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Basketball tryouts for girls in grade 6 will begin on Tuesday 🏀 All skill levels are welcome!

To register or learn more about our rep program, visit the tryout page here

Our u12 team will be coached by Sandro Palleschi

Basketball tryouts for girls in grades 3-5 will begin on Monday 🏀 All skill levels are welcome!

To register or learn more about our rep program, visit the tryout page here

The 2023/24 U14 Callahan girls Spirits concluded the season with an impressive 25-11 record, earning a bronze medal in the D2 provincials. They finished the season with arguably their strongest performance, defeating a tough Huron Laker team by 19 points after competing in two closely contested games earlier in the season, winning one and losing one.

Season highlights included gold medal victories at the Mike O’Connor tournament in Ottawa and the Blessed Sacrament tournament in Hamilton. Notably, the girls showcased their skill by winning against D1 teams like Oakville and Brantford, demonstrating their ability to compete with the top 10 teams in the province. Throughout the season, they faced challenging competition, as Coach Tom and Darrell opted to enter AAA tournament pools whenever possible, believing that playing against the best is the key to improvement.

As the season began, it took some time for the team to bond. We welcomed first-year players, had returning players, and added a new, fiery head coach known for receiving technical fouls and occasionally getting ejected—sorry to disappoint you, Sara! However, the girls quickly gelled, adapting to the coaches’ desired style of play, which yielded results on the court. Their aggressive, trapping full-court defense combined with a fast-paced transition offense made them a formidable opponent.

As a coach, I notice subtle developments in my players that may go unnoticed by others, whether in games or practice. These small improvements often emerge after weeks or months of hard work, and they bring immense joy to a coach, making the effort worthwhile. When these incremental advancements accumulate, the results are reflected on the scoreboard. Coaches are incredibly proud of your successes as a team and, more importantly, of the progress you all made as individual players throughout the season.

The U14 Shakell team finished the year with a 15-10 record, successfully winning our division in the OBL regular season. We secured a bronze medal at the Mike O’Connor tournament, where we faced Nepean in our only loss. Additionally, we earned a silver medal at the County Clippers tournament, showcasing strong performance throughout.

At the Ontario Cup, we also took home a bronze medal, with just one loss to our name. Despite starting the season with limited experience, the girls consistently improved in all aspects of the game, peaking in performance during April. It was a rewarding season and a job well done!

The U12 team congratulates all the coaches, players, and the executive on what was likely our best year yet in terms of results! They say it takes a village to raise a child—in the case of our U12 girls, it took an entire coaching staff to work with this lively group.

First, I’d like to thank Coaches Stephanie Holoway and Terri Coughlin, not only for helping me coach and being the “nice” balance to my “mean” coach role, but for being amazing mentors and role models. Steph was also our tireless team manager, spending countless hours fundraising, transporting kids, and, perhaps most importantly, keeping me in line when it came to her daughter! Thank you, Steph and Terri—it was a pleasure working with both of you.

We also had Coach Ivan Kaliaieva, our own “Coach K,” who led skill-building drills, especially footwork, which made a real difference in the girls’ development. Ivan’s enthusiasm was infectious—he was easily the loudest, most animated parent in a team full of loud and animated parents, something Belleville Spirits parents are known for. Thank you, Ivan!

Finally, we were fortunate to have one of the most passionate coaches I’ve seen: Geordie Michell. Geordie dedicates himself wholeheartedly to creating a positive, rewarding experience for the kids across both the boys’ and girls’ Spirits basketball clubs. He fundraises, coaches, helps run practices, and organizes home tournaments and OBL weekends, all for the benefit of the kids. We are incredibly lucky to have him, even if I had to coach his daughter, Eve—who is a bit of a drama queen, so I guess we’re even! Thank you, Geordie, for everything you’ve done. It’s been a privilege working alongside you.

Our U12 team this year consisted of eight Grade 5 girls and three Grade 6 girls. Although we were somewhat young and undersized for the Grade 6 age group, our focus was on developing our skills and competing hard, hoping to hold our own in the lower ranks.

