Community News

JUNIOR BASKETBALL TEAMS PERFECT IN CITY PLAY

JUNIOR BOYS GO 13-0 IN CITY PLAY, JUNIOR GIRLS 14-0

MIKE PEARSON

The future of basketball looks bright at Orchard Park Secondary School.

For the first time in recent memory, the junior boys and junior girls basketball teams both captured city championships, with both teams posting perfect records in league play.

On the heels of a 13-0 record in regular season and playoff action, the junior boys' team went one better, capturing a southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (SOSSA) championship.

Not to be outdone, the Orchard Park junior girls went a perfect 14-0 en route to the school's first junior basketball championship win in recent memory. The junior girls outscored their opponents by a margin of 669-237, winning their league games by an average of more than 30 points.

After defeating Westdale in the Hamilton city finals, the Orchard Park junior boys bested Notre Dame College School of Welland to claim the SOSSA crown. In city play, the junior boys outscored their opponents 752-405.

For junior boys head coach Tracy Cook, it was a fitting way to go out after an illustrious coaching career. Cook is slated to retire on June 30, after 27 years coaching basketball at Orchard Park.

After watching his team win the SOSSA championship and accept their medals, Cook was unexpectedly hoisted into the air by team members.

"It was better that than (a) Gatorade (shower)," Cook said. "That was a pretty special moment. I've never experienced anything like that before and that just shows you the character of these guys."

Cook attended Orchard Park as a student in the 1980s. He started coaching basketball on a volunteer basis starting in 1996 and then as an Orchard Park staff member starting in 1998. Over the years he's served as both a head coach and assistant coach, leading boys and girls teams at the junior, midget and senior levels.

Cook praised his 2023 junior boys squad and predicts the team will turn some heads over the next few seasons.

"They work hard. They practise hard," said Cook. "They implemented all the strategies and pushed each other. They're very competitive in practice and they had their goal, right from day one."

With two children in university, Cook is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, who is also recently retired. But he hasn't ruled out a possible return to coaching.

"I will definitely keep my eye on this team and whether or not I have a hand in continuing their development is yet to be determined," he said.

Nearly all of this year's junior boys and junior girls team members will be making the jump to the senior level next season.

Junior girls basketball head coach Lauren Arnold has only been at Orchard Park for one season but has enjoyed tremendous success with a talented group of players.

The junior girls dominated Saltfleet in the city championship, winning 65-23 back on Nov. 11.

Arnold and Cook have high hopes for both teams once the players reach their senior year.

"When they are in their Grade 12 year, they should have a good chance at repeating (as senior champions)," Arnold said. "I'm not taking any credit for them, because they're an amazing group of girls. I didn't need to do much with them."

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

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