Story by Mike Ruben
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It has been a unique drive to the professional basketball hoop for the West Virginia Blazers.

The team is owned by the Bluefield Housing Authority (BHA) and is an extension of a popular youth basketball program in Mercer County. Home games are played 40 miles away in Beckley. Contending for an American Basketball League (ABA) title is not listed among the team's first season goals.

The Background

BHA has been sponsoring a youth program for more than a decade. The concept was to connect positive life skills with basketball skills for at-risk youngsters between 5 and 18 years of age in the Bluefield area. To be eligible, youngsters must be drug- and crime-free. There is not a mandatory grade-point average, but tutors are provided to ensure participants are making academic process.

From that background, the BHA Board of Commissioners voted last summer to extend the program by organizing a professional basketball team in the 48-team ABA.

The team has a three-fold purpose, according to Executive Director Cindy Preast.

"There were a lot of men in their early 20s here who didn't have much to do," she said. "We thought basketball would be a positive activity for them and also provide entertainment for the people of Southern West Virginia."

The big motivation, however, was to come up with a creative way of generating revenue for the youth activities.

"We no longer get the grant money that we had been receiving," Preast explained. "We needed to find a way to raise money other than asking for handouts from businesses."

Merchants are encouraged to become involved through team sponsorships and advertising at the 16 home games scheduled at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.

Preast projected that it would cost about $100,000 to operate this season. Startup costs included the league's $5,000 entry fee (reduced from $20,000 because of the Blazers' nonprofit status) and uniforms.

In addition to basketball, the Blazers strive to send positive messages to their fans. Home game promotions are based on topics such as being tobacco-free and practicing good dental health. Special game night events will honor local law enforcement officers, firefighters and teachers.

Why Beckley?

Preast said a Mercer County venue would have been preferable, but there was not one available. School gymnasiums are booked with their own teams, and the basketball floor was removed several years ago from the Brushfork Armory.

Dates were worked out with the Beckley facility, which also is the home of Woodrow Wilson High School and Mountain State University basketball.

The BHA partners with the housing authorities in Beckley and Raleigh County on the project. General admission tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

The Team

One-half of the 12-man roster hails from the region. Justin Bennett of Hinton played at Summers County High School, Sophia's Maurice Davis and Beckley's Brian Kidd played at Mountain State University. Corey Love of Bluefield suited up at Bluefield State College while Chris Nichols of Hico and Joseph Preast of Fayetteville played at Concord University.

"We were looking for people who were not only good basketball players, but would also be good role models for the kids," she said. "The players spend a lot of time mentoring kids in the schools. They send a message of living a positive, drug-free lifestyle and giving 100 percent to be the best they can be."

Tony Webster, who has coached at several schools in Mercer County, is the head coach.

"He does a wonderful job," Preast commented. "He has a gift from God to work with young people, and he's an excellent motivator."

All working with one-year contracts, their minimal salaries are enough to cover workers' compensation coverage only.

"The players have other jobs, too," she explained. "They do this because they love basketball, and they love working with kids."

The Blazers have not emerged with a victory through their first seven games.

"These are very competitive young men, and no one wants to win more than they do," Preast said. "We've had some tough luck and some tough games. We're just going to have to work a little harder to get to the level of some of the other teams in the league."

The ABA

Fans may recall the league's namesake and its trademark red, white and blue basketball. The original ABA existed from 1967 through 1976. The four strongest franchises, the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and New York (now New Jersey) Nets then merged with the more successful National Basketball Association.

The ABA produced basketball legends such as Julius Erving, Rick Barry and Moses Malone.

League innovations ranged from the three-point arc to slam dunk contests.

Game experiments continue with the new ABA. For example, players do not foul out of games, and bonus points are rewarded when defensive plays lead to a basket.

For more information and a season schedule, visit www.wvblazers.com or call (866) 982-5293.

The State Journal