Gary Smith admits his Worthing Thunder side could be involved in a six-team race for the EBL title.

And none of those six can boast the services of one of the most destructive shooters he has ever seen.

Thunder survived an onslaught from Ware's Mike Williamson, who fired ten three-pointers in the first half, to close 2003 with a home win.

They resume today at Reading (6.30pm), one of their rivals for top spot.

Teesside lead the way but Plymouth, Manchester and London United are also involved.

The Thunder coach said: "Every team had lost at least one game by Christmas and that means it's wide open.

"This game at Reading is so important for us. Where we are now in the league is a decent spot but we need to keep the momentum going.

"Reading are very organised. They went to Plymouth and won by one and that is a hell of a feat.

"London United play hard. They are up and down but they always seem to bring in a player when one leaves.

"Manchester are very young and they don't seem to feel pressure.

"At our home court, when we didn't have Jamal Johnson, they proved that, if you sleep on them, they can embarrass you.

"They have also got Jeff Bevington who is 6ft 8ins and a hard-nosed player.

"He was a high percentage shooter in the lower divisions and he has come up and is doing the same.

"He stays close to the basket and finishes his plays. He has got good offensive skills and that's why he's shooting at about 60 per cent.

"Tony Holley did it that way and made it to the BBL."

Which leaves traditional high flyers Teesside and Plymouth.

Smith sees both clubs as major threats.

He said: "Teesside are getting it together. EJ Harrison has helped them a lot.

"Plymouth are a good team and their games in the BBL Trophy should help them."

Thunder will just be glad they have got one game out of the way against Williamson.

Smith suspects he might not be in the EBL much longer.

He said: "He's a pure shooter, an old school player like Steve Bontrager or Bubba Jennings.

"He had ten threes against Daniel Hildreth, who's a tough defender.

"The players were looking at me and saying 'What do we do to stop him?'"

In the end, Johnson's extra height did the trick but Smith was impress-ed by Williamson, who was an NAIA all-Amercian.

He added: "He shoots the three like it's a lay-up."