We'll have a lot more to say on this one, in fact we've got at least 3000 things we'd like to say but that can wait.  For now, we can confirm 2025 Jultopia Wollongong is happening, 28 years since 1997 Jultopia Wollongong.  There is so much material and trust us, we will say it.  Can't wait for the golf.  Interesting times, interesting times. 

Exciting times tonight as the 2024 Superboot Football League premiership flag was unveiled at the home of the Manunda Thunder, the Thunder joining retired Thunder guard Josh Gondolf's Rhinos team as a three-time premiership team.  Now yes, we know it's not Gateway Thunder related but when the Manunda Thunder and Rhinos are coached by Thunder players, it's good enough for us and good enough for this website.  Congrats to the MTFC on their 2024 premiership win and here's to a back-to-back premiership this year.  Exciting times, exciting times.

With the Philadelphia 76ers shutting down Joel Embiid for the season, the Thunder's Jonty Smith is left all alone with 70 points.  Tonight the Thunder come up against the Futures Pioneers again and Jonty will be challenged to do it again.  Surely he couldn't?  But maybe he could?  Two teams enter, one team leave. With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v Futures Pioneers.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
3/2/2025:  Gateway 108 (Jon.Smith 70, Vucetic 10, Jos.Smith 9) d Futures Pioneers 59
9/12/2024 (grand final):  Gateway 50 (Jon.Smith 18, Vucetic 13, Sleep 7) d Futures Pioneers 46 
14/10/2024:  Gateway 67 (Jon.Smith 24, J.Smith 14, Vucetic 14) d Futures Pioneers 45
5/8/2024:  Gateway 87 (Jon.Smith 25, D.Smith 20, Penn 12) d Futures Pioneers 54
24/6/2024 (grand final):  Gateway 58 (Jon.Smith 19, D.Smith 11, Vucetic 10) d Futures Pioneers 56

OUR PREDICTION
It's been a fair drop off for Jonty since he began the season almost literally on fire.  I mean, he was like literal flames on the court and barely missed that opening week, scoring on, over, around, through people in a way we haven't seen before by any player in a Thunder uniform.  That won't happen again tonight.  The Pioneers are too good to let lightning and thunder strike twice so it'll be up to his Thunder colleagues to step up and play their roles.  But will that be enough for a resurgent Pioneers side?  We hope so.  Our tip?  Gateway by 4 points.  Let's hope so.  Nervous times, nervous times.

Wow.  We're not sure who wrote the script but wow, just wow.  Last night's game began with a 4-15 start as the Pioneers hit everything and the Thunder struggled to hit the water from a boat.  Airballs, clang off the iron - it was something to behold.  The margin jumped out to 10-23 before a timeout and then the finger pointing began.  When players point the finger at who's to blame, we have a problem but in this case, the players pointed at themselves and then whammo as substitutes James and Josh Smith entered the game and the momentum began to shift.  By half time, the margin was back to 26-30 and the tide was turning.  Then out of the break, it continued as the blues found their stride, up 36-35 and it did not stop.  The final score Gateway 71 (Jon.Smith 21, D.Smith 15, Penn 14, Vucetic 11, Jos.Smith 6, B.Smith 2, J.Smith 2) d Futures Pioneers 48 told a story as Gateway flipped the script completely, making everything down the stretch for a crazy win on a crazy night.  And to that we say good times, good times.  Can't wait for next week if this madness keeps up.

Each Wednesday we'll publish the WCB A Grade Men premiership ladder here because well ..... just because.  OK, it's because we're old and can't work out the app but we have managed to work out how websites work.  Next stop is to give away our cassettes and start using CDs but we're not sure the technology will last.  We shall see.  With no further adieu, here's the full A Grade Men premiership ladder.  Enjoy.

