Another weekend means another road trip to Alberta to evaluate the amazing talent that is being produced out west. This time I had the chance to catch up with many familiar faces in the Calgary basketball community and watch the Genesis Classic. With 300 teams competing, this tournament was huge. I focused on the loaded High School boys platinum division which featured 10 teams. The division was all loaded and some very good basketball was on display. These are the 10 players that caught my eye.
Magnus Carlos
Position: PG
Height: 6'3
School: Vincent Massey (Winnipeg, MB)
Club: Ignite (Winnipeg, MB)
Class: 2026
This Grade 11 point guard showed an elite all-around game while competing against some amazing guards (profiles below) and leading his team to the tournament championship. Magnus had full control of the team at all times and consistently made the right play especially when facing full court pressure. He is an active defender, and showed the ability to knock down his shot whenever the opportunity arose.
Nash Semeniuk
Position: PG
Height: 6'1
School: Kelowna Secondary
Club: Goodwin Hoops
Class: 2024 - University of Alberta commit
There is a reason Coach Craddock has him signed at the U of A, he is smooth and makes his team go. He is a creative guard that was able to get to the rim with ease. Nash made his teammates better with every decision he makes and I can not wait to watch him for the next 5 years in CanWest play.
Cason Scott
Position: F
Height: 6'7
School: Westsyde Secondary (Kamloops, BC)
Club: Northern Bounce
Class: 2025
Watching Cason, it is easy to see why NCAA D1 and USport coaches are already making him offers. The 6'7 forward uses his great athleticism and feel for the game to challenge every shot that comes his way. His offense is smooth and he can finish both in the paint and from the 3 point line.
Marodama Benjamin
Position: F
Height 6'7
School: Edge Prep
Club: Genesis
Class: 2025
Marodama stands out the second you walk into the gym, he has fluid movement that just makes the game look so easy. He takes the ball effortlessly to the rim off the bounce and finishes with authority, add this to a good looking shooting stroke and he proves to be a tough player to defend. As i watched him throughout tournament, his rebounding really stood out as he attacked the ball and expected to get every missed shot.
Birk Placsko
Position: F
Height: 6'5
School: Foothills Composite (Okotoks, AB)
Club: FYB (Okotoks, AB)
Class: 2026
Birk battled all weekend against some great competition and held his own. He was able to make an impression with his energy and ability to get out on the break quickly. The pick and roll game is where he truly excelled, his knack for setting good hard screens and efficient footwork on the roll gave him plenty of easy looks.
Julius Holmes
Position: G
Height: 5'11
School: Lillian Osbourne (Edmonton, AB)
Club: Good Hoops
Class: 2027
Julius was everywhere on the court all weekend. The high motor guard plays with a reckless abandon that is a delight to watch. He pushes the pace on the break, finds ways to finish at the rim through all sorts of contact, and isn't afraid to mix it up in the paint on defense. This grade 10 is someone we will have to keep an eye on because there is no doubt he will continue to refine his skills and make an impact.
Muhammad Omar
Position: G/F
Height: 6'5
School: WCPA
Club: Good Hoops
Class: 2025
This is second weekend I have gotten to see Muhammad and he played big for his Good Hoops team in Calgary. With some of his teammates travelling to EYCL games, I saw Muhammad really show the ability to step up and score the ball. He is an explosive finisher and threw down some big dunks but it was his physicality that really stood out to me. He anticipates well on defense and makes the game very tough on his opponents.
Karan Singh
Position: G
Height: 6'1
School: O'Leary (Edmonton, AB)
Club: NexGen (Edmonton, AB)
Class: 2025
Karan had a great weekend leading a very good NexGen team. His ability to shoot the ball as well as set his teammates up showed why he should be not still be unsigned. If you aren't familiar with Karan's game be sure to look for Harrison Paulichuk's article here on the Maple Minute published this week.
Reed Jakubiszyn
Position: G
Height: 6'
School: Strathmore (Strathmore, AB)
Club: PEAK (Airdrie, AB)
Class: 2024
Reed is an unsigned gem that just graduated high school. He has good size for a guard, shot the ball well and was able to finish inside in a variety of ways. He would be a good late signing depth guard for a CCAA program still looking.
Dillyn Morin
Position: G
Height: 6'1
School: Walter Murray (Saskatoon, SK)
Club: Rise Above (Regina, SK)
Class: 2024 University of Saskatchewan commit
I have saved Dillyn for last this review as I have been watching him play for almost 3 years now. Dillyn is the ultimate competitor and only has one gear - full intensity. His step back 3's and lightning quick drives make him an offensive juggernaut. No matter what team he is on, he finds a way to blend in and make an impact. The U of S have a good one here and I am excited to watch him play for another 5 years.
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