Michigan Thunder Sports >> Program News & Updates
News & Updates
Tuesday April 21, 2015
Message From Thunder Adminsitration
Thanks to all that endured the long hours in the gym this weekend. I wanted to send a note out to everyone regarding upcoming program events, and share some feedback that I received from the tournament director, some good and bad.
Moving forward, I really need help from a parent or two from each team, to help keep the tournament schedule organized. Many tournaments are attempting to run web-pages that update on the hour with scores, gym locations, and any changes that may occur. This weekend we ran into a situation where one of our teams had players report to wrong locations, and in one case a parent stepped in to coach because we had the wrong information as coaches. As a program, I work really hard to make sure that information is getting to everyone, but at this point I need another set of eyes on these weekends so that these mistakes do not happen again. I felt horrible when I learned of this mistake, and reassure you that we will do our best for this not to happen again.
With that said, our next event will be a one day tournament at Morey Courts in Mt. Pleasant. The beauty of this for me, is that all Thunder teams will be under one roof, and I will get to see everyone play at some point. The schedule for this should be out by mid-week. This will be just three games, then we will be done. I expect this tournament to be moderately competitive, and I really like our chances.
Team Updates
7th/8th Grade Team
Congrats to the 7th/8th Grade team for their second straight final four appearance in a major tournament. Our guys played really well all weekend. I was slightly concerned about the chemistry of this team, especially because we added a few new players to an established team. I was very proud of the way that our guys came together as one, celebrating each others success. The two games we lost were by a combined 7 points, so the expectation level is very high for these guys. For the new guys, kudos to you for stepping in and making big plays.
15/16u Team
This team had a rough weekend but played hard according to Coach Mohr. I received a call on Friday Night about 20 minutes before tip-off indicating that we lost three players on this team due to financial, or family situations which left this group of guys in a tough position. I immediately started working the phones, and found three seasoned players that will help in the tournaments moving forward. I am planning on them joining us this week at practice.
17u Team
Congrats to the 17u Thunder team for making it to the final four in the bronze division. These guys played their butts off, and really looked very good together considering that they have never really played together other than at practice. Pool play was a little rough, but the guys really turned the corner in bracket play and came very close to making it to the top.
I received a call from the coaching staff from Northwood University in Midland, and they have interest in six of our players on this team, where they told me they have 4 full ride scholarship opportunities for the class of 2016. The scholarships are worth 25k, renewable for four years. Moral of the story...you never know who's watching. Do the right things !!
Other News....
I received several compliments on the Camo Thunder look. While it is not my first choice, the kids seem to like it. I am always amazed by how much stock our kids put into the uniform. Because of that outfit, I received 9 new player inquiries about Thunder Basketball. Kinda weird.
The website is up and running, and we are adding content as we speak. Please visit Michigan Thunder Basketball| Grand Rapids, Michigan
We are working towards having all upcoming events, practice and game schedules posted as well. There is a sweet promo video on there check it out. If any parents took pics or video of the 15/16u team please let me know so that we can add that content.
Good News.....
I was approached by several program directors, coaches, and ref's complimenting how well our guys behave on and off the court. While we all love basketball, what's more important to me is that we have good people on our teams, with strong family support backing them. Our guys supported each other and really looked like a "team."
Bad News...
I received a call from the tournament director who mentioned that one of our parents was a little out of control. While I understand as a parent, we tend to get excited about our teams and our kids, but I can't have parents berating ref's, yelling out of control, or hurting our image. While I didn't witness any of this, I heard from a few people that this is going on. Michigan Thunder Sports prides itself in offering a family like culture, and we teach our boys to handle adversity in a proper manner, this goes for the parents as well. If you feel like we are being treated unfairly, please let me know and I will handle any issues that our boys are facing. But Parents, please set an example for our boys in Camo Blue. Those uniforms stand out enough I would rather be recognized for that or the way we play, and not known for being the team with parent issues. If anyone has an issue with this please let me know.
From what I am told we will have an updated Facebook, twitter, and instagram account. I am not personally into all of those social medias, but will try to stay current with all those social outlets. So if you have any good content that promotes our boys in a "positive way" please let me know.
Upcoming Events....
Thunder Basketball will be holding a few summer basketball camps for boys and girls grades 1 thru 4 starting in June. For any current Thunder High School player or Freshmen to be who needs community service hours, we are offering an opportunity for our players to work with little kids and help them learn the game. What we are hoping to accomplish is, some of our current guys may consider coaching or teaching as a profession and what better way then to help others.
one more thing.... Thanks to Chris Sommerdyke for running the uniforms over to Coach Mohr on Friday (you really helped reduce my stress level lol) and to all that worked the clock, coached or pitched in. Thunder Basketball is truly about community and it feels good to know that we have people willing to help make this thing be successful.
I won't be at practice on Tuesday, but will see everyone Thursday.
Go Thunder !!!
Jeff Spates
Program Director
Michigan Thunder Sports
(616) 915-0713
PS, there still are a few payments that haven't been made. Please get with me by Thursday to settle this or make arrangements.
Thanks again for a great weekend....I am excited to see how well we do moving forward.