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When you play basketball in Saskatchewan with just over a million people that are separated by hundreds of kilometers, you have to put in a lot of miles to continue to work on your game and reach for your goals. Most club teams have to travel to Edmonton (5 hours from Saskatoon and 8 from Regina) and Calgary (7 hours from Regina and 6 from Saskatoon) regularly for tournaments to see teams that push their athletes forward. However, when your chasing a dream of an NCAA Division 1 scholarship, you need to push the boundaries a little further. I caught up with Zach Hawley and his family to discuss how they manage all the travel and commitment to chase his goals. David Harmon: This summer you played for Uplay West out of Vancouver on the Nike EYCL circuit.  How was your experience this summer? Zach Hawley:  I thought it was really good, there was great exposure and high level basketball players. I was playing alongside and against some really good players, so not only improving my game but also getting some really good film everywhere we went. I loved traveling to different US cities. (They played in Memphis, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Seattle and Las Vegas) DH: This is the 2nd year that you have played for teams that require extensive travel. You have played for Genesis (Calgary) on the Made 8 circuit, Canada Elite (Toronto) on the Under Armour Circuit and now UPlay West (Vancouver) on the Nike EYCL Circuit.  What are some of the challenges that you and the family have overcome playing at this level out of Saskatoon? ZH: Of course you need to fly on 3 planes just to get anywhere before you even head to the States for tournaments. I am always on the early morning flights so my days start at 3 a.m. when i travelling, then we usually play that day if not then early next day so I am not as well rested as I would like to be. Also playing with these teams out of Saskatchewan, you are never with them outside of tournaments, I don't like missing school so not practicing and being with the team is hard. Genesis was easier because Calgary was one short flight, but it has been hard Scott Hawley: The biggest challenges are logistical, 2 or 3 flights to get paces and having to be super organized ahead of time. We had 3 boys playing this spring so always heading in different directions, there was a stretch were myself and Kathy were not in the same city for 12 weekends in a row. Of course there is the cost associated with it, it is a big financial commitment to fly to all these tournaments, plus hotels and rental cars. There is also the chemistry piece because you are always the drop in player joining other teams that see each other more regularly. DH: I am sure you had plenty of offers to join prep programs throughout North America for school.   What went into your decision to return to Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon this year? ZH: We talked to a lot of people who knew more than we did on the topic. They all said it is good to stay at home as long as you can so you not only develop as a basketball player but as a person, it will be good to stay close to my parents and close friends. If I can keep finding ways to improve against older and better players it is good to stay home, if I stop improving than it will come time to look at moving to keep improving. SH: I have access to the gym and we can get in there for morning ball everyday. Also when I looked at here vs a prep school, the whole high school experience is important. The two things we really look at are development and exposure. With the development piece, keeping here as long as we can while he is still developing and improving, if he plateaus then we will send him out but he is still going upward , so we feel the development piece is well taken care of. With the exposure side, we looked at the EYCL circuit and going with UPlay West to the live period tournaments he got lots of exposure that really had coaches taking good look at him. DH: What are some of the things that you have learned this year that you will be adding to your game and working on to continue to grow as a player? ZH: The most important thing to me is showing coaches and players new things in my game, I want to keep growing and not hit a plateau, just keep growing upwards. For me the biggest thing I added was athleticism this year, my shot continued to be a strength as I shot about 50% from 3 during the last Nike EYCL circuit stop and overall. I actually played more games this spring/summer with UPlay West than I did with my high school team, during all 30 games I was very close to 50%. Coaches and players know I can shoot, so being able to blow by defenders with a quick burst was really important. I have a quicker first step and can jump higher which has also helped defensively and been my biggest improvement. DH: With such extensive travel this summer, what are you looking forward to doing away from the court as school starts again in a month? ZH: I already said it is important to be with family and friends as long as I can, so I am going to enjoy being home and in the school environment that I love and grew up in. I am just going to take in being in a place I am comfortable in. DH: What advice do you have for players, especially from Saskatchewan, about chasing their basketball dreams? ZH: I really think that it is important to make sure that you are always loving it, and more important than loving the games is loving the practice and work you put in. Especially from Saskatchewan it means being alone in the gym a lot or with players that don't have the same goals as you. You need to keep finding ways to push yourself that may be hard because we are in a smaller community, but you have to love doing it or you will be doing a lot of travel for nothing really. SH: The one thing you need to understand, that took us a while to get, is knowing what moves to make and what moves not to make. Understanding everyone running a program is running a business, everyone means well and do truly want to develop kids but you need to find the right fit, and once you find that fit sticking with it. The one thing we have done is jumping around between programs, there were reasons each time, and we have truly enjoyed every program we have been apart of. The one thing we look back and see missing is the continuity and being able to build with one program throughout. We really had that with our local Greenwave team and felt the continuity, trust, and bond together hasn't been the same with his teams. We feel we have hit the reset button on that every year. I would really advise parents to do your research and understand what the programs wants from you and can also give to you. Talking with Zach and his family, you can just feel the passion they have for basketball and the drive that Zach has to keep grinding and getting better. The sacrifices that they make to get him opportunities to both improve and get exposure are incredible. One of the things that becomes apparent when you are around the Hawley's is how humble and grounded they are, they not only want the best for Zach and his dreams, they truly want to lift the basketball community in Saskatoon so that every young basketball players can improve and chase their dreams. I look forward to any gym I walk into and see Zach play, his positive attitude and drive are infectious and his teammates all feed off that and everyone's level of play in elevated. Walter Murray should once again be the favorites to win the provincial title and we will see them play some of the best Western Canadian team as they are confirmed to be playing in BRIT and LIT where competition is always top notch. Be sure to be following us here on The Maple Minute and all our socials as I know we will be keeping tabs on Zach.

