Strathroy’s own, seventeen-year-old Finley Topping is celebrating a big moment in his lacrosse career after being selected second overall in last month’s Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL) draft by the Toronto Beaches. Topping said the moment was filled mostly with excitement.
Topping told myFM he has been playing lacrosse for quite some time now, currently playing for the Junior B team in London as a goalie.
When he received the draft news, Topping was at his mom’s house surrounded by family. When they heard he had been picked second overall, the family celebrated together.
Topping said he feels confident about joining the Toronto Beaches. He has spoken with the team leading up to the draft and said they showed strong belief in his abilities.
The draft process mainly involved scouts watching him play and reviewing game clips. He said teams also saw him compete at provincials last year at the U-17 level. There have not yet been any tryouts, but training camp is still ahead.
Next season, Topping plans to continue playing Junior B in London while also getting experience at the Junior A level. He said he wants to ease into the higher league and see how things go.
As for younger players just starting out in lacrosse, Topping offered simple advice.
He also encourages young athletes to join clubs and development programs if they can. With years of hard work behind him and a strong support system around him, Topping is ready to take the next step in his lacrosse journey.
Written by: K. Milhomens