Temiskaming Thunder Team Behind the Team

Introducing Morgan born and raised in Englehart, she developed a passion for sports early on, competing in OFSAA for Basketball, Volleyball, and Track and Field during her time at Englehart High School. Eager to pursue her academic interests, Morgan moved to London, Ontario, to complete an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Digital Marketing. During her time in London, Morgan worked with the Fanshawe Men's Basketball program for four years. This experience allowed her to develop invaluable skills in coaching and team management. Morgan's ambition led her to explore new opportunities in the realm of high-performance sports. She joined the Canadian Olympic Committee athlete wellness Program Game Plan, where she for two years gaining valuable experience working with non-profits, National and Provincial sport organizations, and understanding the intricacies of the sports world at the highest level. Fuelled by her passion for technology, Morgan eventually transitioned to a role in the tech industry. This allowed her to return to her roots in Temiskaming Shores, where she could continue coaching and volunteering in her community. For the past five years, Morgan has been coaching Junior Girls basketball and Senior Boys basketball at former rival school TDSS (Timiskaming District Secondary School). Her dedication to the young athletes extends beyond the school environment, as she volunteers with youth league basketball and actively supports various local recreational activities. In 2023, Morgan became the President and Co-Founder of the Temiskaming Thunder Basketball Club alongside co-founders Jon Maga and Lorna Desmarais. Working with a deeply committed volunteer Board of Directors made up of high school coaches, former varsity athletes, and community volunteers, Morgan helped build a sustainable and competitive basketball program serving youth across the Temiskaming region. Over the past three seasons, Morgan has served as Head Coach for three Thunder rep teams, including the U16 Temiskaming Thunder (2023–2024), who earned a Silver Medal at the OBA Cup, and the U19 Thunder Girls (2024–2025). She is currently coaching the U16 Girls team (2025–2026). Through the Thunder, Morgan remains focused on long-term athlete development, accessibility, and creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes to compete and grow at the next level. Beyond team coaching, she also works individually with athletes to support skill development, recruitment, and exposure for players in Northern Ontario.

Meet Lorna, a true New Liskeard local. From a young age, Lorna's heart was set on sports, excelling in basketball and volleyball during her unforgettable five years at TDSS. After graduation, she ventured to Guelph University, where she played varsity volleyball for two years, but her love for basketball remained unmatched. Graduating with an Honors Degree in Human Kinetics in 2000 she moved back home where she has been making a difference in our Northern Ontario comunities working as a Public Health Promoter at the Timiskaming Health Unit for over two decades. When it comes to basketball, Lorna is a true competitor. For more than 20 seasons, she's been a key member of the Active One Source for Sports Ladies Basketball League, taking on the role of President for the past 11 years. And let's not forget, she's still lacing up her sneakers and hitting the court each week, proving that her passion for the game is stronger than ever. But Lorna's dedication doesn't stop there. She's thrilled to be back at TDSS, giving back to the community by coaching both the senior girls and junior boys basketball teams. Her support for the TDSS Youth League basketball program is constant as well as truly making an impact on the students who have had the opporunity to be coached by her. Beyond the basketball court, Lorna is the Vice President of the Tri Town Ski and Snowboard Village. When winter comes, you'll find her on the slopes, sharing her expertise and joy for skiing with children of all ages. Her love for the game of basketball spreads to her own family, as her two teenage daughters share her passion for the sport. They're both eager to be part of the first-ever Temiskaming Thunder teams. Not to mention their at home basketball court makes for some competitive family game nights. Lorna is the Vice-President and Co-Founder of the Temiskaming Thunder Basketball Club and plays a central role in keeping the organization organized, aligned, and moving forward. A steady leader within the program, she has been deeply involved in both the operational and on-court success of the Thunder since its inception. Lorna coached the U19 Girls team (2023–2024), the U16 Girls (2024–2025), and currently leads the U19 Girls team (2025–2026). Her commitment to athlete development, attention to detail, and ability to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes make her an essential part of the Thunder’s continued growth and success. Lorna's commitment to sports, her community, and the next generation of athletes is inspirational. New Liskeard is lucky to have such a dedicated and spirited individual leading the way!

