Exciting Matchups Ahead at the 2026 JUEL Basketball Championship in Kingston

The St. Lawrence Lightning are gearing up to host one of Ontario’s most anticipated girls’ basketball events this weekend. From May 22 to 24, Queen’s University in Kingston will welcome 38 top teams competing across three age divisions: U14 Academy, U16 JUEL PREP, and U19 JUEL. This championship will showcase the talent that of girls’ basketball in the province.

Overview of the Championship Structure

The 2026 JUEL Basketball Championship brings together 38 elite teams from across Ontario. The competition is divided into three divisions based on age and skill level:

• U14 JUEL Academy: The youngest division, focusing on developing foundational skills and competitive experience.

• U16 JUEL PREP: A highly competitive division featuring teams with strong records and players committed to advancing their basketball careers.

• U19 JUEL: The oldest division, showcasing players on the cusp of post-secondary athletics and often featuring committed seniors.

  
  

Games will take place throughout the weekend at Queen’s University’s Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC), with two Friday games hosted at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School. The championship games are scheduled for Sunday afternoon:

• 1:15 pm – U14 JUEL Academy final

• 1:40 pm – U16 JUEL PREP final

• 3:35 pm – U19 JUEL final

  
  

The full schedule and results can be found online:

• U19 JUEL Schedule/Results

• U16 JUEL PREP Schedule/Results

• U14 JUEL Academy Schedule/Results

Lightning Teams and Their Prospects

The St. Lawrence Lightning are proud to field teams in both the U16 and U19 divisions. Their U19 JUEL team enters the tournament ranked 10th with an 8-14 record, while the U16 JUEL PREP team holds a strong 3rd place ranking after a 15-4 regular season.

Key senior players leading the local squad include:

• Audrey Smart: A 6'1" forward returning for her fifth year, bringing experience and leadership to the U19 team.

• Isabelle Guenette: A 5'9" guard committed to Loyalist College, known for her sharp shooting and court vision.

• Victoria Ford: A 5'10" guard with a commitment to the University of Toronto, adding athleticism, tough defense and a natural ability to generate her own offense especially in transition.

  
  

These athletes will be tested against some of the best talent in Ontario, but their experience and recent surge of strong play position them well for a strong showing.

Top Contenders to Watch

The championship features several powerhouse teams with impressive records and committed seniors.

Hamilton Yellow Jackets

The #1 seed in the JUEL division, the Hamilton Yellow Jackets, finished their season with a remarkable 21-1 record. Their roster includes eight graduating seniors who have secured spots at post-secondary programs across the NCAA, USport, and CCAA.

Standout players include:

• Averie Varhaug: A 6'4" forward committed to the University of Northern Colorado, known for her dominant inside presence.

• Hailey Fennema: A 5'10" guard heading to Brock University, recognized for her scoring ability and leadership.

  
  

The Yellow Jackets’ depth and talent make them a formidable opponent and a favorite to claim the championship.

Simcoe United Spartans

Ranked second, the Simcoe United Spartans bring a strong roster with several players from the OFSAA AAA Gold medal-winning Maple Ridge Secondary School in Barrie. Their team is led by:

• Reese Burleigh: Considered one of Ontario’s top high school players this year, Burleigh has committed to Western University. Her skill and competitive drive make her a key player to watch.

• Avery Miles: Another Brock University commit, Avery brings a well rounded game, who can score in a number of ways and is exceptionally good at finding her way to the basket.

  
  

The Spartans’ combination of championship experience and individual talent sets the stage for intense competition.

Schedule Highlights and Game Locations

Most games will be played at Queen’s University ARC, however, two Friday games involving our local teams will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School:

• 12:30 pm – U19 Lightning vs Niagara

• 2:25 pm – U16 Lightning vs Brampton

  
  

These matchups offer a great opportunity for local fans to support the Lightning in a more intimate setting before the teams move to the ARC for the remainder of the tournament.

Impact of Committed Seniors on the Championship

A total of 47 seniors across the 12 participating JUEL teams have committed to post-secondary institutions, highlighting the high level of competition and the pathway this championship provides for young athletes.

The presence of committed players adds an extra layer of excitement, as many are playing their final games at the high school level before moving on to college or university basketball. Their experience and skill elevate the quality of play and provide inspiration for younger players.

What Fans Can Expect

Spectators can look forward to:

• Competitive games featuring some of the best young female basketball talent in Ontario.

• Diverse playing styles as teams bring different strategies and strengths to the court.

• Community spirit with local teams like the St. Lawrence Lightning showcasing homegrown talent.

• Opportunities to see future stars who will continue their basketball careers at the collegiate level.

  
  

The event also offers a chance for families, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts to connect and celebrate the sport.

Supporting Local Basketball Development

Hosting the JUEL Basketball Championship in Kingston underscores the city’s commitment to supporting youth sports and providing opportunities for female athletes. We would like to thank Kingston Sport Tourism, our local Basketball Officials (KDBABO), our minor officials and all our volunteers for making this possible.