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U12 Girls Shine in 4-Game Weekend of OBL hosted in Belleville
The U12 Girls had an outstanding performance during Week 2 of the Ontario Basketball League (OBL), hosted right here in Belleville. The team swept all four games, showcasing their skills and teamwork.
Game 1
The Spirits kicked off the weekend with a thrilling matchup against the undefeated Markham (DCB) Storm. In a nail-biting, back-and-forth game, Belleville emerged victorious, defeating Markham 35-29. The win was fueled by a dominant second-half defense.
•Game MVP: June Wollenberg with 11 points
•Key Contributions: Sophiya Vance (8 points), Mila Kaliaieva (6 points), and Sammy Bentley (6 points).
Game 2
Next up, the Spirits overwhelmed the Etobicoke Thunder in a decisive 65-8 victory, displaying a balanced offensive attack.
•Game MVP: Kiyon Maracle with 12 points
•Top Scorers: Mila Kaliaieva (14 points), June Wollenberg (10 points), and Gracyn McColl (6 points).
Game 3
Facing a tough and persistent Vaughan squad, the girls overcame an early 8-0 deficit to secure a 24-12 win. Another swarming second-half defense turned the tide.
•Game MVP: Mila Kaliaieva with 8 points
•Key Contributions: Everly Clarke and Eve Mitchell (4 points each).
Game 4
In the final matchup, the team delivered their best offensive performance of the weekend, holding on for an exciting 45-41 victory.
•Top Scorers: Mila Kaliaieva and June Wollenberg (8 points each)
•Game MVP: Sammy Bentley with strong offensive and defensive contributions alongside Irelyn O’Connor (6 points each)
•Additional Contribution: Eve Mitchell (5 points).
The U12 Girls now boast an impressive 6-0 record in Pool D and are poised to move up in the rankings as the OBL prepares for the final six games of the season. Even more impressive, dating back to last year, the team has now won 17 straight OBL games—a remarkable achievement!
The weekend’s success was a full team effort, with all 12 players making significant contributions, including Athena Stapley, Reese Coughlin, and Norah Lad.
Acknowledgements
•Coaches: Terri Coughlin and Sandro Palleschi
•Manager: June Wollenberg
•Parent Volunteers: A special thank you to Kaitie Clarke and the parents who ran a top-notch canteen all weekend, earning rave reviews. Additional thanks to all the parents and helpers who kept score, ran the clock, and supported the team.
•Scarlett Clarke: For her dedication in assisting throughout the weekend in multiple capacities.
Congratulations to the U12 Girls on their incredible teamwork and dedication! Here’s to keeping the streak alive!
Spirits Merch
Order Spirits Merch now until October 25!
U14 Tryouts
Basketball tryouts for girls in grades 7-8 will begin on Monday 🏀 All skill levels are welcome!
To register or learn more about our rep program, visit the tryout page here
2024-2025 Coaching Applications Open
If you’re considering coaching for the 2024-2025 season, be sure to submit your application by Friday, June 14th – applications can be found on our website
u14 Callahan girls leave Blessed Sacrament 4-0 with a gold medal
By: Jessyka Maliksi
HAMILTON – After a long two days of battling, the Belleville Spirits u14 Callahan girls came up on top, bringing home the gold medal.
Last weekend, the girls competed at the Blessed Sacrament Tournament in Hamilton.
Starting their Saturday off with an early morning game against Milton Stags. They started off strong, winning the first half 31-9.
The girls kept the same energy up going into the second half, playing and working together to defeat their first opponent 52-25.
#9 Sofia Edgett leading the team with 18 points, while #8 Peyton Pleasance added 10.
After a few hours of rest, the girls were back on the court against Thornhill Thunder.
The second game was a big team effort win, especially on the defensive end. The girls held the Thunder to one point going into the second half.
The Spirits finished with a 40 point win, finishing 50-10.
The girls played as team, having 10 of their players finishing with two or more points.
#7 Shelby Brant finishing with a team high of 9 points, Edgett adding 8.
The girls finished their Saturday with a huge performance on both ends of the court. Totaling 103 points for the day, while only having 35 points scored against them.
Saturday’s energy carried on to their Sunday morning game.
The girls now have a chance to head to the finals.
The girls needed to win their next game against Oakville Vytis – Islips to clinch their spot in a gold medal game, and that’s exactly what they did.
Using their winning momentum from the day before, the girls came out on top once again, defeating Vytis – Islips by 25 (51-26).
Edgett leading the way with 16 points, and #5 Kyrah Currin adding her own 8.
The girls were now on their way to the gold medal game against a talented Oakville Vytis – McWilliams team.
They’re looking to go undefeated on the weekend.
Battling the whole way through, never giving up and never losing sight of the end goal, the girls were able to tie the game at 24 going into the second half.
In a nail biting game, the girls played their hearts out until the final buzzer.
Vytis – McWilliams came out to play.
But so did the Spirits.
After a game of back and forth scoring, the girls pulled through with a five point win bringing home the gold.
Edgett finished with a huge 28 points to bring the team to their 4-0 weekend. #23 Rose Hanna adding 10 points.
This weekend the girls are going into their Ontario Cup Provincial weekend as Blessed Sacrament gold medalist.
u14 Callahan girls Ontario Cup Schedule:
When: April 26-28, 2024
Where: Meridian Community Centre 2
Friday, April 26:
6pm vs. Barrie Royals u14 G
Saturday, April 27:
1:30pm vs. WPA Lady Suns u14
6pm vs. St. Thomas Shock u14 – Girls
Sunday, April 28:
TBD
Hoop Dreams: Elite Camps
By: Jessyka Maliksi
BELLEVILLE – If you or someone you know is interested in developing their skills at an overnight camp this summer, Hoop Dream’s Elite Camp is something to look into!
On Jun. 30, 2024, Hoop Dream’s is hosting an outdoor overnight basketball camp for children and youth aged 10-17.
If you’re interested and looking for more information email ho********@el********.com
Or visit their website.
U10 Warner girls win silver medal at Division 1 Ontario Cup Provincials
By: Jessyka Maliksi
WELLAND – This past weekend the u10 Warner girls travelled to Welland, ON. to compete in the Division 1 Ontario Cup.
The girls played four games over the weekend at Niagara College.
The first game was on Friday night against the Tecumseh Saints.
After a long day of travelling the girls won 23-17.
On Saturday afternoon, the girls played their second game of the tournament.
Being able to sleep in, the girls took that advantage and came out ready to play against Transway #2.
After a close battle the girls came out on top, winning 33-27.
They finished their Saturday night with another win. Defeating the Barrie Royals 23-14.
After going 3-0, the girls were headed to the gold medal game Sunday afternoon against the East York Eagles.
After battling the entire game, the girls came short by two points, losing 15-17.
u10 Warner girls with their silver medal at Niagara College in Welland, ON.
Throughout the season no one could have predicted this team’s success, barely being able to find a full roster and coach.
But the girls stepped up and stayed together the whole season, finishing second in Division 1 and 10th in u10 Ontario Basketball.
The girls couldn’t have done it without parent volunteer, Alex Warner, stepping up to coach the girls when no one else wanted to.
Congratulations girls! What a season!
Until next season…
u10 Warner Roster
Coaching Application
Interested in coaching next season? The 2023-2024 coaching application is now open.
All potential candidates will be interviewed by the Coaching Selection Committee through Zoom. The Committee Chair will be in touch with a date and time.
