By: Maki Brigley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Belle River District High School athletes closed out the fall season with strong performances across multiple sports, highlighted by championship wins, standout individual achievements and promising starts to winter competition. From football and hockey to basketball, volleyball and swimming, the Nobles continue to showcase skill, determination and school pride as they head into the new year.
Football
Straight off their WECSSAA Tier 2 championship, the Belle River District High School football team travelled to Kingston to compete in the OFSAA Invitational Bowl at Queen’s University’s Richardson Stadium on Nov. 21. Although the Nobles fell to a strong St. Mary’s (Hamilton) team, the players represented Belle River with outstanding effort, excellent behaviour and exceptional sportsmanship throughout the entire trip. We would also like to congratulate the All-City selections from BRDHS: Jack Mills – lineman, Markcos Newman – running back, Milan Cuckovic and Lucas Kreitzer – offensive line, Maison Newman – defensive line, Max Brownlee – linebacker, and Craig Querbach – defensive back. In addition, we also extend congratulations to the Nobles coaching staff for being selected as Coaching Staff of the Year.
Swimming
Our swim team is making waves! After two exciting mini meets, we’re gearing up for our final preliminary showdown on Dec. 17 before WECSSAA in the new year. The Lady Noble swimmers are smashing personal bests and securing top-five finishes in multiple events, including first and third place in the junior girls butterfly thanks to standout performances from Amelia Gagnier and Josie Borean. A special shout-out goes to Grace Laforest, our most improved swimmer, who cut an impressive 26 seconds across three events!
Junior Boys Basketball
The junior boys basketball team opened their season with an impressive 63–33 victory over Leamington District Secondary School. With a strong mix of talented Grade 9 and 10 players and the addition of their new coach, Russell Wilson, the team shows excellent potential for growth this year.
Senior Boys Basketball
The senior boys basketball team is just beginning their season. We extend a sincere thank you to Ian Bistany, a community coach who is generously dedicating his time to supporting the team’s development and growth.
Junior Girls Volleyball
While the junior girls volleyball season has not been marked by wins on the scoreboard, the Nobles are proving that success isn’t only measured in numbers. Each game has showcased their resilience, teamwork and unwavering spirit.
Senior Girls Volleyball
The Nobles senior girls volleyball team has its sights set on WECSSAA gold this season, making a bold statement by moving up to Tier 1 and opening with an upset 2–1 victory over Sandwich Secondary School. Led by seven Nobles standouts, including all-stars Alexa Beach and Audrey Strong, the powerhouse lineup also features key starters Madilynn Kelly, Kailynne Yoker, Mya McCann, Mae MacFarlane and libero Maki Brigley. The team is gearing up for an exciting season that includes three tournaments and the school’s first-ever “Sunrise Serves by the Lake” event on Feb. 6.
Boys Hockey
The boys hockey team started the season with a bang, claiming the preseason tournament championship in Dresden with an exciting 3–2 win over Chatham-Kent. Kai Duquette was unstoppable in the final, putting up two goals and an assist to get the team to victory. With this momentum, the boys are looking dangerous as the regular season gets underway.
Girls Hockey
The girls hockey team has kicked off their regular season and are excited for another strong and competitive year of Nobles hockey. The team is led by returning WECSSAA all-stars Sami Tucker and Sara Brown, who bring experience, leadership and skill to the lineup. With a dedicated roster and high energy heading into the season, the players are ready for another successful year.
University of Windsor Faculty of Human Kinetics Book Award
On Dec. 4, BRDHS Grade 12 student Cameron MacNeily received the University of Windsor Faculty of HK Book Award. This award is presented to one graduating student from each school in the area in recognition of exceptional academic achievement, commitment to athletic involvement and strong leadership qualities.
Cam was selected based on strong teacher recommendations, her excellent academics, leadership inside and outside of school, as well as her participation in numerous school sports, including basketball, soccer and volleyball.
At the book award ceremony, MacNeily had the opportunity to choose and sign a copy of the book One Goal by Bill Beswick that will now be kept in the school library.
“I’m very honoured I was selected as the Book Award winner of BRDHS in 2025! Roll Nobles!” said MacNeily.