Last season ended early for Coach Malin Morrison and the Red Rose Thunder. Literally ended early…Meaning the game was called just minutes into the third quarter, where referee’s abruptly stopped the game, and declared the Hub City Hogs victorious. When asked about the incident, Coach Morrison says, “Everyone has their own perspective on what happened, and we have ours and are using it for motivation for this season.”
Coach Malin Morrison also serves as the team’s owner and has been running the Red Rose Thunder with her 6’7, 17-year-old son Lucas for 2 out of its 3 years of existence. Coach Morrison, who started out as a coach on the team, assumed ownership responsibilities during the team’s inaugural season, which was a long arduous process. A process that saw her team write letters to the league to advocate for her as the new owner. In addition to her family and community members from Pennsylvania to Sweden (where Coach Morrison is from), who pitched in to help with financial obligations to purchase the team. A true team effort, and one that has helped the Red Rose Thunder grow closer, says Coach Morrison.
Coach Morrison spent the majority of her youth traveling Europe, matching up against elite basketball talent. At the young age of 15, Morrison left home to join a traveling basketball club that graded her on basketball. This was the beginning of her love and passion for basketball, and one of the reasons why her son Lucas has an immense appreciation and knowledge of basketball. As early as he can remember a basketball was always in his hands, and as the Red Rose Thunder’s CEO and Mr. Everything (Lucas runs the website, all social accounts, team stats, and equipment managing) Lucas has big aspirations for this team. “I want to build a dynasty. I want to take these guys to tournaments around America, like Las Vegas, and overseas. I want to build a winning culture,” Lucas says. And Lucas’ winning attitude is one thing that’s infectious to this Red Rose Thunder team. Lucas, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, says even though he can no longer play the game at the level he would like, the business side of the game has intrigued him more and would one day like to take his talents to the NBA. But until that day, you can catch Lucas on the sideline with the rest of the Red Rose Thunder in a nice Red Rose-Red Suit. A suit that Lucas calls a good luck charm, because the team is undefeated when he wears it.
But WHO are the players you may be asking? Who are the guys that are dropping buckets every Saturday afternoon at Lititz Christian Academy or streaming live on the TCP Network? It’s a team of high-energy, high-IQ, and highly athletic players. Men from all different backgrounds, with one common thing connecting them all….College basketball!! From team captains Demitrius Davenport, and Mehki Clemons (RIP), to leading scorer George Williams, and defensive stopper Christo Majok, this Red Rose Thunder team is composed of collegiate basketball athletes from division one, two, and three colleges. Some of the Red Rose Thunder players had the opportunity to play overseas, and grow their games in other countries and leagues. “These guys are great leaders on and off the court,” says Coach Morrison with a smile. So can we call this season championship or bust? I don’t think just yet, especially with this being only year 3 for the Red Rose Thunder. However, this Red Rose Thunder team is locked and loaded and ready to go for another season, with some unfinished business! If you have some time on a Saturday around 5pm, I highly suggest you check out the Red Rose Thunder. You won’t be disappointed.
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