Pair of Golden Hawk hoopsters make their college commitments
A pair of Chatham-Kent Golden Hawks basketball stars recently announced their college commitments.
Oshane Campbell has committed to play for the Lambton College Lions men’s basketball team, while Sophie Wilkins will go south to play for the St. Clair College Saints.
Oshane Campbell
Campbell is the first member of the 2026 Lambton Lions recruiting class.
“I’m just (really) excited right now,” said Campbell after making his collegiate decision official with his family, friends, coaches, and teachers in attendance. “I’m looking forward to playing at the collegiate level and continuing my education.”
“I’m also looking forward to just continuing to get better and playing against the college players will help me do that. With the competition, continually getting better and all that stuff, it’s going to be fun.”
Campbell, a six-foot-four wing, comes to Lambton College by way of Chatham-Kent Secondary School where he plays for the Golden Hawks’ senior boys basketball team. Outside of high school, Campbell trains with the Kent Basketball Academy.
Campbell’s commitment marks the second student-athlete in as many years to commit to Lambton College from CKSS. Prior to the 2024-25 season, Janine Day and the Lambton Women’s Basketball Program welcomed Cassandra Newcombe to the Lions.
Lambton head coach James Grant is excited about the potential that Campbell adds to the Lions’ roster moving forward, citing that his skill set and athleticism will complement the other young pieces on the team.
“Oshane is going to bring a type of game that we really do need moving ahead,” said Grant. “When we saw Oshane play at the start of this season, we were impressed with his athleticism and ability to play above the rim.”
“Adding his skill set alongside some of our other young pieces is a perfect fit and we are very excited to have him join us this coming fall at Lambton College.”
When he was asked about what fans can expect to see from him on the court when he wears a Lambton jersey in game action for the first time in the fall, Campbell briefly paused and smiled before echoing Grant’s sentiments for his on-court abilities.
“Excitement,” said Campbell. “Hopefully, fans will see some dunks.”
Academically, Campbell will be enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Technician Program at Lambton College.
Courtesy of St. Clair College Athletics
Sophie Wilkins
The St. Clair College Women’s Basketball program kicked off their 2026 recruiting class by earning the commitment of Sophie Wilkins.
Wilkins is a 5’7″ guard is graduating from Chatham-Kent Secondary School this year.
Wilkins has been honoured twice as the Senior Girls Basketball team MVP for the Golden Hawks.
Her ten years of club experience includes time with the Chatham Wildcats where she was a three-time MVP as well as the Tecumseh Saints and Team 519.
St. Clair Head Coach Andy Kiss was thrilled by the commitment saying, “Sophie plays with an edge and has good length for a guard. We see her having an impact as a 2/3 guard in our system and are excited for what she can bring to our squad. She is great start to our 2026 recruiting class.”
Academically, Wilkins will be studying in St. Clair’s Child and Youth Care program beginning this coming fall.