In the landscape of Canadian prep basketball, the journey from a local court to national recognition is a challenging yet rewarding path that demands unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and the invaluable guidance of mentors and coaches. Max Fraser, a gifted 6’5 point guard hailing from North Vancouver, embodies these core values and attributes his success to not only his individual efforts but also the robust support system that surrounds him. Through this interview, we delve deeper into Fraser's background, shedding light on the formative experiences that have shaped his career trajectory, the significant figures who have influenced his development, and the defining moments that have fueled his aspirations. As Fraser embarks on a new chapter at Western Canada Prep Academy, his sights set on the ultimate goal of reaching the NBA, his story epitomizes a narrative of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to realizing his dreams. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of setting ambitious yet attainable goals. With a clear vision for his future and a relentless drive to succeed, Fraser's story inspires aspiring young athletes and showcases the transformative potential of hard work and determination in the pursuit of excellence. Josh Millican: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into basketball? Max Fraser: I was born in North Vancouver and have lived here my whole life. I have African and Canadian heritage, with my mom being from Zimbabwe and my dad being from Winnipeg. I have one sister who is three years older than me. As a kid, I played every sport my parents put me in and, at a young age, loved soccer. My sister was very good at basketball, and I was always around the game and fell in love with it after watching her games. We had a close family friend, Virgil Hill, who was big in my early development, getting me into camps and other development leagues in my earlier years. Because of Virgil’s methodical coaching early on I developed a great game sense. From then on, I tried to play as much as possible, club teams, school teams, 3 on 3 tournaments and anything else I could find. I also have an uncle who played for the University of Zimbabwe whom I could chat about the game and all the basketball greats. He still watches and gives me feedback about my game. JM: Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your basketball career so far? MF: Ransford Brempong and Jarryn Skeete have been the biggest influences in my basketball career so far. They have been mentors on and off the court. They have taught me vital lessons about basketball and making reads in offenses and defenses. Still, most importantly, they have taught me essential lessons about hard work, discipline, dedication and playing the long game. I have also been influenced by coaches Paul Eberhardt, Phil Kuyzk, and Dave Chapman, who coached me throughout my years at West Vancouver High School. JM: What was your experience like playing for West Vancouver? Any memorable moments or achievements? MF: I will always look back on my time at West Van highly. There's nothing better than playing with childhood friends and winning and doing it with the whole school/community behind you. We had so many memorable games and achievements together, my favorite was going from unranked in the 2022-20223 season and beating three ranked teams consecutively to earn a spot in the provincials. It felt transformational training hard with the guys, running plays, and for sharing one common goal. Another memorable experience was our provincials run this year, where we made the final four. It was a testament to the hard work we put in for three years as a team. Although our goal was to win the provincial championship, we were so proud to have changed the history of West Van High senior basketball considering that the last time WVH made it to the final 4 was 1982. JM: How do you think your time at West Vancouver has prepared you for the next level? MF: At West Van, I had the opportunity to take a leadership role on the team and help with setting up plays, which developed my communication skills as well as being able to read other teammates strengths etc. Teaching younger guys reads to make in the offense and defenses we play helped me learn to articulate myself better to teammates, which is a great skill for point guard. JM: What factors influenced your decision to commit to Western Canada Prep Academy for your post-grad season? MF: It was all about how I felt with the people at the school, and from my first meeting with Sunny, he was clear about what his program offers, cares about the game, and has spent time observing me play. He has also treated me like family, which makes me feel that I can fully focus on developing as a basketball player. Also, I already have good relationships with many players on the team, which helps when playing. Having played with them before and the chemistry we already have was a massive part of my decision to choose Western Canada Prep Academy. Lastly, I made this decision because I felt it was the place I would grow the most with the right coaching and people around me. JM: How did Coach Sunny Sooch’s program align with your personal and athletic goals? MF: Coach Sunny’s program aligned with all my personal and athletic goals. We play on some of the biggest stages you can play in prep school basketball, such as the Tarkanian Classic and the EIBC league, where the level of play will push me to develop my game to the next level. It will also be the ultimate amount of exposure and opportunity to reach that next level, which is a significant personal and athletic goal that I have. They also offer high-quality academics so I can further my learning, focus on basketball heavily, and be in the gym as much as I want. JM: As a 6’5 point guard, how do you leverage your height and skills on the court? MF: As a bigger guard, I have learned to use my body and frame to keep the ball away from defenders and get easier buckets by using my height and body to my advantage. I am also very quick and I use my height as leverage to see passes that a smaller guard may not be able to see. I am a playmaker, and being able to make those passes and see the whole court is a huge part of my game. Defensively, having the length allows me to get into the passing lanes and pick off a pass. My size also makes me versatile on defense.and I have the ability to guard more than just my position if we scramble and I have to rotate for switches. JM: What aspects of your game are you most proud of, and what areas are you looking to improve during your time at Western Canada Prep Academy? MF: I am very proud of my court vision and playmaking ability and the ability to get all my teammates engaged in the game by getting them easy buckets. I also am proud of my ability to shoot the 3 and force the defense to stretch out and create more lanes for drives. At Western Canada Prep Academy I am looking to improve my defense, rebounding and finishing more of my drives with dunks instead of finesse finishes that can be blocked/contested easier. JM: What are your short-term and long-term goals in your basketball career? MF: Some of my short-term goals are to make the BioSteel All-Canadian game, be invited to the next Team Canada training camp and play in NCAA Division 1 after my year at WCPA. My long-term goals are to play in the NBA or play professional basketball after university. JM: How do you see your time at Western Canada Prep Academy helping you achieve those goals? MF: The level of training at WCPA and the caliber of the teams we’ll play against will help me identify areas I need to refine in order to reach these goals.  I am ready, hungry and prepared to take advantage of the exposure that WCPA has in store for the team and myself. Western Canada Prep Academy has already sent a player to the BioSteel All-Canadian and a number of players to the NCAA. JM: What do you hope to bring to the team at Western Canada Prep Academy? MF: I want to bring a sense of leadership and toughness to help the team on and off the court. Specifically, I want to make my teammates' lives easier on the court by putting them in positions to score quickly and giving them the ball when they hit shots. I will also bring a desire to win to help us all play harder. I hope to get a sense of family to the team. I want to be a point guard off the court to ensure everyone feels included and happy no matter what they are going through. I will be someone my teammates can count on off the court and on it, no matter the situation. JM: How do you plan to contribute to the team’s success both on and off the court? MF: On the court, I am going to create a culture of giving 110 percent every time we step on the court, be it practice or games. I subscribe to the mamba mentality. I am a playmaker who can score, and I can create many scoring opportunities for my teammates. Our team will be a close-knit group because that is when you play your best: when everyone is having fun but still has that common goal to win games and be the best. JM: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not playing basketball? MF: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, hiking with my family, and listening to different genres of music.  I also love getting a group of friends together for a pick up game of a sport I don’t usually play, such as soccer, volleyball, flag football etc. Occasionally, I like to watch soccer when Premier League games or world tournaments are on. I am a big music fan, I listen to a range of genres (rap, folk, country). I pretty much listen to it all and hear the beauty in all types of music. It’s a calming thing to me. I have a collection of playlists that I listen to before games when I need to lock in. JM: Are there any particular causes or interests outside of basketball that you’re passionate about? MF: A cause I’m already involved in is getting young kids involved in swimming and basketball. I swam as a kid and spent a couple of summers coaching swimming. I think swimming is a great sport and I saw how confident the little guys got after learning how to swim, especially for those kids who aren’t the athletic ones. JM: Where do you see yourself in five years, both as a player and as an individual? MF: As a player, in five years, I see myself having gotten physically stronger, being one of the top point guards in the NCAA, playing in the March Madness and finishing my degree in Business. I also see myself getting ready to play professionally. JM: What legacy do you hope to leave behind at Western Canada Prep Academy? MF: My Zimbabwean name is Vulindlela which means one who paves the way. I hope to leave a legacy of hard work, being the tide that raises all boats and having a great time while winning. I want to be the player that the younger guys on the team remember as a leader on and off the court and also a player who gives 110 percent everyday. JM: What advice would you give to younger players aspiring to play at the next level? MF: Work as hard as possible, align with coaches who understand the game and help you set goals. You'll never know when that opportunity will present itself, so stay ready. Learn as much as you can from everyone you meet on this journey. JM: Looking back at your journey so far, is there anything you would have done differently? MF: Nothing at all, I have definitely had many lessons, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  My mom always tells me everything happens to guide me to where I am meant to be, so I live by that. I am very grateful to be in the position I am in right now and doing what I am doing. Max Fraser's journey towards becoming a successful athlete is a true reflection of the profound impact of perseverance, mentorship, and community support. Since the inception of his basketball journey, Fraser has been fortunate to have a strong support system comprising family and friends who have played a pivotal role in nurturing his passion for the sport. Their unwavering encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in shaping his character and determination. Transitioning from his formative years to his standout high school career, Max has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of commitment and dedication to honing his skills. His time at Western Canada Prep Academy will not only provided him with a platform to showcase his talent but will also equip him with the necessary tools to excel in his athletic pursuits. As Fraser progresses on his path towards achieving his goals, his unstoppable pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes. His story is a testament to the fact that with hard work, resilience, and a supportive community, one can overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. Fraser's journey is a beacon of hope for many, illustrating the transformative power of dedication and passion in the pursuit of one's dreams.

