Pelicans fly away with gold from Factory Basketball Academy final

The Pelicans won Gold during the 9–11-year-old house league spring session final on April 24th at North Ward School. They won 28-18 against the Dragons. Members of the team include Jaxon, Buster, Blake, Hunter, Max, Ellis (absent from photo) and Yasmeen (absent from photo).

By Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Paris’ Factory Basketball Academy wrapped up its spring house league sessions last week as teams battled it out in a bronze medal and gold medal game on April 24th. The 9–11-year-old co-ed teams hit the court at North Ward School to fight for top honours to cap off eight-weeks of learning and development. Both games featured 24 minutes of 3-on-3 full basketball. The Raptors faced the Titans in the bronze medal game, with the Raptors cruising to a 30-10 win. The Dragons faced the Pelicans in the Gold medal game with the Pelicans clinching gold in a 28-18 win. Despite a slightly competitive desire to win the finals, the games really showcased the skill development of each player, which is a fundamental aspect of every session at the academy. Players begin every game with a 15-minute warm up that focuses on the game’s basic skills – dribbling, passing and shooting as well as building player confidence and instilling team play and good sportsmanship.  The Paris Factory Basketball Academy, founded in June 2022, develops players of all ages and skill levels. Their house league generally attracts 120-130 kids each session with four sessions offered a year catering different age brackets: 7-8 years, 9-11 years and 12-14 years. There’s an introduction to basketball program of the younger players ages 4-6 years old. The biggest reason why founder Matt Lue-Hue brought the program to Paris was to address a growing demand for a basketball program in town. He started small and each year the program continues to grow. The teams play and practice throughout the week at various Paris schools – North Ward, Sacred Heart and Paris District High School. Lue-Hue has over 20 years of player development and coaching experience. He’s certified under the NCCP level 3 and has completed certificates in athletic psychology, athletic nutrition and injury prevention. Under his mentorship, he encourages players to strive to be the best they can be while respecting fellow athletes. The academy offers rep programming for boys U12, U14 and U16, which travel across Ontario to compete under the Ontario Basketball Association. Teams are heading to Ottawa this weekend to compete in provincials. The May session registration just closed. Don’t worry if you missed out, new house league sessions will start again in the fall, running from September to November. If you can’t wait that long, check out their summer camps offered to 9–11-year-olds, 10-12-year-olds (for advance players) and 12-14-year-olds that will operate out of Tollgate School in Brantford. Visit the academy’s website www.factorybasketballacademy.com for more information on their sessions, camps and introduction to basketball programs. 

The Dragons ended up in second place after a close 28-18 game against the Pelicans. Members of the team include Coach Brad, Conner, Alex, Brayden, Malachy, Reid and Bryce. 

During the bronze medal game, the Raptors picked up the win 30-10 over the Titans. Pictured are members of both teams (in no order) Judah, Kaden, Darvin, William, Aiden, Emaad, Natalie, Colton, Joel, Micah, Hannah, Aubrey and Cordelia.