CEGEP D2 Sud-Ouest Playoffs: Standout Performers

Written by:

QChoopslover - Marc

The Maple Minute

CEGEP is Québec’s unique post–high school pathway, bridging the gap between high school and university competition. Since high school ends at Grade 11, athletes enter CEGEP for up to three years (CEGEP 1–2–3), where they compete in RSEQ leagues that serve as a key development stage before university.

The CEGEP D2 league sits just below D1. It is a competitive, physical environment that consistently produces U SPORTS– and CCAA-ready talent, filled with older, physically developed players who can contribute immediately at the next level. It also serves as a springboard for athletes aiming to jump to their school’s D1 roster.

The pathway has already produced notable names such as Ismaël Diouf (NCAA D1, Northern Iowa; national champion with Laval in 2024), Sultan Bhatti (Brandon University; U SPORTS All-Canadian Second Team), and Chris-Evrard Malonga (Nipissing; OUA All-Rookie), with many more following that trajectory each year.

The Sud-Ouest region (nine teams), representing the greater Montréal area, is the deeper and more talent-dense side of the league, while the Nord-Est (18 teams) covers the Québec City region. Both regions battle through their playoffs to send four teams to provincials, held this year from April 17–19 at Cégep Montmorency.

---

Results

• Regional Champions: Vanier

• Second Place: Dawson

• Third Place: André-Laurendeau

---

Standout Players

Julio Massa

6'5

Class of 2026

Dawson

Julio brought a strong two-way presence in the regionals, applying full-court pressure, disrupting ball handlers, and using his size to finish through contact. His physical scoring stood out with euro steps, slow steps, and strong drives that consistently earned him trips to the line.

This fit his team perfectly, as Dawson plays at one of the fastest paces in the Sud-Ouest and constantly turns defense into offense. Julio’s blend of strength, mobility, and downhill pressure made him the engine of a team built on aggression and transition scoring.

Julian Rosa

6'4

Class of 2026

Vanier

Julian operated as a true offensive hub by screening, facilitating handoffs, posting up, and creating in isolation. His ability to score from multiple spots while anchoring the glass makes him one of the most complete forwards in the league.

Because Vanier’s half-court offense runs through the middle of the floor with constant movement, backdoor actions, and handoffs, Julian’s decision-making and versatility were a major part of their system. His impact matched exactly what Vanier needed from their centerpiece.

Ed Papoute Laurent

6'0

Class of 2026

Heritage

Ed was a silent killer—efficient, poised, and constantly in control. He lived in the paint, finishing with both hands or kicking out when help arrived. His shot-making, both off the dribble and on the catch, gave him multiple scoring layers.

Heritage relied heavily on their two creators to generate offense, and Ed’s ability to break down defenses and stay composed under pressure was essential to maintaining their structure. He was the stabilizer in a system that leaned on guard play, and he is actively looking for a U SPORTS opportunity while having the skill set to make an immediate impact in the CCAA.

Yann Paré

5'11

Class of 2027

André-Laurendeau

Yann ran the show with elite feel, constant communication, and high-level passing. He created advantages with his eyes, threading tight-window passes while also scoring in transition and hitting shots from three and the midrange.

Given that André-Laurendeau pushes pace but also slows down to execute patiently in the half court, Yann’s ability to organize actions and control tempo made him the brain of their offense.

Yussef Jawad

6'3

Class of 2026

Vanier

Yussef showcased real offensive versatility, getting to the line, attacking mismatches, and punishing defenses on pops and cuts. He used his strength to bully smaller guards while staying active on the offensive glass.

Because Vanier’s offense thrives on movement, physicality, and skill, Yussef’s ability to score without needing plays called for him made him the ideal complementary piece. He fit seamlessly into a read-and-react structure.

Souley Traoré

6'2

Class of 2027

Vanier

Souley scored both on and off the ball, using his athleticism to get downhill while showing he can operate in ball screens as a scoring threat. He added value with cuts, spot-ups, and defensive disruption, jumping passing lanes and turning mistakes into transition points.

Vanier’s identity is built on pace and defensive pressure, and Souley’s ability to instantly flip the tempo made him one of the most dangerous guards in the region. His style amplified everything Vanier wanted to do.

Kedi Nzambe-Busugu

6'2

Class of 2027

Dawson

Kedi brought downhill pressure in all three games, using his speed to score in transition and create bursts of offense. He took on tough defensive matchups, competed physically, and even face-guarded late in games.

Because Dawson plays fast, pressures full court, and thrives on chaos, Kedi’s athleticism and defensive edge made him a perfect fit. He embodied the team’s aggressive identity on both ends.

Dardaye Bah

6'2

2028

Édouard-Montpetit

Dardaye stood out as a poised shot creator, using fluid ball-handling to generate his own looks and score in tough situations. Rim pressure is not his primary strength, but he compensated with elite communication, excellent pace, and intentional rebounding.

Édouard-Montpetit ran organized half-court sets and leaned on creators when plays broke down, and Dardaye’s ability to stay composed and manufacture offense fit that structure perfectly. He was their stabilizer in tight moments. In my view, he is the prospect with the most upside—impressive considering he is already a First Team All-Star.

Abdel Alao

5'10

Class of 2027

Édouard-Montpetit

Abdel played with edge and constant pressure, living at the free-throw line thanks to steady rim attacks and sharp ball-screen reads. His efficiency on possessions where he does not draw fouls can still grow, but he balanced that with high-level defensive activity—jumping passing lanes, creating turnovers, and staying locked in.

Because Édouard-Montpetit relies heavily on guard pressure and rim touches to open up their sets, Abdel’s downhill ability and defensive intensity fit their identity perfectly.

Steven Bonilla-Montoya

6'2

Class of 2027

André-Laurendeau

Steven brought relentless defensive toughness, often guarding the opponent’s best player and fighting over every screen. His motor was unmatched—sprinting the floor after makes, pushing pace, and creating easy buckets in transition.

André-Laurendeau’s style is built on pace, pressure, and physicality, and Steven’s nonstop energy made him the heartbeat of that approach. He was a tone-setter every time he stepped on the floor.

---

As the competition tightens at Montmorency from April 17–19, the provincial quarterfinal matchups are officially set: Vanier vs. Séminaire de Sherbrooke, André-Laurendeau vs. Sherbrooke, and Édouard-Montpetit vs. Limoilou.

A full player watchlist for both regions is coming soon. There are far more standout athletes than those highlighted here, and several are still looking for opportunities at the next level.

A huge thank you to the players, coaches, cameramen, scorekeepers, and everyone who helped make the regional playoffs run smoothly—especially Cégep André-Laurendeau for hosting and organizing the event at such a high level.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the featured players or others who stood out during the season, you can reach out through my page. I share additional notes, context, and insights, and can help connect programs with athletes exploring their next steps.

Provincials tip off at Cégep Montmorency from April 17–19.

Stay tuned—the best basketball of the year is still ahead.

Contact: https://linktr.ee/qchoopslover