Tag Archives: independent school sports

Ridley News, Sports, Upper School

Ridley’s Basketball Future Bright in OSBA

The Ridley First Boys’ basketball season came to a close after a successful first season in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA), the premier league for prep and sport school basketball in the province. With one of the youngest teams in the league Ridley will continue to develop and train in preparation for next season.

“I’m really proud of our guys,” – Tarry Upshaw, Head Coach of First Boys’ Basketball Team

On April 6th, Ridley lost their OSBA quarter-final game 96-71 against defending champions the Athlete Institute; putting an end to their successful season. Aleksandar Simeunovic ’17, led the team with 31 points in a close fought game—Ridley was within five points of the Institute with six minutes left in the game.

The stacked Athlete Institute’s roster featured seven players already committed to NCAA schools. Ridley was the second youngest team in the league and will have most of its players back for next season.

That youth hasn’t gone unnoticed, as scouts from across North America have come to campus to check out the talented roster. According to Mr. Upshaw, 21 NCAA Division 1 scouts have visited Ridley, schools such as UConn, Vanderbilt, Oregon, and Columbia; while 16 scouts from the CIS have been to the campus.

“We’ve built something special in a short period of time. It’s exciting and it’s only going to get better.” – Tarry Upshaw, Head Coach of First Boys’ Basketball Team

The OSBA, consists of the best prep and sport school basketball programmes in the province, with many of its student athletes going on to play in the NCAA and CIS. Ridley finished sixth overall, in a promising first season in the league.

Ridley’s basketball team previously competed in CISAA and OFSAA, where they won back-to-back championships in both leagues in 2014 and 2015. As the first team to hold both titles simultaneously, it was decided to take the next step for the programmes’ development by joining the OSBA.

Preparation for this level of competition includes daily court sessions, strength training, and active recovery. Training and competition are supported by an experienced coaching staff, Ridley’s athletic therapy and school medical team, a strength and conditioning coach, and other professional instructors.

Ridley qualified for the playoffs by defeating King’s Christian Collegiate in a play-in game 86-66, held in the Griffith Gym. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of students and faculty,” says Upshaw. Other coaching staff for the team include Michael Bett, Brad Taylor, and Paul De Vellis.

With the season coming to end players will enjoy a short break, before beginning off-season practice and development “We don’t stop,” says Mr. Upshaw. “The sky’s the limit for our team.”

Despite the end of their OSBA season, exciting news has still been circulating for the Tigers, as fellow player, Jaden Bediako ‘18, was chosen to play in the BioSteel All-Canadian All-Star Basketball Game. This marks an impressive accomplishment for both Jaden and Ridley’s basketball programme.

We look forward to seeing our Ridley Tigers back in action in the next school year.

Just for fun!, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Uncategorized

Get to Know Your Prefects: Shamar B. ’16

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Introducing Shamar; a boarder from the Bahamas, who represented his country for two Screen Shot 2015-10-05 at 1.01.33 PMconsecutive years at the Youth Olympics for basketball – now our First Boy’s Basketball team Captain! We are thrilled that he has brought his talents on and off the court to Ridley. Read our Q&A with Shamar to learn more about this Ridley Prefect.

Why did you choose Ridley?

The decision to attend Ridley was a collective group decision between my family members and I. Ridley was chosen because of the high standard of education, large sporting background, and mainly the quality of the school. It has diversification between different cultures; this allows students to bond and grasp a better understanding between self-culture and outside cultures. Ridley offered different facilities, a unique experience and exposure to a variety of programs. Lastly, Ridley is an elite school that assists, guides, and prepares students for university and the real world.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

My parents and I knew that I was prepared to attend Ridley College, and make the next big step in my life as a growing teen, but there are always some obstacles to face, even when you feel most prepared. Some of these obstacles were leaving family and friends behind in Nassau, Bahamas, seeking new opportunities and creating new friends; also making tough decisions on my own without mom or dad being by my side making the decisions for me.

What are your plans after graduation? 

Graduation is something I am really looking forward to. However, knowing that it will be my last time in high school will make the moment even more special, but also tough and possibly an emotional experience. After graduation I plan to attend university, possibly do some traveling, and gain a little more work experience before I’m completely enrolled into university. 

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?

There are so many great faculty members at Ridley College. It’s quite tough to single out a faculty member as most favourite because they all are unique in many ways. 