1 (1). Gateway Thunder 4-0, 12pts @ 156%
2 (2). Futures Hornets 3-1, 10pts @ 136%
3 (3). Futures Pioneers 1-3, 6pts @ 87%
4 (4). CFC Stars 0-1-2, 4pts @ 71%
5 (5). Gateway Tsunami 0-1-2, 4pts @ 60%

Round 18 is in the books and things continue to look good for our Gateway teams and each week - just as we did last season and the season before - we'll report on the ads that appear on our mobile device.  Today it's ESPN again.  Take ESPN everywhere.  ESPN for life.  Good times.  Back to this week's action and there were no close games.  Blowouts everywhere, full stop, and that might be where the season is at with some teams running away from the rest while our Hoxley Tigers continue their annus horribilus, losing to the upstart Wacko Jacko Elite by 226 points.  With no further adieu, here's the up-to-date ladder (with last week's position noted) with our Thunder teams highlighted in blue.  Exciting times, exciting times.

LADDER (points are current at time of printing)
1 (1). Mr 66 16-2, 30834pts
2 (3). Wacko Jacko Elite 13-5, 29726pts
3 (4). Sam Bowies Left Leg 13-5, 28569pts
4 (5). Pick 18 13-5, 28166pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5 (2). Fli on Zion 13-5, 26718pts
6 (7). Tanking for Banana-Bread 12-6, 28249pts
7 (6). Highbury PIP 11-7, 28004pts
8 (9). Big Girls Don’t Kawhi 10-8, 27353pts
9 (8). North Tower 10-8, 25676pts
10 (10). Irritable Bol Syndrome 9-9, 25576pts
11 (12). Hoxley Cubs 8-10, 26006pts
12 (11). Hoxley Tigers 7-11, 26405pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
13 (13). South Tower 6-12, 25327pts
14 (16). Giddey Party 5-13, 23894pts
15 (14). Bart Simpson 5-13, 23809pts
16 (15). Perkins for MVP 4-14, 24327pts
17 (17). My Team is a Jokic 4-14, 21739pts
18 (18). Blaming Injuries 3-15, 25141pts

Ready:  “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Set:  In 2010, thousands gathered at a memorial service to honor the life of legendary coach John Wooden. Coach Wooden lived 99 full years. He lived well, died well and understood his eternal fate. He once said, “There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior.”  In 2009, Sporting News Magazine did the unthinkable. They made a list of the 50 greatest coaches of all time. That’s right—of all time! What an incredible challenge to narrow down the list to just 50! I bet the biggest challenge was selecting who received the No. 1 spot. If it had been you, who would you have selected as the greatest coach ever? According to Sporting News Magazine, John Wooden deserved that honor.  Why Coach Wooden? Maybe it was because he’d won 10 NCAA National Championships at UCLA. Maybe it was because he was the coach that all the other coaches looked to as the benchmark of success. Either way, Wooden was officially crowned the ultimate coach—a title that players, friends, fans and other coaches had already given him for many years.  Actually, Coach Wooden never wanted this award. He felt uncomfortable with the title and preferred that someone else be recognized. But his reaction to it may provide some insight as to why he is the greatest. Wooden coached with humility and confidence. He learned the art of mixing these two seemingly opposite traits—a feat that many others have failed to accomplish.  Wooden’s purpose in coaching was to instill greatness in others. He was committed to teaching, inspiring and motivating people, and he empowered his players to do great things. For Coach, greatness had nothing to do with himself. He never looked in the mirror when it came to success or accomplishments. For him, greatness was found in focusing on others. He lived out the principle that the fruit of a leader grows on other people’s trees. He was consumed with the simple principle he called “competitive greatness,” which included “not being the best, but being the best that you can be.” Through that message, Coach Wooden touched thousands of lives in a very profound way.  Coach Wooden’s impact has been felt in every sport in every way possible. Name a topic, and I would bet that Coach has covered it in his teaching. Philosophy of coaching, definition of winning, parenting, persevering through difficult situations, integrity, definition of success, teamwork, reaching noble goals, true friendship, life mission statements…Those are just a few.  On the last night of many FCA summer camps, there is a traditional open mic session in which athletes come forward and share how the camp has impacted their lives. It is always the highlight of the week. When I read that John Wooden had received the title “Greatest Coach Ever,” I pictured what an open mic session for him might be like. I imagined an endless line of players and coaches who had been directly and indirectly influenced by him stepping up to share countless stories of personal impact. What an incredible night of celebration that would have been! I’m sure that Coach would have been surprised and blessed to hear the life-changing difference he’d made throughout the years, and I think we all would have been motivated to leave such a legacy ourselves. We are thankful that Coach Wooden never stopped coaching. Even after he officially retired, he lived out the adage, “once a coach, always a coach.” He blessed us beyond measure because he used the game of basketball to coach people about life.  Just two weeks before he passed away, we were reading Coach Wooden the manuscript of the FCA book on him called Greatest Coach Ever, and Coach said, “I am happy being remembered as a man of integrity. I like that.” Yes, he will definitely be remembered as a man of integrity and much more. Coach realizes that a good name is better than national championships, undefeated seasons, and Hall of Fame honors. To be called a man of integrity is better to Wooden than being the greatest coach ever.  What a gut-check for all of us! I was so convicted by his reaction, and I know I will continue to be challenged by the simplicity and clarity of Coach’s life. He inspires me to be the best I can be, to invest in others, to give my life away.  Coach Wooden was pleased with a legacy of faith and integrity. If it were me, what would I want others to remember me by? Coach’s life forces me to come to grips with that very question. Oh, how I long for people to remember me for my heart and not my accomplishments. What about you? How would you finish the sentence, “I am happy being remembered as a …” May your answer, like Wooden’s, shape your future and your legacy in a way that honors the Lord.

