With plenty of hardware already to their credit, it was time for the GSBA (Greater Sudbury Basketball Association) U13 Storm boys to face a stiffer test, elevating from the A+ tournaments they had won to a pair of "AA" events in Brampton/Mississauga (Inter-City Saints Tournament) and Toronto (North York Lions Tournament).

Posting a 2-1 record in pool play but losing out on the tie-breaker at the Saints basketball offering, the Storm captured the consolation crown but were intent on remaining in the championship side as they travelled to North York in April.

A very slow start left the Sudbury squad trailing the Ancaster Magic by 17 at the half, playing much more even in the final two quarters of a 60-38 loss as Ridge Maskevich earned Team MVP honours with a 14-point effort.

Buoyed by their second half success, the locals felt they could compete with M & R Basketball from Markham - and they did just that.

A classic of a tilt featured a great start for the Storm (up 14-7 early) but trailing 19-16 at the break. A run in the ensuing eight minutes allowed the GSBA reps to regain the lead, 30-25 heading to the fourth only to see the contest tied at 34-34 with 30 seconds to play in the ball in their opponent's hands.

Cue an outstanding defensive stand and a buzzer-beater by Maskevich as Sawyer Kerr in named Game MVP, dominating on the boards both offensively and defensively in the Sudbury win.

Spurred on by the win, the northern lads put it all together in the bronze medal game, topping the host North York Lions 43-28. While every single player on the roster could make the case for MVP accolades, it was Nehemiah Esmie who was selected (numerous steals and key three-pointers), with coach Martin Nadeau also praising the relentless defensive effort of David Olili.

Initially slotted to contest OBA Ontario Cup play in Division 10, the Storm rolled out the stats and were bumped up two brackets, facing a Division 8 trio of Hall of Fame Hustle, IEM Richmond Hill and EY Eagles this weekend in Niagara Falls.

The balance of the U13 Storm team includes Logan Martikkala, Rohan Saidi-Smith, Reid Manella, Médric Raymond, Mason Kamuntu, Tejeda Gieselman and Mérick Nadeau.