Exciting times as the new 10-man Thunder team face off against the Futures Pioneers this week, a game in which we have no idea how it will go on both sides.  Will the Thunder reduce to less than 10 players - maybe 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 - and who are the Pioneers?  The good guys haven't played them since mid-February and the Pioneers have climbed in recent weeks to an equal share of second place, are deep and a legitimate premiership contender.  Two teams enter, one team leave.  With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v Futures Pioneers.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
16/2/2026: Gateway 51 (Brook 10, Penn 10, Vucetic 9) d Futures Pioneers 37
24/11/2025: Gateway 20 d Futures Pioneers 0
15/9/2025: Gateway 20 d Futures Pioneers 0
4/8/2025: Gateway 114 (Jon.Smith 40, Penn 22, Brook 17) d Futures Pioneers 77
12/5/2025: Gateway 78 (Jon.Smith 33, D.Smith 15, Sleep 10) d Futures Pioneers 59

LADDER
1. Gateway Thunder 9-2, 29pts, +130
4. Futures Pioneers 7-6, 27pts, +47

OUR PREDICTION
We liked the 10-man lineup last week but it presents its own difficulties, player rotations being nigh on impossible and with NBL1 seasons and Jultopia carnivals to prepare for, it's anyone's guess as to how that will play out.  Futures meanwhile have their own revolving door of players and at full strength, are a serious contender for the crown.  And that's where we're at - who's playing for each team and who isn't.  Who's still in Wyoming, who's in Cameron, who is Cameron, did Cameron really run the miles backwards on his Dad's Ferrari 250 GT California?  Get there early folks because this game will undoubtedly be worth the price of free admission.  Our tip?  Thunder by 6 points as they build towards the finals.  Exciting times, exciting times.

With Jultopia teammate Jordan Peel committing to Cameron College, we are all keenly awaiting news of what Thunder forward Daniel Smith is up to for the 2026-27 season.  Our bothan spies tell us the interviews have been had and there have been many meetings - heavy meetings - with an announcement imminent.  We don't know what the outcome will be - he could return to Central Wyoming, he could join Peel in Cameron or he could sign with our second favourite college team at North Carolina - but know we'll announce it here when we can.  From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, we wish Daniel all the best with his decision-making and may the Rustlers or Tar Heels win.  Exciting times, exciting times.

Exciting news out of the USA where two-time Jultopia championship guard Jordan Peel has signed with the Cameron Aggies.  Cameron play in the Lone Star Conference in NCAA Division 2 in Oklahoma and we for one, couldn't be more excited.  The former Tasmanian turned South Australian spent this past season alongside Thunder forward Daniel Smith and whilst they're likely to go their separate ways - to be confirmed with Daniel still a free agent - we loved watching them this past season and look forward to keeping up-to-date with the Aggies in 2026-27.  From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, congratulations Jordan on the move and we wish him and his team nothing but the best for the coming season and beyond.  Exciting times, exciting times.

Ready: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” – John 14:27

Set: As an athlete or coach, the demands of your sport can feel relentless and stressful. Life can be this way as well. Yet Jesus in John 14:27 promises to give His peace to His followers. How is this possible—especially during intense seasons? According to Galatians 5:22-23, as the Lord through His Spirit is growing us in spiritual maturity, we will be increasingly marked by certain qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just as Jesus promised, one of these qualities is peace. The meaning of “peace” is captured in the Hebrew word shalom. It goes beyond the absence of conflict or stress. Shalom carries the idea of experiencing well-being, flourishing, and harmony in all areas of our life. What is the path to shalom? Choosing to trust Jesus, who is called the “Prince of Peace (Shalom)” in Isaiah 9:6. Peace comes as we willingly surrender to Jesus’ reign as the sovereign King over every dimension of our life. Even when circumstances are stressful and the responsibilities of being an athlete or coach feel relentless, the Lord is in control. He is always working for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). We flourish as we recognize that life and wholeness are a gift from Christ (John 10:10). The fleeting experiences of the world, including things like sports success or comfortable circumstances, cannot give lasting peace. Only trusting Jesus can.

The Lord wants you to experience the peace of mind and heart He gives. The Spirit is doing this work in you as you respond by releasing control to Christ and trusting Him. May you compete and live with the shalom promised by Jesus.

Go: In what areas are you currently struggling with a lack of peace? As you trust Jesus and His Spirit’s work to give you peace, what difference would this make in how you approach your sport and other areas of your life?

Workout: Psalm 4; Philippians 4:6-7

Overtime: Lord Jesus, I praise You because You are the Prince of Peace. I trust You and Your reign over all. I look to You for the peace You promise through Your Spirit’s work in me. I know You bring true flourishing as I rest in You. Amen.”

