Headlines
Subscribe to our NewsletterTop 10 stories
If you don't visit here every day, you may have missed some of the big stories of years past. How big? We're talking Oliver Miller big. In an effort to recapture the tension, the drama, the buzz, the atmosphere, each year we do our own Top 10 countdown to end the year. So with no further adieu, here's the Top 10 stories you missed each year from 2006 to present day, as voted on by the Thunder web editors.
10. JOSH GONDOLF SETS ALL-TIME SABASA TRIPLES RECORD
With all-time leader Josip Vucetic entrenched in the minor leagues, veteran guard Josh Gondolf seized the opportunity to claim the all-time SABASA three-point mark in the first game of the 2010a First Season, a late triple giving him 349 for his career, passing Vucetic's 348. The triple itself wasn't anything spectacular but the 349 in total? Wow.
9. THUNDER CLAIM 2010 SABASA PREMIERSHIP DOUBLE OVER SEATON SHAMWOWS
After winning, losing and drawing against Seaton on 18 May in a "two-a-night" spectacular that saw the final game's score changed post-match to a 41-39 loss, the Thunder came out angry and produced a near-perfect game to win the 2010a semi-final 56-18, followed by a staggering 75-34 grand final win. The Thunder then took a hit with Thunder B&F Cal McKinnon missing the 2010b Second Season but still managed a 44-31 grand final win, with the premiership double over Seaton creating another ripsnorter of a rivalry, Seaton showing enough to say they're only one player away from claiming the John Pilley Trophy.
8. THUNDER ACADEMY ACHIEVE A MULTITUDE OF FIRSTS - DISTRICT DEBUT, FIRST GAME, FIRST POINTS, PREMIERSHIP - AND "THE DECISION"
Four Thunder Academy graduates had a 2010 to remember. Forward Hope Smith began her district career with the Southern Tigers, guard Josh Smith played his first official game with the Marion White Knights, and guards Daniel and Jonty Smith scored their first points ironically on the same night in different games. Hope, Daniel and Joshua then claimed the 2010b SABASA Juniors premiership, with Hope completing a premiership double on top of the 2010a title. And to top it off, Jonty announced "The Decision", that he'll be joining his siblings in 2011.
7. TERRY SLEEP QUITS FOOTBALL TO LEAD THUNDER TO A THIRD-PLACED FINISH AFTER A THRILLING SACBA SEASON
With forward Terry Sleep signing up for the SACBA season after quitting football at the start of 2010, things were looking good and after a league-leading 9-1-1 start to the season, the sky was the limit. A 3-game losing streak by 3, 1 and 8 points saw the Thunder slip to 11-1-4 at the end of the minor round. They then won the semi-final 62-60 (more on that later) but lost the prelim 55-37 to finish a disappointing third after what was a thrilling season and their best SACBA A Grade performance since the halycon days of 2001-2004.
6. JOSH GONDOLF, DEREK POULTON AND HIGH STAKES HOOPS
Was it the best of Australian basketball on display for a week at the Dome? Was it the worst of Australian basketball on display for a week at the Dome? Was it Josh Gondolf's full-court dash to beat a group of 12-year olds and win a free t-shirt? Was it complimentary tickets to the grand final? Was it Derek Poulton's trip down memory lane as he inspired the crowd into a Mexican Wave? Was it the courtside couches courtesy of Chuckie's efforts? Was it all of the above? We're not sure but High Stakes Hoops was a hoot and we're hoping it's here to stay. Consider it another meal on the Australian Hoops Buffet - and we love it.
5. GATEWAY THUNDER SPLIT CHARITY FUNDRAISER WEEKEND 1-1 AGAINST WHYALLA STEALERS
Following on from the 2009 exhibition match v the Port Pirie Panthers, the Thunder travelled to Whyalla as part of a charity fundraiser against the Whyalla Stealers, with a Juniors and Seniors team in tow. The Jultopia Juniors team of Sam Hateley, Joel and Zac Horskins, Sam Matear, Brad Maxwell, Lachie Wallace, Jamie Wickstein - and coached by Ben Hateley - played a ripsnorter in white Thunder uniforms and 40-degree heat but ultimately fell short 51-42. In the late game, the Gateway Thunder Seniors team of Josh Gondolf, Michael Hill, Nick Kyriazis, Kerwin Penn, Terry Sleep, Brad and James Smith, Jamie and Ray Wickstein managed to sneak a 70-61 win in moustaches and blue Thunder uniforms to even the series. Both games raised $600 for Heart Kids SA on what was a great night, with a rematch looking likely for Movember 2011.
4. BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES, ENGAGEMENTS AND THE POWER OF THE POLL
2010 was another big year in the births, deaths and marriages department. We welcomed Holly Madison Sleep to the world on 29 March, followed (much) later in the year by Happy Valley's Eamon Judd Wellington on 29 December and Hudson Robert Moresi on 30 December. Their arrivals were offset by the passing of Pacca in January, Movember stalwart Dennis Hopper in May, 1996 Jultopia Coach Captain Bruce McDonald in early June, and Sudanese NBA legend Manute Bol in late June. Saddest of all though - if any death is sadder than another - was the loss of NSW Jultopia player Amanda Butcher, who died tragically in a motor vehicle accident at the tender age of 17 years. Only the one marriage, with Brad Smith tying the knot with his long-time (12 years is a long time in our books) sweetheart in January. And finally, we again saw the power of the poll. In January, a poll on "Who will be married next?" saw Josh Gondolf 58 d Kerwin Penn 57. Lo and behold 11 months later in December, they were engaged within 7 hours of each other. 1 vote, 7 hours - wow. And finally, Nick Kyriazis won the October poll to produce the next youngling and within days, announced he'll be a Dad in early 2011. Exciting times, exciting times.
3. FAREWELL SOMERTON THUNDER, HELLO GATEWAY THUNDER
First rumoured in January, it was officially announced on 26 July that the Thunder were saying goodbye to Somerton Baptist and welcome to Gateway Baptist after 11 years in the black, gold and white. In their first game in the new blue, orange and white - looking resplendid in their blue warm-up shirts and hi-viz white uniforms - they scored 100 points for the first time in many, many years, defeating Oakden 100-37 to say hello to the Gateway Thunder.
2. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WIN THE 2010 JULTOPIA GEELONG SUPERCATS PIVOTONIAN BELLS BEACH CORIO BAY SLEEPY HOLLOW REG HICKEY CHARLES BROWNLOW ABLETT FAMILY 119-POINT DOMINATION ARMY RECRUITMENT PODSIADLY MEMORIAL HABADASHERY AND HOMEWARES CARNIVAL
Last year in Gosford it was Terry Sleep's jumpshot giving South Australia an unlikely 1-point win. This year in Geelong it was James Smith and Josip Vucetic, who scored a ridiculous 41 of their team's 44 points to give SA an amazing 44-41 win over WA, their 8th straight carnietown win. Nobody gave SA a chance in the final - not even their own supporters - after they lost by 30+ points to WA in the last minor round game to finish with an 8-2 record but they held their nerve, knocking off a Nathan Ablett-led Geelong 49-43 in the semi-final, and delivering the goods in a thrilling grand final. Josip Vucetic claimed his 2nd Jultopia B&F award to top off a crazy week where SA again won a seemingly unwinnable title and are likely to see multiple retirements before the 2011 carnival. This one was a win for the ages.
