For Vancouver Volcanoes owner Bryan Hunter, this year’s winning season is not without its low points. Hunter looks at the Bellingham loss, 162-108 as a low water mark on an otherwise successful season.
    “People don’t know the story behind that game,” Hunter says, “We didn’t have everyone.”
    Hunter considers the loss embarrassing. The game was played on the road in Bellingham, one day after a stunning home victory over Portland. Injuries forced Gary Muzzy, Jake Carlisle and Pip Bloodsaw to miss the trip. Hunter believes this attributed to the point disparity.
    “That was the low point of the season,” Hunter says, “We only had five guys from our team.”
    If that was the low point for the season it was quite the shift of gears from the night before. Volcanoes General Manager Kevin Clementson looks at the victory over Portland as a high point for the team.
    “That buzz was unbelievable.” Clementson says. “I didn’t see anyone in their seat.”
    Vancouver fans were brought to their feet after Kevin Bloodsaw cut down the Chinooks, capping an 8 point, two minute fourth quarter push to beat Portland at the buzzer 129-128. .
    The game was especially sweet for the Volcanoes. In previous seasons, Vancouver had been defeated easily by Portland.
    Vancouver and Portland have been fostering a healthy rivalry. On the court the two teams openly banter back and forth, both teams have had players from each other’s roster and Hunter took over the Volcanoes from the current Portland coach, Terrance Dickens.
    “They are coached by a local (Terrance Dickens) who everyone knows,” Hunter says. “Last year they beat us four times in a row. It puts a fire underneath you.”
    Hunter acquired the team midway through last season. His approach to allowing the players to pick the team has been called into question, but his own determination to win is untarnished.
    “I don’t do things half ass. I do things to win,” Hunter says. “To me the low point is overcoming all the negative thoughts of what this team is. Previous owners, previous records and everything before…wash that away.”
    Hunter is determined to see his team make it to the International Basketball Championship. The Western Division Champion will host the IBL championship game versus the Eastern Champs. If Vancouver wins the West they will host the game at Clark College.
    “It is my goal to win the West Coast,” Hunter says. “Bring the championship game to Vancouver.”
    IBL Commissioner, Mikal Duilio says the Volcanoes have three top tier guards playing borderline NBA quality basketball. Duilio sees Vancouver and Edmonton on the top of the West when it comes to playoff time.
    “You have got to come see this team,” Duilio says. “Vancouver (fans) can get behind this team -- they are championship material. They have a chance to host the championship game.”
    Hunter’s determination to bring the IBL championship to Vancouver is causing a stir. Clementson says, “It would be the largest sporting event hosted in Vancouver.”
    “I don’t think I have hit my high point yet,” Hunter says, “It is going to be a culmination of our season -- whether or not we win the championship, it is going to be the most successful season we have had.”