After taking a look at the halftime score, I would never have told you that the Winnipeg Sea Bears had any shot of coming back against the Saskatchewan Rattlers. A combination of bad interior defence and tough shot making from the Rattlers had the Sea Bears down big early on, at most 27 at one point. Then miraculously in the second half Winnipeg woke up, finding a way to get stops and more sufficient offence. Getting into Target Time, still down 10, they made another mini comeback to take the lead, then jostling with Saskatchewan to hold on to the lead. Then finally, after both teams had multiple lacklustre possessions, Justin Wright-Foreman put up a less than subpar pull up jumper that was cleaned up by Emmanuel Akot, who putback the miss for the 103-101 victory. It was a very weird, up and down performance for both teams. With the quick recap out of the way, let’s get into the three keys from this one. What Even Is Defence? This is a statement I’ve made a couple times this season and it comes up again in this one too. Giving up over 50 points in a first half is not a recipe to success, especially if you aren’t keeping up on the other end as well. The biggest issue in this one was their interior defence, which was almost non-existent. Any of the Rattlers that wanted at the rim could get there and they were shooting a high percentage. Because of those east early looks, when Winnipeg would contest, those tough shots would drop because Saskatchewan was now in a rhythm. As angry as I want to get for their first half performance, they turned it up in the second to comeback into the game. Coach Mike Taylor’s adjustment was to simply deny them any paint touches period and force tough midrange jumpers and contested threes (which is what they should be trying to do anyways). This was mainly done by trying to play less one on one defence and rather more help from the weak side and having off ball defenders dig into driving ball handlers. This seemed to disrupt a lot of what the Rattlers were trying to do and flustered them quite a bit. Sea Bears need to do more on defence in creating chaos, as I think that’s when they’re at their best going forward. Hitting Shots On Offence Other than terrible interior defence, another reason that the Sea Bears were down at half was because they just could not hit any open shots. That completely changed in the second half and was mainly due to making more threes than Saskatchewan (15-8). The ball movement for most of the game was really good, and they got open looks that they just needed to cash in. The will win more games than lose if they can continue with the offensive execution. Different Team In Target Time In 2023, the Winnipeg Sea Bears struggled in Target Time, being up and down most of the season, trying to find how they wanted to execute down the stretch and it cost them some games. This season it is much more improved, with many of the players having much more experience in Target Time, as well as being able to execute and not panic like we saw last summer. Their last two games being down going in, then quickly cutting that deficit to a more manageable amount. It’s been so refreshing to see this team do it multiple times when they’ve gotten in reach before the under four minute mark. Very encouraging to see and makes me excited for later in the season on how this could help them secure more victories. With my three keys from this game out of the way, let’s get into the individual performances! Justin Wright-Foreman Not the prettiest shooting splits from JWF, but he scored in bunch in that third quarter to lead the Sea Bears charge. Brough the turnovers down and still distributed the ball decently well. Was just enough for Winnipeg to get the win. Alex Campbell This was the type of game I had been expecting to happen for Campbell already this season. Getting into the offence more, causing chaos on defence and being a big contributor on both ends of the floor. His best game of the year so far. Mason Bourcier Another not so pretty shooting split night for Bourcier, but still hit the important shots when the Sea Bears needed him to. Great rebounding and secondary playmaking as well. I do wonder if he continues to start once Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson is back up to speed, but I feel Bourcier’s two-way play is needed in the starting 5. Another solid performance. Simon Hildebrandt A somewhat quiet game for Hildebrandt, where he didn’t make a huge impact. Hit a three, grabbed a couple rebounds and did have a crazy highlight reel block, but no real other contributions. He was on the bench down the stretch of this one and would hazard a guess will be coming off the bench once more on Thursday against Niagara because another bench players fantastic performance. Byron Mullens It’s hard to say what Mullens’ role is on this team at this point. He’s struggled to really get his footing and has looked quite off for a while now. After starting the game, he ended up playing only 6 minutes in this one and looked out of place. Hopefully coach Mike Taylor can find a way to incorporate him, or he may be the third American to part ways with Winnipeg this season. Emmanuel Akot Saturday nights saviour. When it felt like JWF had to do all the heavy lifting, Akot has once again stepped up and made a huge difference. 23 points, five rebounds (four offensive!), five assists, multiple big shots and none bigger than the game winner. I have been so impressed with his level of play so far and really think that he becomes a starter as of next game. David Muenkat After having a fantastic debut on Winnipeg’s road trip, it’s been a slow burn for Muenkat on offence. But what’s he’s doing to make up for it is his amazing rebounding. 13 in this one, along with four offensive boards. Still trying to find his consistent footing on the offensive end, but he’s making a difference in other places. If he can get both going, he could be another X-factor for coach Taylor. Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson Having missed the last two games due to a back injury, JOJ slotted into this one on the bench. He provided some offensive flare hitting a couple threes and looking quite comfortable once more. I’m not sure if he takes back over a starting spot over Bourcier, but I can definitely see it happening. I personally think that with how the roster makeup is now with JWF that he would be a perfect fit as an off the bench scorer. Chad Posthumus Everything about Posthumus’ game has been said so many times already this season. A couple scores, hustle defence and being a threat on the glass. Just super solid backup big minutes. Shane Osayande Not much to say about Osayande’s performance in this one. Was sort of invisible out there, but that isn’t a bad thing when you’re trying to steal minutes away for your starters. While it wasn’t even close to the prettiest win on the season, at the halfway point the Sea Bears are 5-5. With how everything has played out after the first 10 games, I would say that sitting at .500 is a solid record. This is a tough Western Conference and when your struggling to get consistency, with some of the other distractions, it’s hard to string wins together. I do believe that the second half of this season will go much better than the first, just based on a hopeful thought that continuity will kick in. Vancouver and Edmonton look like they’re going to be battling for first, while the other three teams are going to be in a dog fight for those final two playoffs spots. Thursday at home against the Niagara River Lions should be a very interesting test.

Sean Blake, a prospect who's been on my radar since I can remember. I first heard about Sean during his early days with TRC Academy. He impressed me again in-person playing for Justin Alliman with Dream Chasers in the Canadian National Invitational Tournament. I was blown away with his athleticism and silent but effective leadership skills. At a young age Sean was an exceptional prospect. He had a breakout season with Victory Prep before transferring to powerhouse Royal Crown for his Post-Grad year. In his summer leading up to his debut at Royal Crown he truly broke out on an international scale with UPLAY Canada on the Nike EYBL Circuit. Sean went on to be unanimously named to the All Canadian Game in 2024 & ended up committing to the University of Vermont. The Catamounts have made March Madness the past three seasons and Sean will look to make an immediate impact with his new team this fall. Sean took some time out of his rigorous summer training to conduct and interview with us at The Maple Minute. I asked Sean a variety of questions to delve deeper into his journey thus far and foresight into the future of his career. JM: How has your experience as a point guard at Royal Crown Academy prepared you for the transition to collegiate basketball at Vermont? SB: “My experience as a point guard at Royal Crown Academy has been invaluable in preparing me for the transition to collegiate basketball at Vermont. The importance of the responsibilities of the point guard position are constantly stressed and have allowed me to grow not only as a basketball player but as a better person. Moreover, Royal Crown’s structured schedule is practically ingrained in me. Whether it’s early morning practices or late-night training sessions, my coaches at Royal Crown have prepared me to meet the demands of collegiate athletics. Most importantly, my time at Royal Crown has built a winning mentality within me. I am confident that I can contribute to Vermont’s already successful program. I am excited to continue my journey as a student-athlete at Vermont, building upon the foundation laid by Royal Crown Academy.” JM: What aspects of your game do you feel will make the biggest impact for the Catamounts in your freshman year? SB: “In my freshman year, I believe my ability to penetrate the paint and create scoring opportunities will make the biggest impact for the Catamounts. My speed and agility allow me to break down defences, draw defenders, and either finish at the rim or find open teammates on the perimeter. Additionally, my playmaking skills will help initiate effective pick-and-roll situations and keep the offence dynamic. My ability to push the pace in transition and apply defensive pressure will also contribute to our overall team success.” JM: Winning a championship with Royal Crown Academy must have been an incredible experience. How do you plan to carry that winning mentality and leadership into your college career? SB: “Winning a championship with Royal Crown Academy taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and strong leadership. I plan to carry that winning mentality into my college career by setting high standards, leading by example, and fostering a culture of hard work and unity within the team. I’ll stay focused and disciplined, both on and off the court, and encourage my teammates to do the same. By remaining composed under pressure and continuously motivating my teammates, I aim to inspire confidence and drive in our pursuit of success at the collegiate level.” JM: As a lightning quick point guard, how do you plan to utilize your speed and agility to your advantage in the competitive America East Conference? SB: “As a lightning-quick point guard, I plan to utilize my speed and agility in the America East Conference by pushing the pace in transition, creating fast break opportunities, and keeping opposing defenses on their heels. Defensively, I’ll apply pressure on ball handlers, force turnovers, and disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm. Overall, my speed and agility will be key in creating scoring opportunities, enhancing our defensive intensity maintaining a high-tempo game.” Photo by Andrew Reginald JM: Leadership is a crucial aspect of being a point guard. How do you plan to lead by example both on and off the court for the Vermont Catamounts? SB: “As a point guard for the Vermont Catamounts, I plan to lead by example both on and off the court by consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, maintaining a positive attitude, and putting the team before myself. On the court, I’ll prioritise communication, stay focused during practices and games, and always give my best effort, whether it’s executing plays, defending, or encouraging my teammates. Off the court, I’ll uphold high academic standards, engage in community service, and support my teammates. I aim to inspire and elevate the team, contributing to a cohesive and motivated unit.” Sean Blake’s journey from Royal Crown Academy to the University of Vermont is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership. As he prepares to join the Catamounts, his experiences and mindset promise to bring a new level of energy and excellence to the team. Vermont fans can look forward to seeing Sean’s dynamic play and leadership on the court, as he continues to grow and make his mark in collegiate basketball.

