The Belleville Spirits U17 basketball team is heading into the Ontario Cup with confidence after putting together an impressive 13-4 season against strong competition across the province.
Set to compete in Ottawa from May 29–31, the Spirits have established themselves as a balanced and disciplined team built on both offensive firepower and relentless defensive effort.
Leading the charge offensively throughout the season have been standout scorers Messiah Ramsay Morris, Killian Brown, Alex Dover, and Caylem Dimitriopolos. The group has consistently provided the Spirits with scoring depth, clutch shooting, and the ability to control the pace of games against top opponents.
On the defensive side, the team has been anchored by the strong play of Rylan Middleton, Steven Castillo, and Evan Roddy. Their intensity, communication, and ability to shut down opposing offenses have played a major role in the team’s success this season.
While the stat sheet may not always tell the full story, Noah Hiesterkamp and Hudson Grimmon have become known for the hustle plays that energize the bench and shift momentum during key stretches of games. From diving for loose balls to battling for rebounds and making critical defensive stops, their effort has embodied the team-first mentality the Spirits have carried all year.
The team is led by Head Coach Ryan Doolan and Assistant Coach Matt Middleton, who have helped build a competitive culture centered around hard work, accountability, and player development. Under their leadership, the Spirits have continued to improve throughout the season and now enter the Ontario Cup looking to make a strong statement on the provincial stage.
With a combination of scoring talent, defensive grit, and strong team chemistry, the Belleville Spirits U17 squad is poised to be a team to watch as Ontario’s best programs gather in Ottawa later this month.
