SDSS Junior Bears win the 2025 Mitchell Bowl Basketball Tournament

Members of the Stratford District Junior Bears basketball team pose with their Mitchell Bowl Tournament banner on Dec. 6.

The Stratford District Junior Bears picked up their first basketball tournament win of the season at Mitchell District Secondary School on Dec. 8.

The Bears went undefeated in the round robin, beating Kincardine DCVI 56-34 and Brantford Collegiate 74-43. In the semi-finals, they had a strong 32-point third quarter to help secure a 70-48 win over Woodstock College Avenue, then topped London Lucas 78-56 in the final.

Coach Chris Cassone said the team worked through early-season challenges and found their rhythm to win the tournament.

“We have a strong team this year. Entering the tournament, we knew we'd have an opportunity to claim the championship, however, we weren't playing our best basketball. Fortunately, we found our stride during the tournament and improved with every game,” Cassone said.

“The kids love the game of basketball. They all get along really well. Nothing beats winning a championship with your good friends.”

With this tournament win, Cassone hopes the school will support the team and that more people will come out to their home games.

“Winning always fosters engagement. We're trying our best to increase awareness of basketball not just in our school but also in the community. Winning the title helps with that. Our school does a really good job at getting behind their teams,” Cassone said.

“We have a spirit squad with over 70 members who routinely come out to support us. Sport helps build culture in schools. It's my hope that our junior boys will help drive that.”

Cassone said the goal for the team is to build on this tournament win and keep working on the important details.

“We just take it one day at a time. We didn't set any long-term goals this year. Our focus is to just get better with every practice and game,” Cassone said. “We're fully aware this won't always happen. However, if we can focus on the details of the game, improvement will naturally happen.”