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge at Ridley thus far has been, possibly, time management. This is because of traveling to different places for basketball, staying on top of assignments, and preparing for quizzes and tests.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

My greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley was being selected as school Prefect and also winning the first ever OFSAA ‘A’ Basketball Championship for the first time in Ridley history with an unbelievable group of teammates and coaching staff.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

Ridley has prepared me academically, socially, and mentally for the real world. This is because the Ridley College community is a very social environment, which helps with your social skills in a formal and informal way. Academically, because of the different rigorous courses, the responsibility to research, study, and take on tasks independently or even sometimes with fellow classmates. Lastly mentally, because of the Ridley Guidance Team, which enlightens students in many different areas for future goals, plans, and decisions 

What have been your favorite Ridley experience (thus far) and your favorite part of Ridley?

Camp at the beginning of the school year, because of new people coming into the Ridley community, and taking part in house activities together. This creates a bond between you and other kids. Secondly, Snake Dance was an unreal experience for me because of the intensity and excitement of everyone participating. Snake Dance creates motivation for me to start off the school year in an enthusiastic way.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

My advice to all prospective students is; to always remain open minded, to be polite with others, and to try your best to be welcoming to others. Seize every opportunity and be determined, to tackle and overcome any obstacles that come before you in your Ridley journey. Lastly be respectful, mannerly and always take advantage of all opportunities given.

Just for fun!, Ridley News, Uncategorized

Get to Know Your Prefects: ShanShan L. ’16

Today, we are profiling Prefect ShanShan. She is a part-time boarding student from China Screen Shot 2015-09-28 at 11.10.11 AMwho now resides in Toronto!

ShanShan was the top female in the CISAA Golf Qualifier for OFSAA and will represent Ridley at the OFSAA Women’s Golf Championships next month!

Why did you choose Ridley?

We were looking at private schools around the Toronto region and Ridley. I personally had
the best first impression at Ridley.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

I came to Ridley in grade 6. It was definitely a big change for me as I was at a public school for 2 years prior and before that, I lived in China. Culturally and socially, there were some aspects that took some getting used to, but Ridley is a great (safe) environment to make those changes.

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to go to university in the States and go on at least one Study Abroad program. Hopefully, I can continue to play golf and play piano and the flute.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

The jump from grade 10 to IB. I felt that I was not prepared for the IB Diploma Program and it took the first year (maybe still) to become accustomed to the dynamics of being an IB student at a school as busy as Ridley.

What has been your favourite Ridley experience (thus far) and your favorite part of Ridley (chapel, rowing, your house)?

Snake Dance – Every year, especially the last one. Snake Dance is something unique to Ridley and no one can take that experience and memory away because it is difficult to explain and only Ridleians can truly understand.

What are the most important things you have learned from your time at Ridley?

Fears were meant to be destroyed.

Traditions are good – they create an identity that seperates Ridley from other schools.

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.”

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

Don’t be afraid to try something new and voice your opinions.

The only way to truly experience Ridley is to be open-minded to every opportunity. Guaranteed, you will do something you never thought you would.

Your friends will be from all around the world – take advantage of this because it leads to great food and amazing vacations.

Just for fun!, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Uncategorized

Get to Know Your Prefects: Sophia S. ’16

After a busy start to the school year, students are beginning to settle inScreen Shot 2015-09-22 at 4.15.00 PM
to their lives back on campus; which means, students are getting the chance to get to know one and other. In the spirit of the new school year, we have a few more Prefects to properly introduce.

Today, we are profiling Prefect Sophia S. She is a day student from Montreal, QC!

Why did you choose Ridley?

I chose to go to Ridley because my sister had already been at the school for one year, and it was already planned that I would eventually join her. My father’s initial decision of sending my sister to the school was one that would change my life forever, and thankfully for the better.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

I do not believe one can feel entirely prepared when attending a new school. Fortunately, Ridley is a special community where I was welcomed and felt instantly at ease. As soon as I passed through those gates, I became a Tiger and have been proud to be one ever since.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to either stay in Canada and study business or go to Europe and study hospitality.

Who is your favorite faculty member and why?

It is difficult for me to choose. I have had amazing teachers and thank all of them for the ways they have enhanced my knowledge and changed who I am. If I had to name one, I would say Mr. Reimer. He never failed to make me laugh and always tried to make me love his subject. Even though physics is not in my foreseeable future, Mr. Reimer made me enjoy his class and for that, I am thankful.

What has been you greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge so far has been learning a new language. As my first language is French, it was difficult juggling learning English, fitting in at the school and making new friends. Since grade 6, my English has greatly improved and luckily, I made friends who actually understand what I am trying to say!

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

Individually, I am very proud of all that I have accomplished at the school. But ultimately, my greatest accomplishment was winning the rugby championship game with the team. I am extremely proud that the blood, sweat and tears payed off in the end. Go Tigers!

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

The advice that I would give is simply not to limit yourself. In a school with such vast opportunities in learning and extra curricular activities, it is important to keep an open mind and to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Try a sport you’ve never done before, join clubs you think look interesting and along the way you will have learned new skills, made some great friends and had a lot of fun in the process. I know I did.

