Thorhild Bulldogs take home the cup

By Brandie Majeau
The Thorhild Central School Senior Boys High School Basketball team, the
Bulldogs, has been making waves, carving out a distinguished reputation with each
thrilling game. This remarkable collection of young athletes is fueled by an unwavering
determination to sharpen their skills and elevate their performance on the court. As the
2024/25 school sports season unfolds, the Bulldogs showcase an inspiring mix of
experience, with several players stepping into the gymnasium for their first taste of
organized basketball. Yet, driven by passion and teamwork, they are steadily climbing
the ranks towards victory.
Their prowess was on full display at the WJ Kallal Memorial Cup Tournament,
which took place at the Spirit Center in Westlock, AB, on January 25-26. During this
intense tournament, the Bulldogs faced formidable opponents and triumphed over
Living Waters with an impressive score of 93-79, conquered St. Mary’s (Westlock) 73-
48, and secured a nail-biting victory against Gerard Redmond (Hinton) with a score of
94-88 after a gripping overtime showdown. Eric Barto etched his name in the school’s
history by scoring an astounding 67 points against Living Waters. This record will be
celebrated as a monumental feat for himself and Thorhild Central School. Similarly,
Liam Kinshella, a determined ninth grader, showcased his clutch performance by
sinking a crucial basket with just one second left on the clock in the finals, propelling the
Bulldogs into overtime, where they ultimately emerged victorious. This triumph marked
the first time Thorhild claimed the WJ Kallal Memorial Cup since 1998, making the win a
monumental achievement and a source of immense pride for the team and the school
alike.
Head Coach Alex Purin remarked, “Winning this tournament was a testament to
the many hours the guys have put into their skills. This team represented themselves
and their school with pride and integrity. I am incredibly proud of their achievement and
their dedication this season. We look forward to what lies ahead.”
Facing more challenges ahead, their team motto “Nobody works like we do”
resonates in their minds. The Thorhild Central School Senior Boys High School
Basketball team remains focused and driven. The Bulldogs have their sights set on
conquering the zones in March, with the ultimate goal of advancing to the provincials, as
they continue to write their remarkable story on the court.