Less than two years ago, the then GSBA (Greater Sudbury Basketball Association) U14 Storm boys and coach Dave Brunet opened the OBL (Ontario Basketball League) season in Division 21.

Steady progress would lead to a gradual climb in 2024-2025, closing out the campaign as the silver medal winning team in Division 16.

That development attracted some attention and with three impactful additions to the roster, the U15 Storm kicked off 2025-2026 in Division 9. A tournament series mark of 9-3 (19-5 combined for the past two years) would lead to a little more tinkering of the rankings, as the Sudbury lads travelled to provincials looking to medal in Division 6.

A 55-42 triumph over the Kingston Impact augered well for the curtain-riser in Thorold (near St Catharines). The only loss for the locals would be a costly one as a 46-41 setback at the hands of the New Horizon Heat followed by a 65-57 win over MUMBA Elite let the Storm and Heat deadlocked for first place in Pool A.

With the head to head matchup going the way of New Horizon, the GSBA representatives would battle in out for bronze, trailing 17 IGNITE from Richmond Hill by eight points with under five minutes to play.

Tapping into the resiliency that the coaches knew existed in this roster, the U15 boys Storm(ed) back, pulling away and recording a 70-57 victory and earning bronze medals in the process.

"They never gave up," said coach Brunet. "Even when it looked this season like some of the games might get away from them, they refused to quit. No matter how tired they were and eventually building up trust in each other, this team became special."

"Because they bought in to what we have been teaching, that basketball is a team sport and that you need to trust the guys that are on the court with you, they were able to accomplish all this," added Brunet.

"I can't wait to see what next season holds for these young men."

The 2025-2026 U15 Storm boys (coach Dave) roster included Carson Cook, Carter Brunet, Colton Fairfield, Kaleb Parent, Mathis LaRachelle, Noah Lamontagne, Preston Pitawanakwat, Roland Bostrom, Szabo Aulenbach, William Macleod and Xavier Fenske.

Joining Dave Brunet on the team staff were Tom Fenske and Marc Lamontagne.