Sports

Ridley College Weekend in Sports

There was a lot of action this weekend in Ridley College athletics.  The 18th annual Carl Dorland Classic Basketball tournament was hosted on campus.  The 1st boys’ team finished the tournament with a 2-2 record.  The first two games saw heartbreaking loses for the boys with Sir Winston defeating Ridley 49-47 and Gait C.I. winning 47-46. Holy Cross Woodbridge was the next opponent early Saturday where Ridley won easily 54-36. The final match saw the boys win 45-42 over a very stubborn, but determined squad from St. Catharines C.I.

The junior boys also had a 2-2 record for the tournament.  In the first round of the tournament Ridley was matched up against eventual tournament champs Woodson from the Virgin Islands (final score 91-30).  In the second game against Lester B. Pearson from Burlington the boys battles hard, but lost 49-48.  In their third game Ridley was matched up against Parkside (Dundas, Ont) in the Division III semi-final, the win advanced them to the Division III final against Niagara Christian College. NCC were unable to match Ridley’s pace of play and organized defense, leading to a comfortable margin of victory. All members of the team contributed to this victory.

The 1st girls’ hockey team had two wins and two ties during their NAPHA crossover weekend in Lewiston, NY. The first game versus Rice ended in a 2-2 tie, and the second game against Stanstead ended in a 3-3 tie.  The final two games were against Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS) and Northwood School.  In the game against RNS the girls dominated from start to finish, winning 2-0.  Courtney Arseneau came up with timely saves at crucial moments.  In their final game the girls stood their ground and played hard to win the game 3-1.  Although it was a solid effort by all players, Shay Pavlisko led the way netting a natural hat-trick, including a penalty shot goal.  Allie Mitchell continued her stellar play between the pipes.

The senior girls’ volleyball team travelled to Brock on Saturday for their first tournament (and in fact their first time playing together in a game for the season!). It took awhile to “work out the kinks” but they quickly got back on track and earned a second place finish. They had an unfortunate crossover match-up in the first round of playoffs against a talented and elite Eden Flyers squad. In the first set the girls showed poor footwork and inaccurate passing. The strong offense of the Eden team proved too much for Ridley and we were unable to get blocks up to prevent the powerful swings  by the Eden girls from getting through. The girls showed perserverence in the second set however, picking up the intensity and showing much better court movement. Some timely blocks by middles Ainsley Camroux-Peacock and Emma Rigg helped to rattle the Flyers and slow down their momentum.

 

Ridley College fields more than 45 competitive athletic teams annually, from Under 12 in the Lower School through our First teams in the Upper School and offers four program development sports (soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and rowing) for boys and girls in the Lower School that lead through to junior and senior teams in the Upper School, for more information on Ridley College athletics, please click here.


 

Uncategorized

Great Weekend in Sports!

The U14 Boys Soccer and U14 Girls Basketball teams were both crowned CISAA champions on Saturday.

Under 14 Girls Basketball Team

Add to that a U13 Boys CISAA Soccer Silver, a First Boys win against Upper Canada to guaranteed them their first playoff birth since 2005, and a First Girls Basketball victory to finish off an undefeated regular season and guaranteed host of the CISAA championships, and you have a memorable Saturday in Ridley sport.

Academics, Sports

Girls Basketball Team Takes Trip to Legislative Assembly


The Ridley College Senior Girls’ Basketball Team paid a visit to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (Queen’s Park) yesterday on their way to a CISAA League game. The second largest provincial legislature in Canada, the girls and coaches learned, among other facts, the Legislative Assembly is known as the ‘Ontario Provincial Parliament’ because unlike the other Canadian provinces, members of this assembly refer to themselves as ‘Members of the Provincial Parliament’ (MPPs) as opposed to ‘Members of the Legistlative Assembly’ (MLAs) as in the other provinces. A terrific CROSS-CURRICULAR learning afternoon for the Team combining – Athletics, History and Politics!! Oh ya and on the court – the senior girls took De La Salle 48-12! First year Leonie V. scored a season high of 12 points in the game. Next game for the girls is this Saturday – Homecoming at 1 pm in the Griffith Gym.
 