1. "THE SHOT" BY JAMES SMITH ..... AND BRAD SMITH
Some buzzer-beaters can only be described as "a one in a kajillion". Michael Jordan's foul-line jumper to beat the Cavs in 1989. Terry Sleep's jumpshot to beat Western Australia in 2009. Jerry West's half-court shot to send Game 3 of the NBA Finals into OT v the Celtics in 1970. Nathan Gillard's buzzer-beater to send the Under-18 Jultopia grand final into overtime v Victoria in 2006. None of them were in a Thunder uniform however and so, the chapter of "greatest ever Thunder buzzer-beater" was yet to be written ..... until 2010. In the SACBA semi-final, the Thunder found themselves behind Knightsbridge 60-59 at Mars Stadium with 1.0 seconds remaining as Tom Halman inbounded to James Smith who turned and let sail with a textbook 42-feet jumpshot that went bang, swish off the backboard for a remarkable 62-60 win and in the humble opinion of everyone present not named Terry Sleep, the best game-winning shot of all-time and our number one story of the year. Read the full version of the story on our 2010-09 past stories page and relive the drama. Wow. Makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. We've included Brad Smith here not because he was there that night (he wasn't), but because he would've had the number one shot of the year if it wasn't for brother James' game-winner. Brad hit a Larry Bird-like three-quarter court buzzer-beater earlier in the year in a Somerton-Somerton intraclub match in March on the Cal McKinnon Court, the ball sailing through the net off the backboard as the siren sounded. Tough break to finish second when you hit it from three-quarter court but that's 2010, the year of the buzzer-beater.
10. THUNDER WIN SABASA PREMIERSHIP DOUBLE WITH WINS OVER MARION (2009a) AND SEATON (2009b)
The Thunder won titles 26 & 27 with wins over the Magnetics 83-54 and Spartans 66-50. The Magnetics game was an anticlimax as Marion finished with 3 players whilst Seaton fought hard. Cal McKinnon won his first r/up B&F in season 2009b, topping off a super year.
9. SMITH TRIO PLAY TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME
The three eldest Smith tyros played together for the first time in early 2009, with Hope (#6), Daniel (#5) and Jonty (#8) combining for several thrilling plays including Jonty's first o-board, followed shortly after by a quick 20-metre dash in the wrong direction. Good times ahead.
8. THUNDER CLAIM 6TH SACBA PREMIERSHIP, WINNING THE GRADE UNDERNEATH THE TOP GRADE
After an up-and-down SACBA season that had more down than up until the final few weeks, the Thunder defeated Beaumont Uniting D in an exciting grand final. Down 27-26 at halftime, they put on a 45-25 second half hoops clinic to claim the B Grade premiership 71-52.
7. THE DAY BEN, JAMES AND NICK WENT CRAZY AS BEN HIT 8 TRIPLES AND THE THUNDER SCORED 78 POINTS
The Thunder finished the SACBA minor round on a high as Ben Galway hit a team record 8 triples (from 9 attempts) for 26 points, assisted by James Smith (26), and Nick Kyriazis (12). The three combined for 64 of the team's 78 points, the Thunder's all-time third highest score.
6. LAST-PLACED THUNDER INFLICT SHOCK 52-33 DEFEAT ON FIRST-PLACED BEAUMONT UNITING A
With a 3-11 record and a forfeit the previous week, the last-placed Thunder were given little hope against the ladder-leading Beaumont Uniting A but they ran Beaumont off their feet with a 31-11 second half and from that point on, went on a five game winning streak to win the title.
5. THE MAN, THE MOMENT, THE BLOCK
In 400+ games of SABASA basketball, we doubt Bradley Smith has come up with a bigger play. Forever to be known as "the block", he made an amazing game-saving play in the dying seconds of the 2009a SABASA semi-final. With the clock set for 3 minutes OT (compared to the usual 5) after a 29-all final score, the game heats up. Neither team scores until the final minute when Smith drives to the basket, is fouled, and hits both free throws for a 31-29 lead. With less than 15 seconds left, Arndale stud Craig Merrett drives and gets within feet of the basket. Smith stands between him and double-OT and jumps, praying to reach the ball. Ball leaves Merrett's hands, Smith stretches and wham bam, thank you ma'am. The man, the moment, the block. Smith swats the ball away, the Thunder guards pick up the crumbs, game over.
4. BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES AND MILESTONES
Just the one birth, with Baden Jack Todd born to ex-Thunder guard Ben Todd and wife Meagan in July. It was a tragic year for deaths, with the sudden and unexpected passing of Christine Bradley in June, and Somerton's Paul Brindley in August. Other reported deaths included Chuck Daly and Wayman Tisdale (May), Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson (June), Ricky Byrne and Jack Kay (November), and Dave Colbert (December). No news on the marriage front (until 2010 anyway) and finally, several Thunder players celebrated SABASA games milestones - Terry Sleep (150), ex-Thunder guard Andrew Brook and Michael Reu (200), Josh Gondolf and Nick Kyriazis (300 each) and James Smith (350).
3. JOSH GONDOLF HITS 12 TRIPLES IN A GAME
On a cold winter's night on 3 August, Josh Gondolf went crazy. Stone cold crazy. Lunatic crazy. Unconscious crazy. Stupid crazy. Kent "Toast" French crazy. Should've been drug tested crazy. With shooting the likes of which is rarely seen, he made 9 triples in the first half for a 49-29 lead over Arndale, followed by 3 in the second half for a career-high 38 points in a 92-67 win. Coma-unconscious, he barely missed and ended up 12-16 on the night. We remember where we were when man landed on the moon, when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV, and when Warren Tredrea kicked 8 goals against Carlton at Princes Park. Similarly, those present will always remember this night. Unblvbl.
2. THUNDER END MOVEMBER WITH A 95-84 EXHIBITION GAME WIN OVER THE PORT PIRIE PANTHERS
Looking to expand their horizons, the Thunder travelled to Port Pirie on the last Saturday in November to play the local Port Pirie Panthers representative team, following in the footsteps of the Central District Lions, Prince Alfred Old Collegians and several other teams. The Thunder made the 3-hour trip sporting some very dodgy moustaches and returning with some memories and stories that, as they say - what happens on the road, stays on the road. Looking resplendid in red state singlets due to Port Pirie's black and white colours, they jumped to an early lead and were never headed in what was a terrific contest and what is hoped to become an annual event. Somerton 95 d Port Pirie 84, the Thunder led by James Smith (22), Terry Sleep (18) and Tom Halman (16), with ex-Thunder forward Derek Poulton umpiring the contest.
1. THE STEAL, THE REBOUND, THE PASS AND TERRY SLEEP'S LAST-SECOND SHOT
South Australia began Jultopia Gosford with bulls-eyes firmly on them, courtesy of six straight titles. They struggled early due to twin towers Sleep and Smith spending May and June on the sidelines with injuries but as the week went on, found form despite thunderous dunks and defeats by NSW, and an early defeat by WA. Things were going SA's way early in the final against familiar foe WA but as time wound down, WA went on a run and took the lead with less than a minute remaining. Enter Tom Halman, who made a full-court sprint and game-saving steal on a WA fastbreak to keep SA in it. Then, with 14 seconds remaining, Cal McKinnon missed a foulshot that would've tied the game, only to see James Smith grab a game-saving rebound that was ultimately tied up for a jumpball. SA ball, and Josip Vucetic drives to the basket and passes to Terry Sleep, who calmly sinks a 15-foot jumpshot with 8 seconds remaining for a 53-52 lead and SA's 7th straight title - yet another amazing Jultopia victory. You had to be there but fortunately, if you weren't, you can relive the excitement via video on our Past Stories pages.
