Homegrown talent

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By: Lauren Beals

In Hamilton, basketball is more than just a sport — it is a way of life. Generations of players are carefully raised through house league scrimmages to rep team triumphs, honing their skills against local players known for their discipline and grit.

For women basketball players, local Hamilton high schools St. Mary’s and St. Thomas More have won every Ontario high school basketball championship in the AAA and AAAA division, save a single year, for the past five years straight.

Here at McMaster, the woman’s basketball program has been the landing ground for these talented prospects for years, giving young stars the perfect platform to build their legacy in the steel town.

Racheal Holmes, a fourth-year player from Ancaster, is just one of the five female basketball players hailing from the Hamilton area, alongside Danielle Boiago, Hilary Hanaka, Michaela Ionni and St. Thomas More alumni Erin Burns.

A product of the Hamilton Transway rep basketball organization, Holmes originally thought she would travel for school. “Staying close to home was something I decided to do later in my career. For a long time, I thought I wanted to go far away and get out of the Hamilton bubble, but when it came down to making the decision Mac was the perfect fit.”

For Marauder second-year Erin Burns, the choice was clear from the very beginning. “I always dreamed of being a McMaster Marauder. I would spend my weekends in the Burridge Gym watching the Mac Alumni play, I always wanted to be on the Mac basketball team.”

McMaster’s strong academic reputation also played a key role in their ultimate decision, with both athletes currently enrolled in the Life Sciences program. “It’s the best of both worlds,” said Burns.

Her experience came full circle last weekend when alumni, coaches and dedicated fans filled the gym for an exciting Marauder weekend.

“Prior to our game there was a Mac alumni game,” Burns said. “When I was in elementary school I was watching these women play and saying I want to be like them, and yesterday I got to say I am one of them now. Having them in the stands makes me want to work even harder. I can be like them because they were here before, and now I am.”

Many Hamilton alumni have done more than cheer from the bleachers, inspiring these young athletes to reach their greatest potential. “It is one of the biggest drivers” said Holmes.

“You obviously want to be successful for yourself and for your teammates, but to always have your family there backing you up and to know how much effort they have put into what you are doing, it’s really special to have them there. It makes you want to be the best for them.”

The call to Maroon has proven successful for both athletes, as they enjoy McMaster’s 8-3 record against Ontario competition and current position atop the central division. Holmes has been a stronghold for the Marauders this season, starting in ten games with an impressive 22 steals. Burns has also shows promise for a strong collegiate career.

But in Hamilton, basketball does not end with a player’s time on the university stage. Some athletes go on to play for Canada at the national level or professionally in Europe. Many others coach in local schools, volunteer with youth development leagues or lead their own rep teams to greatness, a trend we can expect to continue with Holmes.

“I think I would love to be a coach when I get out of university,” said Holmes. “I definitely see myself being immersed in the basketball community, and hopefully helping to foster the community that I was so fortunate to grow up in.”

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Western Mustangs, both athletes are confident for the coming months. “We aren’t going to let up,” said Burns. “There will a lot of blood, sweat and tears on the court, in practice and in games,” Holmes added. “We are a passionate team and a hard-working team. You can expect some big games and some tough competition.”

The team looks to bounce back from the loss suffered last weekend as they head to    Thunder Bay for two games against the Lakehead Thunderwolves.

Photo Credit: Alistar Boulby

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