Game #1 Nova Scotia 73 Newfoundland 64
2024 Nationals kicked off with a meeting between the maritime rivals. Nova Scotia looked to push the ball early and often as they ran off rebounds, turnovers and made baskets, Newfoundland looked to slow them down early with a full court press but Nova Scotia was able to show patience and break it leading to easy baskets.
Despite playing at a high pace Nova Scotia struggled to score only shooting 34% the game. Newfoundland committed 30 turnovers and just couldn't find a run to close the score as anytime they got a run Nova Scotia had an answer.
Deion Coward looked good for Nova Scotia coming off the bench, scoring 14 points in just under 20 minutes of play. The Newfoundland backcourt played really well Ryder English had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 steals, his backcourt partner Lucas Mate scored a smooth 21 points including 6/10 from three.
Game #2 New Brunswick 114 Northwest Territories 45
New Brunswick came out ready to go and used their defensive pressure to create turnovers early and often. Their defense led to easy fast break points including several dunks early and they didn't let up at all.
Northwest Territories guard Rex Turner had a very good game finishing with 26 points including an impressive 7/10 from 3. Nova Scotia guard Jacob Christie finished with 19 points in 19 minutes to go with 5 assists and 4 steals.
Game #3 Ontario 100 Quebec 84
This highly anticipated matchup featuring a lot of highly ranked. athletic players was played at a very high level. Ontario came out running and scored on the break, early and often getting out to an early big lead. Quebec settled in and kept the game even until the 4th quarter where they started to narrow the lead but it was too little too late.
This game featured a lot of players we are watching this season. Jordan Charles came up huge for Ontario with 33 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 9 steals. Big man Charles Smith got to work inside with 16 points on 75% shooting. Promis Nlandu filled the stats sheet for Quebec with 15 pts, 8 rebs and 6 assists.
Game #4 Alberta 85 British Columbia 78
Alberta jumped out to a quick lead and held a 54-38 lead at halftime as BC found a couple starters in foul trouble that limited their minutes. The second half was a different game as they made it close being down only 2 with 2 minutes to go in the game, but Alberta iced it with free throws.
Alberta was led by Patrick Anamali with 18 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Birch Pockar who finished with 13 pts, 7 rebs and 7 assists. Toren Franklin did everything he could in the 1st half to keep BC within striking distance ending with 11 points and 8 assists, but it was Justin Hinrichsen that came up big in teh 2nd half to finish with 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Game #5 Saskatchewan 79 Newfoundland 70
This was a sloppy game right from the start with poor shooting (both teams 31% for the game), and high turnovers (33 for NFLD and 22 for SK). Saskatchewan comes out with the win as their ability to get to the paint and draw fouls was the difference, they shot 20 foul shots to Newfoundland's 6 attempts.
Saskatchewan was led by Faisal Mahadhi with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Lucas Mate had his second big game of the day with 30 points in the loss. The stats that jump off the page are the rebounds with 4 players in tha gme having more than 10; John Purchase with 16 and Jacob Sheppard with12 for NFLD, Christ Ndayikengurukiye with 14 and Kungu Mtuabzi with 10 for SK.
Game #6 Manitoba 133 Northwest Territories 40
This was a mismatch from the start just as you would have expected with last years 5th place finisher vs 10th place. Manitoba jumped out to an early lead and didn't look back, they are long and athletic shooting 62% from the field and forcing NT into 40 turnovers.
Manitoba finished with 6 players in double digit scoring and only 1 player was over 20 minutes and that was by 23 seconds. I think we will be highlighting a lot of Manitoba players this week as they will make a serious run at a medal in my opinion.
DAY 2
Game #7 British Columbia 80 Quebec 78
The first game of Day 2 was a great match up and the teams both competed a an extremely high level. Quebec came out strong and built a 10 point lead midway through the 2nd Quarter, but just like Day against Alberta, BC fought back to take a 5 point in the 3rd quarter. Despite some pushes by Quebec in the 4th, BC was able to hang on to the lead and take the game. This is a must watch game if you are looking for a game to watch tonight, both teams showed excellent execution and defense throughout the game.
Big Tyler Felt led the way for BC with 23 points and 6 rebounds, while guard Dorian Glogovac bounced back from yesterdays foul trouble with 15 points. Quebec standout Promis Nlandu paced Quebec again with 18 points and 6 rebounds
Game #8 Ontario 85 Alberta 77
What a Game!!!! With so many elite prospects in one game we should have expected it to be close but they exceeded expectations, if there is a game to show college coaches of upcoming Canadian talent this is it. Right from the opening tip the two teams went back and forth all first half. Ontario got on a run in the 3rd quarter opening up a 15 points lead that had them in control. Alberta turned it around in the 4th and came all the way back, down 2 points with 1 second left, the converted a nice baseline inbounds play to tie the game and had a free throw to win, but that did not fall. Overtime was all Ontario and they come away with the win.
