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U11 Storm finish at 2-2 - but take down the top dog
2025-01-21

A 2-2 record at the recent IEM Tournament in Newmarket which featured the first two wins of the year for the GSBA (Greater Sudbury Basketball Association) U11 Storm boys team was already reason enough to celebrate.

When one of those wins came against the gold medal winning squad that routed most opponents by 20 points and lost only one encounter, safe to say that coaches Adam Lafond and Tom Bogomaz now have something to build upon as their young troops grow in confidence.

Despite the three-point accuracy of Waylon Szwed and the offensive contributions of Eyas Hussam Eddin, the Storm were unable to overcome the York South Silver Knights (YSSK) in their opener, beaten 38-32.

With injuries and foul troubles not aiding the cause, the Sudbury youngsters dropped to 0-2 thanks to a 50-39 setback at the hands of the Milton Stags. Xavier Johnson topped the scoring parade in a losing cause while guard Félix Gervais controlled the pace of play with authority for the northern reps.

Game three proved to be the breakthrough they were looking for as the U11 Storm produced a complete team effort, from top to bottom of their lineup, bouncing host IEM Newmarket 78-30 as everyone got in on the act.

The twin tower tandem of Maks Lafond and Kai Suprunov were at the forefront of the attack, leading the team in scoring, with Aiden Presello (guard) and Easton Troscinski (forward) hot on their heels and Ivy Blouin dominating the boards with her rebounding prowess.

Though it was a confident lot that took to the floor against the unbeaten Huron Lakers to finish off pool play, it was the eventual gold medal winners who would jump out with eight quick points.

Needing a spark from their non-starters, the Storm turned to Cooper Dubé to quick start the offense while the defense swarmed behind the high energy pressure of Tommi Bogomaz and Clark Sauvé.

Tied at 16-16 at the half, the self-belief was becoming evident, with the coaches understanding what needed to be done to bring home the win.

"Up by one with under a minute to play, our defense was key, with players diving everywhere for loose balls," noted head coach Adam Lafond. "They did not want to give up. This was a big win for our group."

Northern Hockey Academy