Go:  1. How would you respond if you were given the title “Greatest Coach Ever”? Be honest.  2. If you could be the greatest ever at something, what would it be? Why?  3. When you reflect on Coach Wooden’s life, what stands out to you? How do these qualities compare with qualities of most coaches today?  4. Why do you think Wooden was awarded the title of “Greatest Coach Ever”?  5. Complete the sentence: “I am happy being remembered as a …”  6. If you died today, how would people describe your legacy?

Workout:  Ecclesiastes 7:1; Proverbs 3:4

Overtime:  “Lord God in Heaven, I thank You for the life of Coach Wooden. His life touched so many in so many different ways. I ask that You continue to use his life to impact generations to come. Thank You for using his life to bring clarity to my own. I desire to have a good name more than any titles or accomplishments. I want to be remembered as a man after Your heart, Lord, and to have a heart that burns for You. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

A reminder that there are games being played on the Monday 10 March public holiday this weekend.  Yes, you might get Monday off work but you then need to rock up to the St Clair Recreation Centre for a night of basketball.  Game times are on the top of our website or available via Basketball Connect.  Good times, good times.

With news that the Runaway Bay basketball stadium is being used as a recovery centre after the impacts of Cyclone Alfred, we thought it was an opportune time to pause and say a prayer for the victims.  As the first cyclone in our lifetimes to hit landfall on a capital city, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost property, livelihoods and loved ones.  The full damage won't be known for weeks but with one of the Thunder's own residing nearby, we're glad to hear all is well for his family and we pray the same for everyone.  Nervous times, nervous times.

And so it happens again, public holiday basketball and we for one, can't wait.  Public holiday basketball brings a whole new list of unknowns with a host of people not available due to a horse race or something else in the equine department.  So don't take the night off, folks.  Get there early, get a good seat and enjoy the show.  This will be an absolute crackerjackmajetski.  With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway Thunder v Gateway Tsunami.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
4/11/2024: Tsunami 47 d Thunder 43 (Jon.Smith 14, J.Smith 12, D.Smith 8)
12/8/2024: Thunder 60 (Jon.Smith 22, D.Smith 17, Sleep 9) d Gateway Tsunami 37

OUR PREDICTION
Our bothan spies tell us the Thunder will be without at least two Jultopia veterans which yet again doesn't narrow things down at all, not one iota.  Expect some adjustments from the boys in blue but that's again nothing new as every darn week they have a new darn lineup.  The Tsunami meanwhile have had their owns ups and downs but remain a side capable of anything, reflected by their 50% win/loss record against the good guys.  Folks, you won't want to miss this one as anything could happen.  Our tip?  Thunder by 6 points but we're not convinced.  Anything could happen and probably will.  Nervous times, nervous times.

We said it'd be close.  We said you wouldn't want to miss this one as anything could happen.  We were right.  From the opening tip, this was on.  The Blizzard were scrapping, finding gaps in the Thunder's defence.  The Thunder were missing layups by the dozen but eventually found their way courtesy of one, two, three, four, five, six - actually we lost count - dunks made by two players we won't name as you and us both know it was Thunder duo Brad and James Smith just like back in the 1990s but we digress.  Both teams controlled the boards in their own moments, releasing their teammates to fastbreak baskets, and both teams made opportune triples with the game never more than 8 points apart.  The game just kept ticking along and we knew it'd come down to the last minute.  A few Thunder hustle plays sure helped and ultimately, they escaped but it was nothing more than that ... an escape.  Final score Gateway Thunder 52 (Jon.Smith 25, D.Smith 13, Sleep 4, McKinnon 3, Vucetic 3, J.Smith 2, Jos.Smith 2) d Gateway Blizzard 47 and we have learnt nothing other than to know these two teams could play off in the season's final game.  And wowee, wouldn't that be a match.  Fascinating times, fascinating times.

Each Wednesday we'll publish the WCB A Grade Men premiership ladder here because well ..... just because.  OK, it's because we're old and can't work out the app but we have managed to work out how websites work.  Next stop is to give away our cassettes and start using CDs but we're not sure the technology will last.  We shall see.  With no further adieu, here's the full A Grade Men premiership ladder.  Enjoy.

1 (1). Gateway Thunder 5-0, 15pts @ 147%
2 (2). Futures Hornets 3-1, 10pts @ 136%
3 (4). CFC Stars 1-1-2, 7pts @ 82%
4 (3). Futures Pioneers 1-4, 7pts @ 85%
5 (5). Gateway Tsunami 0-1-3, 5pts @ 67%

Round 19 is in the books and things continue to look good for our Gateway teams and each week - just as we did last season and the season before - we'll report on the ads that appear on our mobile device.  Today it's sponsored headlines from Facetune AI Photo/Video Editor, and win a $6.2M beach dream life that could be yours.  C'mon, who wouldn't want that?  Get on the app and click blindly on the ad and see where life takes you ... and let us know because we're not clicking on it.  Ever.  Back to this week's action and there were no close games.  Blowouts everywhere, full stop, and that might be where the season is at with some teams running away from the rest while our Hoxley Tigers returned to form with a 656 point smashing of Perkins for MVP.  Yes folks, they're back and from where we sit, the outright premiership favourites and we're not biased at all.  With no further adieu, here's the up-to-date ladder (with last week's position noted) with our Thunder teams highlighted in blue.  Exciting times, exciting times.

LADDER (points are current at time of printing)
1 (1). Mr 66 17-2, 32298pts
2 (2). Wacko Jacko Elite 14-5, 30929pts
3 (4). Pick 18 14-5, 29572pts
4 (3). Sam Bowies Left Leg 13-6, 29823pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5 (6). Tanking for Banana-Bread 13-6, 29405pts
6 (5). Fli on Zion 13-6, 27805pts
7 (7). Highbury PIP 12-7, 29142pts
8 (9). North Tower 11-8, 26526pts
9 (8). Big Girls Don’t Kawhi 10-9, 28449pts
10 (11). Hoxley Cubs 9-10, 27254pts
11 (10). Irritable Bol Syndrome 9-10, 26656pts
12 (12). Hoxley Tigers 8-11, 27359pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
13 (13). South Tower 7-12, 26679pts
14 (14). Giddey Party 5-14, 24707pts
15 (15). Bart Simpson 5-14, 24614pts
16 (16). Perkins for MVP 4-15, 25152pts
17 (17). My Team is a Jokic 4-15, 22439pts
18 (18). Blaming Injuries 3-16, 26082pts

