Chattanooga Strike Breaks into National Rankings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chattanooga, TN (October 29, 2024) – The Chattanooga Strike made a remarkable debut in their inaugural season, soaring to #14 in the American Basketball Association’s (ABA) National Power Rankings following a successful opening weekend that included back-to-back games. With all players hailing from the Greater Chattanooga & Northeast Georgia areas, the Strike’s performance has become a point of pride for local basketball enthusiasts, especially after overcoming two major market teams from Atlanta.
The team kicked off their season with a home opener at the Midtown Arena on October 26, followed by an away game in Atlanta on October 27. This home opener was eagerly anticipated by the community, which has seen significant investments in other sports, including two minor league soccer teams and a $120 million commitment for a new minor league baseball stadium, while basketball has often been overlooked despite its popularity.
Local resident and basketball aficionado William Cotton, who has been following the Strike since tryouts, believes the timing and leadership of this organization are right. “You don’t know it yet, but you have saved some of these guys’ lives!” he shared during a preseason scrimmage with owner Seth Davis. Cotton, a former basketball player himself, understands the vital role sports play in uniting communities.
As he arrived at the home opener, Cotton felt the energy in the air: families gathered, seniors reminisced, and former players from Chattanooga’s past joined in the excitement. The atmosphere was electric. The Max Xperience, a local barbershop, sponsored a halftime event featuring a youth free-throw contest with free haircuts as prizes. Local rapper Coogi Doogi also performed, showcasing the talent of the Chattanooga arts community. This was more than just a game; it was a vibrant community celebration that engaged even casual fans.
By the fourth quarter, fans were on their feet more than they were sitting, cheering as the game reached a thrilling climax. The Strike held a 1 point lead as the visiting team prepared for a last-second play. In a dramatic finale, a Strike player blocked the final shot just as the buzzer sounded, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Fans rushed the court, family members embraced their players, and the crowd lingered long after the game ended, including visiting players. Some of the visiting players even showed up to support the Strike at their game in Atlanta the following day.
Cotton has noticed a transformation in the Strike players—they’re not just playing with confidence; they’re walking with it. Many are rebuilding their lives or aiming for recruitment to higher leagues, but for now, they’re united in their mission to elevate Chattanooga basketball. In a show of local support, Chattanooga native and US Olympic bronze medalist Rhyne Howard released a video encouraging fans to rally behind the team and local sports. The video can be seen on the Strike Facebook or Instagram pages.
Both Howard and Cotton agree: local sports can serve as a powerful unifying force for the Chattanooga community, making this an ideal time to revitalize basketball in the area.