10. THUNDER FINISH YEAR WITH PREMIERSHIP AND BEST & FAIREST DOUBLE
The Thunder won title 25 in 2008b in a tight tussle with grand final debutant Marion Magnetics, tied 17-all at halftime before prevailing 48-29. Jultopia twin towers James Smith and Terry Sleep won the best & fairest and runner-up awards respectively, capping off a super year.
9. THUNDER DEFEAT ARNDALE TO RECEIVE TROPHY FROM SABASA LEGEND AND NEW 36ERS COACH SCOTT NINNIS
The Thunder won title 24 in 2008a, defeating Arndale Allstars 53-30 in the final after a strongly-contested season. New Adelaide 36ers coach Scott Ninnis handed out the trophies at the presentation night, including the best & fairest trophy for veteran centre James Smith.
8. OVERSEASON TOUR DIARIES CONTINUE
The OS Tour Diaries added two new trips, with "Nick's search for Sapphron" taking him to Thailand in October in search of Sapphron, the spider monkey from Guam, whilst Cal McKinnon packed his bags for Cal's Gaelic Tour of Ireland after the SABASA 2008b season was over.
7. SACBA SEASON SEES NEW FACES - AND AN OLD ONE - AND ULTIMATELY ANOTHER 4TH-PLACED FINISH
With returning veteran Steve Rudd and new recruits Michael Hill and Kerwin Penn signed - and a record 23-0 start in a game v St Peters - the SACBA season looked promising but the Thunder struggled to get into top gear, going 12-1-8 to finish 4th, losing the semi-final 60-52.
6. UNDER-14 HOOPS CLINIC BECOMES PERMANENT FIXTURE ON THE SABASA JUNIORS CALENDAR
The SABASA Under-14 Hoops Clinic was repeated twice in 2008, with the Thunder co-hosting the training sessions for the SABASA's Under-14 Juniors at the Dome with the Adelaide 36ers' Adam Ballinger and Brad Davidson (April) and David Cooper and Mark Tyndale (October).
5. HOPE'S FIRST YEAR, GOLD MEDAL AND POINTS - WHILST THE BROTHERS MAKE THEIR DEBUT
Prodigy Hope Smith played her first full year of basketball with the Marion Magnetics and finished the year with a big November, winning a 50m sprint gold medal and making the SABASA Juniors preliminary final. The Brothers Smith meanwhile - Daniel, Jonty & Joshua - also debuted for Ingle Farm on 17 November 2008 (mark that date in the calendar!) in a game that saw opponent and sister Hope score her first basket.
4. SA WIN 7TH A GRADE TITLE IN 8 YEARS, DEFEATING WA 58-36 IN RUNAWAY BAY, QLD - WHILST B'S FINISH A GAME SHORT
With veterans Smith x2, Sleep, Vucetic and McKinnon joined by tyros Hill and Penn, SA had a well-balanced team but after losing first up to a Sydney 3-point onslaught, and dropping two games Tuesday to fall to 4-3 at halfway, things didn't look good - but it was nothing a pep talk, day off and a Uno game or two couldn't fix, finishing top at 9-3. It was a similar story in the final - down 2-11 early to WA, up 23-21 at halftime, running away in the second half to win 58-36. Josip Vucetic had a week to remember, scoring several mementos - Top Scorer, Most Triples, B&F, grand final MVP, All-Australian, and half-a-dozen stitches across the eyebrow after a sickening collision early in the grand final.
For the first time in five years, SA also fielded a B Grade team, with veterans Anderson, Gondolf, Howie and Kyriazis joined by Torrens Valley comrade Galway and Captain Collo. After a nasty Collo finger-dislocation in the first game, they slowly found touch but finished the week one game short of the final, with a 6-6 record. Ben Galway - it's all about the Benjamins - took home an All-Australian gig in his first carnival.
3. THE POWER OF THE POLL - NEXT BABY AND WEDDINGS ANNOUNCED
First it was "who's having the next baby", with Paul Mitchell (50 votes) edging out Michael Reu (23). Then "who's getting married", with Brad Smith (507 votes) narrowly outpolling Josh Gondolf (449) and Terry Sleep (212). And lo and behold, the poll was right - again. In eerie circumstances that had Thunder fans wondering where the Delorian was parked, Paul Mitchell confirmed baby two arrives April 2009, whilst Brad Smith's wedding is set for late 2009/early 2010. Not to be outdone, Terry Sleep announced his wedding will follow shortly after in 2010.
2. BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES
In a year that saw too many people pass away, we farewelled Chris Wright (April), Cameron Wallace (May), David Morris (August) and Betty Pearce (October). Much loved and missed by all, we know we'll see them again, but it doesn't take away the pain we feel now. Of note, Clinton Grybas (January), Mark Priestley (August) and Allan Scott (October) also said goodbye. On a brighter note, ex-Thunder players Craig Turner and Simon Hallsworth kept the father-daughter selections coming, when Lacey Turner (May) and Amelia Hallsworth (August) were born.
1. MOVEMBER
In the penultimate month of 2008, six players - Josh Gondolf, Nick Kyriazis, Michael Reu, Terry Sleep, Bradley Smith and James Smith - put their follicles where their mouths were, raising money for prostate cancer research and Beyond the Blue. Following in the footsteps of ex-Thunder player and 2007 Movember pioneer Ben Kinnaird, the Mo Bros raised $1126.95 and look set for bigger and better in Movember 2009.
10. HOPE SMITH'S BASKETBALL CAREER BEGINS
8 October 2007. Whilst she's not technically a Thunder player, we're wondering if this will be a significant date in history. You see, if Hope Smith goes on to be a famous basketballer, we can say we saw her first game, playing for the Arndale Anklebiters v Ingle Farm Jammers.
9. OVERSEAS TOUR DIARIES LAUNCHED
Whilst the Thunder played all their games in Australia, their players toured the globe in 2007. From Josh Gondolf's US Tour to James Smith's South African Safari to Robbie Horskins' World Tour to Nick Kyriazis' Malaysian Odyssey, you can read all about it in the OS tour diaries.
8. THE FLURRY OF WEDDINGS AND FATHER-SON/DAUGHTER SELECTIONS CONTINUES
Nick and Rachel Kyriazis, and Mike and Libby Reu walked down the aisle in wedded bliss in the second half of the year, whilst Cameron James Hallsworth, Josiah Edward Mitchell, Joshua David Smith and Keira Rose Smith joined the growing list of father-son/daughter selections.
7. RECRUITING STAFF STRIKE GOLD WITH A BEVVY OF FIRST-RATE DRAFT PICKS - AND THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS
Ben Todd, Andrew Byford, Cal McKinnon, Scott Whitmore, Tom Halman and Theo Kyriazis would make a handy team and they all joined the ranks during a busy 2007 for recruiting staff, which was topped off by the return of prodigal son James Smith, who returned from Mt Gambier.
6. THUNDER RETURN TO SACBA, MAKE FINALS IN BIZARRE CIRCUMSTANCES AND ULTIMATELY FINISH 4TH
The return was scripted, the side unsettled, the results were disappointing, Ben Todd carried the team early on, Tom Halman's debut season was spectacular, they made the finals in bizarre circumstances with a host of "bonus" points, and finally finished 4th. What a year!
