June 18, 2013

Barry Bradford to Coach in KCC Summer Showcase

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - Barry Bradford, owner and head coach of the Kankakee County Soldiers, will be involved with yet another community event, this time the Kankakee Community College Summer Showcase. The KCC Summer Showcase features this year's high school senior athletes from the surrounding areas. The athletes will have one last opportunity to represent their schools in a series of all-star games beginning Tuesday night.

Bradford will be coaching boys basketball at the KCC Summer Showcase. As the owner of Example Sports, a local AAU Basketball program based out of Bourbonnais, IL, Bradford is no stranger to coaching high school athletes.

Bradford commented on the event with, "I enjoy working with the players in our community and I'm familiar with a lot of them. It's an honor to coach them in a game recognizing them for their hard work."

The KCC Summer Showcase boys basketball game is scheduled for Thursday, June 20 at 7:30pm on the KCC Campus. 

June 12, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Host Train Like the Pros Camp for Milford Basketball

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - The Kankakee County Soldiers visited Milford high school and grade school girls basketball participants on Tuesday, June 11. The Soldiers hosted a Train Like the Pros Camp at Milford's Sheldon gym location.

Train Like the Pros is a basketball skills and training camp. The Kankakee County Soldiers are proud to host such camps and believe that interaction with youth teams is not only valuable on an athletic level, but also on a humanitarian level. The Soldiers mentor student athletes on skills transferrable on and off the courts.

Soldiers players Marcus Jackson, Billy Baptist and Mookie Pierre hosted the camp with the help of Olivet-Nazarine Men's Basketball player Jacob Boyce. The Soldiers mentored girls basketball participants on agility training, ball handling, shooting, teamwork and communication.

For the Milford girls basketball program, the time spent with the Soldiers has instilled lasting skills, fundamentals, relationships and memories.

The Soldiers take pride in community ties and look forward to hosting more Train Like the Pros Camps in the future.

Join the Kankakee County Soldiers Text Club! Text SOLDIERS to 47543

June 8, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Named 2013 Spring IBA Champions

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - The Kankakee County Soldiers have earned yet another title. The Kankakee County Soldiers have been named the 2013 Spring IBA Champions after defeating the Gary Splash for the title Friday, June 7. This is the Soldiers franchise's fifth consecutive title.

Ryan Edwards, who has been with the Soldiers for all five champioships, led the Soldiers with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Billy Baptist contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists. Billy Rush finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Soldiers were able to celebrate their victory on their home court, a rush of excitement only experienced once before for the team. The Soldiers drew a large crowd, only adding to the anticipation and excitement of the championship game.

The Soldiers also took a moment to honor Aaron "Big A" Harrison, a team veteran who has been with the Soldier franchise since it began in 2007. Harrison is retiring from the team, but not from the organization. Harrison will still devote his time to coaching, training and mentoring Example Sports athletes, a youth AAU program created by the Soldiers.

The Kankakee County Soldiers will remain involved with the community through the summer and look forward to starting up another IBA season in Winter 2013.

June 1, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Advance to IBA Playoff Championship Game

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - The Kankakee County Soldiers defeated the Chicago Redline 132-124 in the 2013 IBA Spring Season Playoff Semi-Finals Friday, May 31. The Soldiers (12-3) will advance to the 2013 IBA Spring Championship game on Friday, June 7, 2013. The Spring season for the Chicago Redline has ended with a 7-8 record.

Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers to victory with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists. Billy Baptist ended the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists. Billy Rush ended with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The chemistry among the Soldiers players is unmistakable on the court. Barry Bradford, owner and head coach of the Soldiers commented, “Our players do a good job of sticking to the system. We use it to our advantage and we're fortunate enough to have a team full of people who buy into our team and believe in what we do."

The Soldiers will host the IBA Spring Season Championship game on Friday, June 7 at Legends Sportsplex. Tipoff is at 7:30pm. The Soldiers' opponent will be the winner of tonight's semi-final game between the Gary Splash (9-5) and Kenosha Ballers (7-7).

May 27, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers to Host 2013 IBA Playoffs

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - The Kankakee County Soldiers are happy to announce that the 2013 IBA Playoffs will be hosted by the Kankakee County Soldiers at Legends Sportsplex in Bourbonnais, IL. The number one seed, the Kankakee County Soldiers, will face the number two seed, the Chicago Redline on Friday, May 31 at 7:30pm. The winner of Friday night's game will proceed to the IBA Playoff Championship game on Friday, June 7 at 7:30pm. Currently, the Kankakee County Soldiers are the four-time reigning IBA Playoff Champions. For more information, please visit www.ibaball.net.

May 24, 2013

IBA-PBL Merger has Ended

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - The Independent Basketball Association announced today that the merger that began in January of this year between the IBA and PBL has ended. On May 21, it was determined that the PBL officials and the owner of the Rochester RazorSharks were involved in actions determined to be detrimental to the League regarding the 2013 IBA-PBL Playoffs. In result, the IBA immediately removed the Rochester RazorSharks from the League, then removed the PBL name and teams from the brand. The League will return to and be branded as the formerly known and recognized Independent Basketball Association.

Contrary to previous reports, the IBA never requested or received any travel fees from the PBL. The Rochester RazorSharks were required to pay a travel credit. The travel credit was divided between three out of region teams including the Lansing Capitals, Gary Splash and Kankakee County Soldiers. All other claims regarding financial requests for travel gained from the PBL are false.

"The IBA will continue to build in communities across the country with a focus on operating with integrity and growing minor league basketball in a sustainable and professional manor. The IBA is preparing for it's Spring 2013 Playoffs and looks forward to crowning a new IBA Champion," said Barry Bradford, President of the IBA.

For more information, please visit www.ibaball.net.

May 10, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Join Kennedy School for Pep Rally

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - The Kankakee County Soldiers hosted a pep rally at Kennedy School on May 10, 2013 to celebrate the school year. The NCAA/College themed event aimed to encourage students to pursue their education and attend college.

The pep rally featured student-made banners representing various colleges and universities. After the students paraded banners featuring colleges and universities throughout the country, the students sat down for a pep talk from a very influential member of the community, Barry Bradford. Bradford, owner and head coach of the Kankakee County Soldiers, spoke to the students about chasing their dreams and achieving greatness. Bradford said, "All these banners of all these schools and universities are a reminder that you can be whoever you want to be. Going to college and getting an education is important, and can help you achieve your goals."

After Bradford's pep talk, Kankakee County Soldiers players Ryan Edwards, Billy Baptist, Mookie Pierre and Nick DiLeo let out their inner children and played various games with the Kennedy School students. The Soldiers were happy to team-up with selected students and compete for bragging rights. From mummy-wrapping to knockout, fun was had by all.

The Kankakee County Soldiers look forward to continuously giving back to the community with even more school appearances to come. For more information on scheduling school appearances with the Kankakee County Soldiers, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The next Kankakee County Soldiers home game is Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Legends Sportsplex. Tipoff is at 7:15pm.

 May 4, 2013

Barry Bradford Name One of "Ten Outstanding Young People of Illinois" by Jaycees Organization

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - Barry Bradford, owner and head coach of the Kankakee County Soldiers and owner of Example Sports was recently selected as one of the Illinois Jaycees' Ten Outstanding Young People of Illinois for 2013. He was nominated by the Kankakee Area Jaycees. This is the 48th year that the Jaycees have selected and honored outstanding young people from throughout Illinois.

The Ten Outstanding Young People of Illinois honorees are the leading examples of the highest qualities of citizenry in the state of Illinois. The Jaycees' mission is to empower young people to create positive change. The actions of each honoree demonstrate the Jaycees' slogan, "Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life."

Bradford was nominated for the award by the Kankakee Area Jaycees based on his outstanding achievements throughout the community from his involvement in cultural achievement and athletic accomplishment. Bradford's active involvement in developing today's youth and community pride set him apart as a leader in the community. Bradford is known for finding a way to make bettering the community his business.

This year's Ten Outstanding Young People of Illinois Honors Program was held Saturday, May 4 at the Springfield Hilton in conjunction with the Illinois Jaycees' Spring General Assembly Meeting.

