1340 Harrison Ave.

Butte, MT  59701

Tel: (406) 782-2859

Fax: (406) 782-2193

Website: www.apexsportstainment.com

Press Release

Contact: James Hasegawa

Phone: (406) 782-2859

E-mail: james@apexsportstainment.com

For Immediate Release

Great Falls Chosen as Second CBA Pro Basketball Expansion Franchise in Montana

Great Falls, MT – June 8, 2006 – Apex Sportstainment, the holding company of four franchises in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) including the San Jose Skyrockets and Butte Daredevils, has announced its third expansion franchise in Great Falls, Montana.  Named the Great Falls Explorers to reflect the local history with Lewis and Clark, the team will call the 5,500-seat, Four Seasons Arena home and will play this coming season that starts on December 1, 2006.  A total of 48 games is scheduled for the CBA season, including 24 home games at the Four Seasons.  The season is scheduled to run until March 25, 2007, and subsequently, the CBA playoffs will start on March 28, 2007 for about two weeks.

“We’re proud to announce our second expansion team in Montana this week in Great Falls.  The city has a great history for pro basketball, with Montana Golden Nuggets coached by George Karl, and we’re very pleased to be working with Bill Ogg and Montana ExpoPark,” said Joe Clark, CEO and Managing Partner for Apex.  “We expect to put a very competitive team on the floor that will represent the city of Great Falls and the surrounding communities; we hope to grow into a very successful franchise, which will make the citizens proud.  The state of Montana has just increased its chances of winning the CBA title, with teams in Butte and Great Falls.”

“Our aggressive league expansion plans are going according to plan,” commented Ricardo A. Richardson, who’s in charge of CBA franchise expansion and corporate development. “CBA fans can expect more exciting announcements about expansion teams and corporate sponsors.”

“CBA professional basketball is a great fit for the Four Seasons Arena.  It is exciting and encouraging to work with a seasoned league, the seasoned professionals of Apex and the Great Falls Explorers to make this a mutually successful partnership,” commented Bill Ogg, general manager of Montana ExpoPark.

Apex is no stranger to building championship teams, as their first franchise, the San Jose Skyrockets, finished their inaugural season with a league-best 31-6 record, winning the Ron Boone Division championship as well as the Western Conference championship in the American Basketball Association (ABA) last season.  “Our philosophy is based on building a family-oriented team atmosphere both on and off the court, thereby creating a nurturing environment that help foster success in all our franchises.  We look forward to developing quality players, coaches, and front office staff and help propel them into their successful careers,” said James Hasegawa, Executive Vice President of Apex.  Indeed, family ties run strong in the organization as James’ sister, Kazumi Hasegawa, serves as the President of the organization.  “We have selected our first player in Great Falls as Jamar Howard, and are planning on announcing our Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Assistant General Manager in the very near future,” stated Kazumi Hasegawa.  The Assistant General Manager will be a local prominent figure who will run the day-to-day operations of the franchise and report to Clark, the General Manager of all the franchises under Apex.  

The coaching staff and players for all four franchises will be overseen by Kermit Young, Director of Basketball Operations for Apex.  Young, a Fairfield, Montana native who is in the Montana State University Basketball Hall of Fame, served as Head Coach for the San Jose Skyrockets this past season.  One of Young’s primary tasks is to scout and recruit talented players in time for the CBA rookie draft on September 28, then invite the top prospects to camp by November 18, when the roster would be cut to 18 players.  The final 10-man rosters for each of the franchises would be set by November 28, in time for opening night on December 1.

However, Apex does not only cover basketball, but entertainment as well.  For example, musical acts will be provided during the 5^th quarter, a social following the games.  In addition, corporate luxury tables will be set up along the sideline for corporate sponsors of the Explorers.  Patrons at these tables will be attended to by servers who would take orders for concessions and alcoholic beverages.  “This is a great concept to corporate sponsors who’d want to be recognized and seen at the hottest ticket in town.  We look forward to working with potential sponsors in building a solid winning franchise where everyone wins – not just the team, but the fans, the sponsors, and the community,” commented Clark. 

Other than sponsorships, the Explorers are also looking for local investors who can potentially own up to 20% of the organization.  “Because we feel that local involvement is very vital to the future success of the organization, we are currently seeking partners who would be willing to invest and grow with us,” said Clark. 

For more information, please call (406) 782-2859 or e-mail info@apexsportstainment.com.

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