5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WIN 6TH NATIONAL TITLE IN 7 YEARS, DEFEATING WA 57-49 IN GAWLER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
July 2007. Despite a demanding schedule, a point guard and centre clearly restricted by injury, and a ravenous WA squad that defeated SA on Friday and was 10 points up in the grand final, SA managed to pull away for an unlikely victory and hold on to the Inglis Memorial Shield.
4. UNDER-14 HOOPS TRAINING CLINIC
29 October 2007. The Thunder, at the request of the SABASA, held a 1-hour training clinic for three Under-14 teams and a handful of father-son/daughter selections. 36ers centre David Cooper was also in attendance at what is expected to become an annual event.
3. THE YEAR OF THE INJURY CURSE
Paul Mitchell (achilles), James Smith (ankle), Scott Whitmore (ankle), Ben Todd (ankle) and Tom Halman (collarbone). The Thunder shattered all previous injury records with Paul lost for the year in February, James wrecking his ankle in March and needing a total reconstruction in October, Scott rolling an ankle that ruled him out of the carnival in July, Ben breaking an ankle at the end of the carnival grand final, and Tom fracturing a clavicle only weeks after the end of the SACBA season. Only Paul and James are still injured, but should recover by mid-2008.
2. TOO OLD, TOO SLOW, TOO GOOD - THUNDER WIN 23RD TITLE, DEFEATING HAPPY VALLEY 46-33 IN 2007B GRAND FINAL
In what was meant to be a coronation for Happy Valley, the Thunder gatecrashed the party to reclaim the crown in a game no-one gave them a chance of winning. Brad "the Box" Smith was back to his smothering best, whilst James Smith looked back to normal just weeks after ankle surgery. The win rates as one of the Thunder's best all-time victories but alas, there was one win in 2007 that was even better .....
1. "THE COMEBACK"
Last year's number one story was "The Shot" by Nathan Gillard. This year's is "The Comeback" by the Somerton Thunder. Trailing by 28 points with 9 minutes remaining in the 2007a SABASA preliminary final against the Tea Tree Gully Rookies, the Thunder pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the biggest comeback in club history. The first 31 minutes was a Josip Vucetic/Cal McKinnon-led shooting barrage but it was the Thunder who ultimately triumphed 76-73 in a game that rates amongst the top wins the club has ever had (but that's a debate for another time).
10. ADELAIDE 36ERS, ADELAIDE LIGHTNING AND DISTINCTIVE HOMES DOME SOLD
July 2006. We knew the day would eventually come, but it shocked everyone to hear they'd been bought by three separate buyers. Expect the Eddy Groves-Dome to be refurbished in 2007, with the 36ers to return to past glory with expected big-name recruits in 2007.
9. THUNDER DRAW TWO CONSECUTIVE GAMES - 40-ALL V WESTSIDE WARRIORS, AND 36-ALL V HAPPY VALLEY JETS
7-14 August 2006. Against Westside, the Thunder thought they led by 2 points and allowed a basket in the dying seconds, only to find that a scoring error meant the game was drawn. The following week, Bradley Smith hit 1/2 foul shots after the siren to draw the game with the Jets.
8. BRADLEY SMITH PLAYS HIS 300TH GAME, GOES ON TO CLAIM ALL-TIME GAMES RECORD FROM BROTHER JAMES SMITH
20 March and 8 May 2006. Bradley played his 300th A Grade game, with the Thunder defeating the Happy Valley Bombers 37-35. Bradley then claimed the all-time record with a 40-34 win over the Arndale All-Stars in his 304th game, with brother James stranded on 303 games.
7. NICK KYRIAZIS GETS ENGAGED AMIDST A FLURRY OF WEDDINGS FOR EX-THUNDER PLAYERS
Simon Hallsworth & Catherine Langman 5 March. Matthew Inglis & Amanda Marrone 9 September. Ben Todd & Meagan Richardson 14 October. Theodore Kyriazis & Karina 12 November. Meanwhile, Nick Kyriazis proposed to Rachel Owen 10 June, the wedding set for 2007.
6. THUNDER CLAIM THEIR 22ND PREMIERSHIP 38-35 OVER THE HAPPY VALLEY JETS IN 2006A GRAND FINAL
26 June 2006. With Paul Mitchell and James Smith leading the way, the Thunder won narrowly despite trailing by 1 point with 40 seconds to go. 5/6 Thunder foul shots (by James & Bradley Smith and Josh Gondolf) followed by 1/2 Jet foul shots gave the Thunder a 3-point win.
5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WIN 5TH NATIONAL TITLE IN 6 YEARS, DEFEATING WA 67-59 IN OVERTIME IN LOGAN, QUEENSLAND
8 July 2006. In a thrilling finish to the FSABA carnival, SA's A Grade Men defeated a gallant WA outfit in overtime. The win was SA's 4th straight and 5th in 6 years, with Nick Kyriazis, Terry Sleep and James Smith having played in all 5 title wins. Up next is Gawler in July 2007.
4. GREG SMITH RETIRES AFTER 2006B SEASON, BEN KINNAIRD WALKS AWAY, AND BANDO GOES MISSING
After an A Grade career spanning 17 years, 300+ games and 19 premierships, all-time legend Greg Smith pulled the pin after the 2006b season. Ben Kinnaird announced he'd return to B Grade in 2007, whilst Bando's disappearance still has club officials scratching their heads.
3. THUNDER START SERIOUS INVESTMENT IN FATHER-SON/DAUGHTER SELECTIONS
2007 was a baby-fest for the Thunder and the start of something special as they look to reinvigorate their playing list in future seasons. Cameron Mae Zajer was born 27 February to Andrew Zajer. Erin Lee Katherine Horskins was born 22 August to Trevor Horskins. Kurt John Whitmore was born 9 October to FSABA player Scott Whitmore. And to top it off, Simon Hallsworth announced he'll be a father in 2007, Paul Mitchell won an online poll to be officially approved as the next father-to-be, and in late breaking news, at least one Thunder player (current or past) has privately emailed us to announce they'll be adding to the father-son/daughter pool in 2007 (stay tuned for the official announcement).
2. THUNDER SHOCK HAPPY VALLEY JETS 38-37 TO WIN THE 2006A SEMI-FINAL
With just five players on deck (Josh Gondolf, Nick Kyriazis, Michael Reu, Bradley Smith and Greg Smith) and having lost the previous few contests to the Happy Valley Jets by big margins, the Thunder were expected to be soundly beaten in the semi-final. However, despite the absence of FSABA carnival big men Paul Mitchell, Terry Sleep and James Smith, the Thunder held firm, with Michael Reu leading all scorers with 20 points. The win was rated by Coach Josh Gondolf as one of the finest he's played in, and we rate it as one of the All-Time Top Five wins (alongside the 19-point comeback with 6½ minutes remaining to defeat Portside in the 1998a grand final, the 1993a triple-overtime semi-final win over Portside that ended with just Robert Horskins and the three Smith brothers on court for the ACH Domination, the 1993a double-overtime grand final win over Kilkenny that featured two James Smith triples to keep the game alive, and the inaugural premiership in 1992a).
1. "THE SHOT" BY NATHAN GILLARD
8 July 2006. In life, you're sometimes privileged enough to be present when history is made. We were there when Nathan Gillard hit "the shot" to send the Under-17 FSABA carnival grand final into overtime against Melbourne Central in Logan, Queensland. SA went on to win comfortably and Nathan's place in basketball history is assured forever, having been voted as the all-time greatest buzzer beater in history in September's online poll. For those that were asleep or have been living on another planet and missed the shot, here it is again (click here).
