Everett, Wash.
Published: Thursday, April 17, 2008

EXPLOSION NOTEBOOK: Mumm's presence felt immediately

In their first game since Nathan Mumm began helping as assistant coach, the Explosion have their best defensive effort of the season.

By Bob Mortenson
Herald Writer

 MONROE -- Not surprisingly, Randy Redwine was wearing his deep and abiding faith prominently on his sleeve last Saturday night.

Shortly after the Snohomish County Explosion coach had watched his team halt a frustrating two-game losing skid with a touch-and-go 97-95 International Basketball League victory over the Tacoma Jazz, Redwine recounted events of the week leading up to the triumph.

"After the loss to Vancouver (on April 5) I got on my spiritual side," Redwine said. "I was always led to believe to start back at the beginning. Well, on Sunday I reflected back at the beginning when I got involved with this IBL through the Seattle Mountaineers one of my assistants -- my defensive coach -- was Nathan Mumm. Then I thought 'What do I need? Defense.'"

Redwine said he called general manager Brad Sturlaugson and asked for a meeting with the GM and Mumm, who is the CEO of Courtyard Media Group, the entity that operates the Explosion franchise.

"They didn't know what I was going to talk about, but I told them I need defensive help," Redwine said. "I asked Nathan for help and he said 'Yes.'"

Redwine said Mumm drove the squad to a new level at a very intense Thursday practice.

"I knew it was going to be good (against Tacoma)," Redwine said.

The Explosion (5-4) limited Tacoma to 40 first-half points, a season-best defensive effort and held their opponent under 100 for the first time since the season opener.

For his part, Mumm said he enjoyed being back on the bench, where it appeared his competitive fire raised the intensity level.

"I felt pretty good, but I did get in a little trouble," Mumm said, referring to a technical foul assessed when he objected vehemently after a sequence during which two Snohomish County players were knocked to the floor and no fouls were called.

Redwine was more than willing to overlook the transgression, given that Mumm's efforts improved the overall defensive effort.

"There is a God and he's good," Redwine said. "(God) answered my prayers and led me to ask Nathan for help."

Wright's night: Redwine was particularly pleased with the work by guard Milton Wright in the triumph over the Jazz.

"Milton was the MVP," Redwine said of Wright who had 10 points, six assists and contended for the team lead in floor burns. "I'm not judging by points. But for his energy, assists and defense."

White sidelined: Explosion center David White already had six points and four rebounds before going down with a sprained left ankle midway through the second quarter against Tacoma.

"I was boxing out, came down on somebody's foot," said White, who is expected to be out for up to two weeks. "I kind of heard it pop."
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA