Central Pennsylvania’s professional basketball team, the Harrisburg Horizon, is set to begin their third season with the year’s opener, a match against the Delaware Express on January 8 at 7 pm.

Returning from a successful 14-6 season during which they were crowned regular season champions, the Horizon begin the new year with every intention of reclaiming their title — and taking it one step further, winning the coveted league title that has escaped them in the last two seasons.

According to Team President Dick Anzolut, this season is one filled with great expectations. “We’ve been the bridesmaid now for two years … and we have been the most consistent team in the league since we’ve been in it,” he said, adding simply, “our goal is to win the league championship.”

While last season’s version of the United Basketball Alliance — the Horizon’s league — was home to 16 teams, Anzolut explained that the 2000-2001 version of the UBA now totals at only nine teams. In addition to the Horizon, returning teams include the Lancaster Storm, Springfield Slamm, Morris Revolution, and New Philadelphia Firedogs; those teams will be joined by the league’s newest additions, the New Jersey Bullets, New York Blast, Washington Warriors, and the season opener opponent, the Delaware Express.

With a roster consisting of hot prospects and returning favorites such as Brian Earl, Gabe Lewullis, Damon Roundtree, Shannon Henry, Rob Holman, and — one of the backbones of the team, according to Anzolut — Shon “Biz” Crosby, the Horizon are more than ready to take on the season and make 2000 the year they bring the title to Harrisburg. “We’re very excited about this season,” said Anzolut, “we’ve got a very strong team.”

The home opener of the Harrisburg Horizon is set for January 8.

The Harrisburg Horizon has 10 scheduled home games for the 2000 season. All home games are played at Capitol Union Center at the Penn State Harrisburg Campus in Middletown. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $4 for children 14 and under and seniors 60 and over. All adults who pay $8 at the door can admit one child for free with the purchase of that ticket. For more information, contact the Harrisburg Horizon at 986-0499 or check their website at www.harrisburghorizon.com.