Lightning still searching for first franchise victory
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

There were many firsts for the Los Angeles Lightning last Friday night.

The International Basketball League's newest expansion team played its inaugural game in front of 861 fans at Gilbert Sports Arena on the campus of Cal Lutheran University.

Lightning center Thomas Shewmake scored the first basket in franchise history on a bank shot early in the opening quarter.

On the very next possession, former L.A. Clipper forward Lamond Murray hit the Lightning's initial 3-point basket.

Still, following an 88-77 loss to the Battle Creek (Mich.) Knights Friday and another defeat against the Knights on Saturday night, the Lightning's first-ever franchise victory remains elusive.

"We showed a lot of heart and a lot of effort out there," said Murray, after logging a team-high 28 points and adding 12 rebounds in Friday's contest.

"Mentally, we need to pick it up as far as knowing where to be and running our plays. We've only been together one week, though, so it's obviously going to take a little time to mesh when we play games."

Lightning owner Mark Harwell said Friday's opener was the culmination of months of preparation.

When the game was being played, music rang over the loudspeakers, only stopping when there were free-throw attempts.

In addition to the action on the court, the Lightning Kids dance group entertained fans throughout the contest. There were also musical performances during halftime.

"We want to make people feel comfortable," Harwell said. "We want them to come here and not have to think about the outside world, kind of like Walt Disney did."

Harwell said he'll continue to bring in new entertainment acts throughout the year.

"We'll have different halftime shows every game, even during the quarter breaks," he said. "By blending the entertainment and the basketball, we feel like we can put on a very good show."

The Lightning hosts the Gary (Ind.) Steelheads Friday and Saturday. Tipoff for both games is set for 7:30 p.m. at CLU.