We opened the season in Pool 6 of the OBL League, which I initially thought might be a stretch. After a tough loss to East York, I thought we’d eventually move to a more suitable level. Instead, the girls impressed everyone, going 5-1 against bigger and stronger teams, winning close games that built their character and confidence. We moved up to Pool 5, where we again exceeded expectations, going 6-0 and capturing the Gold Medal. A combined 11-1 OBL league finish!

With an overall season record of 19-5, including a gold medal win in Brockville, we entered the Ontario Cup in Division 3, ranked 29th in the province and 5th in our division. We opened with an exciting two-point win over the #1 seed, Nepean. Though we narrowly lost to Durham by a single point and later to Gator Academy (who went on to win the gold in dominant fashion), we managed to put up the best fight they faced, even outscoring them in the second half.

We missed the medal round on point differential by just two points, but it didn’t feel like a loss. The girls played with heart and delivered thrilling basketball all season.

The season ended on a high note in our crossover game against Huron. In a dramatic double-overtime finish, we entered the second OT down two key players and trailing by two points with under a minute left. Then, Sammy Bentley hit a clutch three-pointer with 45 seconds left, giving us the lead and, ultimately, a two-point victory. We couldn’t have scripted a better ending to an unforgettable season.

First, I’d like to thank our President, Tom, for giving me the opportunity to coach the U10 girls team this year. I was truly blessed with a wonderful group of kids and incredibly supportive parents. Thanks as well to the entire executive for the countless hours you’ve dedicated to making this season such a success.

To my fellow coaches and assistant coaches, great job this season! The dedication and enthusiasm you brought were instrumental in helping these girls grow.

These U10 girls have shown incredible commitment since day one. Their love for the game and for each other has been inspiring to witness. At our very first practice, I told them three things: defense will win games, cutting to the net will teach you to score, and sportsmanship will make you a true teammate. We carried those principles throughout the season, and they became the foundation of our success.

We began the season in Division 3, unsure of what to expect. Even with only a few practices behind us, the girls quickly showed their ability to run the ball, score, and defend. Many of our early opponents weren’t quite at our level, so we focused on playing with discipline and respect. It became clear that we could work on other areas, like passing, moving to open space, and boxing out. Our opponents admired our girls, and our sportsmanship was always evident. After winning our first OBL matches, we were moved up to Division 2.

In Division 2, the competition was stronger, and I had the opportunity to challenge the girls further. We practiced twice a week, focusing on skills, offensive drills, set plays, and especially help defense. The team’s dedication and discipline transformed us as the games got tougher. After winning our matches in Division 2, we were moved up again, this time to Division 1, with an impressive 17-0 record.

Playing in Division 1 was a fantastic experience as it finally gave us some tough competition in our age group, including a few hard-earned losses. This taught the girls the importance of hard work, teamwork, and mental toughness. We finished the season with 23 wins, 4 losses, and took 3rd place in Division 1 and 11th overall in the province. Over time, the girls’ chemistry, commitment, and sportsmanship allowed them to truly play as one.

At the Ontario Cup Championship, we made it to the gold medal game, narrowly losing 17-15. Even though we didn’t win gold, reaching the final was a huge achievement. Their relentless defense, scoring, passing, rebounding, and support for each other earned them a silver medal and a season finish as Division 1 silver medalists and 10th overall in the province. I’m incredibly proud of them and all they’ve achieved. I saw their confidence, physicality, and focus strengthen throughout the season.

Playing against a few U11 teams helped prepare us for our U10 victories. Those hard-fought matches showed us the level of talent on our team, with other coaches noting how strong our girls are.

To Irelyn, Heidi, Ruby, Lainey, Annabel, Maddy, Sophia, Londyn, Paige, and Josie—you girls have bright futures ahead of you. Stay focused, work hard, and always believe in yourselves. Coaching you this season has brought me so much joy, and you’ve made me incredibly proud.

My life lesson for you: always #nevergiveup!

Coach Alex

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