With November 18th marking the opening day for basketball in Saskatchewan, it’s time to assess the top teams in the province this year. Hoopla will be hosted in Saskatoon, and the 5A field will feature three teams from Saskatoon, three from Regina, and two qualifying rural teams.
As I analyze the provincial basketball landscape, I notice that many grade 12 players have graduated, which will likely affect the standings for 2023/24. However, several teams are prepared and have strong groups ready to step up and compete. Let’s take an early look at what I anticipate for the 2024/25 season.
These rankings are based on conversations with coaches, basketball enthusiasts, and players themselves. The interesting aspect of team rankings is that they are not definitive; teams will ultimately earn their places at Hoopla through their performance. I have gathered information on where to watch these teams, so fans and college coaches can follow their progress when they are nearby.
#1 Walter Murray Collegiate Mauraders (Saskatoon)
The defending provincial champions are favored to repeat their success. They finished the 2023/24 season undefeated, winning tournaments such as BRIT and the Totem Classic in Ross Shepperd, Edmonton, AB. While the losses of Dillyn Morin (University of Saskatchewan), William Sawchyn (Golden Ticket post-grad), and Jeremy Proctor (Golden Ticket post-grad) will be felt, but this team was deep last year and Coach Scott Hawley will have them prepared to compete at a high level again.
Junior Zach Hawley will be the driving force behind this team, continuing his many impressive performances going back to his freshman year. As intimidating as it sounds, he is more explosive and motivated than ever to keep his team at the top. Also returning is versatile guard Faisal Mahadi, who has been a crucial player for the Marauders; he will take on even more responsibility this season, with USport coaches eager to see his development early on.
Sharp-shooting big man Nickolay Khivrich will step into the starting lineup, contributing both rebounding and spacing. Additionally, Isak Larson returns for his junior season, having had an excellent sophomore year and likely putting in significant work over the summer. With senior Darius Moss and several players moving up from the junior team, this squad will be very difficult to defeat this year.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
Totem Classic (Ross Sheppard; Edmonton, AB) - Dec 5 - 7
BRIT (Bedford Road; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 9th to 12th
MIT (Walter Murray; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 30th to Feb 1st
LIT (Luther; Regina, SK) - Feb 6 - 8
#2 Holy Cross Collegiate Crusaders (Saskatoon)
It appears that the same showdown will occur for the third consecutive season. Holy Cross won the provincial title in 2022-23 but lost the city championship last season to Walter Murray. The provincial championship game was determined by rankings due to a labor stoppage, meaning they did not have another opportunity to face Murray.
This year, Coach Josh Rutten has lost seven Grade 12 players from his roster, including key contributors like guard Jack Grey and 6'8" Aloka Fernando.
Despite these losses, the presence of the best Grade 12 player in the province, 6'6" guard Kian Tyson, will keep them competitive. Kian had an outstanding summer on the EYCL circuit (Nike's summer circuit) with Genesis, showing significant improvement that is sure to attract Division 1 coaches' attention throughout the year. Alongside Kian, senior guard Moe Osman returns and is also drawing interest from coaches on both sides of the border, thanks to his smooth ball handling and finishing skills.
I expect a breakout season from Goloom Bein, who can shoot from anywhere on the court. Additionally, I anticipate contributions from Raph Mutengalo and Lucien Tyson, both of whom had impressive junior seasons last year and significantly improved during the summer with their clubs and the provincial program.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
GIT (St. Joseph; Saskatoon, SK) - Dec 5-7th
BRIT (Bedford Road; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 9th to 12th
MIT (Walter Murray; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 30th to Feb 1st
Tri-Prov (Harry Ainley; Edmonton, AB) - Feb 6-8th
#3 Martin Collegiate Monarchs (Regina)
In the 2023/24 season, the Martin Monarchs achieved a commendable 4th place finish in the regular season. However, their hopes for a successful Hoopla run were dashed with a quarterfinal loss to Campbell. Despite this setback, Coach Rob Thomson has to be optimistic about the upcoming season. The only significant loss for the team is the graduation of Cooper McKechnie (Medicine Hat College).
Coach Thomson will have a strong starting core returning, including Kobe Thomson, Judah Frentz, Corbin Andres, and Aiden Newton. Additionally, the arrival of point guard Tommy Olson, who is moving to the city from Weyburn, adds to the team's potential. With plenty of depth available—thanks to the Martin junior program's undefeated season in 2023/24—the Monarchs are poised for success.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
Martin Tourney (Regina, SK) - Nov 22-23rd
BOWLT (Bethleham/Tommy Douglas; Saskatoon, SK) - Nov 28-30th
Brandon Tourney (Brandon, MB) - Dec 12-14th
The ROCK (Regina Christian; Regina, SK) - Feb 27 - Mar 1
LIT - qualifier TBA
Last season, the Titans made a strong run to the Regina city finals before losing to Riffel. This performance secured them a spot in Hoopla, the Saskatchewan provincial tournament, where they fell to Holy Cross in the bronze medal game. Coach Kellen Livingstone aims to bounce back with a solid group that won the Regina Junior Championship two seasons ago. However, he has lost six Grade 12 players from last year's roster, including guard Ethan Short (CTA West).