The difference maker for Ontario in this game was Quentin Ethier who had 21 points on 5/11 shooting from 3, Ian McBride was a standout on defense and collected 8 tough rebounds. Alberta was led in scoring by TJ Wal with 21, but it was Deng Ngor with the big impact finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Game #9 Nova Scotia 98 Saskatchewan 67
The first couple minutes looked like Saskatchewan's press would cause Nova Scotia problems but that was not the case. Nova Scotia turned Sask over 22 times and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds that just gave them too many extra possessions. The game broke open early in the 1st quarter and was never in doubt.
Nova Scotia rolled 11 players and got huge numbers from their bench including leading scorer Jaxon Durando with 17 points and leading rebounder Deion Coward with 12 rebounds. Jesse Klinger led Sask with 16 points in the loss.
Game #10 Manitoba 91 New Brunswick 79
Another very good game on Day 2 as New Brunswick kept clawing back and wouldn't let Manitoba run away with it. Manitoba got up by 10 after 1st quarter, then played even to half. New Brunswick made some runs in the 3rd quarter but Manitoba pulled away once again in the 4th. New Brunswick just couldn't stop Manitoba at the rim as they shot 55% for the game.
Manitoba was paced with big games from their starters as Point guard Magnus Carlos finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds, he was joined by forward Settimo Yugu who added 21 points and 15 rebounds. New Brunswick was led by Colin Tilley and Jacob Christie each scoring 19, Tilley and Jack Gimby each pulled down 11 rebounds as well.
Game #11 Saskatchewan 122 Northwest Territories 59
Saskatchewan regrouped this morning and flipped the script on their game yesterday, they turned NWT over 50 times and let it fly from deep. They shot an amazing 45 three point attempts and knocked down 22, for a crazy 48%.
Sask's bench led the 3 point barrage Eston Glass shot 9/18 (30 points), Nick Khivrich 6/8 (24 points) and Ty Randall 5/12 (15 points). The Territories were again led by Robbie Turner with 22 points and Chimzigam Korie had an eye popping 16 rebounds to go with 10 points off the bench.
Game #12 New Brunswick 66 Newfoundland 71
Another incredibly close and competitive game, that saw both teams take leads throughout the game. The defensive awareness was on display as both teams locked in on the others leading scorer and made it tough for them to get any sort of a rhythm going, until Lucas Mate finally got loose to knock down the game winning 3.
Newfoundland guard Ryder English filled the stats sheet again finishing with 23 points and 9 rebounds, and teammate John Purchase adding 17 points and 14 rebs. Colin Tilley had a heroic effort in the loss with 25 points and14 rebs.
Game #13 Quebec 84 Manitoba 65
Another highly competitive game that saw both teams take 10 point leads. Quebec came out in the first half attacking and using their athleticism to get to the rim and generate a lot of fouls on Manitoba. Despite being in bonus early in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, Quebec allowed Manitoba to hang around with only a 6 point lead at the half. Manitoba made some incredible adjustments at the half and held Quebec without a point for the first 4:30 of the second half. This gave them a 10 point lead but the 4th quarter was all Quebec, they settled in on defense and got out running which Manitoba could just not match.
Quebec was led by the uber-athletic backcourt once again, Kalan-Jameer Leith has 22 points, 4 rebs and 4 assists. Promise Nlandu also really impacted the game with 9 steals to go with his 13 points. Manitoba had a balanced attack with both Settimo Yugu and Bruno Van Bewer each with 13 point and big man Crue Gard grabbing a game high 12 rebounds.
Game #14 British Columbia 93 Nova Scotia 83
The final game of Day #3 was another display of the great talent we have in Canada. BC got out to a lead and Nova Scotia kept narrowing it all game but any time they got close, BC was able to pull away once again by shooting an incredible 56% from 3.
British Columbia was again led by the incredible backcourt, Justin Hinrichsen had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Toren Franklin chipped in with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Ben Dale once again did everything he could for Nova Scotia with 35 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assist.
Game #15 Nova Scotia 83 Northwest Territories 43
NWT once again struggled to finish shooting 23% from the field but have put in all the effort they could to compete but Nov Scotia was too deep end. Nova Scotia was led by Deion Coward who made his first start of the tourney and scored 16 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. NWT once again was led by Rex Turner, who may be the hidden gem of this tourney for USport and CCAA coaches, with 19 points and 5 rebounds.
Game #16 Manitoba 83 New Brunswick 71
It is becoming a theme in this tournament that these games are very competitive. This game was within 5 points the whole way until the end when Manitoba knocked down a couple late. Both teams hustled and got on the floor for lose balls all game, but Manitoba had more size and were able to get to the free throw line regularly and that ended up being the difference in the game (Manitoba was 15/27, New Brunwick 6/10).