Each round we'll bring you the Immer Kitchens or Rise Above Adversity NBL1 Player of the Round award as judged by our editors and anyone else we know who's attending the games or watching on replay from Alice Springs.  One player had his career high of 5 free throw attempts and we're all about career hights here at leaguelineup.com.  With no further adieu, we present the NBL1 Round 9 Player of the Round award to South Adelaide's Jonty Smith.  Congratulations and all the best for the season ahead.

Round 1 (L):  Jonty Smith 26:29min 12pts 5reb
Round 2 (L):  Jonty Smith 18:38min 5pts 2reb 1stl
Round 3 (W):  Jonty Smith 26:14min 11pts 5reb
Round 4 (W):  Jonty Smith 26:53min 9pts 4reb 1ast 1blk
Round 5 (W):  Jonty Smith 21:30min 0pts 5reb 2blk
Round 6 (W):  Jonty Smith 15:56min 1pt 2reb 3ast 1blk
Round 7 (W):  Jonty Smith 20:41min 4pts 1blk
Round 8 (W):  Jonty Smith 22:08min 4pts 6reb 1ast
Round 9 (W):  Jonty Smith 20:29min 5pts 3reb 1ast 1blk

With the WCB NBA Fantasy competition on hiatus and the Hoxley Tigers with another championship locked away, Wednesdays are WCB ladder time.  With the Thunder on top - albeit barely - we hope you enjoy the ladder.  Exciting times, exciting times.

A GRADE MEN
1. Gateway Thunder 9-2, 29pts, +130
2. North Western Mustangs 7-1-4, 26pts, -23
3. CFC Stars 7-5, 26pts, +14
4. Futures Pioneers 7-6, 27pts, +47
5. Air Journey 2-1-10, 18pts, -98

They weren't wrong.  With wings Daniel and Jonty Smith back on court, the Thunder suited ten players for the first time in a very long time if not ever and the result was good.  With Daniel Smith back from Central Wyoming and finding his sea legs just days out from returning to Australia, the Thunder looked straightened up and a completely different lineup as Terry Sleep found himself with some buddies in the paint.  Air Journey competed hard and remain a strong finals chance but this was Gateway's night.  Final score Gateway 73 (Jonty Smith 17, Brodie Sleep 13, Lucas Brook 9, Daniel Smith 8, Kerwin Penn 7, Josip Vucetic 6, Josh Smith 5, Cal McKinnon 4, Terry Sleep 4) d Air Journey 47.  Good times, good times.

Wait a minute.  A full house?  A full house?!  Our bothan spies tell us the Thunder have a full house tonight and with 11 players on the roster and only 10 allowed to suit up, we have no idea what this means but we're excited.  Who's back?  Who's not back?  Two teams enter, one team leave. With no further adieu, we present to you Gateway v Air Journey.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
30/3/2026:  Air Journey 67 d Gateway 52 (Lucas Brook 18, Josip Vucetic 12, Kerwin Penn 10)
2/3/2026:  Gateway 61 (Jonty Smith 34, Brodie Sleep 10, Josip Vucetic 10) d Air Journey 52
27/10/2025:  Air Journey 57 d Gateway 47 (Terry Sleep 16, Kerwin Penn 10, Josip Vucetic 9)
18/8/2025:  Gateway 87 (Jonty Smith 34, Kerwin Penn 15, Daniel Smith 15) d Air Journey 59
2/12/2024 (semi-final):  Gateway 64 d Air Journey 60

LADDER
1. Gateway Thunder 9-2, 29pts, +130
5. Air Journey 2-1-10, 18pts, -98

OUR PREDICTION
If it's a full house, that means at least two of the missing trio of Smiths are back and that makes for a significant change to big man Terry Sleep battling on the boards on his lonesome.  In the space of two weeks, things have changed and maybe just maybe the title defence is back on track.  Air Journey meanwhile remain something of a bogey team for the Thunder, having split their last five contests.  If we see-saw results, it's Gateway's turn and with a full house, we concur.  Our tip?  Thunder by 9 points.  Let's hope so.  Exciting times, exciting times.

South Adelaide came into last night's game knowing a win would not only consolidate 3rd place, but keep them within reach of the top 2.  Like so many games already played this season, it was the Jeremy Smith show early before the Lloyd McVeigh show began in the third term, the result a South Adelaide blowout that was all they hoped for and some.  Jeremy Smith finished with 29 points, Lloyd McVeigh 36 and Yevgen Sakhniuk just missed a triple double again and from where we sit, the season is slowly getting interesting, very interesting indeed and particularly with the return of ex-Central Wyoming Rustler Daniel Smith back in the fold, albeit on a minutes restriction last night.  Final score South Adelaide 108 d Eastern 89 as South Adelaide move to 7-2 on the season.