This year, the team's performance will be anchored by Cher Madol, a 6'6" wing player known for his smooth play and dominant defensive skills, significantly altering how opponents attack. Madol is expected to be a USport prospect that college coaches will be eager to watch. Coach Livingstone will be looking for big seasons from Anaias Castillo, Drew Cameron, and Kylan Wol-Harden as they pursue a Regina City Championship and a provincial title this season.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
O'Neill Tourney (Regina, SK) - Nov 21 to 23rd
Nelson Mandela (Calgary, AB) - Dec 5 to 7th
BRIT (Bedford Road; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 9th to 12th
Crosstown Tourney (Leboldus and Winston Knoll; Regina, SK) - Jan 16-18th
LIT - qualifier TBA
#5 Micheal A. Riffel High School Royals (Regina)
Ranking and anticipating this team for the 2024/25 season is quite challenging. They will be changing coaches, with Stephen Shields taking over after previously coaching at Campbell three seasons ago. He is known for being a skilled coach, particularly with Golden Ticket and their postgraduate team.
This team has lost significant talent from their roster, which finished 2nd in the province in 2023/24 and 3rd in 2022/23. Key players who have graduated include Osagie Okundaye (Hodan Prep; Toronto), Kaiden Thomson (The Academy Phoenix), Tyleon Oceya (Regina Rams football), and Kyle Conteh (U of S Huskies football).
With such talent leaving, it raises questions about their ability to compete for another Regina title and provincial medal. However, 6'8" big man Davin Berry will play a crucial role in their efforts. Despite focusing on football over the summer, Davin is an imposing player that few in the province can guard, and he is expected to make a significant impact on the basketball court this season.
Additionally, role players like Ethan Aveyard, Ian Randall, and Grady Wilson will be stepping into larger responsibilities. With potential junior players Jevin Kasick and Joseph Lippai moving up, there is no doubt that Coach Shields will work to maintain the team's dominance.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
Martin Tourney (Regina, SK) - Nov 21-23rd
Brandon Tourney (Brandon, MB) - Dec 12-14th
CIT (Campbell; Regina, SK) - Jan 30 to Feb 1
LIT - qualifier TBA
#6 St Joseph Collegiate Guardians (Saskatoon)
This team will be intriguing to watch this season. Coach Paul Hansen will lose three key leaders to graduation: Will Stianson (Briercrest), Jeyvin Galura (Golden Ticket Post-grad), and Ben Pritchard (King's; Edmonton). Last season, they finished 4th in the Saskatoon league and fell just short of qualifying for Hoopla.
Despite these losses, the team is filled with talent that played significant roles last season and is poised to take huge steps forward. Demi Akinmoyero, Raphael Ewejobi, and Nemo Arnold will all be looking to impress both as a team and individually. Joining them are juniors Kaden MacAngus, Mayo Alabi, and Lenandro Rego, creating a team with as much talent and depth as any in the province. It will ultimately come down to how they compete and execute on a game-to-game basis.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
Carelton Invitational (Prince Albert, SK) - Nov 29-31
GIT (St. Joseph; Saskatoon, SK) - Dec 5-7th
BRIT (Bedford Road; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 9th to 12th
CIT (Campbell; Regina, SK) - Jan 30 to Feb 1
#7 North Battleford Composite High Vikings (North Battleford)
In the 2023/24 season, North Battleford had an impressive post-season run, capturing the 5A rural championship and securing a fifth-place finish at Hoopla. Coach Ryley Woiden will need to regroup this season after graduating key players Labron Weenie- Waskahat and Arvin Rabino. Additionally, playing outside the city will present challenges, as their schedule includes nine tournaments with over 4,000 kilometers of travel.
