One seriously has to wonder just how much more the GSBA (Greater Sudbury Basketball Association) U15 Storm Boys (coach Michelle) need to prove before they can be vaulted up a few more rungs on the OBA (Ontario Basketball Association) competition ladder.

It wasn't so much that the Storm posted a flawless 16-0 record in OBA action this year, capped off by a 4-0 run at provincials (Ontario Cup) in Niagara Falls last weekend.

It was more the fact that with the exception of the gold medal game, the Sudbury lads captured their first three games by an average of more than 30 points a game, a statistic that fell well in line with their weekend tournaments right throughout the winter.

In securing the title to the Division 14 grouping, the Storm overcame a tough opening half versus the JCC (Jewish Community Centre) Warriors from Vaughan, up 33-22 before pulling away to the tune of a 62-35.

According to head coach Michelle Flood, relentless full-court man to man pressure was largely responsible for holding the Warriors to just 13 points in the second half.

The Storm were not any more inclined to let their collective feet off the gas in game two, again riding an impressive second half effort to a 60-33 triumph over the Chatham Wildcats.

With a berth in the gold medal game on the line, the GSBA reps were taking no chances against Toronto Triple Threat (TTT), building a 36-21 lead at the half and locking things down with a final scoreboard that read 72-29.

In easily their stiffest test of the tournament, the U15 Storm took a five point lead to the locker room at the half and traded basket for basket in the final two quarters in upending the AET Ballmatics from Aurora, 70-63.

"This team showed incredible resilience, energy and unity throughout the weekend," noted coach Flood. "Every player contributed, with a strong emphasis on team basketball and defensive intensity. The boys played with heart, stayed mentally tough, and thrived under pressure."

The 2024-2025 edition of this gold medal winning team highlights the collective talents of Will Laporte-Alexander, Ethan Adou, Skyler Laplante, Bently Szwed, Colton Sartor, Jesse Betu, Richard Owolabi, Josh Paradis, Eden Yedess. Noah MacIntyre, Rylan Donnelly, Kane Flood and Leland Daviau.