Ezra Lado: Making His Own Path from Brooks to CTA West

For many young basketball players, the path to post-secondary basketball begins with years of club competition, exposure tournaments and opportunities to play against top prospects. Ezra Lado (6'6", 2027, Brooks, AB) has taken a different route, developing his game at St. Joseph Collegiate before earning an opportunity with CTA West through an open tryout.

Growing up in Brooks, Lado didn't have the same exposure as many of the players he now competes against. He spent much of his high school career playing different positions and taking on significant responsibilities for St. Joseph. When a friend told him about CTA West, he contacted the coaching staff, attended a tryout and earned a place in the program. That opportunity has brought him into a new environment, competing against stronger opposition at Dime Sessions while learning to play alongside talented prospects from across Canada.

Having watched Lado through the first two Dime Sessions, his defensive ability is what has consistently impressed me most. At 6-foot-6, he combines length, lateral quickness and athleticism with an ability to anticipate what opponents are trying to do. He is particularly effective in CTA's extended pressure, where his active hands and ability to cover ground create difficult decisions for opposing ball handlers.

Against Mountaineers White in Session 1, I recorded five steals in CTA West Black's 92–90 victory. His defensive production continued against WCPA Regional in Session 2, where he finished with six steals, a block, five rebounds and three assists to go along with 16 points. Those numbers reflect what has stood out watching him: Lado can influence a game in several areas without needing to be the primary scoring option.

When asked what makes him effective defensively, Lado pointed to his ability to stay in front of opponents and anticipate their next move. He takes pride in being trusted with difficult assignments and recognizes how his activity can help teammates create turnovers.

“Being able to stay in front of defenders and be annoying.”

CTA West coach Lee Reckmann shares that confidence, considering Lado one of the team's top defenders and trusting him with assignments against multiple positions. His ability to move laterally, anticipate passes and recover defensively gives CTA flexibility in how it applies pressure, particularly against teams with talented perimeter players.

What has become more noticeable is Lado's communication. Against Calgary Hoops Academy, he was regularly directing teammates during CTA's full-court pressure, and there was a stretch in the fourth quarter when the defence appeared less organized with him on the bench. When I asked whether that leadership had always been part of his game, Lado explained that it was something he had begun developing since joining CTA. That willingness to take responsibility for organizing teammates is an encouraging part of his growing basketball IQ, especially as he continues adjusting to the speed and demands of prep competition.

While Lado's defensive impact is his most consistent strength, there is more to his game than creating turnovers and finishing in transition. His athleticism is immediately apparent in the open floor, where he covers ground quickly and can finish above the rim. Against Calgary Hoops Academy, he produced an explosive two-handed dunk in transition and another impressive finish attacking from the wing.

He has also shown an ability to score in different ways. Against Mountaineers White, Lado finished with 17 points in my game tracking, converting a corner three, attacking the basket, finding opportunities on backdoor cuts and using a controlled spin move from the mid-post. His experience playing multiple positions at St. Joseph is evident when he operates closer to the basket, while his passing and willingness to move without the ball have helped him contribute within CTA's deeper roster.

When I asked what part of his offensive game people might be overlooking, Lado immediately pointed to his shooting. He credits Reckmann with helping build his confidence from beyond the arc, something he has been working to improve since arriving at CTA.

“Something that players keep overlooking is my shooting.”

There have been encouraging signs from the perimeter, including a smooth fourth-quarter three against Calgary Hoops Academy. Lado continues working on getting shots up at game pace and improving his conditioning, recognizing that a more reliable perimeter shot will complement his ability to attack the basket. His offensive game is still developing, but he already contributes through transition opportunities, movement without the ball and his willingness to make plays for teammates.

One of the plays that has stayed with me came late in CTA's close victory over Mountaineers White. After missing a transition dunk, Lado immediately recovered defensively to secure a rebound and followed that effort with a composed spin move from the mid-post for two points. It wasn't his most spectacular sequence, but it demonstrated his competitiveness and ability to move on from a mistake without allowing it to affect the next possession.

Reckmann has spoken highly of that approach, describing Lado as a coachable player who asks questions, wants to learn and brings positive energy to the program. His appreciation was evident when he suggested he would happily take a roster filled with players who approached the game the same way. Lado has also welcomed the adjustment from carrying significant responsibilities at St. Joseph to playing alongside teammates who can share the workload, particularly on defence.

His motivation extends beyond basketball. Lado's parents had their own athletic aspirations, with his mother involved in volleyball and his father in soccer before moving to Canada and prioritizing work and family. He understands the sacrifices they have made and sees his opportunity in basketball as a way of honouring that commitment.

When I asked what reaching the next level would mean to him, Lado spoke about the work and dedication it has taken to reach this point, particularly the example set by his mother and how hard she works every day.

“I'm competing for her too.”

He also takes pride in representing Brooks and hopes his journey can show younger players that opportunities can be created through hard work, even without the exposure available in larger basketball centres.

From a scouting perspective, Lado is an intriguing two-way wing whose defensive versatility, athleticism and willingness to contribute in different ways provide a strong foundation for the post-secondary level. His length, lateral quickness and anticipation allow him to guard multiple positions, while his improving perimeter shooting and offensive confidence give him room to develop into a more complete player.

Lado has expressed ambitions of reaching NCAA Division I and reports interest from Canadian colleges and American junior college programs. When I asked what he wanted college coaches to know about him, his answer centred on the qualities that have stood out most during my evaluations: his energy and defensive motor. He also emphasized his willingness to contribute wherever he ends up, with the goal of helping his future team compete for a national championship.

For a player whose opportunity came through an open tryout rather than years on the exposure circuit, Lado has made considerable progress. His performances through the first two Dime Sessions have demonstrated that he has the physical tools and defensive instincts to compete at a higher level, while his approach to learning and development suggests there is still room for growth.