ETOBICOKE, ON – 5 years of hard work and struggle finally paid off this weekend, as the Lambton Lions defeated the Sheridan Bruins to take home the school's first ever team sport D1 medal. The Lions, coming into the OCAA Championship Tournament ranked #3 in Ontario and #6 in Canada, came in with high aspirations and didn't disappoint as they claimed the Bronze Medal. Strong weekends by Shawn Hill and Mike Lucier earned them spots on the OCAA Championship All-Star Team. "There was a time four years ago where Sheridan was beating us by 60 points," says Coach Grant. "We said that was enough and began the building process to become a competitive team. These players have set a foundation for the program that we didn't have before. With a new gym on its way, the full support of the College, the best fans in the OCAA, and dedicated coaches, families, and friends, we are on the right track. I'm so proud of everything Lambton Basketball has become."
Game 1: VS La Cite
The #6 Lions kicked off their tournament with a 101-93 victory in a heavyweight battle against the #4 La Cite Les Coyotes. Shawn Hill started off his dominating weekend with 33 points and 7 boards, while Mike Lucier rattled off a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. OCAA Scoring Champ Branden Padgett finished with 16 while Tony Smith and Jason Marshell had 15 and 12 points respectively. Lambton suffered a loss this game however, as Marshell exited the game with an ankle injury and did not return. Will Lara-Caston pitched in with 3 points while Jaason Heron had 2.
Semi-Final: VS Mohawk
In what was arguably one of the most exciting and thrilling games in OCAA tournament history, Lambton battled Mohawk into triple-overtime before falling 116-115. A fast-paced affair featuring effective shooting, tight defense and slick passing, the game looked like it could go either way throughout the entire contest. A clutch buzzer-beater by Mohawk in the first OT and stymie defense at the end of the 3rd overtime sealed the Lions fate. The marathon game featured mammoth efforts by Hill and Lucier. Hill finished with a game high 34 points while Mr. Double-Double himself Lucier had 25 points to go along with 24 rebounds. Tony Smith also racked up a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards.
Bronze Medal Game: VS Sheridan
After suffering through heartbreak the night before, the Lions came into the game in search of their first D1 team medal in school history. They came out of the gates in a flurry, led by Hill's 14 points in the opening quarter. The opening quarter lead of 29-15 set the pace for the game, as the Lions dominated the Bruins en route to a 100-78 victory and the Bronze Medal. The entire Lambton squad shot 46.8% for the game and an astounding 56.3% from range. Playing in his last game for the Lions, Hill led the way, connecting on 10 of 11 from beyond the arc on his way to 40 points. Lucier, in his final game as well, finished his OCAA career the only way he knew how, with a double double of 23 and 16. "The first two medals we got were division two, and we have worked hard for the past five years to get here," said Coach Grant. "I think we are doing a pretty good job for a small school."
The Men's Basketball team would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the team this season. They could not have accomplished this feat without the support they received on and off the court.
#DEFENDTHEDEN