After the unprecedented events of Monday morning, no one could have predicted how Wednesday's game could have gone. The post Teddy Allen era began for the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Wednesday night, on national television, against the number one seeded Vancouver Bandits. The Sea Bears came out firing on all cylinders, getting out to an early 14-3 lead. Solid offence and very good defence continued throughout the remainder on the first half, with the offence sputtering towards the end. Heading into the half, the Sea Bears led 46-37 and the vibes were great, their performance was much improved from the last two weeks of play. In the second half, the Bandits struck back on offence, finding their form early on. In this third quarter is where the Winnipeg offence had trouble getting going, and it allowed Vancouver to narrowly get out ahead after 30 minutes of play. Those offensive struggles continued on into the fourth quarter and the Bandits kept getting scores on offence. Winnipeg could only muster 4 points before Target Time and trailed 78-66, Target Score set at 87. The chances of Winnipeg ending their losing streak looked quite bleak and it seemed like going back to the drawing board was needed. But as soon as Target Time began, the Sea Bears seemed to get some sort of second wind and rallied to win the game, outscoring the Bandits 22-6 in the specialty time. Justin Wright-Foreman banking in an unbelievably deep three at the end of the shot clock for the win. Overall the team performance from the Sea Bears was 10x better than what it had been over the last five games. With that short recap of the game out of the way, let's get into the three keys from this one. Offensive Flow One of the biggest notes that coach Mike Taylor made when releasing Teddy Allen was playing within the structure, having offensive flow, and getting everyone involved. After seeing their performance on Wednesday night, I can definitely say that Winnipeg checked all those objectives off their list. The ball moved really well, every player that stepped onto the floor scored at least once, and it rarely ever felt like their play was stagnant on purpose. Even though Wright-Foreman carried the load offensively with 32 points, everyone got their chance to make an offensive impact on the game. What we saw was much better and more so what coach Taylor is looking for. The Sea Bears did go quite cold in the second half, but woke up at just the right time. Basketball is a game of runs and their biggest game at the beginning and end of the game. It's never going to be perfect, and this execution was definitely good enough for a win. Defensive Stops For the first time this season, I can talk about a full game effort of good defence from this team. First off, that effort was there the entire game, their rotations were very good, and it felt like every single player was making a difference on that end of the floor. In terms of opposing scoring, Winnipeg holding Nick Ward to a SINGLE POINT, while also making Koby McEwen, Zach Copeland, and Taze Moore's nights very difficult (combined 35% shooting and 46 points), was a very welcome sight. Moore and McEwen were especially quiet for most of the night and it never really felt like either scorer took a hold of the game. Fantastic work from the players and coach Mike Taylor to gameplan and execute on Vancouver's star players. Positive Energy One of the biggest things I was looking for during the game was how were the players going to respond to begin and at any point through adversity. Throughout all the ups and downs in this game, the teams energy was positive, there was encouragement and engagement from the bench and all in all it was great signs that this team has turned a new leaf without their reigning MVP. With the three keys from the game done, time to get into my thoughts on the individual performances from this one. Justin Wright-Foreman There were a couple of questions around JWF if he was going to just step in for Teddy Allen and deliver what the Sea Bears had been missing so far in 2024, and so far so good. 32 points, five rebounds, four assists, efficient shooting is exactly what the doctor ordered. He wasn't afraid to take it himself, or be unselfish and give it up to an open teammate. His six turnovers are a little concerning, but for a guy who creates a ton, you can give him some slack. It's also not concerning when there isn't a second player on the roster doing the same. Might be a bit different when Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson comes back from injury. Alex Campbell Another inefficient shooting night from Campbell, but like a veteran, he hit the shots when Winnipeg needed them most. Also played a bigger role in running the offence at times, doing a pretty decent job of that. Rotating between guarding Moore, McEwen and Copeland is not easy and did a great job on all three. Hard to ask more of him when he has such a big defensive responsibility. His confidence also looked much higher, so he is definitely growing into the season. Simon Hildebrandt A hot and aggressive start for Hildebrandt saw him get on the board early. Very impressed to see him take it to Moore and even draw a foul on him. His shooting got cold for the remainder of the game, but he never hesitated to let it fly. With that confidence, one of these games they really start to drop. Pulled down some good rebounds too for the Sea Bears. Just more development for the young forward, which is fantastic to see. Byron Mullens Foul trouble plagued Mullens in this one, hitting two threes and fouling twice in the first 90 seconds of the game and heading to the bench for a good chunk of time. He got subbed back in in the second quarter, then fouled almost immediately, and was right back on the bench. Only 10 minutes of play and was up and down throughout. The Sea Bears need him to be more consistent and stay on the floor for longer stretches. Needs to be an X-factor moving forward, but Winnipeg was able to make it up without him on the night. Mason Bourcier Not the best offensive game for Bourcier, but he still ran the offence, played good defence and even hit a huge three in Target Time. He'll fill up the box score while also doing the things that don't show up on the sheet. My assumption is he got the starting spot in place of the injured JOJ and did so adequately. We will see if he continues to hold that spot or not, but I've been very impressed with what I've see through nine games. Emmanuel Akot Alongside JWF, Akot had the best performance of all the Sea Bears of the night. Fantastic two-way play, doing a bit of everything on offence, while also doing a great job of locking down Moore on the other end. Energy, effort and results are what you need off the bench, and I hope that he can continue to bring it for the rest of 2024. David Muenkat I knew Muenkat could rebound, but man, 12 from a non big man? Fantastic work on the glass from him, while also doing enough on defence. He also made a couple highlight reel plays, one being an unreal block. His offence was not there tonight, missing some easy ones around the rim, but he did hit the timely three to put Winnipeg back in the lead during Target Time. Still lots to like from Muenkat on the night and I hope he continues to bring the energy. Chad Posthumus With Mullens' foul trouble, Posthumus played a little more than I think coach Taylor thought he would. Two buckets, good defence on Ward when he needed to, and brought more energy off the bench. Good stuff from the ever so steady vet. Shane Osayande Working in tandem with Posthumus, Osayande also gave good energy and other players time to rest on the bench. Other than three fouls, he really didn't step a foot too wrong in this one. Steady as ever. All in all this was the best case scenario for Winnipeg, good offensive flow, rock solid defence, better effort from the team, and culminating in a Sea Bears victory ending the four game losing streak. Their next game is at home against the Saskatchewan Rattlers on Saturday, who are also towards the top in the Western Conference.

