SARNIA – Adding some speed to the basepaths and the hardwood.
Two sport star AJ Edwards has officially announced his commitment to both the Lambton Men’s Baseball and Men’s Basketball Programs for the 2024-25 season, and beyond.
On the diamond, Edwards is the fourth commitment for Head Coach Al Bezaire and the Lions. Edwards will join the likes of Kale Murray (Mitchell, Ont.), Luke Murray (Mitchell, Ont.), and Drew Bunda (Wallaceburg, Ont.) as a newcomer on the diamond with the Lions come September.
On the hardwood, Edwards is the 12th new addition in the 2024 recruiting class for the Men’s Basketball Program and Head Coach James Grant.
“I’m really excited to put in the work and show what I’ve got,” said Edwards. “I’m the first in my family to get a scholarship to play two sports in college, so I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”
“I’m looking forward to developing my skills for both sports while working towards helping both teams win an OCAA Gold.”
Edwards comes to Lambton College by way of David Suzuki Secondary School in his hometown of Brampton. On the diamond, the five-foot-eight Edwards can be found playing somewhere up the middle, serving primarily as either a middle infielder or centerfielder. However, he was quick to point out that he will play wherever he’s needed, even if that means catching a few innings behind the plate.
Bezaire is excited about the potential that Edwards brings to the lineup this season as the group prepares to host the 2024 OCAA Men’s Baseball Championship, and for years to come.
“Being a varsity player at two sports confirms the word that keeps coming up when describing AJ … athlete,” said Bezaire. “I am really looking forward to the versatility that AJ will bring to our roster as both an infielder and outfielder.”
“In pairing him with Logan Buntrock, the defending stolen bases leader in the OCAA, in our lineup and roaming the outfield on defense, speed and athleticism will be two of the key strengths we will bring to the field every game. I am very happy to welcome AJ to the Lambton Lions family.”
In the summer months, Edwards plays for the Brampton Royals 18U program.
On the court, Edwards can play both guard positions. He is comfortable facilitating the offense from the point guard position, while also having the confidence to shoot the ball from deep at the two-spot.
It was through the grapevine that Coach Grant heard about Edwards’ abilities on the hardwood, and a trip to Brampton to watch him play paid off.
“We heard about AJ through a friend of the college who said we should get down to Brampton to see him play,” said Grant. “We’re happy we made the trip, as he’s a tremendous athlete with a great personality.”
“He definitely fits the type of culture that we are looking to create with this freshman class we are putting together.”
Outside of high school, he plays for Ballers United Academy.
Making the transition from high school to any post-secondary institution is a challenge in itself, let alone making the transition while playing a varsity sport, or two in AJ’s case. Still, he’s excited for the opportunities, and challenges, that lie ahead of him in Sarnia come September.
“I’m a dog, so I want to win,” added Edwards with a smile. “I’m very competitive and I’ll do anything that I need to for the teams … I just want to win.”
“For baseball, when I get on base, I like to get dirty. I’m going to steal second, then I’m going to steal third. In basketball, I like to shoot that three so anytime I get that open shot, I want fans in the stands to be excited.”
Academically, Edwards will be enrolled in the Sports & Recreation Management Program at Lambton College.
Welcome to The Den, AJ!
For more information, or for any media inquiries within Lambton College Athletics, please contact:
Tyler Bennett
Lambton College Sports Information & Marketing Coordinator
tyler.bennett@lambtoncollege.ca