Although the loss of two key players may seem significant, the team still boasts plenty of talent. Sharpshooter Eston Glass will have the ultimate green light this season that will see USport and CCAA coaches keeping a close eye on him. Coach Woiden can also rely on the experience of three players—Mikal Bird, Deon Henry, and Emery Paskemin—who represented Saskatchewan basketball at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. The team will also welcome big man Max Weran, who had an impressive performance at the U15 nationals this summer.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments:
O'Neill Tourney (Regina, SK) - Nov 21 to 23rd
Carelton Invitational (Prince Albert, SK) - Nov 29-31
JP II Tourney (North Battleford, SK) - Dec 2-4
C4 (Centennial; Saskatoon, SK) - Dec 13-15
Moose Jaw Invitational- Jan 10-12
WIT (Winnipeg, MB) - Jan 16-18
MIT (Walter Murray; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 30th to Feb 1st
St Mary Tournament (Prince Albert, SK) - Feb 6-8
North Battleford Tourney - Feb 28-Mar 2
#8 Campbell High School Tartans (Regina)
Last season, Coach Zen Orobko led his team on an impressive playoff run. After finishing 5th in the Regina league standings, they secured a significant victory over Martin in the quarterfinals. They ultimately placed 3rd in Regina and earned a spot in Hoopla, where they lost to North Battleford. This year, Coach Orobko will face a very different roster, having graduated key players such as Rogan Fry (Golden Ticket Post-grad), Hayden Ginter, Zach Markenson (CTA West), and Ronin Patel (Golden Ticket Post-grad).
I fully expect this team to be formidable this season and to make a serious run for the Regina City title. The team will be led by point guard Julio Ruiz, who is a strong defensive player, along with his backcourt partner, Treyson Perras who can do it all. Additionally, players like Adrien Raume and 6'7" big man Aiden Kreutzer are expected to improve as the season progresses
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
GIT (St. Joseph; Saskatoon, SK) - Dec 5-7th
Brandon Tourney (Brandon, MB) - Dec 12-14th
Crosstown Tourney (Leboldus and Winston Knoll; Regina, SK) - Jan 16-18th
CIT (Campbell; Regina, SK) - Jan 30 to Feb 1
LIT - qualifier TBA
#9 Carleton Comprehensive High School Crusaders (Prince Albert, SK)
Carleton had an impressive run during the 2022/23 season, setting the stage for a strong 2023/24 campaign. Under Coach Randy Emerson, the team finished 2nd at the 5A rural qualifying tournament earning them a 7th seed at Hoopla. At Hoopla, they triumphed over Lloydminster Comp, finishing the tournament in 7th place.
As they approach the 2024/25 season, the team is focused on building on their success. Although losing Jackson Hufnagel (King's; Edmonton) will be challenging, they will benefit from the return of a core group that includes Zane Litzenberger, Emerson Maccuaig, Clarence Ermine, and Everitt Moccasin-Bourke, all of whom played significant minutes as sophomores last season. This team is poised to be a formidable contender, both in the rural qualifying tournament and at Hoopla.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
Carleton Invitational (Prince Albert, SK) - Nov 29-31
GIT (St. Joseph; Saskatoon, SK) - Dec 5-7th
Moose Jaw Invitational- Jan 10-12
Estevan Tourney - Jan 17-19
MIT (Walter Murray; Saskatoon, SK) - Jan 30th to Feb 1st
St Mary Tournament (Prince Albert, SK) - Feb 6-8
North Battleford Tourney - Feb 28-Mar 2
#10 Moose Jaw Central High School Cyclones (Moose Jaw) - 4A team
The only non-5A school to be recognized on this list truly deserves attention. The 2023-24 season marked the school's sixth consecutive appearance in the 4A championship game and their fourth consecutive provincial title. The team competes against a diverse range of opponents and has had several players advance to the post-secondary level over the years. Coach Barry Seaborn is committed to maintaining this tradition, especially since he only lost three Grade 12 players from his roster. The return of Chase Seaborn, Ben Ansel, Gerritt Gulutzan, Eli Juan, Lei Delizo and Max Simmons will anchor the team and Suliman Suliman joining the team full time this season should be enough to ensure their continued success this season.
Their schedule this year will include the following tournaments to complement league play:
Carleton Invitational (Prince Albert, SK) - Nov 29-31
Medicine Hat Tourney (Medicine Hat, AB) - Dec 6-7
Moose Jaw Invitational- Jan 10-12
Crosstown Tourney (Leboldus and Winston Knoll; Regina, SK) - Jan 16-18th
Tri-Prov (Harry Ainley; Edmonton, AB) - Feb 6-8th
North Battleford Tourney - Feb 28-Mar 2
Instead of Honorable mentions, here are my predictions for the Premier division teams in each city as well as my top 5 rural teams.
Saskatoon Premiere League
Walter Murray Marauders
Holy Cross Crusaders
St Joseph Guardians
Aden Bowman Bears
Bethlehem Stars
Tommy Douglas Tigers
Marion Graham Falcons
Bishop J Mahoney Saints
Regina Premiere League
Martin Monarchs
O'Neill Titans
Riffel Royals
Campbell Tartans
Miller Mauraders
Harvest City Reapers - 4A
Leboldus Suns
Luther Lions - 4A
Rural Team
North Battleford Vikings
Carleton Crusaders (Prince Albert)
Central Cyclones - 4A (Moose Jaw)
Peacock Tornados - 4A (Moose Jaw)
Clavet Cougars - 3A (Clavet)
Amazing list the people who worked on it did a great job