What could be seen as some of the biggest news in CEBL history, the Winnipeg Sea Bears released 2023 Most Valuable Player Teddy Allen today. In what came as a shock to almost every single basketball fan in Manitoba, the Sea Bears released a statement today on the matter, while also holding media availability with Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor, as well as CEO of the team Jason Smith. Below is the teams initial statement: HC, GM Mike Taylor And CEO Jason Smith’s Comments I had the opportunity to attend said media availability and chat with Taylor and Smith along with others about this unanticipated news. Coach Taylor spoke to the media first, emphasizing that this was on-court and off-court issues that started in the game against the Niagara River Lions. Allen had been ejected from the game early in the second quarter. Taylor continued by saying that this behaviour and other circumstances were on going and kept popping up over the last 10 days. He stressed that he himself, the front office, as well as teammates had been trying to get him back “within the team” to no avail. Taylor said that Allen had stepped outside of the expectations and values the organization possesses, that being one of the main factors on his release. He even had a meeting with Allen last week, clearly defining what was expected out of him, and the other standards he was to follow. When asked if this has always been an issue, Taylor commented that Allen had “something to prove” last year and did not display any of the same issues. He said that Allen was committed to the team aspect and played “within the system” that coach Taylor had created. He also mentioned that he did allow “Teddy to be Teddy” more so last year, because of their roster makeup in 2023, needing him to shoulder more of the load. He emphasized that this was more of a recent problem as it seemed Allen was engaged in the team structure to begin the year, but it deteriorated soon after their win in Brampton over the Honey Badgers. Taylor doubled down on saying that the entire organization had tried to have a “heart to heart” with Allen, even saying that owner David Asper got involved, along with forward Chad Posthumus, someone close to Allen. Coach Taylor made it clear throughout his availability that they tried everything they could to “reel in” Allen, but because of the organizational team mentality that it was time for him to go, stating that “no one individual is bigger than the team and we need to support our team and respect our team.” When CEO Jason Smith had the opportunity to speak to the media, he defended his Head Coach and General Manager and the decision he made today, stating that they support any decision that he makes, especially one that follows the values and expectations of the organization. Smith and the rest of the front office believed that releasing Allen was the best and most positive way to move forward with the circumstances that had been happening on and off the court. Smith also relayed the same message that he himself and many others had been speaking to Allen over the course of the last 10 days or so about his behaviour. When asked if their current losing streak was a factor, he said they feel/hope that this decision will make the Sea Bears better on the basketball court, but did not want to single out any one person for their four game losing streak, this had to do with larger issues that were becoming distractions, while causing low locker room morale. What’s Next? We are all wondering, what is next for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, who are currently on a four game losing streak. Coach Taylor stressed that this move was to better the team and hopefully get them back to winning ways, playing more so as a team and working as a unit. Taylor used many examples of on the court arguments Allen was having with coaches, players, and off the court in the film room or other scenarios. Both he and Smith stated that Allen was becoming a distraction with his antics, while also bringing down locker room morale with his actions. It seemed to me that Allen was trying to make it all about himself, rather than it being about the team. My belief is that during their loss to the River Lions, Allen was becoming frustrated with how the play calling was going, not with the ball in his hands every single offensive possession. I believe that led to him becoming “out of structure” as coach Taylor called it, and no longer listening to the coaching staff, even players, for offensive or defensive play calls, fighting them on what he was or wasn’t going to do. My belief is that their current losing streak was only magnifying the issues. We don’t know exactly what was happening behind the scenes off the floor, but we can imagine it was becoming a problem for everyone and just an extension of what we were seeing on the floor. Coach Taylor did say when asked that they will be reaching out to their contacts and possible players to fill out their now vacant third American import roster spot. There was no mention of who it would be, or when it could happen, but it is encourage news that they are going to try and move forward from this rough patch. We will find out on Wednesday if the Sea Bears will be able to get back on track, as they take on the Vancouver Bandits at home in what could be seen as a must-win game. If you are wanting to see the full availability, check out Joey Slattery’s full length video below: https://x.com/joeyslatterytv/status/1802774713220895200?s=46&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg

Edmonton was buzzing all weekend as their beloved Oilers started the Stanley Cup finals, but also the city was set to host another great basketball tournament. Just like the Good Hoops Classic that I covered in early May, Good Hoops Summer Slam did not disappoint with the talent on display. As summer club season winds down and players begin to make their way to provincial teams, here are 8 prospects that coaches and fans will want to follow. Max Fraser Position: Guard Height: 6'5 School: West Vancouver Secondary/ WCPA Club: Good Hoops Class: 2025 WCPA has picked up another stud with Max coming in. He is a 6'5 wide body guard that does it all. I was impressed with is vision and ability to get teammates the ball in positions that helped the offense flow. He uses his body well in the lane to finish and has a nice stroke beyond the arc that makes him a very difficult match up. There was no doubt over the weekend who would be MVP as he led his team to the Platinum Division title. Owen Gateretse Position: Forward Height: 6'5 School: Strathcona High School (Edmonton, AB) Club: NexGen (Edmonton, AB) Class: 2026 This was my second time watching Owen this summer and the Grade 11 sure competes hard. He has a smoothness to his game that allows him to finish in traffic and create space on the floor. He competes hard on the boards and I look forward to seeing what he does over the next year. Kade McGeachy Position: Guard/Forward Height: 6'5 Club: Genesis (Calgary, AB) Class: 2027 This was my first time seeing Kade play and everything I heard about him was accurate. He possesses one of the smoothest shooting strokes I have seen and knocked down shots on the break, and effortlessly while running pick and pops. The area of his game i was most impressed with was the compete he showed inside rebounding the ball. He was competing with much bigger and stronger players in the Platinum Division and never backed down from any challenge and in most cases came away winning the battles. Robin Benipal Position: Forward Height: 6'7 School: Khalsa Secondary/WCPA Club: BC Hoops Class: 2025 ATHLETIC!! The word just sums up exactly what it is to watch him play. He flows up and down the court in transition with grace and when he does get it on the break, the monster dunk that follows is amazing to watch. He will be a great addition for WCPA next year and I am sure coaches will be watching and lining up to sign him. Jacob Houston Position: Forward Height: 6'8 School: Harry Ainlay (Edmonton, AB) Club: Strive (Edmonton, AB) Class: 2026 Jacob is another athlete that makes the game look easy with his above the rim finishing ability. Having watched Jacob at several tournaments now, I have seen him use a variety of skills to impact the game, he is a good shooter and stretches the defense with his ability to knock down the 3 from the corner. The one unique skill that sets him apart is his offensive rebounding, he reads the ball well and attacks it. Witnessing several put back dunks in a game is the norm. Manyuon Dishol Position: Forward Height: 6'4 School: Brooks Composite (Brooks, AB) Club: Good Hoops Class: 2027 The one thing that stands out with this grade 10 forward is the level at which he competes on the defensive end. He does not back down from any challenge at either end of the floor, he has defensive footwork and positioning that coaches are always looking for. Manyuon will be a gem for Brooks in the coming years and a player colleges should be getting familiar with now Nemo Arnold Position: Guard Height: 5'10 School: St Joseph (Saskatoon, SK) Club: YXE Elite Class: 2026 Nemo is almost always the quickest player on the floor and he knows how to use it effectively. From the time he gets the ball in his hands he is pushing the defense back, and if his teammates can get out on the break with him, he finds the mismatches and gets them easy buckets. Besides the quickness, he has a nice shot that needs to be respected keeping his defenders guessing on what he will be doing next. Izaec Oppal Position: Guard Height: 6'2 School: Fleetwood (Surrey, BC) Club: BC Hoops Class: 2025 This big guard is physical and can shoot the ball from anywhere. He doesn't need much space to get to his shot, whether it be a pull up jumper at the foul line, curling off a screen for a 3 or creating some from well behind the 3 point line. He has confidence in his shot and will be a great floor spacer for any college.