Introducing Coach Lex, a dedicated basketball enthusiast with an impressive journey from Woodstock, Ontario, to Northern Ontario. Lex played OBA rep basketball with the Oxford Attack and Woodstock Chill for 4 years from grades 9-12 earning multiple Gold, Silver and bronze medals. During his grade 13 year, Lex moved to Englehart with his family to a dairy and cash crop farm where he made his mark in high school sports, attending OFSAA with his team. Standing tall at 6'7", Lex was a commanding presence on the basketball court, catching the attention of all who watched him play. A true competitor and a dominant force in the post, he consistently earned MVP titles at various tournaments he participated in. Heavily recruited by the Laurentian Men's Basketball program, Lex played two successful years as a center while pursuing a degree in Economics. Continuing his basketball career, Lex transitioned to Fanshawe College, becoming a key player and starter for the Falcon's Men's Basketball team for two years. His passion for the game was evident in the countless hours he devoted to early-morning training sessions and late-night practices. Lex's relentless work ethic and commitment to honing his skills paved the way for his success as a player and eventually as a dedicated coach. With extensive experience in both the OUA and OCAA leagues, Lex's competitive spirit and talent made him a formidable force on the court. After graduating with a Diploma in Business, Coach Lex returned to Northern Ontario, where he found his true calling in coaching. He generously dedicated his time to mentor and train aspiring post-secondary basketball players from the region, nurturing their skills and potential. In addition to coaching at EHS and TDSS high school basketball teams, Lex's passion for developing talent shines through as he commits countless hours to training Northern Ontario students in pursuit of their dreams. Lex is a Board Member of the Temiskaming Thunder Basketball Club and brings extensive experience as a former OUA and OCAA athlete, having competed at Fanshawe College and Laurentian University. He has been a key contributor to the Thunder’s competitive rep program, coaching the U19 Men’s team (2023–2024), U19 Men’s team (2024–2025) OBA Bronze Medalist, and currently serving as Head Coach of the U17 Boys team (2025–2026). A defining strength of Lex’s impact is the connection between Thunder programming and high school basketball EHS. In addition to his rep coaching roles, he has been instrumental in developing athletes at the high school level, supporting programs that have earned multiple OFSAA appearances. This alignment between rep and school basketball helps Thunder athletes continue their development year-round and better prepares them for post-secondary opportunities. With a wealth of experience and a genuine love for the sport, Coach Lex brings a unique perspective and a commitment to excellence in helping athletes reach their full potential on and off the court. The Temiskaming Thunder is proud to have Coach Lex as a driving force behind our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of basketball stars.

For over three decades, Susi Johanson has been an integral part of the local basketball scene, leaving a lasting impact as both a devoted coach and educator. Born and raised in New Liskeard, Susi Johanson moved back North after completing her bachelor of History from Western University and Teachers College from McGill in Montreal. Throughout her teaching career, she passionately coached both girls and boys basketball teams, channeling her dedication to nurturing young talents. As one of the founding members of the youth league basketball in Englehart, Susi played a vital role in providing countless youngsters with their first taste of the sport, creating opportunities for them to embrace basketball at an early age. Her teams consistently excelled in league and tournament play, often achieving remarkable success against larger schools. Even as she assumed leadership roles as a vice-principal and later as a principal at TDSS and EHS, Susi's passion for coaching remained unwavering. Guiding her teams to OFSAA qualifications and assisting players in advancing to varsity-level basketball, she became a beacon of support and mentorship. Susi was also the recipient of the OFSSA Leadership award for her dedication and commitment as a basketball coach. Beyond wins and losses, Susi's genuine concern for her athletes' overall development shone through, fostering their growth both on and off the court. Dreaming of establishing a rep team in the area, she envisions providing opportunities for athletes to continue honing their skills during the off-season. With boundless enthusiasm, Susi is a valued member of the Temiskaming Thunder Board of Directors and a key contributor to the success of the club’s growing rep program. A dedicated and respected coach, she has played an instrumental role in building competitive and development-focused teams across multiple age groups. Susi coached the U19 Men’s team (2023–2024), the U16 Boys (2024–2025), and currently leads the U15 Boys team (2025–2026). Her commitment to athlete development, team culture, and community involvement has been foundational in establishing strong standards for the Thunder’s rep program and setting athletes up for long-term success! Susi eagerly looks forward to sharing her love for the sport and inspiring the youth in the local community.