Ready:  “Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5

Set:  In Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, he talks about the character quality of fight, which is a determined effort. He calls it “intensity under control.” A player with fight has a  contained fire burning in his or her belly, which ought to emerge as focused passion.  As I read about fight in Coach Wooden’s book, I wrote the word meekness in the margin. Christ described himself as meek, and He calls on us to follow His example (Mt 5:5). Meekness is not weakness. The meaning of the word in Greek, which was the original language of most of the New Testament, is “power under control.” Another word for meekness is humility. Picture a bridled stallion following the lead of  its master, and then contrast that with a wild, untamed, and free-running horse under the control of no one. Without the bridle, a stallion running loose in the pasture may be majestic, the symbol of raw power, but a stallion without a bridle is useless to man. The power that makes him so majestic must be harnessed in order for him to be useful.  The same principle applies to a talented linebacker who doesn’t act like part of the team; he does his own thing instead. An unbridled linebacker doesn’t listen to the coach and won’t carry out his assignments. He merely tries to wreak as much havoc on the offense as possible. While his power is the envy of every coach, his unwillingness to submit makes him worthless to the team, because his power and passion are not focused.  We must be meek to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. We must be bridled—power under control—for God’s control. Christ was meek, and we must be also. Matthew 5:5 teaches that when we are surrendered to Christ, bridled by Christ, and living under His control, then we are blessed. The closer our lives line up with God’s purpose for us, the more blessed we will be.

Go:  1. Why do you think pride is the opposite of meekness?  2. What enables us to be meek?

Workout:  Extra Reading: Matthew 11:28–30; 2 Timothy 4:7

Overtime:  Lord, teach me about meekness. I am so prone to pride and self-sufficiency. Help me see the value of being bridled by You, allowing You to be in control of my life. Amen.

Forget all the talk about AFL Opening Round.  Forget Thursday night footy and all the other games already played.  The AFL season starts tonight when the teals of Alberton take on the two shades of Collingwood.  Don't call us tonight because we'll be busy watching the foozball from the MCG and it goes without saying but we'll say it anyway .... go Ports.  Good times, good times.

In late breaking news, we were wrong.  The AFL season doesn't start until next weekend.  We apologise for any confusion but can confirm the AFL season starts when the prison bars of Alberton play the Bingles of Punt Road.  Go Ports.  Exciting times, exciting times.

Exciting times tonight as the Thunder come up against nobody, the team having their second bye of the season.  Stay home, folks.  No game tonight and at the Thunder's age, that can only be a good thing.  No game means no injuries.  See, turn a negative into a positive.  Good times, good times.

The Thunder got lucky again, taking on the bye.  Demonstrating a dexterity lacking in their Port Adelaide counterparts in their practice game v Collingwood on the weekend, the Thunder dug deep and finished the game with a 20-0 victory.  They'll take it, with only one player present at the game - a fair achievement given what the result could've been.  Final score Gateway 20 (J.Smith 20) d the bye 0.  Good times, good times.

Each Wednesday we'll publish the WCB A Grade Men premiership ladder here because well ..... just because.  OK, it's because we're old and can't work out the app but we have managed to work out how websites work.  Next stop is to give away our cassettes and start using CDs but we're not sure the technology will last.  We shall see.  With no further adieu, here's the full A Grade Men premiership ladder.  Enjoy.

1 (1). Gateway Thunder 5-0, 15pts @ 147%
2 (2). Futures Hornets 4-1, 13pts @ 132%
3 (3). CFC Stars 2-1-2, 10pts @ 86%
4 (4). Futures Pioneers 1-5, 8pts @ 85%
5 (5). Gateway Tsunami 0-1-4, 6pts @ 70%

?

Round 20 is in the books and things continue to look good for our Gateway teams and each week - just as we did last season and the season before - we'll report on the ads that appear on our mobile device.? This week it's Ian Berry Insurance.? Comprehensive motor insurance - save up to 10% on your first year's premium when you quote and buy a new policy online.? We're in your corner.? Well, we're not, but they are.? Ian Berry loves your corner.? Get a quote now via the ad on the ESPN app today like we have.? Back to this week's action and there were three games under 100 points.? Irritable Bol Syndrome defeated Mr 70 by 67 points, your Hoxley Tigers defeated Highbury PIP by 62 points, and Blaming Injuries defeated Big Girls Don't Kawhi by 41 points.? We'll be back this weekend with a full playoff preview so that can wait for now but needless to say, the outright premiership favourites remain the 12th seed Hoxley Tigers from where we sit and we're not biased at all.? With no further adieu, here's the up-to-date ladder (with last week's position noted) with our Thunder teams highlighted in blue.? Exciting times, exciting times.

