Quebec vs Alberta: The Thrilling Showdown at Canada Games Semifinals

The Nationals are now down to the #ClosingFour (patent pending), and to preview one of the matchups, we reached out to our west and east scouts to conduct a Q&A on the Alberta Vs Quebec matchup. 

David Harmon covers Alberta/Saskatchewan, while J.M. Poulard has Quebec. Let’s go!

JM: What do you think Alberta can take advantage of this time around after facing Quebec in what essentially amounted to an exhibition round?

David: I think Alberta’s guards can get into their play better. Quebec brought extreme pressure on the perimeter last time and I think that disrupted Alberta in some ways. I also think Alberta will try to attack more off the wing than they did with Nathan Yambayamba, Deng Ngor and Athian Madut playing so extremely well at the moment.

What do you think of that Quebec will try to do differently? Last time their guards really caused chaos on the defensive end.

J.M.: To your point, Quebec’s guards ran amok against Alberta on both sides of the ball; and it’s entirely possible that will reproduce itself. However, there is a bit of concern.

Kalan-Jameer Leith has missed the last few games with an injury. He was electric in the first matchup against Alberta with 26 points. The scoring obviously gave the team a big boost, but more importantly, his shot making helped keep Alberta at bay. Leith made five of Quebec’s eight three-point shots. 

If he’s still sidelined, Quebec will ask more of Antonny Peraza Blais in terms of playmaking and scoring. 

Another facet: Youri Warren. He’s been plagued by foul trouble in most of the games, but his rebounding and interior scoring are bound to create complications for the opposition…if he can stay on the floor. 

What new wrinkle do you expect to see from Alberta from a schematic standpoint?

David: I really liked the way Elijah Thomas has come off the bench and settled them down a little bit. I think that’s a big change for Alberta the first game. I’ve also seen growth in Isaiah Hinds in the guard spot so I think we will see them be more aggressive. A player I was super high on coming into this tournament and still think we’re gonna see something special from is Lemar Shir sure. So I expect Alberta‘s guard play to be much better than the first game.

Now you mentioned Youri’s been in foul trouble. Alberta had 55 rebounds in their last game. How do you think Quebec’s going to adjust to dealing with that three headed monster Alberta has in the front court?

J.M.: Quebec starts with three guards and two big players. With Leith available, they liked to switch things up and play four guards with an interior player/big wing. 

Although that’s great for playmaking and spacing, it can leave a team vulnerable to second-chance opportunities. Without Leith, it stands to reason Quebec will play more with three guards and two big wings.

Thus, Dominik Sandijo should be a bigger part of the rotation given his rebounding prowess and finishing ability around the rim. 

So now the big guns David…what’s your prediction?

David: I have been nothing but impressed with Quebec. But coming into this tournament for the last couple months I thought this was Alberta’s year. I know Ontario is stacked and Quebec looks good, but I’m not wavering right now. I’m picking the Alberta boys to win this game and win the championship games.

J.M.: I can’t wait for tip off! I have Quebec winning by a slim margin.