Anita's journey began in Sudbury, where she attended Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and actively participated as a core member of the volleyball, basketball, and track & field teams. After graduating, her talent was recognized, and she was recruited to join Laurentian University's women's basketball program, where she spent a year as part of the Lady Vees. Later, Anita made a pivotal change and became a part of the McMaster University women's volleyball team. She spent three impactful years there and excelled, earning the title of team MVP in her final year. Graduating with honors, she achieved a Bachelor of Physical Education. Her passion for teaching led her to complete a Bachelor of Education at the University of Western Ontario, and soon after, she embarked on her teaching career in Moosonee, marking the beginning of her impressive 30-year coaching journey. After two years in Moosonee, she transitioned to Englehart High School, where she not only excelled as an educator but also took on several significant roles, including being the head of the Physical Education department and serving as the OFSAA representative and Secretary for the North Eastern Ontario Athletic Association for many years. Throughout her career, Anita's true passion has always been coaching. With over 30 years of coaching experience, she has led numerous teams and individuals to provincial championships in basketball, volleyball, and track & field. Her mentorship has been instrumental in helping countless athletes achieve their goals in sports at the post-secondary level. Anita is a member of the Temiskaming Thunder Board of Directors and brings extensive experience as both a former high-performance athlete and coach. A former OUA athlete in volleyball and basketball, she has a strong understanding of athlete development and the pathway to post-secondary sport. Anita has coached the U19 Girl’s team (2023–2024), U16 Boys (2024–2025), and currently coaches the U15 Boys team (2025–2026) alongside the Thunder program. In addition to her rep coaching roles, Anita has been actively involved in developing athletes within the high school sport system and brings valuable perspective as a parent of an athlete who has progressed to OCAA basketball. Her experience, leadership, and commitment to athlete growth continue to be an important asset to the Thunder community. Beyond her dedication to her school and coaching, Anita is committed to serving her community. She has generously volunteered her time to organize youth league programs and has actively supported Minor Hockey initiatives, making a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Meet Jon Maga, a dedicated teacher and passionate basketball coach currently serving at Timiskaming District Secondary School. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Jon's love for basketball began early, as he actively participated in rep basketball for the Blessed Sacrament Basketball Club, achieving a remarkable victory in the U18 Provincial Championship. During his high school years at Cathedral High School, Jon's skills and determination earned him a prestigious silver medal at the AAA OFSAA Basketball Championship. With an impressive background in basketball, Jon has amassed over 20 years of experience working with youth basketball camps and coaching aspiring players. Jon takes on the responsibility of running the Youth League basketball program. With his extensive experience in coaching and organizing basketball events, Jon brings a wealth of expertise to this role. The Youth League program at TDSS serves as a crucial platform for aspiring young athletes to hone their skills, develop a passion for the game, and foster a sense of teamwork and healthy competition. Jon's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship in Northern Ontario ensures that each participant receives valuable guidance and support throughout their journey in the program. Through his leadership, the Youth League program at TDSS continues to flourish, inspiring a new generation of basketball enthusiasts Beyond his professional endeavors, Jon takes great pride in being a devoted husband and a loving father to four children. Jon's family is truly a basketball-loving clan, where the passion for the sport runs deep. Besides being a dedicated teacher and coach himself, Jon is excited to share the court with his talented family members. Their four children have clearly inherited a love for sports between hockey, basketball, gymnastics and skiing which keeps their family busy during every season. Even at a young age each of them has shown exceptional promise and talent in sport. Whether they're engaging in friendly driveway competitions or supporting each other at school games sports plays a big role in the Maga family. Jon is a Co-Founder and Board Member of the Temiskaming Thunder Basketball Club and serves as the club’s Youth & Development Lead. He is the foundation of the Thunder’s programming, playing a key role in designing and delivering development pathways that help build confident, skilled athletes across the Temiskaming region. Jon’s work ensures that athletes are introduced to the game the right way—focusing on fundamentals, long-term development, and a love for basketball. His leadership and commitment to grassroots programming have been instrumental in creating a strong pipeline from youth basketball into the Thunder’s competitive rep teams. His commitment to both education and the sport has left a lasting impact on the lives of those he teaches and coaches, fostering growth, skill development, and a love for the game.

