SARNIA – An(other) Elite addition to the roster.
Point guard Traivon Hayes has officially committed to Head Coach James Grant and the Lambton Men’s Basketball Program for the 2025-26 season, and beyond.
Hayes is the third commitment in the 2025 recruiting class for Grant and the rest of his coaching staff. Hayes joins the likes of guard Blake Redfern (Mitchell, Ont.) and forward Liam Tosh (Brantford, Ont.) as newcomers with the Lions ahead of the 2025-26 season.
“It was exciting,” said Hayes after making his commitment official. “It was nice to have the family out there to support me, just like they have throughout everything. I’m having a great time, my family is having a great time, so everything worked out great.”
“The most exciting thing for me is continuing the chemistry and companionship that I’ve had with Liam. Growing up, him and I have always played together. Then, we have Alec there, as well, who I’ve played with for a couple of years. So, I just love the chemistry that we’re going to be able to bring.”
Hayes, a six-foot-one point guard, comes to Lambton College by way of Brantford Collegiate Institute and the Mustangs senior boys’ basketball program. Along with Tosh, Hayes and company put together a perfect 12-0 record in the regular season, and they have their sights set on a spot in the city finals before working towards an OFSAA berth in Kingston in early-March.
Away from high school basketball, Hayes is part of the Hamilton Elite U19 Program where he also plays with Tosh.
Hayes and Tosh made their collegiate commitments official inside the BCI gym with family, friends, coaches, and teammates in attendance to celebrate their achievements. The moment wasn’t lost on either of them, and Hayes noted just how special it was to share that moment with one of his best friends.
“Words can’t begin to describe it,” continued Hayes. “Me and him are like family together. Everyone in my family knows him, and I know everyone in his family. There was love shown everywhere today, and it was just amazing.”
“It was beyond special.”
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Grant and company entered a significant rebuild with the Men’s Basketball Program, both on and off the court. While they were looking to add talented players to the rotation, they were also looking to rebuild the culture within the team off the court.
The addition of Hayes checks both of those boxes for the team moving forward.
“The 2024-25 season saw us go full rebuild, and one of the main focuses of that rebuild was to add character people to the roster,” said Grant. “We want to follow that up in Fal l2025, and Traivon is the type of player that fits that mold.”
“Throughout the recruiting process, all his coaches spoke highly of Trai’s ability to lead and his maturity. That that he’s also a talented guard makes him a perfect fit.”
When Hayes was asked about what he’ll bring to the court with him when he dons a Lambton jersey for the first time, his leadership and point guard abilities were on full display with his response.
“I want to make sure that everyone’s eating,” added Hayes. “When I come to Lambton, my whole goal is just to bring tough defense and be a pass-first type of point guard.”
Academically, Hayes will be enrolled in the Sports & Recreation Management Program at Lambton College.
Welcome to The Den, Traivon!
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