Manitoba was led by Liam Jaro with 26 points including 5/8 from 3, Magnus Carlos added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Colin Tilley came up big again for New Brunswick with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
Game #17 Alberta 98 Saskatchewan 57
After their OT loss to Ontario, we were waiting to see how this highly skilled Alberta team would respond and it didn't take very long. They came out using their size advantage and finished everything in the paint and cleaned up the boards. They outrebounded Sask 37-19 and never gave any doubt that they would be moving on. Saskatchewan was able to knock down 3's and make some runs but Alberta minimized those.
Alberta's big men went to work as they led the scoring, Patrick Anamali had 24 (10/11 from field), Deng Ngor 11 points (5/6), Daniel Chijoke 12 (5/5) and Aleksander Popovic 12 (5/7). On the Sask side, it was once again Eston Glass firing away from long distance hitting 5 of his 13 attempts and finishing with a game high 16 for Sask.
Game #18 Ontario 102 Newfoundland 62
In the last quarterfinal game, Newfoundland came out of the game firing and shocked the juggernauts from Ontario. Newfoundland hit some big threes and through the first 5 minutes the game was tied. Ontario settled down and used their superior size and athleticism to start slowly taking over the game. They outrebounded NFLD 44-23 and shot an amazing 64% from the field as they pulled away to the easy win.
Ontario was led by Phoenyx Wise this game, he dropped 20 points on 9/11 shooting. Caleb Roberts had 15 off the bench. Ryder English started hot and finished with 17 points, Ethan Berry came off the bench for 12 points.
Game #19 Nova Scotia 94 Saskatchewan 75
Nova Scotia came out hot building a 9 point 1st quarter lead before Sask came back to only be down 4 at the half, but 37 point 3rd quarter put the game out of reach. Nova Scotia came prepared for the shooters on Sask and held them to just 4/18 for 22%.
Nova Scotia was led once again by Ben Dale with 24 points and 9 rebounds, his teammate Oliver Nadeau chipped in with 20 points hitting 5/12 3's. Sask's leader today was Faisal Mahadi who filled the stats sheet with 22 points, 4 rebs and 5 assists.
Game #20 Manitoba 86 Newfoundland 61
Manitoba had a plan and just slowly build their lead until they exploded in the 4th quarter to put Newfoundland away. They did their prep and took Newfoundland star Ryder English out of the game by limiting the amount he had the ball. They also did a great job rebounding the ball with a 54-39 advantage.
Manitoba got a huge game once again from Settimo Yugu off the bench his 23 points and 14 rebounds led the way while Paul Ogeweno chipped in with 18 points on 4/7 shooting from deep. Lucas Mate continued to score the ball well leading Newfoundland with 15 points.
Game #21 New Brunswick 108 Northwest Territories 39
Another tough shooting day for NWT as they made just 22% of their shoots and combined with 34 turnovers, they just couldn't put it together today. New Brunswick on the other hand shot 51% from the field to secure the win.
New Brunswick was again led by their dynamic duo of Jacob Christie with 27 points and 5 steals, and Colin Tilley with 20 points, 5 rebs and 5 assists. Jonathan Aine had a game high 11 points for NWT.
Game #22 Ontario 81 Quebec 66
Quebec took full advantage of their day off yesterday and came in ready for Ontario, they used a zone to limit Ontario's penetration and knew where the shooters were throughout the half. Ontario went into halftime down 4 points, but coach must have said something that inspired when they came out in the 3rd. The aggressively pressed Quebec and turned them over for 32 points in the quarter. The fourth quarter was much better for Quebec but they couldn't put together the run they needed to stop Ontario from advancing to the finals again.
Sami Uraz led Ontario with 15 points and 7 rebounds, but once again Jordan Charles filled the stats sheet with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Quebec's Promis Nlandu continued to show that he is an elite prospect finishing with 21 points and 8 rebounds
Game #23 British Columbia Alberta
British Columbia came out firing in the first half moving the ball effectively and finding open shooters, hitting 8 of their 15 Shots from behind the arc allowing them to open a 13 point lead at halftime. The end of the 3rd quarter saw Alberta make their run to get them game within 4 points, fueled by several big dunks and a long contested 3 by TJ Wal. The 4th quarter saw BC settle down and once again use ball movement to get great shots every time down the floor.
BC effectively only used 6 players but to show how well the moved the ball, all 6 scored in double digits. Logan Stewart with 23, Dorian Glogovac 20, Toren Franklin 16, Frank Linder 15, Tyler Felt with 13 and 15 rebounds and Justin Hinrichsen with 11. Alberta also had 5 players in double digits led by Deng Ngor with 26, Daniel Chijok added 10 rebounds in the loss.
