During a stormy – and somewhat unsettled – basketball season riddled with restrictions, venue and schedule changes, spectator-less games, masking and lockdowns, the U10 Girls Ramblers basketball team persevered and came out from behind the storm clouds shining gold at the culmination of their season at the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) Provincial Championships!
The team finished their exhibition and OBA league play season with an incredible 23-2 record and were triumphant at the provincial finals at the majestic Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre facility. This special group of 12 players, from across the city of London, came together as first-time teammates and sparked the beginning of what is sure to be lifelong basketball friendships.
“The remarkable success of this Ramblers squad is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of every single one of the 12 players on our team,” agreed coaches Rebecca Woods and Karalyn Church. “During practices, teammates consistently held themselves and each other to excellence, perpetually challenging each other with intensity throughout drills and scrimmages. Their competitive drive was evident at every turn.
“Consequently, our team’s defense was second to none in the province – our competition struggled to advance the ball through our tenacious palisade of players. Leadership both on and off the court set the elevated calibre from day one, carrying the team to gold in the provincial championship. It is an honour to know and work with this young talent.”
Needless to say, the mix of excellence in passionate coaching and player effort were a perfect match for a near perfect season.
In addition to great female coaching, hard work, tenacity and leadership from the players on and off the courts, the team also elevated their season through additional experiences that helped solidify the team’s dedication to each other and to their community, as was evident through a gold medal win at the Kitchener Impact Tournament, a community connection with the Western women’s basketball team, and a showcase event at the pregame Harlem Globetrotters Show at Budweiser Gardens. This elevated their season from unbelievable to an absolutely unforgettable one.
Nobody knows for sure where next year will take these keen and talented young female players, but this golden season will surely be hard to beat!
Submitted by London Ramblers