 

 

Sports

Sports Round-up For The Year

A great year for Ridley athletics.  The overall athletic program had a 60% win percentage this year – a 7% improvement over last year and a 12% improvement over 2009. Below is a list of the accomplishments of our sports teams over the course of the entire school year:

CISAA Team Medals – 16 Championships, (8 Gold, 8 Silver)

CISAA Division I Champions:             3 (First Girls Basketball, First Girls Swimming, U14                                                                  Tennis)

CISAA Division I Silver Medals:         4 (First Boys Hockey, First Girls Rugby, First                                                                               Girls Golf, First Girls Soccer)

CISAA Division II Champions            4 (U12 Boys Soccer, U14 Boys Hockey, U14 Boys                                                                          Rugby, U12 Softball)

CISAA Division II Silver Medals:       3 (U14 Boys Soccer, U14 Boys Basketball, First                                                                            Boys Rugby)

CISAA Division III Champions:         1 (Second Girls Field Hockey)

CISAA Division III Silver Medals:      1 (U16 B Boys Soccer)

Individual CISAA Medals (4 Gold, 8 Silver, 7 Bronze)

Swimming                                      Four Gold, Five Silver, Three Bronze

Gymnastics                                    Two Gold, Five Silver

Track and Field                             Three Silver, Four Bronze

OFSAA Results (Team – 2 Silver, 1 Bronze) – (Individual – 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)

First Girls Basketball                        “A” Bronze Medalists

First Swimming                                  One Gold, Three Silver, One Bronze

First Gymnastics                               Level II Team Silver Medalists

First Boys Basketball                        “A” Silver Medalists

First Girls Soccer                              “A” Qualifiers

First Boys Soccer                              “A” Qualifiers

First Boys/Girls Tennis                    6 Athletes qualified

CAIS Results:

First Girls Rugby                        Plate Champions – 3rd place finish

First Boys Rugby                        Bowl Champions

Tournament/Regatta Medals: (4 Gold, 13 Silver, 4 Bronze)

First Boys Hockey             – Tiger Challenge Cup Silver Medal, UCC Invitational Silver                                                      Medal, St. Francis Invitational Silver Medal

First Girls Hockey             – Tiger Challenge Cup Silver Medal, Mercyhurst Invitational                                                     Silver Medal, Detroit Invitational Silver Medal

First Boys Basketball        – St. Catharines Standard Silver Medal

First Girls Volleyball         – Brock Invitational Bronze

Rowing                                 – Stotesbury Cup: Senior Girls Quad (Silver), Canadian                                                               Championships: Senior Girls Double (Silver) Senior Girls Quad                                              (Bronze), Early Bird Regatta (3 Gold, 2 Silver), London Regatta                                                (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 bronze)

 

 

Upper School

Ridley Weekend Round-up

Carl Dorland Invitational Basketball Tournament
The senior boys basketball team won the 17th Annual Carl Dorland tournament Saturday afternoon 50-31 over a talented Nantyr Shores team from Innisfil, Ontario (Barrie region). Mr. Dorland’s presence on the bench seemed to ignite the Tigers who came out on the attack playing solid team defence and scoring hi-lite reel transition baskets in leading 15-11 after the first quarter of play. The Tigers built on this momentum early and often in the 2nd quarter to extent their lead to 31-14 by halftime. Geno Bullard played his best game as a Ridley Tiger this afternoon demonstrating tremendous offensive skill but more importantly an improving knowledge of ‘time and score’ when setting the offensive as point guard scoring 9 points and dishing out 12 assists. Cooper Rigg led the scoring with 25 points with many easy ‘bunnies’ courtesy of Geno’s pin point passing. All members of the squad are to be commended on their improving level of team play. Thanks to all of those members of the Ridley family both past and present who came out to cheer on and create an exciting atmosphere in the gym. Ridley returns to league play this coming Wednesday vs. Royal St. George’s College at the Tigers Den with tip off set for 1:30 pm.

Read more about the game in the St. Catharines Standard:
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2922459

First Volleyball Takes Second Win of the Season
Meanwhile in the Iggulden gym,  the senior girls volleyball team took on Lakefield College School. The girls continue to show their winning way taking the match easily in three sets 25-11, 25-12, 25-12. All the girls had strengths in the match including great setting from LeAndrea Armbrister and Alison Whitty, good all around court movement, and good communication by all. Next up for the Tigers will be a home game against Branksome Hall tonight at 5:00pm. Come out and support your Tigers as they take on the powerful Branksome squad.

First Girls Hockey
The First Girls Hockey Team travelled to Canton and Potsdam, NY over the weekend for the North American Prep Hockey Association cross over league games.  On Friday the girls beat Rice Memorial Academy and Northwood Academy, both 5-1.  On Saturday, Ridley took on Kuper Academy with a final score of 3-0 for Ridley and Rothesay Netherwood 6-1.

Sports

Girls’ Basketball Players 2 of top 20 in Region!

Congratulations to Ainsley Camroux-Peacock and Franziska Streit!

Franziska Streit
Ainsley Camroux-Peacock

Grade 12 student Ainsley Camroux-Peacock and Grade 11 student Franziska Streit have been selected to participate in this year’s Niagara Regional Girls Basketball All-star game. They’ve been identified as 2 of the top 20 basketball players in the region. Well done!