LADDER (points are current at time of printing)
1 (1). Mr 66 18-2, 33666pts
2 (3). Pick 18 15-5, 30827pts
3 (2). Wacko Jacko Elite 14-6, 32129pts
4 (4). Sam Bowies Left Leg 14-6, 30956pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5 (5). Tanking for Banana-Bread 14-6, 30417pts
6 (6). Fli on Zion 14-6, 28974pts
7 (7). Highbury PIP 12-8, 30327pts
8 (8). North Tower 11-9, 27300pts
9 (9). Big Girls Don?t Kawhi 10-10, 29372pts
10 (10). Hoxley Cubs 10-10, 28565pts
11 (11). Irritable Bol Syndrome 10-10, 27922pts
12 (12). Hoxley Tigers 9-11, 28585pts
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
13 (13). South Tower 7-13, 27760pts
14 (14). Giddey Party 5-15, 25804pts
15 (15). Bart Simpson 5-15, 25583pts
16 (18). Blaming Injuries 4-16, 27053pts
17 (16). Perkins for MVP 4-16, 26031pts
18 (17). My Team is a Jokic 4-16, 22992pts

Ready: "…If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31 (NIV)

Set:  Former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow had arguably the greatest college football career of any player. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy, set a record for most touchdowns scored in a career, and he led the Gators to two BCS National Championships. Tebow’s trademark look during his college days was the eye-black strips (used by athletes to fight the sun's glare in their eyes) he wore with Bible Scripture references written on them. He was never ashamed to talk about his faith in God, which oddly caused many to question his mental toughness.  Although it's rare nowadays for star athletes, Tebow stayed in college for four full years in order to earn his degree. In the months leading to the NFL Draft, pro football scouts, coaches and reporters widely believed Tebow didn’t possess the necessary skills to make the transition to the pros. While quarterbacks Tebow and the Gators defeated in college where being projected as first-round picks, Tebow was projected to go in the third or fourth round. Some even thought that if he were to have any chance at a successful pro career, he should give up playing quarterback and try a new position.  I sat and watched the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft last week, and with the 25th pick in the first round, the Denver Broncos selected Tim Tebow to be their new quarterback. Only one quarterback was selected before him.  In all of our lives, God has predestined us for greatness. And no matter what others may say, His destiny for us cannot be denied as long as we continue to live according to His Word. People may question our ability, but God knows what we can do. Even though others may count us out and underestimate us, God sees how valuable we really are.  Today, let’s listen to His voice of truth and believe what He says about us. We are His children, and we were created for a purpose.

Go:  1. What do other people's scouting reports say about you?  2. What would God's scouting report say about you?  3. Are you willing to sign the contract (commit) with God?

Workout:  Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 44:5-7; Psalm 139; 1 Corinthians 9:24; Ephesians 2:10

Lights out and away we go, with the WCB NBA Fantasy playoffs starting this week.  We have some blockbuster matches and no question Mr 66 has been the team to beat all season with an almost-record 18-2 - only beaten by the 19-1 of your Hoxley Tigers a few seasons back - whilst Pick 18's 15-5 is pretty good, then a quartet of teams at 14-6.  At the other end of the scale is your Hoxley Tigers at 9-11 and surely the 4-time champions couldn't win again?  Oh yes, they could.  Welcome to our playoff preview as we explore each of the races to the Top Four.  Make the Top Four and anything can happen.  Good times, good times.

Mr 66 bye
Big Girls Don't Kawhi v North Tower
Our tip?  North Tower is depleted by injuries so surely it's Big Girl through to the quarter finals where Mr 66 wins by a million.  Lock it in.

Pick 18 bye
Fli on Zion v Irritable Bol Syndrome
Our tip?  Fli on Zion have been yapping on the heels of the leaders all season long - he wins but Pick 18 wil go through to the semis the following week.

Wacko Jacko Elite bye
Highbury PIP v Hoxley Cubs
Our tip?  The Hoxey Cubs are not to be messed with.  If they can get healthy, this will get real interesting. We're backing the Cubs to go on a streak here to the semis.

