MONROE — Rashaad Powell and Justin Murray are working their way back into the fold for the Snohomish County Explosion, but an even more familiar mug will be missing this weekend.
Snohomish County coach Randy Redwine is attending his grandson’s high school graduation in Florida and will turn the leadership reins over to long-time assistant coach Mike Moss for Friday’s International Basketball League game at Tacoma and Saturday’s home contest against the Central Oregon Hotshots at Monroe High School.
“Mike and I have coached together for about 10 years,” Redwine said. “He’s got all the experience and knows what to do.”
Moss will have to direct Snohomish County (10-9) to much-needed victories over Tacoma (6-11) and Central Oregon (8-15) without the services of Powell.
Powell — who along with Murray recently returned from playing for three months in the United Arab Emirates — will also miss this weekend’s games due to a prior commitment out of state.
With its coach and the multi-talented Powell out of action, it helps that Snohomish County is 3-0 against West Division rival Tacoma, which is led inside by Dontay Harris (No. 7 in the IBL with 9.6 rebounds per game).
Snohomish County routed Central Oregon 116-90 on May 17 at Monroe in its only previous meeting with the Southwest Division foe this season. The run-and-gun Hotshots are led by double-threat Terry Horton, who is the IBL’s No. 2 rebounder (10.6) and No. 10 scorer (23.8).
Showing no ill effects on the heels of a 17-hour flight from Dubai, Murray made an immediate positive impact last Sunday when he led the Explosion with 22 points and 13 rebounds in the 104-102 loss at Portland.
“(Murray) was outstanding, especially considering he just got in (Friday) from Dubai,” Redwine said. “That was a great effort and kind of a bonus for us.”
Early Father’s Day treat: Saturday’s home game is being billed as “Dad’s Day” with free admission offered for those who bear the moniker. For details call the Explosion office at (425) 339-2255.
Brighter day’s for DW: Donald Watts, who leads the team in scoring (21.2 ppg) and is No. 2 in rebounds (7.3) and assists (3.1) is probably as happy as anyone about the return of Powell and Murray who, like Watts, were IBL All-Stars in 2007.
“It’s not a knock on the other guys, but Donald has really been carrying the load,” Redwine said. “(Powell and Murray) just give us a lot more energy and experience.”
White set to return: Center David White, who has missed seven games with back and ankle injuries, will likely be held out Friday, but is expected to see some playing time Saturday at home.
Miller is not a cornerback: Point guard Jamal Miller (averaging 16.7 points and five assists) has overcome head, back and shoulder injuries incurred this season during tussles with assorted big men, but is nearly back to 100 percent.
“(Miller) knows he can’t mix it up with anyone,” Redwine said with a laugh. “There’s no time to recover (from new injuries). It’s late in the season and we need him.”
Clank: The Explosion made a late run at Portland before falling short, but the team’s demise was actually rooted in uncharacteristically poor 16-for-34 free throw shooting.
“That hurt, that was just real bad,” Redwine said.
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