The Central Basketball Association (CBA) was a semi-professional men's basketball league that began play in the spring of 2013. The league schedule typically began in March and ended in May.
History The four charter members are Bowling Green Hornets, Middle Tennessee Storm, River City Panthers, St. Louis Hawks (all formerly of the Central Basketball League).
Three teams (Chattanooga Rail Runners, Fort Wayne Flite and Memphis Soul Kings) were added for the 2014 season. After the second CBA season St. Louis Hawks ceased operations. An original member of the league, St. Louis went 10-7 over two regular seasons, capturing the first-ever CBA championship.
For 2015, CBA added three expansion teams: Indianapolis Briks, Mississippi Eagles and Springfield Sentinels.
After the 2015 season Memphis Soul Kings ceased operations. Chattanooga Rail Runners relocated to Memphis. Expansion teams Columbus Condors and Indianapolis Blaze were added for the 2016 season.
Teams Team City Arena Founded First season in CBABaltimore Shuckers Baltimore, Maryland Anne Arundel Community College 2011 2017 Bowling Green Hornets Russellville, Kentucky Logan County High School 2013 2013 Fort Wayne Flite Fort Wayne, Indiana Horizon Christian Academy 2014 2014 Indianapolis Blaze Indianapolis, Indiana Shortridge High School 2015 2016 Jackson Eagles Jackson, Tennessee Lane College 2014 2015Memphis Rail RunnersMemphis, TennesseeJIFF Center 2014 2014 Middle Tennessee Storm Nashville, Tennessee Fisk University 2014 2014
Rail Runners The first head coach was Rodney English (2014-2015), with the current head coach being Paul Gaffney (2015–present). Gaffney is a 17-year veteran of the Harlem Globetrotters. He founded the Rail Runners as a way to provide local players yet one more opportunity to realize their professional dreams.
Former teams Columbus Condors (2016) Illinois Coal Miners (2017) Indianapolis Briks (2015) Memphis Soul Kings (2014) Peoria Panthers (2013) Springfield Sentinels (2015) St. Louis Hawks (2013) Washington Stars (2017)
Champions
Season Champion Runner-up Result 2013 St. Louis Hawks Bowling Green Hornets 107-96 2014 Middle Tennessee Storm St. Louis Hawks (CBA) 106-103 2015 Bowling Green Hornets Fort Wayne Flite 97-952016Fort Wayne FliteMiddle Tennessee Storm110-83 2017Fort Wayne FliteIndianapolis Blaze95-922018Fort Wayne FliteIndianapolis Blaze98-95 2OT2019Indianapolis BlazeFort Wayne Flite83-82
References
External links Official CBA website @playCBA