beek were also in double figures with 16 and 11 points respectively. Glasbrenner’s 17 rebounds and Schulte’s 18 assists were key factors in the outcome of the game. The Bucks also had four scorers in double figures with Dave Durepos leading the way with 18 points.

Mavericks roll Raptors (2/25/26)

Dallas used a balanced offense that distributed scoring evenly and resulted in a systematic 82 -52 win over the Toronto Raptors. In the early going, Toronto was effective both inside and outside to build a 9 -2 lead. The Mavs edged back to take their first lead (14 -13) at the 4:02 mark of the quarter. The quarter ended with a Paul Schulte basket that brought the Mavs lead to 22 -19. After the Raptor’s Richard Peter scored the second quarter’s first basket to bring the margin back to 1 point, the Mavs went on an 18 -4 run to build a comfortable lead. Toronto battled back with 6 unanswered, but then Dallas finished the half on a 7 -0 run to set the halftime score at 47 -31. Toronto wasn’t able to make a second half run of any kind and Dallas cruised off to the comfortable win. For the Mavs, Jeff Glasbrenner (16pts), Ryan Hundemer (14pts), Jason Van Beek (14pts), and Paul Schulte (14pts) all scored in double figures while Willie Hernandez and Raul Ortega added 8 points each. Chris Stoutenberg led Toronto with 15 points.

Dallas subdues Denver in the fourth quarter (2/26/06)

In another tightly contested match up between the Mavs and Nuggets, Dallas was able to prevail by finishing with poise. Denver was out of the blocks quickly, as usual, and ran out to a 32 -24 lead at the end of the first quarter. A Paul Schulte 3-pointer gave the Mavs their first lead at 40 – 39 at the 6:28 mark in the second quarter, but Denver battled back and took a 48 -45 lead to the locker room at the half. The third quarter was a see-saw battle with 3 ties and 2 lead changes. Neither team was able to establish more than a 4 point lead. Dallas led 68 -67 at the quarter’s end. The Nuggets were able to battle back to a 75 -75 tie with 7:42 remaining in the game, but were never able to get a 4 th quarter lead. The difference down the stretch was Denver’s four turnovers and Dallas’ 6 -1 rebounding margin over the last 7 minutes of the game.

Significant statistics included the Mavericks’ rebounding edge (59 – 36) and turnover advantage (12 – 18) and Denver’s superior three-point shooting (11 for 20) over the course of the game. Dallas needed the additional 24 shots generated by the rebounding and turnover advantages to offset the 21 point advantage Denver gained from the 3-point line. Jeff Glasbrenner led all scorers with 31 points. Paul Schulte (24pts) and Jason Van Beek (20pts) also had strong offensive games for Dallas. For the Nuggets, Adam Lancia led the way with 21 points that included five 3-pointers. Jay Nelms added 16 points and Jeff Townsend contributed 14.

Collegiate Challenge at Pioneer Classic

Mavs “school” college teams (1-13-06)

In a unique tournament format the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks beat the intercollegiate teams from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Edinboro University, and the University of Illinois on successive days. The competition format was for the four participating Division 1 (D1) teams to each have pre-scheduled games against three of the four participating collegiate teams. This format ensured that all tournament games played would be interdivisional. The motivation for this arrangement was to provide current collegiate players the opportunity to play against D1 level competition within the D1 game format. Additionally, this format afforded D1 coaches the opportunity to evaluate the top collegiate talent for future consideration within the D1 player draft process.

In all three Maverick’s games, small half-time leads were extended to 20+ point margins by games end. These outcomes could be a reflection on the longer game formats in D1, the faster tempo and resulting fatigue, and/or team depth and long term focus. The final scores were Dallas 90 – Whitewater 64, Dallas 93 – Edinboro 69, and Dallas 92 – 59. For the tournament, Paul Schulte led the Mavs by scoring at a 26.0 points per game clip. Four other Mavs also averaged in double figures. They were Raul Ortega (17.3 ppg), Jason Van Beek (16.3 ppg), Ryan Hundemer (15.5 ppg), and Chuck Allen (13.3 ppg)

Banner Sun Invitational

Mavericks open regular season with win at Phoenix (12/16/05)

( Phoenix, AZ)- The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks tipped off the 2005-06 regular season with a solid 94 –70 win over the homestanding Phoenix Suns on Friday, December 16, 2005. While most of the NWBA’s Division 1 teams launched their seasons in Champaign, Illinois in mid-November, the Mavs elected to delay play until this weekend in Phoenix. The motivation for the delay was deference to the USA National team’s activities and to shorten the overall season for Mavs players. For Dallas, the only tune up was a Thursday night exhibition game against the University of Arizona’s collegiate team. For the Suns, the game with the Mavs was their 5 th regular season game.