May 3, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Announce the Return of Marcus Jackson

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - Today the Kankakee County Soldiers have announced the return of Marcus Jackson to the team. The team is happy to welcome back Jackson, a 6'5 forward/guard from Benedictine University.

Jackson is no stranger to Soldierville. In his spare time, Jackson leads the Soldiers' Train Like the Pros youth training camps. Jackson, along with other Soldiers players, is also a coach for Example Sports. Jackson will be a valuable addition to the already successful 8-2 Soldiers spring season.

The next Kankakee County Soldiers game is Saturday, May 4 at 7:05pm as they travel to face the Bloomington Flex.

May 2, 2013

Ryan Edwards Named IBA-PBL Player of the Week

(BOURBONNAIS, IL) - Kankakee County Soldier, Ryan Edwards, has been announced IBA-PBL Player of the Week. Last weekend, Edwards led the Soldiers to two victories over the West Virginia Miners. In the Soldiers' 126-112 victory on April 27, Edwards recorded 46 points, going 14-16 from the line, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. For the team's second victory against the Miners on April 28, Edwards had a double-double recording 38 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Currently, Edwards is ranked third in the IBA-PBL League in scoring and as a team the Soldiers are ranked second in the Central Division. Currently, Edwards is averaging 33 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

For more information, please visit www.iba-pbl.net.

April 28, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Defeat West Virginia Miners for Second Day in a Row

(ST. ALBANS, WV) – Same teams, different day was the story at the West Virginia Miners vs Kankakee County Soldiers game Sunday, April 28 in St. Albans, WV. After trailing behind at the beginning, the Soldiers won the close game with a final score of 100-97. The Soldiers now hold a record of 8-2 for the Spring 2013 season.

Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers with 38 points. Billy Baptist scored 21 points and Billy Rush ended the game with 16 points.

In regards to this weekend's set of games, Kankakee County Soldiers owner and head coach commented, “I think the big difference this weekend was that our guys who don't normally carry all the weight really stepped in. From the bench Chris Gardner, Tristan Therkield and Devin Johnson had a lot of minutes and made a good contribution.”

The next Kankakee County Soldiers game is Saturday, May 4 at 7:05pm as they travel to face the Bloomington Flex.

For more information about the IBA-PBL League, please visit www.iba-pbl.net.

April 27, 2013

Kankakee County Soldiers Defeat West Virginia Miners

(ST. ALBANS, WV) - The Kankakee County Soldiers defeated the West Virginia Miners on Saturday, April 27 in St. Albans, WV. The Soldiers led the entire game, keeping the pace fast and the plays intense. The game ended with a final score of 126-112. The Soldiers now hold a record of 8-2 for the Spring 2013 season.

Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers with 45 points. Billy Baptist scored 25 points and Billy Rush ended the game with 15 points and three steals.

"Tonight I was proud of the guys even though we were short handed, they really stepped up their defense,” commented Barry Bradford, owner and head coach of the Soldiers. “I expect tomorrow to be a real fight but I think they are ready.”

The Soldiers will face the Miners again tomorrow, April 28 at 2pm in St. Albans, WV.

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 Soldiers Hold Assembly at St. George

(BOURBONNAIS, Ill) - The Kankakee County Soldiers held a school assembly at St. George Community Consolidated School District #258 on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. In attendance were students from 5th-8th grade. The assembly's main focus was on bullying, an issue that is very relevant to today's youth.

With bullying becoming more and more prevalent in schools across the nation, the Soldiers visited St. George School in Bourbonnais to reinforce positive behavior, peer support and teamwork.

"We've got this saying on our team, you can see it on my shirt right here, it says what?" asked Barry Bradford, owner and head coach of the Kankakee County Soldiers, during the assembly. The students gathered in the bleachers and shouted back, "We are one!" Bradford continued with, "It means we believe we are a team and that's not just on our basketball team," Bradford continued, "It's everyone in our organization, everyone in the community. We want to make sure everyone's doing OK. That's what we believe in."