Coming off of a tough loss in the second half of a back to back against the Niagara River Lions, there was hope that the Winnipe Sea Bears would bounce back in Calgary. They had a matchup with the 1-4 Surge, who’s season was essentially already on the line. A decent first half saw the two teams evened up on the score line, having played an even twenty minutes. Unfortunately that’s where the wheels fell off for Winnipeg, as Calgary put up 35 points to the Sea Bears 16, hitting all nine of their three point attempts in a red hot third quarter for the Surge. Winnipeg could only muster up 32 points total in the second half, losing that scoring margin 64-32. Not the response you would hope for after a tough loss just days before. More than just one thing went wrong for the Sea Bears, who have been showing some weaknesses of late. With that quick recap out of the way, let’s talk about the three keys from this game! Disappearing Act I think teams have finally found a way to shut down the leagues MVP. Both the Surge and River Lions have had different defensive strategies than the other four teams the Sea Bears have played this season. They’ve decided they are content with anyone else scoring, other than him. They double him as much as possible, trying to get the ball out of his hands and forcing a turnover. Allen had already shown some turnover issues in other matchups, but he was out scoring his problems. (currently averaging 4.7 a game). Unfortunately the last two games he hasn’t been able to do that. While Brampton did not do it as much as the last two opponents, coach Mike Taylor’s adjustment was to run Allen more so off ball and get him open that way. It was really effective, while also still allowing flow in the offence. Coach Taylor needs to get back to this as it was the most effective way for Allen to score. They do have some reinforcements coming, which I will talk about later who should help levitate some of that offensive load organically. Defence, Defence, Defence The biggest trend we have seen so far through the first six games has been team defence. Overall rim protection from Byron Mullens has been good, but other than that it’s been a sore spot for Winnipeg. Transition defence has been their biggest achilles heel, along with pick and roll defence. The transition game was what killed them in this one, with the Surge running all over them and getting whatever they wanted in that third quarter. This is the biggest issue that the Sea Bears currently have and needs to be corrected immediately. The Vancouver Bandits will do the same damage if they can’t get that sorted out. Ball Control I mentioned it a little bit when it came to Allen, but the overall value of the basketball seems to be non existent with the amount of turnovers this team generates. 23 as a team? At the pro level? Absolutely no way that your winning a game that way. They need to value possessions much better and not try and force so much. They’re getting rushed at times and making mistakes. Should be something they clean up as they go, but if it continues they’re going to keep sliding. With those three keys out of the way, it’s time for the individual player performances! Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson Another solid game for JOJ. Pretty efficient on offence, but did have a couple extra turnovers. I wouldn’t expect that to continue, but will have some extra help in the back court coming to give him an assist there. Overall a solid game that’s becoming the norm for him. Teddy Allen Meh? Six turnovers is rough and wasn’t super efficient on the night. I would have hoped for a better bounce back game after the ejection, but it really wasn’t what we got. Teams are starting to figure him out and he needs to adapt. And fast. Alex Campbell I’ll call this a decent game from Campbell. Decent defence to go along with a couple makes from three. I did say that two should be good enough, but it felt like he could have had more in this one. Not his fault though, he hit two in a row then didn’t get the ball back. Really think that’s the ceiling we get from him this summer. Byron Mullens Mullens had a good start to the game, then it seemed like he disappeared for the remainder. Not sure what else to think about it, but I thought his usage is getting better. I do hope he becomes that double double machine we hoped. But his offensive role might be diminishing with who’s coming in. Shane Osayande Solid defence and rebounding. Not much else to talk about. Mason Bourcier Another great game from Bourcier. Wasn’t his best performance on defence, but sure showed out on offence for his former team. Love what he brings to the table every game. Let’s hope this keeps up because Winnipeg needs a primary bench guy. Simon Hildebrandt Wasn’t the prettiest game from Hildebrandt, but we saw some flashes. Efficiency wasn’t fully there, but still contributed and grabbed some rebounds. Hopefully his minutes hold firm and he can continue to help out this team. David Muenkat A somewhat down performance from Muenkat who also had some flashes of high level play. Not his best game but still put up some numbers and filled the box score. Either he or Bourcier are going to need to step up and be that bench presence that this team needs to beat teams. Chad Posthumus Some rebounds and defence. Didn’t get as much from Posthumus in this one like the other games. Can’t always expect him to do everything, but some more help would have been welcomed in this one. The Winnipeg Sea Bears will be back in action on Thursday in Vancouver to take on the Bandits for the fourth and final game of their current road trip. They will be adding in some reinforcements for that one, as the team announced today that they have signed 2023 CEBL MVP runner-up Justin Wright-Foreman. He should allow Allen to have some possessions off, while also keeping the pressure up on opposing defences. Massive pickup for the Sea Bears and no better time to bring him in. Should be very interesting to see how he is incorporated, but should give coach Taylor many many options on lineups.

