Program And Composition

The St Matthew Girls Basketball Program is based on a simple philosophy. We want to make our young ladies TEAM basketball players within a successful program which functions as a family and, in doing so, achieve the higher goal of helping them to be better people.

A Lady Tigers basketball player is one who strives to be her best, looks to improve her overall skills, and most importantly is a role model both on the court and in the classroom. Moreover, she is a player who takes risks and is dedicated to both her individual improvement and the development of the team. She goes above and beyond, consistently demonstrating a high level of focus, intensity, and hustle in practices and games. Ever Lady Tiger is someone who can be counted on every day to represent the ideals of the Lady Tiger Basketball Program - teamwork, family, education, dedication, desire, sacrifice, heart, hustle, attitude, and discipline.

We try and help our players understand that a successful team requires a great deal of time and dedication by each member of the team. We also try to help our players understand that basketball is not something separate from their school experience - that discipline must be exemplified both on and off the court. They must apply their dedication to school as they are "student athletes" - students first, athletes second. Hopefully, in teaching these lessons, we give our players a taste of several skills essential to a successful life after St Matthew . Our core value of working together, supporting each other and placing the welfare of the group ahead of self-interest is one that every Lady Tiger adopts very early on in this program.

The coaches are concerned with, and committed to, each player in our basketball program, at every level of her development within the context of team basketball. Our program subscribes to the Long Term Athlete Development Model as set out by Basketball Canada. In return for each girl's commitment to the program, we have pledged to be understanding, truthful, open, and fair with each player. Each player and parent must realize that a commitment often times extends beyond the regular season. It takes extra time and effort to be successful.

The Lady Tiger basketball program in its quest to be a leader in the basketball community has created a separate Club Program in order to offer an alternative choice for young girls wishing to further their basketball skills. Both programs have the same philosophy and look to develop each and every player. The Xelles basketball program offers girls aged 10 to 18 years one of the best opportunities in the area to advance to the next level. Both programs work in concert with one another and therefore reduces any potential conflict between their community basketball aspiration and the school basketball program.

Finally, we recognize that basketball is a game, and that students are attracted to the sport primarily because it is fun. We will never lose sight of this fact. We believe that successful basketball and fun basketball can live together in a program devoted to Team Basketball.

Programs

Grade 7/8

Program is open to girls who are generally 12 & 13 years old in grade 7/8. Program works in concert with the Xelles Program to offer a competitive AA environment. Team competes against Quebec school teams along with Ontario AA basketball teams. The team plays in the EOBA league and competes yearly in the Ontario Basketball Championships.

Junior Girls

Program is open to girls registered at St Matthew in grades 9 or 10. They compete in the NCSSAA league and travel to out of town tournaments as well as compete in local tournaments. Play begins in early September and generally finishes in mid-November. Players then play Xelles for the remainder of the season.

Senior Girls