HAMILTON, Ontario — Thomas Matsell’s name has been circulating in the ‘Steeltown’ for some time now, with the exceptionally gifted Hamiltonian coming off one of the best high school campaigns in years.

Matsell spent the previous 4 seasons with Saltfleet High School in Hamilton, Ontario, helping guide the Storm to an OFSAA AAA Gold in grade 9. As well as impressive 4th-place finishes in grades 10 and 11 on the provincial stage.

Past this, Matsell also flourished as a multi-sport athlete for Saltfleet, leading the football team to a city championship in grade 9. As well as tremendously successful seasons with the school’s junior volleyball, rugby, and eventually, senior track & field team. Where he placed 5th at the 2018 OFSAA Championship in the 4kg Shot Put competition.

Despite this astounding list of accomplishments, Thomas Matsell always had his sights set on playing basketball at the next level. Competing in several city and province-wide all-star games, and elite scouting events across the nation.

He’s a truly remarkable athlete who carries incredible leadership, character, and integrity, all of which are essential for determining success at the University level, both on and off the court.

Here’s what Matsell had to say on his decision;

“I’m really excited to compete at the next level and become part of a new family… My goals in basketball have always been to be the best I can be, and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players to continue to push myself to the next level.”

With fifth-year veteran forward Connor Gilmore, and the incredibly athletic Damiann Prehay now graduated. Head coach, Patrick Tatham knew that there were some vital holes to fill for the upcoming season, and went to work to acquire a variety of talented players like Thomas Matsell.

Matsell now enters University carrying high hopes of establishing rapport with the Marauders, who are also coming off an impressive year just a season ago. Following Coach Tatham’s first year with McMaster in 2017, in which the team finished 10-15, the Marauders improved to 12-14 in 2018, and then 13-11 in 2019. Helping to further cement a strong presence in the OUA for the upcoming season.

Above all else, Tatham has been extremely vocal about his excitement for the future of the program, and the impact players like Matsell are going to have for the Marauders;

“This recruiting class is a pivotal one for the program… Going into year four, this class will help move the needle for us, and really help our program take a large jump in becoming a top tier team in the OUA and Country.”

At 6’6”, 200 lbs, Thomas Matsell enters University with immense potential, and already has invaluable experience competing against elite competition from around the province. With so much fluctuation to the Marauders roster from the season prior, Matsell should be beautifully positioned to develop into a key player for the program for years to come.

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