10. JOSH GONDOLF SETS ALL-TIME SABASA TRIPLES RECORD
With all-time leader Josip Vucetic entrenched in the minor leagues, veteran guard Josh Gondolf seized the opportunity to claim the all-time SABASA three-point mark in the first game of the 2010a First Season, a late triple giving him 349 for his career, passing Vucetic's 348. The triple itself wasn't anything spectacular but the 349 in total? Wow.
9. THUNDER CLAIM 2010 SABASA PREMIERSHIP DOUBLE OVER SEATON SHAMWOWS
After winning, losing and drawing against Seaton on 18 May in a "two-a-night" spectacular that saw the final game's score changed post-match to a 41-39 loss, the Thunder came out angry and produced a near-perfect game to win the 2010a semi-final 56-18, followed by a staggering 75-34 grand final win. The Thunder then took a hit with Thunder B&F Cal McKinnon missing the 2010b Second Season but still managed a 44-31 grand final win, with the premiership double over Seaton creating another ripsnorter of a rivalry, Seaton showing enough to say they're only one player away from claiming the John Pilley Trophy.
8. THUNDER ACADEMY ACHIEVE A MULTITUDE OF FIRSTS - DISTRICT DEBUT, FIRST GAME, FIRST POINTS, PREMIERSHIP - AND "THE DECISION"
Four Thunder Academy graduates had a 2010 to remember. Forward Hope Smith began her district career with the Southern Tigers, guard Josh Smith played his first official game with the Marion White Knights, and guards Daniel and Jonty Smith scored their first points ironically on the same night in different games. Hope, Daniel and Joshua then claimed the 2010b SABASA Juniors premiership, with Hope completing a premiership double on top of the 2010a title. And to top it off, Jonty announced "The Decision", that he'll be joining his siblings in 2011.
7. TERRY SLEEP QUITS FOOTBALL TO LEAD THUNDER TO A THIRD-PLACED FINISH AFTER A THRILLING SACBA SEASON
With forward Terry Sleep signing up for the SACBA season after quitting football at the start of 2010, things were looking good and after a league-leading 9-1-1 start to the season, the sky was the limit. A 3-game losing streak by 3, 1 and 8 points saw the Thunder slip to 11-1-4 at the end of the minor round. They then won the semi-final 62-60 (more on that later) but lost the prelim 55-37 to finish a disappointing third after what was a thrilling season and their best SACBA A Grade performance since the halycon days of 2001-2004.
6. JOSH GONDOLF, DEREK POULTON AND HIGH STAKES HOOPS
Was it the best of Australian basketball on display for a week at the Dome? Was it the worst of Australian basketball on display for a week at the Dome? Was it Josh Gondolf's full-court dash to beat a group of 12-year olds and win a free t-shirt? Was it complimentary tickets to the grand final? Was it Derek Poulton's trip down memory lane as he inspired the crowd into a Mexican Wave? Was it the courtside couches courtesy of Chuckie's efforts? Was it all of the above? We're not sure but High Stakes Hoops was a hoot and we're hoping it's here to stay. Consider it another meal on the Australian Hoops Buffet - and we love it.
5. GATEWAY THUNDER SPLIT CHARITY FUNDRAISER WEEKEND 1-1 AGAINST WHYALLA STEALERS
Following on from the 2009 exhibition match v the Port Pirie Panthers, the Thunder travelled to Whyalla as part of a charity fundraiser against the Whyalla Stealers, with a Juniors and Seniors team in tow. The Jultopia Juniors team of Sam Hateley, Joel and Zac Horskins, Sam Matear, Brad Maxwell, Lachie Wallace, Jamie Wickstein - and coached by Ben Hateley - played a ripsnorter in white Thunder uniforms and 40-degree heat but ultimately fell short 51-42. In the late game, the Gateway Thunder Seniors team of Josh Gondolf, Michael Hill, Nick Kyriazis, Kerwin Penn, Terry Sleep, Brad and James Smith, Jamie and Ray Wickstein managed to sneak a 70-61 win in moustaches and blue Thunder uniforms to even the series. Both games raised $600 for Heart Kids SA on what was a great night, with a rematch looking likely for Movember 2011.
4. BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES, ENGAGEMENTS AND THE POWER OF THE POLL
2010 was another big year in the births, deaths and marriages department. We welcomed Holly Madison Sleep to the world on 29 March, followed (much) later in the year by Happy Valley's Eamon Judd Wellington on 29 December and Hudson Robert Moresi on 30 December. Their arrivals were offset by the passing of Pacca in January, Movember stalwart Dennis Hopper in May, 1996 Jultopia Coach Captain Bruce McDonald in early June, and Sudanese NBA legend Manute Bol in late June. Saddest of all though - if any death is sadder than another - was the loss of NSW Jultopia player Amanda Butcher, who died tragically in a motor vehicle accident at the tender age of 17 years. Only the one marriage, with Brad Smith tying the knot with his long-time (12 years is a long time in our books) sweetheart in January. And finally, we again saw the power of the poll. In January, a poll on "Who will be married next?" saw Josh Gondolf 58 d Kerwin Penn 57. Lo and behold 11 months later in December, they were engaged within 7 hours of each other. 1 vote, 7 hours - wow. And finally, Nick Kyriazis won the October poll to produce the next youngling and within days, announced he'll be a Dad in early 2011. Exciting times, exciting times.
3. FAREWELL SOMERTON THUNDER, HELLO GATEWAY THUNDER
First rumoured in January, it was officially announced on 26 July that the Thunder were saying goodbye to Somerton Baptist and welcome to Gateway Baptist after 11 years in the black, gold and white. In their first game in the new blue, orange and white - looking resplendid in their blue warm-up shirts and hi-viz white uniforms - they scored 100 points for the first time in many, many years, defeating Oakden 100-37 to say hello to the Gateway Thunder.
2. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WIN THE 2010 JULTOPIA GEELONG SUPERCATS PIVOTONIAN BELLS BEACH CORIO BAY SLEEPY HOLLOW REG HICKEY CHARLES BROWNLOW ABLETT FAMILY 119-POINT DOMINATION ARMY RECRUITMENT PODSIADLY MEMORIAL HABADASHERY AND HOMEWARES CARNIVAL
Last year in Gosford it was Terry Sleep's jumpshot giving South Australia an unlikely 1-point win. This year in Geelong it was James Smith and Josip Vucetic, who scored a ridiculous 41 of their team's 44 points to give SA an amazing 44-41 win over WA, their 8th straight carnietown win. Nobody gave SA a chance in the final - not even their own supporters - after they lost by 30+ points to WA in the last minor round game to finish with an 8-2 record but they held their nerve, knocking off a Nathan Ablett-led Geelong 49-43 in the semi-final, and delivering the goods in a thrilling grand final. Josip Vucetic claimed his 2nd Jultopia B&F award to top off a crazy week where SA again won a seemingly unwinnable title and are likely to see multiple retirements before the 2011 carnival. This one was a win for the ages.
