wo gyms in the Valley were hopping on April 21 with three separate Thunderball Basketball Leagues in their second week of action.
Rookie League at Lake Trail
Head coach Blake Tobacca has been very pleased with the progress of all the T-Ballers, and it looks like all the players are having a great time. Kudos to the coaches in the trenches who are helping the young players improve their games: Maddy Naswell, Amy Morro, Lance Lloyd, Coach Stanley, Tracy Tran, Danelle Campbell, Ezra Klassen, Devine O., and Brennan Zilkie.
Grade 6-7 Girls at Vanier
Hornets vs. Gold Rush
Coaches Bobbie, Suzie, and Sarah are so excited by their Gold Rush team because of the girls’ enthusiasm and very aggressive play. They also take the heat very well, and this should be a fun season.
In particular the coaches highlighted the play of sisters Tarissa and Jaylene. For the Hornets, who won this bruising game, standouts for coaches Ashlee, Irvine and Bourget were Darian Zowtuk and Alysa Castle.
Orange Crush vs. Blue Demons
Coaches Hope Lewis and Aleasha Wiebe commandeered their Crush team to a close crushing of the Demons. Paige Kochanuk was a force who showed great determination and a good skill level. For the Demons, who lost by 10, coaches Carly, Faeryn and Sienna were very pleased with the play of Madison Revege. She had to contend with a relentless fast break by the Crush and always hustled back on defence.
Grade 6-7 Boys League at Vanier
Sonics vs. Lakers
Coach Jade and assistant Kristy were very happy about how well the Sonics scored. Lots of hustle, and aggressive defence created many lay-up opportunities. Joe Taylor Harding was especially active, along with Cedar Lloyd and Kyle Piercy.
For the Lakers, coach Scott Stevens and his assistants Emma and Dawson really liked the play of Richard Grand-Maison, while the rest of the team need more work on hands up, and getting back on defence.
Raptors vs. Spurs
Jessica and Reece, the Raptors’ coaches, were pleased with the way their team pulled ahead late in the game. Lots of great lay-ups, passes and excellent shot making. Hayden Fieret played very well. For the Spurs, coaches Foster Dewitt and Son Pham really liked how Jeremy Tansky cooperated with his teammates, and led the way with great defence. They agree that fundamentals need lots of work.
Knicks vs. Heat
Coach Kassandra Sewell was so impressed with the four boys who played, with no subs, and won their game going away. Joe, Reece, Nic and Griffin sucked it up and played the whole game, creating many steals and scoring numerous easy lay-ups.
For coach Smilin’ Jake Fernandes, his favourite player for the day was Sam Halperd, who really tried to look to score.
– Thunderball Basketball