Game #24 Saskatchewan 114 Newfoundland 66
Saskatchewan came out wanting a win to end this year's national tourney and took a 29 -13 lead in the first quarter. Newfoundland played a strong second quarter putting up 27 points but that was really their only bright side, as they committed 42 turnovers for the game.
Saskatchewan was led by Tommy Olsen's 21 points, Eston Glass continued to show that he is an elite 3 point threat hitting 6/13 for another 20 point game. Jesse Klinger 12points and 9 rebounds, Moe Osman 10 points, 10 assists and 5 steals and Faisal Mahadi added 11 steals. Newfoundland was led by Jacob Shepard with 13 points and John Purchase adding 12,points and 12 rebounds.
Game #25 Manitoba 83 Nova Scotia 72
Consolation final and both teams came out ready to play, matching baskets in the 4th quarter it looked like we would have another close game, but Manitoba Outscored Nova Scotia 28-12 in the 2nd quarter and Nova Scotia could not get the lead back again. Nova Scotia was aggressive and drew 20 fouls to shoot 34 foul shots but it still wasn't enough.
Manitoba was lead again by Settimo Yugu with a impressive 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Magnus Carlos With 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Nova Scotia's guards led their attack, Ben Dale had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Deion Coward Scored 21 to go with 5 steals.
BRONZE MEDAL GAME
Alberta 82 Quebec 77
Both teams came out ready to play seemingly putting their respective semifinals losses behind them and ready to grab the bronze medal. The first quarter saw each team trying to establish their game plan, Quebec moved the ball and looked to find open 3s against Alberta's long rangy defense and Alberta trying to get to the rim and finish with dunks whenever they could. Both had success as Alberta led by 2 after 1st quarter and Quebec up 2 at the half.
Both teams went back and forth in the 3rd and we had a 1 point game going into the 4th. Quebec knocked down a couple big 3s to open the quarter but Alberta answered to keep the game close. Down the stretch Alberta was able to extend their defense and force Quebec into tough shots and grab the rebounds. Quebec tried to foul but Alberta was almost perfect from the line (18/20) and sealed the bronze medal
All the players in this game played well and I highly recommend that college coaches scour this tape for prospects. Alberta were led by their big 3, TJ Wal with 33 points and 9 rebounds, Deng Ngor with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Patrick Anamali with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Quebec was led by Kalan-Jameer Leith with 24 points and 8 assists and Promis Nlandu with 21 points.
GOLD MEDAL GAME
Ontario. British Columbia
BC came out just like they played in the semifinals, moving the ball and finding open layups and shots. At the end of the first BC led 29-18 with 9 assists on 10 made baskets. The 2nd quarter saw Ontario speed the game up with aggressive trapping and attacking the basket early and often, cutting the lead to just 4 by the midway point of the quarter. A 3rd personal foul on Mahliq Guiseppi-Kitson slowed the run for Ontario, allowing BC to hold on to a 44-43 lead at the half.
The 3rd quarter started with Jordan Charles being more aggressive but BC making just enough shots to keep game within 3. Midway through the quarter, BC big man Tyler Felt picked up his 4th foul, but his teammate Toren Franklin got hot to help BC take a 69-65 advantage into the final quarter. Midway through the 4th Caleb Roberts hit back to back 3s and then was fouled on a 3 attempt, making all 3, Ontario goes up 83-80. Fouls catch up with BC with just under a minute left, they lose Logan Stewart, and are down 89-87 after the foul shots. Ontario make their free throws the rest if the way and win the gold medal 93-87.
Ontario was led by Mahliq Guiseppi-Kitson with 18 points and 9 rebounds. BC's leaders were Toren Franklin 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals.
WRAPUP
The prospects that played in U17 competition are just an example of the bright future that we have in Canada basketball and why we are such firm believers at The Maple Minute of RECRUIT CANADA. Watch for articles on all these amazing prospects and more as our team gets ready for high school and prep seasons.
My Top 20 prospects from nationals (in no particular order)
Jordan Charles - Ontario
Phoenix Wise - Ontario
Mahliq Guiseppi-Kitson - Ontario
Quinton Ethier - Ontario
Toren Franklin -BC
Justin Hinrichsen - BC
Tyler Felt - BC
TJ Wal - Alberta
Deng Ngor - Alberta
Patrick Anamali - Alberta
Promise Nlandu - Quebec
Kalen-Jameer Leith - Quebec
Ryder English - Newfoundland
Jacob Sheppard - Newfoundland
Faisal Mahadi - Saskatchewan
Rex Turner - NWT
Magnus Carlos - Manitoba
Settimo Yugu - Manitoba
Colin Tilley - New Brunswick
Ben Dale - Nova Scotia
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