Red Rose Thunder Plans Kids' Basketball Camp
In January 2020, then-15-year-old Lucas Morrison of Manheim was the stat guy for the Ephrata Thunder, a semipro men's basketball team playing in the American Basketball Association. A lot has changed in two years. The team is now called the Red Rose Thunder, and it now plays in the Mid-Atlantic division of the East Coast Basketball League. Lucas, now 18, is an official team owner - the youngest owner of a professional basketball team in the country.
As the stat guy, Lucas handled promotions, announced games, and helped out at practice. As an owner, his duties have changed. "I have different levels of responsibilities," he said. "I like to look at improving every year," added Lucas, noting that improvement applies to graphic design and the team's website, along with team performance.
Lucas noted that switching leagues has also meant changes. "There are just over 30 teams and a lot more regulations," he said, noting that each team has its own website with stats, a roster, and a schedule. "You have to upload stats and video within 48 hours after a game," said Lucas, who noted that he likes how that allows the team to strategize. "You can see that (a certain) team has three players scoring 20-plus, but this guy is only shooting 40% from the free throw line, so you want to force him to do this," said Lucas.
Lucas was born into his association with professional basketball. His mother, Malin, who is co-owner, has coached basketball for more than a decade, and she has played the game nearly her whole life. She was chosen as one of eight young women from Sweden to attend basketball high school, and she was selected to be a member of the team that represented Sweden in the world championships. She eventually came to the U.S. to play basketball for colleges in Delaware, where she earned her degree. She also got married and moved to Lancaster County, where Lucas was born.
The Mid-Atlantic division stretches from Massachusetts to Virginia. The Thunder finished this season 6-6 and went into playoffs in fifth place. "We were invited to participate in the Brotherly Love Pro Am in Philadelphia," said Malin. Lucas added that 15 current or former NBA players will take part in the Pro Am, and he was excited to see how the Thunder players would do.
At the Thunder's last regular-season home game, Lucas was presented as a team owner. "The players gathered around me, and I could see they were happy for me," he said. "That meant a lot." Lucas added that the organization is more than a business venture for him and his mom. "It is special to see we are making an impact on players' lives on and off the court," he said. "This team is family and whether we win a championship or not, we will still be family."
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