The third week of Comox Valley Thunderball Basketball League has passed by, and now all the teams are starting to gel.
“Loads of enthusiasm can be witnessed at Lake Trail and Vanier gyms on Sunday mornings, and all players are starting to improve to a level where the coaches are getting that ‘pleased’ look on their faces.” a league spokesperson said.
Mini League at Lake Trail
Team Royalty vs. Stingers: David Tien was a big leader for the Royalty team on Sunday. His passing was superb and his defence was ferocious. For the Stingers, Vincent Jodain and Thomas Demeo were exceptionally good at their layups and handling the ball, keeping good composure for their team. All the players on both teams played great, and looked much more comfortable with their team play.
All Stars vs. Rebels: The Rebels’ top player this week was Hayden Fieret, who showed promise with his lay-ups and his passing to his teammates was spot on. The Rebels did a great job moving the ball up the court, and according to the coaches all team members were making smart decisions. For the All Stars, Dylan Robertson was all over the floor picking up steals. His teammates also did very well faking their passes.
Knights vs. Pirates: The Lloyd brothers were dashing all over the court – steals, lay-ups and great defensive play. That allowed the other Lloyd (Cedar) to pick up numerous baskets for the Knights. For the Pirates, Stuart Jenks and Owen Fitzgerald showed a tremendous amount of improvement and kept their team in the game.
Advanced Vanier Grade 6-7 League
Girls
Fast Kats vs. Super Sonics: Coach Jade Heavener was very impressed with Sonics’ Rihanna and Katie White who both kept their heads up, and got many great steals. Rihanna showed good court recognition on her way to the hoop, and Katie kept her head up when dribbling – she played the point guard position very well.
For the Kats, Katie Piell and Breanna Patterson did some crazy good shooting! The game was close with both teams fighting to the end. Kudos to Leah McCarthy for her hard work and helping with the win.
Sky Angels vs. Lightning Quick: Coaches Amy and Jess of the Angels like the fact that their players are improving with their understanding of the rules of basketball … it’s getting better every week. Paige Kochanuk was a force inside and made some great shots along with getting some important rebounds.
For the Quick team. Anna Erickson put up some great shots, and the whole team played a very aggressive game. These girls are improving a lot, and are working well as a team.
Boys
Swarm vs. Fury: This was a very close game, won by one point by the Swarm. Aiden Hitchmough scored the winning basket. Lucas Fanslay was great on rebounding and bringing the ball up the court. Sam Dyer had a great defensive game shutting down his check. A great team win.
For the Fury, Kamryn McMillan and Daymon Watson showed tremendous hustle, great passing techniques and did most of the scoring.
Balance vs. Rage: This may have been the most exciting game yet! Both teams played very well. Unfortunately somebody had to lose, and the Balance lost by one basket. Coen Leopkey-Johnson played outstanding scoring the most points and getting numerous rebounds Cody Doberstein was Mr. Hustle, and played great defence. Lots of enthusiasm and energy by the Balance team.
For the Rage, Bardia Failinejad and Griffin Jamieson played with lots of intensity and showed great defence. Griffin scored the game-winning bucket while Bardia had six steals along with great team savvy.
Both leagues play again on Sunday, April 29; Lake Trail starting at 9 a.m. and G.P. Vanier starting at 8:30 a.m.
– Thunderballl Basketball
