Lightning Complete Strong 2026 Seasons
- Administrator
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The St. Lawrence Lightning recently concluded another successful JUEL and JUEL Prep season, highlighted by competitive team performances, individual recognition and the continued development of athletes preparing to play at the post-secondary level.
JUEL Competes in Closely Contested Season
The Lightning JUEL team completed the regular season with an 8-14 record, finishing 10th in the 12-team league.
The standings do not fully reflect how competitive the team was throughout the season. There was considerable parity between the teams that finshed from 3rd to 10th in the standings with all teams finishing with between 8 and 14 wins.
The team was led by head coach Randy Douglas, with support from assistant coaches Kevin Perkins and Abby Douglas.
Grade 11 guard Alyssa Brierly was recognized for her outstanding season by being selected to the JUEL All-Star Team.
The season also marked the conclusion of the Lightning careers of seven graduating athletes, all of whom joined the program during its inaugural season. Kiera Lusk, Isabelle Guenette and Emma Smallegange were also members of the Lightning’s JUEL Prep silver-medal team during that first year.
Six members of the graduating class have committed to continue playing basketball at the post-secondary level:
Liv Cole has been accepted to Dalhousie University and plans to take a gap year to travel before beginning the next chapter of her education.
The accomplishments of this graduating group represent an important milestone for the Lightning program. Having developed together from the organization’s inaugural season, they have helped establish the culture, expectations and foundation that future Lightning athletes will continue to build upon.
JUEL Prep Finishes Third in Regular Season
The Lightning JUEL Prep team enjoyed an excellent regular season, finishing third overall with a 15–4 record.
The team advanced to the quarter final of the JUEL Prep Championship Tournament before being eliminated from championship contention by Niagara JUEL Prep.
In the consolation round, the Lightning responded strongly and completed the tournament with a fifth-place finish. In their final game, St. Lawrence earned a dramatic 60–59 victory over Simcoe United when Bella Kolff made two free throws with two seconds remaining.
Grade 10 athletes Alliya Derbyshire and Evangeline Valente were both selected as JUEL Prep All-Stars in recognition of their outstanding seasons.
Derbyshire also received league-wide recognition earlier in the year when she was named the JUEL Prep Player of the Month for January.
In addition, Alliya Derbyshire, Bella Kolff, Claire Saganowich, Mackenzie Weaver and Sarah Playter-Tufts were also recognized for their outstanding academic achievements during the season at the end of year JUEL Banquet.
The JUEL Prep team was coached by Jason Reynolds, with assistant coaches Chelsea Reynolds and Campbell MacInnis.
Continuing to Build
The 2026 season demonstrated the continued growth of the St. Lawrence Lightning program. Both teams competed against some of the best high school competition in Ontario, represented the region with pride and provided athletes with opportunities to develop within a competitive provincial environment.
The Lightning would like to thank the athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters whose commitment made the season possible.
Congratulations to both teams, our graduating athletes and everyone recognized by the league for their achievements.
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