1. "THE SHOT" BY JAMES SMITH ..... AND BRAD SMITH
Some buzzer-beaters can only be described as "a one in a kajillion". Michael Jordan's foul-line jumper to beat the Cavs in 1989. Terry Sleep's jumpshot to beat Western Australia in 2009. Jerry West's half-court shot to send Game 3 of the NBA Finals into OT v the Celtics in 1970. Nathan Gillard's buzzer-beater to send the Under-18 Jultopia grand final into overtime v Victoria in 2006. None of them were in a Thunder uniform however and so, the chapter of "greatest ever Thunder buzzer-beater" was yet to be written ..... until 2010. In the SACBA semi-final, the Thunder found themselves behind Knightsbridge 60-59 at Mars Stadium with 1.0 seconds remaining as Tom Halman inbounded to James Smith who turned and let sail with a textbook 42-feet jumpshot that went bang, swish off the backboard for a remarkable 62-60 win and in the humble opinion of everyone present not named Terry Sleep, the best game-winning shot of all-time and our number one story of the year. Read the full version of the story on our 2010-09 past stories page and relive the drama. Wow. Makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. We've included Brad Smith here not because he was there that night (he wasn't), but because he would've had the number one shot of the year if it wasn't for brother James' game-winner. Brad hit a Larry Bird-like three-quarter court buzzer-beater earlier in the year in a Somerton-Somerton intraclub match in March on the Cal McKinnon Court, the ball sailing through the net off the backboard as the siren sounded. Tough break to finish second when you hit it from three-quarter court but that's 2010, the year of the buzzer-beater.
10. THUNDER WIN SABASA PREMIERSHIP DOUBLE WITH WINS OVER MARION (2009a) AND SEATON (2009b)
The Thunder won titles 26 & 27 with wins over the Magnetics 83-54 and Spartans 66-50. The Magnetics game was an anticlimax as Marion finished with 3 players whilst Seaton fought hard. Cal McKinnon won his first r/up B&F in season 2009b, topping off a super year.
9. SMITH TRIO PLAY TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME
The three eldest Smith tyros played together for the first time in early 2009, with Hope (#6), Daniel (#5) and Jonty (#8) combining for several thrilling plays including Jonty's first o-board, followed shortly after by a quick 20-metre dash in the wrong direction. Good times ahead.
8. THUNDER CLAIM 6TH SACBA PREMIERSHIP, WINNING THE GRADE UNDERNEATH THE TOP GRADE
After an up-and-down SACBA season that had more down than up until the final few weeks, the Thunder defeated Beaumont Uniting D in an exciting grand final. Down 27-26 at halftime, they put on a 45-25 second half hoops clinic to claim the B Grade premiership 71-52.
7. THE DAY BEN, JAMES AND NICK WENT CRAZY AS BEN HIT 8 TRIPLES AND THE THUNDER SCORED 78 POINTS
The Thunder finished the SACBA minor round on a high as Ben Galway hit a team record 8 triples (from 9 attempts) for 26 points, assisted by James Smith (26), and Nick Kyriazis (12). The three combined for 64 of the team's 78 points, the Thunder's all-time third highest score.
6. LAST-PLACED THUNDER INFLICT SHOCK 52-33 DEFEAT ON FIRST-PLACED BEAUMONT UNITING A
With a 3-11 record and a forfeit the previous week, the last-placed Thunder were given little hope against the ladder-leading Beaumont Uniting A but they ran Beaumont off their feet with a 31-11 second half and from that point on, went on a five game winning streak to win the title.
5. THE MAN, THE MOMENT, THE BLOCK
In 400+ games of SABASA basketball, we doubt Bradley Smith has come up with a bigger play. Forever to be known as "the block", he made an amazing game-saving play in the dying seconds of the 2009a SABASA semi-final. With the clock set for 3 minutes OT (compared to the usual 5) after a 29-all final score, the game heats up. Neither team scores until the final minute when Smith drives to the basket, is fouled, and hits both free throws for a 31-29 lead. With less than 15 seconds left, Arndale stud Craig Merrett drives and gets within feet of the basket. Smith stands between him and double-OT and jumps, praying to reach the ball. Ball leaves Merrett's hands, Smith stretches and wham bam, thank you ma'am. The man, the moment, the block. Smith swats the ball away, the Thunder guards pick up the crumbs, game over.
4. BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES AND MILESTONES
Just the one birth, with Baden Jack Todd born to ex-Thunder guard Ben Todd and wife Meagan in July. It was a tragic year for deaths, with the sudden and unexpected passing of Christine Bradley in June, and Somerton's Paul Brindley in August. Other reported deaths included Chuck Daly and Wayman Tisdale (May), Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson (June), Ricky Byrne and Jack Kay (November), and Dave Colbert (December). No news on the marriage front (until 2010 anyway) and finally, several Thunder players celebrated SABASA games milestones - Terry Sleep (150), ex-Thunder guard Andrew Brook and Michael Reu (200), Josh Gondolf and Nick Kyriazis (300 each) and James Smith (350).
3. JOSH GONDOLF HITS 12 TRIPLES IN A GAME
On a cold winter's night on 3 August, Josh Gondolf went crazy. Stone cold crazy. Lunatic crazy. Unconscious crazy. Stupid crazy. Kent "Toast" French crazy. Should've been drug tested crazy. With shooting the likes of which is rarely seen, he made 9 triples in the first half for a 49-29 lead over Arndale, followed by 3 in the second half for a career-high 38 points in a 92-67 win. Coma-unconscious, he barely missed and ended up 12-16 on the night. We remember where we were when man landed on the moon, when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV, and when Warren Tredrea kicked 8 goals against Carlton at Princes Park. Similarly, those present will always remember this night. Unblvbl.
2. THUNDER END MOVEMBER WITH A 95-84 EXHIBITION GAME WIN OVER THE PORT PIRIE PANTHERS
Looking to expand their horizons, the Thunder travelled to Port Pirie on the last Saturday in November to play the local Port Pirie Panthers representative team, following in the footsteps of the Central District Lions, Prince Alfred Old Collegians and several other teams. The Thunder made the 3-hour trip sporting some very dodgy moustaches and returning with some memories and stories that, as they say - what happens on the road, stays on the road. Looking resplendid in red state singlets due to Port Pirie's black and white colours, they jumped to an early lead and were never headed in what was a terrific contest and what is hoped to become an annual event. Somerton 95 d Port Pirie 84, the Thunder led by James Smith (22), Terry Sleep (18) and Tom Halman (16), with ex-Thunder forward Derek Poulton umpiring the contest.
1. THE STEAL, THE REBOUND, THE PASS AND TERRY SLEEP'S LAST-SECOND SHOT
South Australia began Jultopia Gosford with bulls-eyes firmly on them, courtesy of six straight titles. They struggled early due to twin towers Sleep and Smith spending May and June on the sidelines with injuries but as the week went on, found form despite thunderous dunks and defeats by NSW, and an early defeat by WA. Things were going SA's way early in the final against familiar foe WA but as time wound down, WA went on a run and took the lead with less than a minute remaining. Enter Tom Halman, who made a full-court sprint and game-saving steal on a WA fastbreak to keep SA in it. Then, with 14 seconds remaining, Cal McKinnon missed a foulshot that would've tied the game, only to see James Smith grab a game-saving rebound that was ultimately tied up for a jumpball. SA ball, and Josip Vucetic drives to the basket and passes to Terry Sleep, who calmly sinks a 15-foot jumpshot with 8 seconds remaining for a 53-52 lead and SA's 7th straight title - yet another amazing Jultopia victory. You had to be there but fortunately, if you weren't, you can relive the excitement via video on our Past Stories pages.
