Bulldogs set sights high
It hasn’t taken Brayden Hall long to earn his keep with the Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs.
The 15-year-old, Grade 10 student has quickly become one of the Bulldogs go-to players on offence in just his second season with the team.
Hall scored five goals Thursday to lead the Bulldogs past the A.N. Myer Marauders 9-3 in a Niagara Regional High School Athletic Association field lacrosse game at Sir Winston.
Hall had a simple explanation for his success.
“They just told me to cut and exploit the defence and get lost out there in between,” said Hall, who will celebrate his 16th birthday Friday. “You just have to stay in tight with the ones you are working with.
“Cutting is a big thing to get the D to scramble.”
Hall grew up playing box lacrosse at the house league level but didn’t play the field version of the sport until last year.
“The school had a team and offered it. I like the game so I thought I would try,” he said. “I was always playing D and forward (in box) so you get to know the game a little more if you play everything.”
Hall admitted it took some time to get used to field lacrosse.
“I was a little timid. I didn’t really shoot too much or do too much so this year I thought I would use my size more and not be afraid.
“I feel way more comfortable with a year of experience.”
Sir Winston coach Adam Arkell could see Hall’s potential, even as a rookie.
“I wouldn’t say it’s much of a surprise. He was injured last year. He hurt his wrist but we knew he could play. He played (lacrosse) growing up,” Arkell said.
The Marauders marked some of the Bulldogs more experienced players, leaving Hall open.
“It’s just opportunity. He saw his opportunity and took it. While they spent their time watching some notable threats, he had the opportunity to walk in,” Arkell said. “He really surprised us with the amount (of goals), but we’ve always known he is capable.”
Arkell said it’s crucial to have a strong roster from top to bottom.
“It’s really important to have those guys who develop — sleepers we call them — to have a well-rounded roster. It’s those guys who solidify the roster.”
The Bulldogs, who also blanked the Grimsby Eagles 8-0 in an earlier game Thursday, have high hopes for the season.
“The goal is going all the way. That’s the plan, that’s the dream, that’s what we’re going for,” Arkell said. “We’re looking to take it all the way to OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations). “That’s the kind of potential this team has. I think any less wouldn’t do the players justice.”
Myer coach Nathan Gatt liked a lot of what he saw from his club, which also topped the Eagles 8-0 Thursday.
“We had one practice and 25 kids showed up, so that’s always a good start,” said Gatt, a former junior B player hockey player with Welland and Port Colborne. “The kids want to learn.
“There is some good talent here. With some coaching, they can be solid. That’s probably the best team in the province and we were 6-3 at the half. That’s a good start for us.”
In the 8-0 win over the Eagles, Carter Geoffroy and Colin Walters had two goals each. Hall, Mitchell Armstrong, Isaac Prantera and Keaton Zavitz added singles.
STATS PACK
Bulldogs 9 Marauders 3
Mick and Angelo’s/Johnny Rocco’s Player of the Game: Sir Winston’s Brayden Hall with five goals.
Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs: Hall 5; Keaton Zavitz 3; Carter Geoffroy.
A.N. Myer Marauders: Joseph Fragnito, Maverick Gatt, Trent Hunter.
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