Two gyms in the Valley were hopping on April 14 with three separate Thunderball Basketball Leagues in action.
At Lake Trail Middle School the Grade 4-5 boys and girls were brought together to separate into four teams. With over 50 participants the scene was at first chaotic, but then the coaches and league director Blake Tobacco settled everyone down and four pint-sized teams were formed.
Good Luck to the Bulls, the Celtics, the Hornets and the Thunder. This coming Sunday the Hornets play the Bulls at 8:45 a.m. while the Celtics play the Thunder at 10 a.m.
G.P. Vanier is the site of the Grade 6-7 Girls League as well as the Grade 6-7 Boys League.
The first week of games have already been played, and results are as follows:
Grade 6/7 Girls League (four teams)
Green Hornets vs. Orange Crush
The first week of play is always rusty, and somewhat out of control because all the players are new to each other, and hey...we just started playing!
There was a strong effort from both teams, and passing was surprisingly sharp. Now we need to work on rebounding, shooting, layups, teamwork, defence...well, everything else. Bright light: Amy Brucker for the Orange Crush.
Gold Rush vs. Blue Demons
The other two girls' teams hustled lots as well, and the same issues were evident: lots of work needs to be done on the fundamentals.
Still, coach Bobbi Thomas of the Gold Rush thinks of her team as instant "cash" because they are certainly on the money with their enthusiasm and solid teamwork. She especially enjoyed how well they listened to instructions.
The Blue Demons moved the ball well and really hustled. This game ended up tied.
Grade 6-7 Boys League (six teams)
Sonics vs. Raptors
Coach Jade Heavener loved the great start by her Sonics team, which led to a two-point victory over the Raptors. Kyle Piercy and Cedar Lloyd were real leaders for this feisty team while Pierre Oliver had a very good first week for the Raptors.
Heat vs. Lakers
Both teams had an awesome first day and all the coaches were very impressed with the potential they see in their teams. This as well was a two-point game, but in overtime.
Griffin Jamieson and Nic Burtemucci for the Heat kept this game close but Riley Meyerhoff of the Lakers scored the big winning basket in overtime.
Spurs vs. Knicks
Another impressive first game with lots of hustle by both teams. Liam and Richard were players of the game for their respective teams.
– Thunderball Basketball