10. THUNDER FINISH YEAR WITH PREMIERSHIP AND BEST & FAIREST DOUBLE
The Thunder won title 25 in 2008b in a tight tussle with grand final debutant Marion Magnetics, tied 17-all at halftime before prevailing 48-29. Jultopia twin towers James Smith and Terry Sleep won the best & fairest and runner-up awards respectively, capping off a super year.
9. THUNDER DEFEAT ARNDALE TO RECEIVE TROPHY FROM SABASA LEGEND AND NEW 36ERS COACH SCOTT NINNIS
The Thunder won title 24 in 2008a, defeating Arndale Allstars 53-30 in the final after a strongly-contested season. New Adelaide 36ers coach Scott Ninnis handed out the trophies at the presentation night, including the best & fairest trophy for veteran centre James Smith.
8. OVERSEASON TOUR DIARIES CONTINUE
The OS Tour Diaries added two new trips, with "Nick's search for Sapphron" taking him to Thailand in October in search of Sapphron, the spider monkey from Guam, whilst Cal McKinnon packed his bags for Cal's Gaelic Tour of Ireland after the SABASA 2008b season was over.
7. SACBA SEASON SEES NEW FACES - AND AN OLD ONE - AND ULTIMATELY ANOTHER 4TH-PLACED FINISH
With returning veteran Steve Rudd and new recruits Michael Hill and Kerwin Penn signed - and a record 23-0 start in a game v St Peters - the SACBA season looked promising but the Thunder struggled to get into top gear, going 12-1-8 to finish 4th, losing the semi-final 60-52.
6. UNDER-14 HOOPS CLINIC BECOMES PERMANENT FIXTURE ON THE SABASA JUNIORS CALENDAR
The SABASA Under-14 Hoops Clinic was repeated twice in 2008, with the Thunder co-hosting the training sessions for the SABASA's Under-14 Juniors at the Dome with the Adelaide 36ers' Adam Ballinger and Brad Davidson (April) and David Cooper and Mark Tyndale (October).
5. HOPE'S FIRST YEAR, GOLD MEDAL AND POINTS - WHILST THE BROTHERS MAKE THEIR DEBUT
Prodigy Hope Smith played her first full year of basketball with the Marion Magnetics and finished the year with a big November, winning a 50m sprint gold medal and making the SABASA Juniors preliminary final. The Brothers Smith meanwhile - Daniel, Jonty & Joshua - also debuted for Ingle Farm on 17 November 2008 (mark that date in the calendar!) in a game that saw opponent and sister Hope score her first basket.
4. SA WIN 7TH A GRADE TITLE IN 8 YEARS, DEFEATING WA 58-36 IN RUNAWAY BAY, QLD - WHILST B'S FINISH A GAME SHORT
With veterans Smith x2, Sleep, Vucetic and McKinnon joined by tyros Hill and Penn, SA had a well-balanced team but after losing first up to a Sydney 3-point onslaught, and dropping two games Tuesday to fall to 4-3 at halfway, things didn't look good - but it was nothing a pep talk, day off and a Uno game or two couldn't fix, finishing top at 9-3. It was a similar story in the final - down 2-11 early to WA, up 23-21 at halftime, running away in the second half to win 58-36. Josip Vucetic had a week to remember, scoring several mementos - Top Scorer, Most Triples, B&F, grand final MVP, All-Australian, and half-a-dozen stitches across the eyebrow after a sickening collision early in the grand final.
For the first time in five years, SA also fielded a B Grade team, with veterans Anderson, Gondolf, Howie and Kyriazis joined by Torrens Valley comrade Galway and Captain Collo. After a nasty Collo finger-dislocation in the first game, they slowly found touch but finished the week one game short of the final, with a 6-6 record. Ben Galway - it's all about the Benjamins - took home an All-Australian gig in his first carnival.
3. THE POWER OF THE POLL - NEXT BABY AND WEDDINGS ANNOUNCED
First it was "who's having the next baby", with Paul Mitchell (50 votes) edging out Michael Reu (23). Then "who's getting married", with Brad Smith (507 votes) narrowly outpolling Josh Gondolf (449) and Terry Sleep (212). And lo and behold, the poll was right - again. In eerie circumstances that had Thunder fans wondering where the Delorian was parked, Paul Mitchell confirmed baby two arrives April 2009, whilst Brad Smith's wedding is set for late 2009/early 2010. Not to be outdone, Terry Sleep announced his wedding will follow shortly after in 2010.
2. BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES
In a year that saw too many people pass away, we farewelled Chris Wright (April), Cameron Wallace (May), David Morris (August) and Betty Pearce (October). Much loved and missed by all, we know we'll see them again, but it doesn't take away the pain we feel now. Of note, Clinton Grybas (January), Mark Priestley (August) and Allan Scott (October) also said goodbye. On a brighter note, ex-Thunder players Craig Turner and Simon Hallsworth kept the father-daughter selections coming, when Lacey Turner (May) and Amelia Hallsworth (August) were born.
1. MOVEMBER
In the penultimate month of 2008, six players - Josh Gondolf, Nick Kyriazis, Michael Reu, Terry Sleep, Bradley Smith and James Smith - put their follicles where their mouths were, raising money for prostate cancer research and Beyond the Blue. Following in the footsteps of ex-Thunder player and 2007 Movember pioneer Ben Kinnaird, the Mo Bros raised $1126.95 and look set for bigger and better in Movember 2009.
10. HOPE SMITH'S BASKETBALL CAREER BEGINS
8 October 2007. Whilst she's not technically a Thunder player, we're wondering if this will be a significant date in history. You see, if Hope Smith goes on to be a famous basketballer, we can say we saw her first game, playing for the Arndale Anklebiters v Ingle Farm Jammers.
9. OVERSEAS TOUR DIARIES LAUNCHED
Whilst the Thunder played all their games in Australia, their players toured the globe in 2007. From Josh Gondolf's US Tour to James Smith's South African Safari to Robbie Horskins' World Tour to Nick Kyriazis' Malaysian Odyssey, you can read all about it in the OS tour diaries.
8. THE FLURRY OF WEDDINGS AND FATHER-SON/DAUGHTER SELECTIONS CONTINUES
Nick and Rachel Kyriazis, and Mike and Libby Reu walked down the aisle in wedded bliss in the second half of the year, whilst Cameron James Hallsworth, Josiah Edward Mitchell, Joshua David Smith and Keira Rose Smith joined the growing list of father-son/daughter selections.
7. RECRUITING STAFF STRIKE GOLD WITH A BEVVY OF FIRST-RATE DRAFT PICKS - AND THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS
Ben Todd, Andrew Byford, Cal McKinnon, Scott Whitmore, Tom Halman and Theo Kyriazis would make a handy team and they all joined the ranks during a busy 2007 for recruiting staff, which was topped off by the return of prodigal son James Smith, who returned from Mt Gambier.
6. THUNDER RETURN TO SACBA, MAKE FINALS IN BIZARRE CIRCUMSTANCES AND ULTIMATELY FINISH 4TH
The return was scripted, the side unsettled, the results were disappointing, Ben Todd carried the team early on, Tom Halman's debut season was spectacular, they made the finals in bizarre circumstances with a host of "bonus" points, and finally finished 4th. What a year!