Mark is proudly rooted in Northern Ontario, having grown up in Temiskaming Shores where basketball wasn’t just a pastime — it was part of his landscape. His first hoop was fastened to a Red Pine tree in his gravel driveway, and when his father realized the dedication Mark had, he built him a half-court gym in the woods — complete with a poured pad and a proper rim. That backwoods court became the foundation for Mark’s lifelong connection to the game. Mark attended TDSS, where he played shooting guard for the Saints over five seasons. Outside of official practice, he spent nearly every spare minute in the gym — honing his game and competing with friends. After graduation, he went on to study Environmental Resource Management at Sir Sandford Fleming College, drawn to systems, sustainability, and a deeper understanding of how things work. While at school, he briefly played at the college level before returning home to help grow the family business. Today, Mark is an Operations VP at Three H, a local manufacturing company, where he leads teams, scales operations, and builds a strong culture of accountability and collaboration. He stayed close to basketball — playing 15 seasons in the local men’s rec league and sponsoring the team each year to stay connected and support the local sports community. Outside of work, Mark’s passion for the outdoors runs deep. He serves on the board of the Tri Town Ski Village, is a certified ski patroller, and currently acts as patrol leader. He recently completed his second half marathon in spring 2025, and actively balances work, family, and personal development. He thrives on meaningful social connection while carving out space to recharge — usually outside and often on the move. Mark is a husband and father of two teenagers, including a daughter currently in her third season with the Thunder program. He’s excited to bring energy, structure, and a genuine love for the game — helping young athletes grow in confidence, character, and commitment. He’s proud to be part of the program and looks forward to building a season full of growth, grit, and great moments.

James Paterson has deep roots in the Temiskaming community, where he and his wife, Jess, raised their two daughters in New Liskeard. Both girls attended TDSS before moving on to university — with Lauren proudly representing Temiskaming Thunder as an alumna, and Vanessa competing with another OBA rep program before becoming a varsity golfer at Laurentian University. As a proud parent of two accomplished athletes, James has long been dedicated to advancing opportunities for young women in sport. His passion lies in helping female athletes grow into confident leaders, both on and off the court, while creating an environment that challenges, supports, and inspires them to reach their full potential. Bringing a wealth of experience in coaching, mentorship, and athlete development, James joins the Thunder coaching staff with an impressive background in competitive sports. A proven leader, he has earned Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Gold Medals as both a head coach and assistant coach. His coaching philosophy centers around developing skilled, accountable players and fostering a strong, positive team culture built on respect, effort, and teamwork. James is excited to contribute to the continued growth of Temiskaming Thunder, sharing his experience, energy, and belief in the power of sport to build confidence, character, and community among young athletes.

Hannah, an alumna of Englehart High School, has been passionate about sports since childhood. She excelled in athletics, competing at the OFSAA Single 'A' level in volleyball and making two appearances in OFSAA basketball. In her final year of high school, she played for an OBA club team. During her time at Queen's University, Hannah was a dedicated member of the varsity equestrian team for four years while earning her degree in Biological Science. After graduating, Hannah returned to Northern Ontario, where she worked as a Mental Health Counsellor for the CMHA. She has since transitioned into a new career path, pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. Residing in New Liskeard, she now works at District School Board North East (DSBONE), where she channels her passion for athletics and education into her role. Basketball remains one of Hannah's favorite sports, and she is committed to helping young athletes develop their skills and love for the game. Outside of sports, Hannah enjoys spending time with animals, traveling, and cooking.

Logan Parker is an Englehart resident and an alumni of Englehart High School. He began his basketball experience at a young age travelling to Sudbury and North Bay to participate in Ontario Basketball’s Summer Development programs and the Centre for Performance training. He played a season of rep basketball for the U19 North Bay Spartans where he and his team won a gold medal at the OBA cup. Logan contributes his worth ethic on a off the court to his dedication to being a multi-sport athlete throughout his high school career. He has been and continues to be an active member in his community by volunteering with a variety of sports including youth baseball, youth volleyball and youth basketball clinics. This spring Logan will be completing a two-year diploma program in Recreation and Leisure Services from Canadore College. His hopes are to return to Canadore to complete a fast-track program in Strength and Sport Conditioning in the fall of 2024. While attending Canadore Logan has continued to follow his passion for basketball by playing two years of varsity basketball for the Canadore Panthers. Logan is looking forward to the opportunity to share his knowledge and experiences as an athlete with the Temiskaming Thunder program.

Born and raised in New Liskeard, Dusty Phippen has always had a deep-rooted passion for sports and storytelling. A proud TDSS alumnus and multi-sport athlete, Dusty played everything from soccer and volleyball to basketball—experiences that continue to shape his creative perspective. After completing Media Foundations at Humber College and studying Broadcasting and Independent Production at Conestoga College, Dusty gained hands-on experience as a Camera Operator with Rogers TV. There, he worked on OHL hockey broadcasts, studio shoots, and live event coverage, refining his skills behind the lens and in fast-paced production environments. Recently returning to the New Liskeard area, Dusty is eager to stay connected to the local sports scene. We’re thrilled to have him on board as part of the Temiskaming Thunder team, where he’ll be helping to capture and showcase youth sport across Temiskaming Shores and the surrounding region. His energy, creativity, and love for the game make him a valuable addition to our program.