The Kankakee County Soldiers look forward to continuously giving back to their community with even more school assemblies to come. For more information on scheduling school assemblies with the Kankakee County Soldiers, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The next Kankakee County Soldiers home game will be Friday, April 12, 2013 at Legends Sportsplex. Tipoff is at 7:15pm. For more information please visit www.kcsoldiers.com. 

  March 30, 2013

Soldiers Dominate Home Opener

(BOURBONNAIS, Ill) - The Kankakee County Soldiers started their home season opener off strong with a win against the Lansing Capitals on Saturday, March 30. The fast-paced, high scoring game ended with a score of 133-116. The Soldiers now hold a record of 3-2 for the Spring 2013 season.

Stan Chismark led the Soldiers with 30 points, a high score record for him this season. Ryan Edwards followed with 28 points, 5 assists. Anthony Kyle finished the game with 18 points, 11 assists and "Big A" Aaron Harrison had 17 points.

"If you're looking for fast-paced, high-intensity professional basketball, you've come to the right place," said Alyssa Diaz, Assistant Director of Operations for the Soldiers. "Our first home game of the season drew a large, excited crowd and we are looking forward to driving forward the momentum for the rest of the season. This season has a lot of promise and we are anticipating more wins for the Soldiers."

The Soldiers' next home game is Friday, April 12 at Legends Sportsplex. Tipoff is at 7:15pm. The Soldiers will face the Springfield Xpress, who currently hold an 0-3 record for the Spring 2013 season.

 March 29, 2013

Soldiers Prepare for Home Opener

(BOURBONNAIS, Ill) - The Kankakee County Soldiers will host the Lansing Capitals on Saturday, March 30 at 7:15pm for their home opening game. The Soldiers currently hold a 2-1 record for the 2013 Spring Season. At the game, the Soldiers will be presented with the Winter Championship Trophy.

The Soldiers game will feature special guests Gigi's GEMS from Gigi's Playhouse, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Gigi's Gems will perform with the Lady Soliders for a half time performance. Also at half time of the game, the 2013 Example Sports athletes will be introduced. Come out and enjoy new half time and quarter break games, new prizes and new merchandise!

Kankakee County Soldiers - WE ARE ONE!

March 2, 2012

Soldiers Start the Season with a Win

(BOURBONNAIS, Il) - The Soldiers started the season off strong with a win against the Lake Michigan Admirals 117-110 in the season opener for both teams on Saturday, March 2 in St. Joseph, MI. The Admirals trailed behind the four-time IBA champion team the entire game.

"I thought our team chemistry helped pull us through a good game," said head coach Barry Bradford. "I believe the new league will be highly competitive and for our team to succeed we have to build on that chemistry."

Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers with 26 points. Stan Chismark scored 20 points, Anthony Kyle scored 19 points and Cece Malone scored 18 points. Leading for the Admirals was Cliff Dixon, the brother of Oklahoma Thunder star Kevin Durant, with 21 points.

The Soldiers will compete against the Sauk Valley Predators in Sterling, IL on Saturday, March 9 at 6pm.

March 9, 2012

Soldiers Fall Prey to Sauk Valley Predators

(BOURBONNAIS, Il) -  After starting the season off strong with a win against the Lake Michigan Admirals, the Soldiers fell prey to the Sauk Valley Predators in the Predators' season opening game on Saturday, March 9 in Sterling, IL. The final score was 110-103.

The Soldiers led the first half, using their fast break skills to maintain the lead. In the third quarter, the Soldiers began to trail behind the Predators and by the fourth quarter the Soldiers could not regain control of the scoreboard.

"The game was a tough loss for the Soldiers," said owner and head coach Barry Bradford. "Even though we had control in the first half, in the second half we looked tired and lost focus of what we do as a team." Bradford continued with this insight into what the Soldiers are focusing on moving forward, "Hopefully this loss will be an early reminder of staying focused on what we do well."

Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers with 29 points followed by Stan Chismark and Rico Hill who contributed with 19 points each and Anthony Kyle who scored 18 points.

The Soldiers will compete against the St. Louis Trotters in St. Louis, MO on Friday, March 22 at 7pm.