Exciting times as registration opens for the upcoming 2026 Survivor Jultopia Gold Coast Carnival.  Reach out to your state rep for details which are contained in private Bookface groups so we won't share them herer.  Can't wait to see you all there as South Australia strives for their third straight premiership.  Exciting times, exciting times.

Ready: “The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they didn’t listen. So he brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria. They captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. When he was in distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. He prayed to him, and the LORD was receptive to his prayer. He granted his request and brought him back to Jerusalem, to his kingdom. So Manasseh came to know that the LORD is God.” – 2 Chronicles 33:10-13

Set: Manasseh became a ruler in Jerusalem at 12 years old. His dad Hezekiah wasn’t perfect but he did have a relationship with God that influenced his decision making as king. Manasseh, on the other hand “caused Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to stray so that they did worse evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites,” (2 Chronicles 33:9). Manasseh had plenty of instruction to learn from his father’s ways, but when it came time for him to reign, he wanted to do things his own way. So, God put him on the bench. Manasseh had the opportunity to play in the game, but when he started doing more damage than good- it was time for him to sit. Granted, a dungeon versus a bench- clearly one is more severe. But Manasseh was sent to the dungeon to repent. He needed time to sit in his actions. And in that time of distress, he turned to the Lord and humbled himself. And what happened? God heard his prayer and granted his request. Humbling ourselves on the bench is the best use of our time; self-reflecting to see what’s working and what’s not working. For Manasseh, he didn’t blame anyone else for his actions that landed him in his time of distress. It’s not recorded that he cursed God or blamed God for being captured. It’s only recorded that he went to God for help. So many times when we get benched, we blame the coach, another player or even the game officials. Even Manasseh in his evilness knew that the person to blame for his actions was himself. And the person to go to for help was God. What might our bench moments look like if we had the humility of Manasseh to humble ourselves and have a conversation with the coach about our actions? The coach might just put us back in the game. The most inspiring part of Manasseh’s story is that although he did more evil than many of the kings combined, God still chose to offer mercy to him and when he repented, God restored the kingdom to him. And in response to that mercy, Manasseh went back and righted many of his wrongs.

Go: In what ways are you denying the wisdom and instruction of those before you in order to do things your own way? On your team, are you doing more damage than good? How might you need to humble yourself today in light of Manasseh’s story?

Workout:

Overtime:

Each round we'll bring you the Immer Kitchens or Rise Above Adversity NBL1 Player of the Round award as judged by our editors and anyone else we know who's attending the games or watching on replay from Alice Springs.  One player had his career high, equalled his career high of 6 rebounds and equalled his career high of 100% shooting on 2 point field goals and we're all about career highs here at leaguelineup.com.  With no further adieu, we present the NBL1 Round 8 Player of the Round award to South Adelaide's Jonty Smith.  Congratulations and all the best for the season ahead.

Round 1 (L):  Jonty Smith 26:29min 12pts 5reb
Round 2 (L):  Jonty Smith 18:38min 5pts 2reb 1stl
Round 3 (W):  Jonty Smith 26:14min 11pts 5reb
Round 4 (W):  Jonty Smith 26:53min 9pts 4reb 1ast 1blk
Round 5 (W):  Jonty Smith 21:30min 0pts 5reb 2blk
Round 6 (W):  Jonty Smith 15:56min 1pt 2reb 3ast 1blk
Round 7 (W):  Jonty Smith 20:41min 4pts 1blk
Round 8 (W):  Jonty Smith 22:08min 4pts 6reb 1ast

With the WCB NBA Fantasy competition on hiatus and the Hoxley Tigers with another championship locked away, Wednesdays are WCB ladder time.  With the Thunder on top - albeit barely - we hope you enjoy the ladder.  Exciting times, exciting times.

A GRADE MEN
1. Gateway Thunder 8-2, 26pts, +104
2. Futures Pioneers 7-5, 26pts, +58
3. North Western Mustangs 7-1-4, 26pts, -23
4. CFC Stars 6-5, 23pts, +3
5. Air Journey 2-1-9, 17pts, -72

With 6-9 centre Josh Smith returning for his first appearance this season, Gateway shot out of the blocks and were never really headed.  It was the Penn and Teller show early, only for teenagers Brook, B.Sleep and Josh Smith to take over late.  North Western fought hard but on a night when the league's tallest player made his return to the league, this was always gonna be a Gateway win.  Final score Gateway 77 (Kerwin Penn 23, Lucas Brook 16, Brodie Sleep 16, Josh Smith 10, Terry Sleep 8, Brad Smith 4) d North Western Mustangs 58 as life is breathed into the Thunder's season.  Exciting times, exciting times.