1998/99 National Wheelchair Basketball Champions

"Sun Wheelers Shine", Sports 'N Spokes, June 1999.
by Tip Thiboutot

    Following six months of intense competition, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association's (NWBA's) Division II championship came down to a confrontation between the Virginia Beach Sun Wheelers and the Charlotte Hornets.  It all took place in a city of considerable basketball repute--Jordansville--or rather, Chicago.
     Virginia Beach had qualified for the right to play in the championship fame by defeating the Spokane (St. Lukes) Cyclones (52-46) in the semifinal match.  Despite an outstanding performance (26 points, 14 rebounds by the Cyclones' play-coach Paul Hill, Sponkane succumbed to Virgnia Beach's more balanced attack.  Hill, who has an uncommon ability to fully extend his shooting arm and launch shots with a flick of the wrist over the outstretched hands of frustrated defenders, explained that at crucial points during the game Spokane "did not employ either offensive or defensive discipline."  Hill's teammate, Dave Mollers, added that Spokane "did not make the necessary defensive adjustments."
     In the absence of this type of discipline, in the abscence of these much needed adjustments by Spokane, Virginia Beach produced effective shooting from the perimeter.  Player-coach Bob Petty (18 points) and Joe Wheeler (13) hit numerous midrange shots.  Virginia Beach's power forward, Chuck Berry, provided scoring balance--he rocked and rolled to a modest, yet important 11 points under his team's basket.
     The key juncture and the game's most critical tactic came after eight minute of play.  With Virgnia Beach trailing 14-11, Bob Petty ordered a full-court press.  Mollers conceded that Spokane "did not handle the press well."  Consequently, Virginia Beach quickly tool over the lead (15-14) and never relinquished it.  Spokane nevertheless found itself within striking distance (46-44) with three minutes remaining in the game.  But Petty personally slammed the door on a potential Spokane comeback.  Driving from the right to the left side of the court.  Bob Petty hit a 10 foot bank shot to seal Virgnia Beach's victory.

Chuck Berry--2nd Team All Tourney

Jeremy Demitris

To find out more about the championship tournament games click below.

Bob Petty--1st Team All Tourney