5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WIN 6TH NATIONAL TITLE IN 7 YEARS, DEFEATING WA 57-49 IN GAWLER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
July 2007. Despite a demanding schedule, a point guard and centre clearly restricted by injury, and a ravenous WA squad that defeated SA on Friday and was 10 points up in the grand final, SA managed to pull away for an unlikely victory and hold on to the Inglis Memorial Shield.
4. UNDER-14 HOOPS TRAINING CLINIC
29 October 2007. The Thunder, at the request of the SABASA, held a 1-hour training clinic for three Under-14 teams and a handful of father-son/daughter selections. 36ers centre David Cooper was also in attendance at what is expected to become an annual event.
3. THE YEAR OF THE INJURY CURSE
Paul Mitchell (achilles), James Smith (ankle), Scott Whitmore (ankle), Ben Todd (ankle) and Tom Halman (collarbone). The Thunder shattered all previous injury records with Paul lost for the year in February, James wrecking his ankle in March and needing a total reconstruction in October, Scott rolling an ankle that ruled him out of the carnival in July, Ben breaking an ankle at the end of the carnival grand final, and Tom fracturing a clavicle only weeks after the end of the SACBA season. Only Paul and James are still injured, but should recover by mid-2008.
2. TOO OLD, TOO SLOW, TOO GOOD - THUNDER WIN 23RD TITLE, DEFEATING HAPPY VALLEY 46-33 IN 2007B GRAND FINAL
In what was meant to be a coronation for Happy Valley, the Thunder gatecrashed the party to reclaim the crown in a game no-one gave them a chance of winning. Brad "the Box" Smith was back to his smothering best, whilst James Smith looked back to normal just weeks after ankle surgery. The win rates as one of the Thunder's best all-time victories but alas, there was one win in 2007 that was even better .....
1. "THE COMEBACK"
Last year's number one story was "The Shot" by Nathan Gillard. This year's is "The Comeback" by the Somerton Thunder. Trailing by 28 points with 9 minutes remaining in the 2007a SABASA preliminary final against the Tea Tree Gully Rookies, the Thunder pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the biggest comeback in club history. The first 31 minutes was a Josip Vucetic/Cal McKinnon-led shooting barrage but it was the Thunder who ultimately triumphed 76-73 in a game that rates amongst the top wins the club has ever had (but that's a debate for another time).
10. ADELAIDE 36ERS, ADELAIDE LIGHTNING AND DISTINCTIVE HOMES DOME SOLD
July 2006. We knew the day would eventually come, but it shocked everyone to hear they'd been bought by three separate buyers. Expect the Eddy Groves-Dome to be refurbished in 2007, with the 36ers to return to past glory with expected big-name recruits in 2007.
9. THUNDER DRAW TWO CONSECUTIVE GAMES - 40-ALL V WESTSIDE WARRIORS, AND 36-ALL V HAPPY VALLEY JETS
7-14 August 2006. Against Westside, the Thunder thought they led by 2 points and allowed a basket in the dying seconds, only to find that a scoring error meant the game was drawn. The following week, Bradley Smith hit 1/2 foul shots after the siren to draw the game with the Jets.
8. BRADLEY SMITH PLAYS HIS 300TH GAME, GOES ON TO CLAIM ALL-TIME GAMES RECORD FROM BROTHER JAMES SMITH
20 March and 8 May 2006. Bradley played his 300th A Grade game, with the Thunder defeating the Happy Valley Bombers 37-35. Bradley then claimed the all-time record with a 40-34 win over the Arndale All-Stars in his 304th game, with brother James stranded on 303 games.
7. NICK KYRIAZIS GETS ENGAGED AMIDST A FLURRY OF WEDDINGS FOR EX-THUNDER PLAYERS
Simon Hallsworth & Catherine Langman 5 March. Matthew Inglis & Amanda Marrone 9 September. Ben Todd & Meagan Richardson 14 October. Theodore Kyriazis & Karina 12 November. Meanwhile, Nick Kyriazis proposed to Rachel Owen 10 June, the wedding set for 2007.
6. THUNDER CLAIM THEIR 22ND PREMIERSHIP 38-35 OVER THE HAPPY VALLEY JETS IN 2006A GRAND FINAL
26 June 2006. With Paul Mitchell and James Smith leading the way, the Thunder won narrowly despite trailing by 1 point with 40 seconds to go. 5/6 Thunder foul shots (by James & Bradley Smith and Josh Gondolf) followed by 1/2 Jet foul shots gave the Thunder a 3-point win.
5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA WIN 5TH NATIONAL TITLE IN 6 YEARS, DEFEATING WA 67-59 IN OVERTIME IN LOGAN, QUEENSLAND
8 July 2006. In a thrilling finish to the FSABA carnival, SA's A Grade Men defeated a gallant WA outfit in overtime. The win was SA's 4th straight and 5th in 6 years, with Nick Kyriazis, Terry Sleep and James Smith having played in all 5 title wins. Up next is Gawler in July 2007.
4. GREG SMITH RETIRES AFTER 2006B SEASON, BEN KINNAIRD WALKS AWAY, AND BANDO GOES MISSING
After an A Grade career spanning 17 years, 300+ games and 19 premierships, all-time legend Greg Smith pulled the pin after the 2006b season. Ben Kinnaird announced he'd return to B Grade in 2007, whilst Bando's disappearance still has club officials scratching their heads.
3. THUNDER START SERIOUS INVESTMENT IN FATHER-SON/DAUGHTER SELECTIONS
2007 was a baby-fest for the Thunder and the start of something special as they look to reinvigorate their playing list in future seasons. Cameron Mae Zajer was born 27 February to Andrew Zajer. Erin Lee Katherine Horskins was born 22 August to Trevor Horskins. Kurt John Whitmore was born 9 October to FSABA player Scott Whitmore. And to top it off, Simon Hallsworth announced he'll be a father in 2007, Paul Mitchell won an online poll to be officially approved as the next father-to-be, and in late breaking news, at least one Thunder player (current or past) has privately emailed us to announce they'll be adding to the father-son/daughter pool in 2007 (stay tuned for the official announcement).
2. THUNDER SHOCK HAPPY VALLEY JETS 38-37 TO WIN THE 2006A SEMI-FINAL
With just five players on deck (Josh Gondolf, Nick Kyriazis, Michael Reu, Bradley Smith and Greg Smith) and having lost the previous few contests to the Happy Valley Jets by big margins, the Thunder were expected to be soundly beaten in the semi-final. However, despite the absence of FSABA carnival big men Paul Mitchell, Terry Sleep and James Smith, the Thunder held firm, with Michael Reu leading all scorers with 20 points. The win was rated by Coach Josh Gondolf as one of the finest he's played in, and we rate it as one of the All-Time Top Five wins (alongside the 19-point comeback with 6½ minutes remaining to defeat Portside in the 1998a grand final, the 1993a triple-overtime semi-final win over Portside that ended with just Robert Horskins and the three Smith brothers on court for the ACH Domination, the 1993a double-overtime grand final win over Kilkenny that featured two James Smith triples to keep the game alive, and the inaugural premiership in 1992a).
1. "THE SHOT" BY NATHAN GILLARD
8 July 2006. In life, you're sometimes privileged enough to be present when history is made. We were there when Nathan Gillard hit "the shot" to send the Under-17 FSABA carnival grand final into overtime against Melbourne Central in Logan, Queensland. SA went on to win comfortably and Nathan's place in basketball history is assured forever, having been voted as the all-time greatest buzzer beater in history in September's online poll. For those that were asleep or have been living on another planet and missed the shot, here it is again (click here).
