sports
SECORD GOES UNDEFEATED IN THE THOROLD SENIOR TOURNAMENT TO TAKE HOME GOLD!
Thursday, December 14
PATRIOT SENIOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO TAKEN BY KYLE NICKEL.
Patriot Boys Basketball: Dominating the Court in an Electrifying Season
The Patriot boys basketball teams are lighting up the court this season, delivering thrilling performances and proving why they are the teams to watch. Led by senior standout Travis Joyce, the varsity team has already secured a gold medal in a major tournament, cementing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Joyce, whose leadership and clutch playmaking have been pivotal, is steering the senior team toward a season full of promise and excitement. His ability to rally the team in high-stakes moments has not only resulted in victories but also brought a contagious energy that fans can’t get enough of.
Meanwhile, the junior squad, spearheaded by rising stars Malachi Davis and London Dolon, is making waves of its own. Known for their explosive style of play and unrelenting drive, Davis and Dolon have been unstoppable, bulldozing past opponents and setting the tone for future Patriot basketball dominance. Their chemistry and determination are palpable, leaving spectators in awe and opponents scrambling for answers.
“It’s an incredible time to be part of Patriot basketball,” said Head Coach Tim Jabs. “These young men are playing with heart, discipline, and a love for the game that’s truly inspiring. From juniors to seniors, the commitment to excellence is evident every time they step on the court.”
With the season still young, there’s no telling just how high the Patriot teams can soar. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for regular updates, scores, and highlights as the journey unfolds. One thing is certain: this is shaping up to be a season that will go down in Patriot basketball history.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss a game—because when the Patriots hit the court, greatness follows.
Superstar Secord Athlete, Maddie Eaton,
May 17, 2024
Maddie Eaton began her spring track and field season this February with a strong performance, securing second place in the mile at the Saginaw Valley State University High School Invitational in Michigan.
Clocking in at 5:14.34, Eaton finished second out of 63 runners, fueling her determination for the season.
“I went into it feeling not the most positive and I was ‘No. You have to believe it. It is mind over matter.’ And I ended up second. Ever since then it has been focus on my training and I go into each week and work my hardest,” said the Grade 11 student at Laura Secord Thursday.
Her efforts have clearly paid off. On Thursday, she won the senior girls' 800 meters and the 2,000-meter steeplechase at the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association Zone 4 track and field meet at Centennial.
“It was that extra kick in the butt. I am always trying to motivate myself but that was a definite push.”
Last year, the 16-year-old from St. Catharines, who has been involved in track and field since elementary school and joined the Thorold Elite Track Club in Grade 8, competed at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations meet in the 1,500 meters, finishing 18th. In Grade 9, she participated in the OFSAA 300-meter hurdles, placing 13th.
Her goal last season was to reach nationals, but early in the season, she faced challenges.
“I was thinking what event I could do to get there and my coaches told me to try steeple (chase).”
This turned out to be a great choice, as she qualified for nationals in the steeplechase, ultimately placing ninth after entering the event ranked 13th.
“That was when I realized I was better at distance so I decided I would head towards that route.”
Although her favorite event is the 1,500 meters, she chose to skip it during the high school season to focus on her other two events.
“I didn’t have enough time between the two events to do the 1,500,” she explained.
Eaton credits her success in the steeplechase to Thorold Elite coach Steven Fife.
“He really pushed me and motivated me to work on my form. I had hurdle form before that and he told me I had the form down and I just had to work on the distance and I would be good.”
She also drew a lot of inspiration from her mom, Lisa Eaton.
“She was so proud of me and knew I really wanted to get to nationals. That was another push and made me believe in myself more.”
This season, her goals include qualifying for OFSAA again, hopefully in both events.
“I have already qualified for nationals for steeplechase so now it is just getting my 1,500 time down a little bit more to get qualified for that,” she said. “I want to work hard and get as many PBs as I can in the season.”
Coach Fife appreciates having Eaton on the Thorold Elite team.
“Maddie has been a leader on the distance team for three years. She has amazing spirit, always very positive, is a great team player and an excellent ambassador for other girls in running.”
Junior Boys Start the Season with Domination!
DECEMBER 11, 2023
In a hoops spectacle with fans on the edge of their seats, the Laura Secord Junior Patriots showcased their prowess, overpowering the Thorold Golden Eagles with a commanding 61-43 victory.
Dynamic duo Cordell Less and Dahari Williams stole the spotlight, each dropping an impressive 20 points, leaving the opposition struggling to contain their explosive offensive tandem. Maximus Fretz joined the scoring fray with a solid 9 points, contributing to the team's well-rounded offensive performance.
The Patriots' court chemistry was on full display, with seamless teamwork and strategic plays keeping the Golden Eagles on their toes throughout the game. It was a masterclass in junior basketball as the Junior Patriots squad executed plays with precision and finesse.
Coach Nickel expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing their dedication and hard work in both training and on the court. "Our players showcased not only their individual skills but also their ability to work together as a cohesive unit. It's a promising sign for the future of Laura Secord basketball," remarked Nickel.
The victory celebration echoed through the school halls as the Junior Patriots and their fans revelled in the triumph, savouring a well-deserved win. With Cordell Less, Dahari Williams, and Maximus Fretz leading the charge, the Laura Secord Junior Patriots have sent a resounding message to the league – watch out, they're here to dominate!