The Comox Valley Thunderball Basketball League for Grade 4 to 7 boys and girls just finished its second week. Organizer Larry Street says teams are formed, coaches are preparing, and the players are fired up to get better and run up and down the hardwood on Sunday mornings.
Grade 4-5 Boys and Girls League
Head coach Stompin鈥� Tom Demeo is sharing years of experience with these tykes, introducing many of them to the game of basketball for the first time. Student coaches are helping and are excited about their teams. Coach Tom says there is loads of potential in this mini-league, and adds that all the players are having a great time.
Yellow Jackets vs. Hornets
Coaches Bobbi Thomas and Mark McGinnis are proud of the Yellow Jackets. They were constantly communicating with each other on the court and when off the court they came up with new game plans. Multiple steals occurred and impressive shooting from Jordan Dennis. Liam Vandervoot also was aggressive on defence.
Hornets' coach Amy Moro praised Savannah Piket who had an awesome game. She hustled back on defence, hit big shots and had lots of fun doing it with her teammates.
Red Ants vs. Stingers
Ants' coach Jaron Piercy loved how his brother Kyle worked so well with Sara Kreeger. They both took time on offence and did what they were shown in practice. Both teams played hard, and the passing vastly improved over last week.
The BIG leagues of Sunday Hoops at G.P. Vanier also showed big improvement over the first week. There is a six-team boys' league and a six-team girls' league, guided by veteran coaches Tony Edwards, Sherri Houlden, Larry Street and a host of keen high school coaches who have big game plans 鈥� and loud whistles.
Grade 6-7 Girls League
Cheetahs vs. Panthers
Coach Houlden was impressed with how well both teams played despite the fact this was only the second week of practice. Both teams made great plays at both ends of the court. Gemma Graham for the Panthers led her team to victory while Molly Tanner gave it her best shot to keep the game close with her tough defence.
Leopards vs. Tigers
Coach Carli Smith was happy with Jessica Labbe for stepping outside her comfort zone and working hard on her game. This was a high-scoring affair won by the Leopards. Both teams showed outstanding sportsmanship and gave it their all despite having low numbers on the bench. Coach Rockwell liked how Lizzie Rozak and Alex Wilson both hustled and hit some amazing shots.
Bobcats vs. Jaguars
This game was won by the Bobcats 36-30, led by Cassidy Jeeves and Jordyn McAllister who shot well and rebounded hard, respectively. What an improvement from last week and the hard work paid off. Enthusiasm was bubbling in the gym. This was a close game and Ashlee Labbe worked hard for her Jaguars to keep this one exciting for the parents.
Grade 6-7 Boys League
Bulldogs vs. Mustangs
Dillon Robson and Scott Theriault were the winning coaches of this game for the Bulldogs. They praised Josh Brooks for his awesome defence and great overall hustle. They pulled out a great win with a huge second-half comeback.
Noah Kaefer had lots of fast-break baskets and a couple of blocked shots. Sean Bowen got lots of steals and assists along with a couple of baskets. For the Mustangs, coaches Hughes and Stewart (the brain trust from Denman Island) shook their heads over this tough loss because they felt their team played so well.
Outstanding passing was happening and great teamwork took place. Owen Kirk hit a sweet three-pointer and Jared Sawatzky hustled even with a bad ankle. Cody Doberstein hit some nice shots, had lots of steals and was full of spirit.
Dragons vs. Stingers
Tim Wilson played a great game for the Dragons according to coach Aaron Slobodan. He hauled in some amazing rebounds and started the fast break. Noah Frawley was tough on defence and shot well despite his size. For the Stingers, size was an issue and they had trouble getting rebounds. Next game they plan on doubling their size!
Condors vs. Vipers
Coach Kelvin Beech liked how Hank Magdanz played this game. He worked hard and got some great shots. Everyone on the Vipers contributed to the victory. For the Condors, coaches Madi and son (or as they are known by their players as the McRae/son duo) enjoyed their team's improvement but note the defence needs to step up. Taylor Knopp and Peter Ahn were effective, and great sports.
Thunderball play resumes Sunday, April 17.