After a couple days rest and time to travel into southern Ontario, the Winnipeg Sea Bears split back to back games over the Brampton Honey Badgers and Niagara River Lions. Both games saw contrasting versions of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, each of which we have seen this summer already. In their first matchup against the Honey Badgers, Winnipeg struggled to score consistently, while also playing good defence. The game never got away from either team and it was a close contest throughout. The best stretch of offence for the Sea Bears was during Target Time, in which they raced out to a 89-82 lead, with the Target Score set at 91. Even with this veteran team, execution late was sup par. Many missed free throws by Chad Posthumus, a couple turnovers, and some silly fouls saw Brampton tie the game up at 90. Luckily enough, Teddy Allen came to the rescue to seal it for Winnipeg, and extend their winning streak to 3. The following night was a much different story, along with how the team played. In the game against the River Lions, neither team early on could figure out how to get stops. Then Niagara was able to force some turnovers and bad shots, which lead to their run in the second quarter to take control of the game. Teddy Allen was even ejected in the quarter, which meant it was going to be harder for Winnipeg to get back in it. While they kept it close, not being able to get stops was a big issue in the Thursday game. The Sea Bears end up falling and their win streak ends at 3. With the little recap out of the way, let’s get into the three keys from the two matchups! Shutting Down Allen Both the Honey Badgers and River Lions were determined to make sure that Allen had a tough night when he had the ball. Both teams tried running box and one zones, blitzing him in pick and rolls, and anything else to slow him down. When Allen had the ball in his hands for longer periods of time, it caused chaos on Sea Bears possessions. Both opponents’ game plans were to see who else could beat them. In Bramptons case, they just could not score consistently, which is what did them in, along with Allen getting hot late in the game. But both teams created turnovers and chaos off of their work to limit Allen, which is something other teams will key in on. One way I would counter this would be to have Allen more off the ball and getting actions for him that way, rather than on ball pick and rolls constantly. Coach Mike Taylor turned to that in the Honey Badger game late, but it was sporadic. This could become a problem quickly if they don’t game plan around it. Up And Down Defence I’d like to preface this section by saying that the overall defence against the Honey Badgers was good. They got stops and it was consistent. What I think was the difference, and what we have seen so far this year is, depending on the guard play of the opponent, could dictate how good the defence is. Against Brampton, none of their guards really did too much damage, mainly because they weren’t being dominant on the ball. This allowed Winnipeg to set up properly and do a good job of containing them. But the complete opposite happened against Niagara. Jahvon Blair did anything he wanted in any pick and roll that he pleased. He got shots if he wanted, get got to the rim if he wanted, or he hit the roll man if he felt like it. Aaryn Rai did the same thing. This is a big issue that coach Taylor needs to fix and I believe it comes down to their PnR coverage. Hedging on screens is only allowing these more ball dominant guards to crab dribble and cover off their defender and allowing them more options. Consistent paint touches are going to kill you if you allow them. With many of the teams in this league having guards that have that ability, a change must be in order. Second Chance Opportunities One of the other big concerns that I have doesn’t so much have to do with the rebounding battle, but how some of these rebounds are playing out. You would look at the numbers and see that it was close in both games and it would not cause too much concern. But while you watch the game, many of the rebounds that the Sea Bears gave up in both matchups were offensive boards and second chances. It hurt them in both games and might become an issue. I understand that they are without Darius Days, who has been a great rebounder for them, but one singular player gone should not cause the team rebounding to go completely haywire. Winnipeg was the best rebound team last summer, and that does not seem to be the case this year. We saw glimpses of this in other games, but not to this extent. This flaw is going to hurt them the more it flares up. With those keys from the back to back out of the way, let’s go over individual performances. Teddy Allen Let’s start with the big one. While Allen still had a decent game against the Honey Badgers, there were no east buckets for him. Everything he put up he earned, and finally got hot late in that one. Same cannot he said against the River Lions. Aside from being ejected, (which I’m not going to get into because frankly, I’m as confused as the rest of us) Niagara forced the ball out of his hands and created turnovers. They did everything in their power to simply take him out of the game. All of his shots felt rushed or forced, and he never got into any sort of rhythm. I know he’s a tough shot taker, but not when you don’t even have a look at the rim. Turnovers are going to be a problem if he continues to play this way. Might really come back to bite them. Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson JOJ has really found his groove here in the CEBL and it is so good to see. He’s scoring at all three levels, running the offence and being a playmaker. He’s even rebounding very well for his size, making an impact on every front. Hoping this continues because Winnipeg’s gonna need it. Byron Mullens Mullens’ performances are a pendulum swing. One night he’s fantastic, another just can’t get going. He was great in the game against Brampton, before it looked like getting injured and not checking back in. He was hitting shots, rebounding and protecting the rim. Exactly what you hope to get from him. But then in the game against Niagara, he just could not get a bucket to fall. He still rebounded, but it felt like Chad Posthumus was making a bigger impact on the floor. He did have six blocks, which all came later in the game. Hoping he can steady out. Shane Osayande Solid play as always for Osayande. Couple scores, some rebounds, and good defence. Can’t ask much more for a guy just trying to replace a bigger cog. Alex Campbell Campbell has been a great defender in every single game I have seen the Sea Bears play. Offensively has been a different story. He went scoreless in the matchup against the Honey Badgers, then was hot to start against Niagara. He followed up a decent first quarter was suffer for the following three. While the addition of David Muenkat should allow for less offence needed from Campbell, you hope that he still can hit some jump shots. Mason Bourcier Great two game set for Bourcier. Backed up JOJ perfectly. Nothing felt like it changed too drastically when he was in the game. Offensively wasn’t his best against Brampton, but certainly shined against the River Lions. The momentum he built seems to keep rolling which I think is huge. Sea Bears need him to be a high level guy. Simon Hildebrandt Tough first game of the back to back for Hildebrandt, two early fouls saw his day essentially end. Against Niagara, he looked much more comfortable and played a better game. Hoping more of the latter going forward. David Muenkat Great first impressions from Muenkat on this road trip. His surprise appearance saw him do a little bit of everything in both contests. He hit some shots, got to the rim, rebounded and even showed off some good defence. My only complaint may be that he took a couple too many shots, but not going to fault him, especially for that River Lions game with Allen out. Love what I have seen already from him. Chad Posthumus The man who might have been the MVP from this two game set. He helped steady the ship against the Honey Badgers, and even had some good stretches against the River Lions. While he wasn’t as overall effective in Niagara, he was still solid. As I’ve mentioned, in certain matchups he is still a very good player and we certainly saw that in the first game. He did miss three out of four free throws to win that one, but I’ll let it slide for his performance earlier in the game. Not sure how much more the Sea Bears can lean on him, but that will depend on matchups. Hoping he can get back to being a spot option for coach Taylor. All in all, the issues that I lined out in the beginning are most certainly fixable with some coaching adjustments, so I don’t feel as bad as you would if it was an issue with the roster. This is a veteran, poised team that’s going to continue to come out and compete. They have tons of talent that we know can get it done and I’m sure coach Taylor will make the appropriate adjustments, especially with the time they’ll now have. Winnipeg’s next game will now be across the country, continuing this four game road trip in Calgary against the Surge on Sunday afternoon.

As the NBA Finals capture the attention of basketball fans worldwide, Canada has a special reason to celebrate this year. Four talented Canadians have made their mark on the biggest stage in professional basketball. Oshae Brissett of the Boston Celtics and AJ Lawson, Dwight Powell, and Olivier Maxence-Prosper of the Dallas Mavericks represent not just their teams but the promise and potential of Canadian basketball. Their journeys from hometown heroes to NBA stars inspire young athletes across the country. This article highlights their paths and hometowns, shedding light on the roots of these exceptional players. Inspired by Shane Stirling of Vanguard. Oshae Brissett: Toronto's Pride Oshae Brissett's journey from the bustling streets of Toronto to the NBA Finals is a testament to his hard work and determination. Born and raised in Toronto, Brissett developed his game in the city's vibrant basketball scene. Toronto, known for its rich basketball culture, has produced numerous NBA talents, and Brissett is a shining example. Growing up, Brissett honed his skills at Athlete Institute in Orangeville, Ontario, a breeding ground for future stars. His high school success led him to Syracuse University, where he continued to impress with his athleticism and versatility. After declaring for the NBA Draft, Brissett faced challenges but eventually found his place with the Boston Celtics. His journey reflects the resilience and determination of Toronto's basketball community. AJ Lawson: Brampton's Rising Star AJ Lawson, a dynamic guard for the Dallas Mavericks, hails from Brampton, Ontario. Brampton, a city known for its diverse population and strong sports culture, has produced many top-tier athletes across various sports. Lawson's journey from Brampton to the NBA is a source of pride for his hometown. Lawson's basketball journey began at a young age, and he quickly became a standout player at GTA Prep, one of Canada's top basketball programs in it’s prime. His performance earned him a scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where he continued to develop his game. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Lawson worked tirelessly to secure his spot in the NBA with help from his agent Elias Sbiet. His perseverance paid off, and he now plays a crucial role for the Mavericks. Lawson's story inspires young athletes in Brampton, showing that dreams can come true with dedication and hard work. Dwight Powell: Toronto's Veteran Leader Dwight Powell, another Toronto native, brings experience and leadership to the Dallas Mavericks. Born in Toronto and raised in the city, Powell's basketball journey began at Earl Haig Secondary School. His talent and work ethic were evident early on, and he soon found himself playing for Stanford University. Powell's impressive college career led to his selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. Over the years, he has become a key player for the Mavericks, known for his versatility and defensive prowess. Powell's journey from Toronto to the NBA Finals is a testament to his commitment and determination. As a veteran leader, he serves as a role model for aspiring basketball players in Toronto and beyond. Olivier Maxence-Prosper: Montreal's Emerging Talent Olivier Maxence-Prosper, a promising forward for the Dallas Mavericks, represents Montreal, Quebec, on the NBA stage. Montreal, known for its vibrant culture and rich sports history, has seen a growing interest in basketball in recent years. Maxence-Prosper's rise to the NBA Finals showcases the city's burgeoning basketball talent. Maxence-Prosper began his basketball journey in Montreal, where he quickly stood out as a talented and hardworking player. His skills earned him a spot at NBA Academy Latin America, where he continued to develop his game. After a successful stint in the NCAA with Marquette University, he declared for the NBA Draft. Now, as a member of the Mavericks, Maxence-Prosper's journey inspires young athletes in Montreal, showing that the city can produce top-tier basketball talent. The Impact of Canadian Players in the NBA The presence of Oshae Brissett, AJ Lawson, Dwight Powell, and Olivier Maxence-Prosper in the NBA Finals highlights the growing influence of Canadian players in professional basketball. Their success is a testament to the quality of basketball development in Canada and the increasing popularity of the sport nationwide. These players' journeys from their respective hometowns to the NBA Finals demonstrate the importance of grassroots basketball programs, supportive communities, and the drive to succeed. Their achievements inspire the next generation of Canadian basketball players, showing that with hard work and dedication, they too can reach the pinnacle of the sport. As we watch the NBA Finals, let us celebrate the accomplishments of Oshae Brissett, AJ Lawson, Dwight Powell, and Olivier Maxence-Prosper. These four Canadians have made their mark on the biggest stage in professional basketball, representing their hometowns and their country with pride. Their journeys from Toronto, Brampton, and Montreal to the NBA Finals inspire young athletes across Canada, proving that dreams can become reality with hard work, dedication, and a supportive community. At The Maple Minute, we are proud to highlight the achievements of these remarkable players and look forward to following their continued success in the NBA and beyond. Their stories remind us of the power of perseverance and the bright future of Canadian basketball.

