A Bronze Finish for the Oxford Attack

Wednesday, 25 April 2018 11:23

The Oxford Attack U13 boys basketball team won the bronze medal at the Ontario Cup in Milton this past weekend.

WOODSTOCK - It was movie finish for the Oxford Attack U13 boys basketball team.

The boys went up against their rivals - the Brantford Hawks - in the bronze medal match of Ontario Cup in Milton this past weekend. They came out on top in the end, with a final score of 52-40.

It was a long season for the Attack, starting back in October. But Head Coach Rob Duivenvoorde says the boys never lost interest.

"Many times during timeouts we gave the kids the floor. Some of the kids wanted to talk to the other kids about certain plays that the other team is running and certain strategies. Many times I handed the clipboard to one of the kids."

Duivenvoorde says the team had some ups and downs this season, but they are walking away with more than just basketball skills.

"One of the things I said to the parents at the beginning of the year was 'we're going to win games and we're going to lose games, but both are just as important.' Of course you want to play to win and you want to be successful in life as you do in the game, but more importantly you have to learn how to pick up when you've lost, figure out why you lost and what you can do different."

The boys actually lost their first two games this weekend, but they kept their heads high in order to make it to the bronze medal final.

Duivenvoorde says a lot of the players are planning on trying out for the team again in the fall.

He would also like to thank all of the adults behind the scenes.

"Thank you to the parents for their support and dedication all season and helping our friendly tournament run smoothly and successfully. It's important to recognize Coach Mark Parolin and Coach Quinn Gibson. I don't have the proper words to use to extend my appreciation for these men. I wasn't able to attend all games and practices and these fine men filled the gap with class and full dedication. They brought us to a new level of play. Fantastic job men! Richard Charters, our Manager kept us organized and brought the fun to our team."