A Lightning shift, from spring to winter

After playing in the spring for its first three years in the International Basketball League, the Thousand Oaks-based Los Angeles Lightning announced it will now compete in the new 2011 IBL Winter season, which runs from mid-November to the playoffs in January.

The Lightning, which has featured former NBA players such as Lamond Murray, Fred Vinson, Darrick Martin, Bryon Russell and Toby Bailey on its roster, won the 2009 IBL Championship. Last season, the team finished 14-6.

"We have a developing business opportunity that would have created a conflict with the later part of the spring season," said Lightning owner and GM Mark Harwell. "We felt it was time for a change. I think it will be a good fit to play during the traditional basketball season."

The IBL starts its seventh spring season in April. The first winter season was held in 2010 with nine teams.

The Lightning will continue to play its home games at Cal Lutheran's Gilbert Sports Arena in Thousand Oaks and plan for about 20 home games.

More information at the official team site: http://www.lalightning.net