The Mavericks picked up where they left off in the 2005 championship season by shooting a surprisingly sharp 58% from the floor that included 5 for 10 from the three-point line. Paul Schulte led all scorers with 31 points. He added 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Jason Van Beek was 8 for 11 from the floor and 5 for 6 from the free throw line to contribute 21 points. Also in double figures for Dallas was Willie Hernandez who shot a blistering 8 for 9 from the floor in route to a 19 point night. Ryan Hundemer tallied 14 points and 8 boards.

For the Suns, 48 of their 70 points came from post players, Paul Hill (19), Jimbo Miller (16), and Rob Knight.

Dallas hands Milwaukee first loss (12/17/05)

( Phoenix, Az)- In a rematch of last season’s title game the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks used superior guard play to cruise to a 90 – 72 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, in Phoenix. The margin of victory for Dallas was the same 18 points as in last year’s title game. For the Mavs this year, Paul Schulte poured in 36 points that included 18 (6 for 10) from three-point range. Willie Hernandez added 20 points for Dallas. Jason Van Beek pulled down 11 rebounds to help the Mavs win the rebounding battle by a 39 –30 margin. Both teams were fairly sharp from the field (55% for Dallas and 48% for the Bucks), but the Mavs prevailed with a plus 8 margin at the free throw line. Dallas also held a 13 to 3 edge in points off of turnovers.

Also contributing for Dallas, were Ryan Hundemer who added 17 points (7 for 12) and 5 boards. Rusty Belknap was perfect from the floor (7 pts) and solid on the boards (6 rebs). Chuck Allen played a strong 18 minutes and provided a solid defensive presence.

For the Bucks, Dave Durepos scored 24 and Jeremy Lade added 15. Milwaukee also had Mel Juette and Gavin Cloy in double figures with 10 each.

Mavericks hold on to beat Nuggets (12/18/05)

( Phoenix, Az) The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks battled hard and ultimately prevailed, 88 – 81, against the Denver Nuggets on a day when the Mavs came out flat and dug themselves a 10-point hole. Denver rode hot shooting Adam Lancia and used great team basketball to build a double-digit first quarter lead. Dallas chipped away at the lead, finally warmed up from the floor and eased into halftime with a 40 – 39 lead. Momentum in the third quarter switched back and forth several times with neither team achieving a comfortable lead. Dallas inched their advantage out to 4 points by the quarter’s end, but the game was clearly hanging in the balance. In the fourth quarter, each time Dallas would extend their lead out to 7 or 8 points, the Nuggets would make a run and pull the margin back to 2 or 3 points. Finally, with 41 seconds remaining in the game and a three point lead, Paul Schulte stole an inbounds pass at midcourt and cruised in for a lay up to push the margin out to 5 points with 35 seconds remaining. Once Denver missed a three-point attempt and Dallas secured the rebound, the game was in hand for the Mavs. All that remained was a pair of Maverick free throws and one more defensive stop.

For Dallas, Jason Van Beek was huge with 22 points (10 for 13) and a monstrous 25 rebounds. After a slow start, Schulte added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Hundemer tallied a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards. Rusty Belknap (12) and Willie Hernandez (11) were also in double figures.

For the Nuggets, Lancia scored 32 points and pulled down 12 boards. Jay Nelms notched 19 points and Jeff Townsend added 11points and 11 rebounds.

Mavericks make preparations for the 2005-06 season

The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks are making preparations to defend their 2005 Division 1 (D1) National Championship once the new season tips off late this Fall. The Mavs will delay the start of the D1 competitive schedule until December 15 th to accommodate the needs of the USA National Team. Team USA will be competing in Japan in October and in Colorado Springs in November. Maverick players Paul Schulte and Jeff Glasbrenner are members of the National Team. Jermell Pennie is an alternate to this team.

There will be a couple of roster changes this season for the Mavericks. Chuck Allen joins the team to fill the roster slot that came open when Stephen Welch moved into the head coaching position for the Mavericks’ Division 2 (D2) team. For Welch, a four-time NWBA MVP, the move is one that allows him the opportunity to hone his coaching skills. The new position is also a better fit for Stephen’s role within a new business venture he has launched (see www.welchchairs.com).

While Jermell Pennie will continue to roster with the Mavs, he will be absent from the team for the 2005-06 season. He will, instead, play in the French national league. This move is an excellent opportunity for him to continue to refine his international game while having the unique opportunity for the adventure of living abroad. Expectations are that Jermell will return to the Mavs active roster for the 2006 -07 or 2007-08 season.

Chuck Allen arrives with seven years of NWBA experience. He has played a strong low-post role for the D2 Mavericks over the past several years and was a recent invitee to the USA National Team Trials in Birmingham.

Head Coach Dug Jones will work with a strong group of experienced players led by 2005 NWBT MVP, Paul Schulte and 2004 NWBT MVP Jeff Glasbrenner. Guard play will continue to be a team strength with Raul Ortega, Ryan Hundemer, and Willie Hernandez in the rotation with Schulte. Rusty Belknap and Jason Van Beek will join Glasbrenner and Allen to man the frontcourt.