Sam Bowie's Left Leg bye
Tanking for Wembanyama v Hoxley Tigers
Our tip?  Never underestimate the heart of a champion and a healthy Kawhi Leonard.  Hoxley Tigers to win through to the semis alongside the Cubs.

There are so many storylines here.  Will Hickey and Mason Peatling let go from Melbourne.  Sam Froling tears his achilles.  Trey Kell returns from what looked like a serious knee injury, joined in Game 5 by Shae Ili returning from concussion.  Marcus Lee hurts his shoulder so bad he shoots free throws left-handed.  Illawarra go from dead last to top of the table in 1.5 seasons under Jayson Tatum's Dad.  A second 'small' club wins the NBL for the second straight season, both wins against Melbourne.  Delly wins Finals MVP and hands it over to Will Hickey in a magnanimous gesture that will be remembered for a long time.  But for us, the not discussed this week personal tragedy suffered by one of the Hawks' players trumps the rest and makes this all the more special.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with that young fella and if you don't know who we're talking about, you can Google it rather than read it here.  Congratulations to the Illawarra Hawks on an exceptional win and let's not forget that we're playing in the Gong in July and we for one, can't wait to catch some up with some old friends there.  Go Hawks and bring on the Survivor Jultopia Wollongong Carnival.  Good times, good times.

It's gonna take a while to come down from the Illawarra Hawks win.  That was incredible and something to behold, bringing back sweet and sour memories of the Adelaide 36ers 2018 championship series 3-2 loss to Melbourne United.  Yeah, let's not talk about that again.  Two teams enter, one team leave.  With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v CFC Stars.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD TO HEAD
17/2/2025:  Gateway 89 (Jon.Smith 31, Penn 16, D.Smith 13) d CFC Stars 54
25/11/2024:  Gateway 68 (Jon.Smith 19, Penn 18, Vucetic 14) d CFC Stars 42
30/9/2024:  Gateway 73 (Jon.Smith 23, D.Smith 22, Sleep 19) d Seaton Stars 40
19/8/2024:  Gateway 80 (Jon.Smith 25, Vucetic 15, D.Smith 13) d Seaton Stars 58
6/5/2024:  Gateway 63 (Jon.Smith 25, B.Smith 10, D.Smith 10) d Seaton Stars 35

LADDER
1. Gateway Thunder 5-0, 15pts @ 147%
3. CFC Stars, 2-1-2, 10pts @ 86%

OUR PREDICTION
We predict the NBL will change the voting format for the Larry Sengstock Medal.  Thunder by 15 points.  Go Hawks.

The game itself was well fought by both sides and CFC sure took it up to the Thunders but we don't want to talk about the game.  We want to talk about it.  You know, it.  We're told it's happened before but none of us have seen it and if we haven't seen it, it didn't happen.  But it did last night.  With the game winding down, Thunder forward Josh Smith set out on a 2-1 break and rather than lob it to his more highly-fancied teammate, he went at the basket and threw it down.  The thunder dunk (literally) is the first we've seen from the young prodigy and we all know what it means ... there's more coming.  Final score Gateway 69 (D.Smith 19, Jon.Smith 18, Jos. Smith 12, Sleep 10, Penn 8, Vucetic 2) d CFC Stars 48 in a match that was much much closer than the score suggests.  We'll be seeing CFC late in the season with a host of players yet to return.  But on this night, it was all about it happening.  It happened.  Smile because it happened.  Good times, good times.

Each Wednesday we'll publish the WCB A Grade Men premiership ladder here because well ..... just because.  OK, it's because we're old and can't work out the app but we have managed to work out how websites work.  Next stop is to give away our cassettes and start using CDs but we're not sure the technology will last.  We shall see.  With no further adieu, here's the full A Grade Men premiership ladder.  Enjoy.

1 (1). Gateway Thunder 6-0, 18pts @ 147%
2 (2). Futures Hornets 4-2, 14pts @ 111%
3 (3). CFC Stars 2-1-3, 11pts @ 83%
4 (5). Gateway Tsunami 1-1-4, 9pts @ 83%
5 (4). Futures Pioneers 1-5, 8pts @ 85%