Burlington Thunder Basketball

THUNDER CAPTURE GOLD AT ONTARIO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Posted May 25/09

The underdog Burlington Thunder Major Midget Boys Basketball team, seeded last in the 16 team tournament, captured the Gold Medal in this past weekend's Ontario Championship in Windsor, sporting a perfect 6-0 record over the three day event. The title is the first ever Ontario Championship for the Burlington Thunder organization, which has been in operation for 7 years.

The Thunder opened the tournament with a convincing 57-38 victory over the top seeded Vaughan Panthers. Doug Corby and Justin MacTaggart led the Thunder with 15 points each, while Jamie Bokor added 12 points. In their second game, the Thunder edged the Etobicke Thunder 50-48 in a real nail biter, with Andrew Manojlovich and Corby each scoring 10 points for the winners. In the final round robin game, the Thunder defeated the Kingston Impact, 64-54. Deontay Scott led the Thunder with 20 points, while MacTaggart added 15 in the victory.

In the quarter finals, the Thunder thrashed the Peterborough Power, 58-47. Matt Ciccutini led the Thunder with 17 points, Corby and Scott added 13 points each while Brad Parker added 11 points for the winners. In the semi-finals, the Thunder came up aginst a strong Hamilton Wildcats team, , and prevalied over the Wildcats, 64-59 in a very good basketball game. The Thunder jumped out to a first quarter 24-6 lead, and the held off a hard charging Wildcat comeback. Corby led the team with 18 points, while Oliver Konrad chipped in with 12 points

In the Gold Medal game, the Thunder got out to a quick start and defeated the Gloucester Wolverines, 77-62 to capture the championship. The Thunder was again led by Doug Corby and Dustin MacTaggart with 17 points each, while Deontay Scott and Matt Ciccutini added 12 and 10 points respectively. Doug Corby captured the tournament MVP. The key to all the success, according to coach Jim MacTaggart was the strong commitment to team defence, which allowed the Thunder to prevail. The Thunder closed out their season on a 14 game winning streak, which included another Gold Medal last weekend in Ancaster.

The team includes Oliver Konrad, Deontay Scott, Dustin MacTaggart, Doug Corby, Matt Ciccutini, Yasser Ahmed, Brad Parker, Andrew Manojlovich, Jamie Bokor, and Gagandeep Sandhu, the team is coached by Jim MacTaggart .

A LETTER FROM THE COACH - MAJOR MIDGET BOYS...

Posted May 25/09

Players and parents:

First of all I would like to thank all of you for a very special season of Thunder Basketball. What a special way to end, GOLD in Windsor! I know many many basketball players who have never received a medal at OBA's, now we have a gold. From my point of view we were successful because the boys were very open to learn and gave me 100% all of the time. It was difficult as we had 7 new players and a short time to get to know eachother. Including exhibition we finished the season with 26 victories and 8 losses. (2 gold medals, 2 Bronze medals, 2 fourths in 6 tournaments) An awesome achievement for the boys. We did not necessarily have the best players BUT we did have the best team. We went through adversary (key injuries, holidays, growing pains) and gelled at the right time of the year.

We learned a ton this year about basketball. How to score, play defense, work together etc. We also learned a great deal more. We had a heart attack early in the year which put a lot of things in perspective. It is a game that we love and play hard but people are more imprtant. We learned that 7 new faces means 7 new friends. I have never been a part of a team that grew together so quickly. Brad came to one practice to see IF he wanted to play and immediately new this group was for him. Which sends a strong message that we are an easy going fun group to be with. We learned that music (playing the piano) is a very interesting thing to do. We learned an unbelieveable amount about South Africa from Doug Parker. We learned that not all families in Burlington are the same. We welcomed in new babies, we helped watch younger brothers, we went and watched an older brother play in Hamilton. We learned about private school, we learned about India, we learned about Pizza Pizza. Families came together to help fund this expensive year, families came together to transport those who needed rides. We learned about lifting weights and taking care of your body. We won this past weekend because we were prepared in all ways. We went to bed reasonably, we ate well, we new our plays, we arrived everywhere early and got into a proper state of mind. We learned about Dundas and the Parkside connection. I learned that coaching is not easy and difficult decisions have to be made.

I want to pass on a little about each boy from my point of view:

Oliver (Ollie) worked his tail off. Gave me evrything I ever asked of him. Those who saw him play know how hard he tries. He helped out many times and improved a great deal. Oliver stayed with Dustin and I for one weekend and was a pleasure. Took a cab to a tournament. Very dedicated. Never give up your music.

Yassir improved a great deal. Had some wonderful moments in tournaments. Listened and tried to do everything I asked him. Watch out for this boy in years to come. I think Deontay and Yassir learned the most this season off of the court.

Gagan - A class act. 100% defence. Many players from other teams will remember running into the Thunder wall. Work on your school work and get yourself to Waterloo. Thanks for the pizza and stories about your upbringing. You taught our boys something.

Deontay - An awesome athlete with talent to spare. Learned that basketball is a team game. At times gave the fans a moment to remember. Very polite and a great listener.

Brad - Most improved. Very funny and never gets worked up. Rebounded the ball and played defense. Used to run barefoot in Africa. Thanks for the stories.

Matt - Never ever gave up. Listened and fundamentally sound. Continue to hit the books and enjoy basketball. He was like my son most of the year, in my car eating my food etc. Thanks for Collingwood!!

Andrew - Wow what an improvement with the 3 ball. A huge improvement for this 2nd year Thunder. Don't quit your hockey or music. Thanks for your effort.

Doug - What can I say, awesome tournament this weekend. Our top scorer. Our team MVP. Very passionate about the Thuder. I saw the fire in his eyes against Ottawa. I think this gold means a ton to him. You have come a long way as a plkayer with the Thunder. HIT THE BOOKS!

Now for the 2 most difficult...

Jamie - It must be very difficult to play for your father for so long and then have to listen to me. He never complained when he did not start. You have learned a great deal this year about people and yourself. He has a passion for the game. He has a great sense of humour. I am glad you found the weight room, it helped your game and attitude immensley.(be careful not to hurt yourself) Managing your self control was key to our success.

Dustin - I waited 15 years to coach you. I have seen you develop each and every year. You were able to see me as the coach on the court and your dad at home. That is not an easy thing to do. It sucked that you hurt your ankle so badly in Barrie. If you do not get down on yourself you can be an excellent player. The best part of the whole year was our hug at home Sunday night. HIT THE BOOKS!

Parents you have special boys that were a joy to coach. I want to thank Henry for starting (as coach of the Thunder boys team) many years ago. The boys sure have grown up since then. I want to thank Doug Parker for always being there. He drove every game and practice. A HUGE thak you to the Corby's for sponsoring the team, we could not have done it without you. The Thunder organization for helping set up and our own tournament. All of the parents. I am sure all will agree that it was nail biting time most of this past weekend. A true cindarella story that we will not soon forget. All of the players were gentlemen all year. We as parents should be proud, we have created such fine boys. I have learned so much and have enjoyed myself. It has been hard, time wise. Thanks Sandy for putting up with me being gone all of the time ( I know it is not easy) I appreciate the support.

I lost my voice this weekend. Coaching and encouraging, I don't think I yelled at one of our players. As far as next year goes it is a long way away. It sure was fun though and isn't that the most important thig of alll???

Players print this off and give it to your parents and parents do the same for your boys. Thanks for a truly wonderful year. The signed ball will stay in my living room to remember our achievement. Stay tuned for news about a team party!

Jim MacTaggart

COACH

Burlington Thunder - Major Midget Boys

Burlington Thunder Basketball