Cross Canada Invitational Recap

Once again Golden Ticket threw an amazing weekend and created a high level event in Saskatchewan. They brought in teams from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ontario, and Manitoba to play in exhibition against some of the Sask provincial teams and the University of Regina put togtehr some players to help out as well.

The Golden Ticket team hopes to make this an annual event that allows the provincial teams to prepare for nationals and bring in not only other provicial teams but high end club squads, like the Locked In squad that joined us this season.

Like always I will highlight a couple of players that jumped out through the weekend but not too many as we are putting together our annual U17 men's preview and some will be highlighted there instead. Please watch for that article in the coming weeks.

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WHO STOOD OUT?

2030 | Raphael Ihunaegbo Jr | 6'5 | Locked In

• Raphael is one of the most promising prospects I have seen for some time, he has excellent size and is extremely quick. he got to the rim any time he wanted but also showed he can score at all 3 levels consistently. he was incredibly physical on offense, repeatly creting contact and getting to the line. He had great defensive awareness, kept his man in front of him on the perimeter while also being a menace on the help side with his ability to rim protect.

2028 | Qahar Akewushola | 6'3 | Locked in

• Qahar can jump out of the gym and quickly impacted the oppositions defense due to his consantly looking for the lob. He is constantly looing to attack and create opportunities for himself and teammates. Defensively, he was very active and talked consistently, helping get teammates into position and creating advantages.

2028 | Sacha Scoular | 6'4 | Saskatchewan U17

• Sacha is an intriguing prospect that I have been following for a couple years but over the weekedn he showed that when given open 3's, he is very dangerous. Besides knockng down shots, sacha impressed me with teh physicaliy he showed on teh defnsive end, especially his ability to lean on smaller guards and wear them down. He guards 1-4 and is an very good ball handler that will be one to watch during nationals.

2028 | Lochlan Sellinger | 6'1 | Saskachewan U17

• This is just the second chance I have had to see Lochlan and his game has continued to evolve. He played with a great motor and found ways to contribute on both ends of the floor. I look forward to seeing how he plays at nationals and during his grade 12 season.

2028 | Terry Ogbeide Jr | 6'4 | Manitoba U17

• Terry is a physical force and his game as rounded out since I last seen him at BRIT in 2025. Over the weekend, he was the primary decision maker for a Manitoba team tat was missing several key pieces. He looked poised an in control of the offense, making plays for himself and his teammates.

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Once again a huge thank you to Golden Ticket for hosting me and putting together a fantastic event. I highly encourage top squads to reach out next season and join us.