Five new players, a brand new league and a very different environment for game play created an understandable learning curve for members of the GSBA (Greater Sudbury Basketball Association) U13 Storm boys team a few weeks back.

Making the move to the Coalition Winter League, the Storm went 0-3 in their initial foray in the loop, though two of those setbacks were by four and 13 points respectively.

"Considering we added five new players this season and had very limited practice time before opening weekend, I felt we competed well, said Sudbury head coach Adam Lafond. "The weekend exposed some of our defensive weaknesses, but it also gave us a clear understanding of what we need to work on moving forward."

Looking to maximize precious gymnasium space time, the Coalition Winter League follows a more AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) format with multiple games happening simultaneously on several courts.

"It can be busy and challenging to coach with whistles blowing all around you, but I always remind the players that the game doesn't stop until the official is taking the ball out of their hands," said Lafond.

The 2026-2027 roster for the GSBA U13 boys team features Axel Soro, Anthony Gustave Alimasi, Caleb Roy, Clark Sauve, Cooper Dube, Easton Troscinski, Kai Suprunov, Laughlin Hagen, Leo Nguyen, Maks Lafond, Michel Mani, Waylon Szwed and Xavier Johnson.

The next chance to show some improvement comes this weekend as Lafond and his squad take to the road once again.