Spring is arriving, and that means Thunderball Basketball for Grade 4 to 7 boys and girls is coming up. The Thunderball league has over 20 years of tradition that includes almost 40 coaches every year. Many of the coaches are G.P Vanier high school students who look forward to working with their younger counterparts and enhancing their skill in this worldly game. There are parents who help as well, and students from our other high schools will coach.
"The league has produced most of the high school players at our three high schools, many of whom move on to basketball in college, university, and recreational leagues," noted organizer Larry Street.
"Players like Valley greats Calvin Westbrook, Brandon Ellis, Nick Adair, Kaley Ellis, Jay Valeri, Simon Nessman, Kendra Lee, and too many more to name all played Thunderball when they were young."
There are seven weeks of games and practices starting April 3, with the sites being G.P. Vanier for the Grade 6 and 7 boys and girls, and Lake Trail Middle School hosting all the Grade 4 and 5s.
"We give all players a half hour practice, and then 45 minutes of game time," Street said. "Team shirts are given, and lots of enthusiastic instruction provided. All games are on Sunday mornings and the league ends May 29. A big feature of the league is the fifth annual Steve Nash Skills Competition which will be in April."
Anyone who would like to coach in this league, can contact coach Street at Vanier or by e-mail at street.car1@shaw.ca or lstreet@sd71.bc.ca or by phone at 250-338-4943.
Forms can be picked up at all the elementary schools, or at the G.P. Vanier main office . There is a major sign-up night on Monday, March 28 in the Vanier gym from 6 to 8 p.m.