Justice Gordon, a talented guard transferring from Wayne State, recently made the decision to return to Canada and join the University of Windsor's basketball team under the guidance of head coach Chris Cheng. In an interview, Gordon shared insights into his motivations, the advantages of playing in a competitive Canadian environment, and the impact of Coach Cheng's coaching style on his decision and career goals. When asked about what motivated his decision to transfer from Wayne State and return to Canada to play for the University of Windsor, Gordon emphasized the importance of being home. “Being able to be back in Canada honestly just feels right. I’ve learned a lot in the NCAA, but nothing beats that ‘home’ feeling. Being a part of a family, Coach Cheng, and the rest of the staff and players have created that feeling for me during the recruiting process.” Gordon also highlighted how the University of Windsor's competitive environment would aid in his development and prepare him for a potential future in the CEBL via the USPORTS draft. He explained, “I think coming back and playing with a 24-second shot clock and adhering to FIBA rules will help with that transition as well. Coach Cheng has coached at many levels, and the knowledge he brings will guide me to become the best player I can be.” One of the key factors in Gordon's decision was Coach Cheng's personal approach to coaching and his ability to connect with players on a deeper level. Gordon elaborated on this, saying, "Coach Cheng has genuinely tried to build a connection with me as a person. He has helped me create new goals while making the transition across the border. This relationship allows me to receive constructive criticism, understanding that as a player, I see the game differently on the court.” Justice Gordon's return to Canada and his commitment to the University of Windsor signify a promising step in his basketball journey. With the supportive environment created by Coach Cheng and the competitive nature of Canadian basketball, Gordon is poised to develop his skills further and make a significant impact on the court. His decision not only reflects his desire to be closer to home but also his strategic approach to advancing his basketball career, potentially leading to success in the CEBL via the USPORTS draft.

Through two games at Canada Life Centre, the Winnipeg Sea Bears are 2-0. This time it was the starting five that came to play and got it done for the home side after a slower start. A strong second quarter saw them tie up the game, the Sea Bears then took control in the second half, which they rode to a comfortable victory. It took a quarter and a half once more for them to get going, but once they did they did not look back. They got lucky once more that their opponent didn't pull away early while they were struggling. As well as their offence getting going, the defence came alive and the Sea Bears started to string together scores and stops. When all cylinders were firing, it really felt like there was no way they were going to relinquish the game. This is a veteran team that is really starting to gel and definitely showing their experience as each game goes along. Let's get into the three keys from this one! Starting Five Coming Together I've already mentioned this a couple times, but I think it is so key that Winnipeg's starting five got into a rhythm in this one. Not only did Teddy Allen still get his shots, their flow allowed for three of the other four to get touches as well and they were effective with them. Allen, Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson, Byron Mullens, and Darius Days combined for 82 of their 93 points. While that could be seen as a concern, we have now seen the bench and starters each have a game where they took over and got the job done. Best case scenario is that they find a solid balance between the two, but even if they don't it's good to see that either or can get the job done on their own. Ending Possessions After two straight games of rough defence, the Sea Bears figured out how to get stops and most importantly, end possessions on the first time of asking. While they didn't win the rebounding battle by a wide margin, certainly down the stretch they did what they needed to do. There were many more encouraging signs on their level of play defensively than there had been the first two games of the season. Tighter defence, tougher shots, much more to like and hopefully some momentum on that end of the floor. First Half Three Point Woes While Winnipeg ended up shooting 35% from three, seven of their ten makes came in the second half. Both of the first two home games have seen the Sea Bears get going from beyond the arc in the third quarter, in which they've used it as an offensive weapon. This is more nit picking, but if they can hit a couple more threes in the first two quarters, then they would probably be up more at the half. But we've seen them hit shots more so in the second half, which isn't too much of an issue. I have a good feeling they'll figure it out and do a flip in form. It would just make their lives easier if they could. With that out of the way, let's get into the individual performances on the night! Teddy Allen Well, unfortunately the 40 point game streak has come to an end but that does not mean Allen didn't do his thing. 27-5-6 is still a great performance, but those six turnovers worry me a little. He is going to have a little more than anyone else on the team because of how many times he touches the ball, but still. Otherwise, MVP gonna MVP. Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson JOJ has definitely arrived. That second half against the Shooting Stars seemed to have ignited his play, and he is helping Allen not have to do it by himself. 20 points and six assists is super solid. Target Time winner to go along with it, and not a bad way to cpa off a great performance. If he can keep it up, we won't have to have a conversation about the guard position this summer. Byron Mullens A much better complete performance from Mullens on Saturday night. This coincides with more touches, but he did make the most of his chances in the game. He showed off his range, hitting a couple jumpers, use his length and athleticism to stay in the game against a smaller team. Definitely had stretches where he looked dominant. Now he just needs to find a way to string that into a full game. Hoping like JOJ, a game like this helps his confidence and is a stepping stone for him. Darius Days Solid game from Days, who has also improved game by game as the time has gone on. 18 shot attempts is a little high for me, but if he is creating offence, then that is totally fine with me. Another double double for him as well? Sign me up for more games like this. 14 rebounds is fantastic. Days must have also read that I challenged him to hit at least two threes in each game and he certainly did that in this one. Hoping he can keep it up because I think he might be a lowkey X-factor for this squad. Alex Campbell The last of the five starters, it was an alright performance for Campbell. He did play good defence in this one without fouling, but didn't do too much on offence. While he didn't have to, you would hope he would take advantage of the chances he did get. But I'm sure that will come around. He already looked much better than in the home opener. Mason Bourcier Bourcier didn't get on the board in this one, but he filled the box score everywhere else. Six rebounds, four assists, solid defence and good guard play is good to see. We've seen the baskets fall so I'm not too concerned with the goose egg there. Simon Hildebrandt Three rebounds is the only stat registered on the sheet for Hildebrandt. Not even a field goal attempt recorded either, which is surprising. I wouldn't anticipate that happening again, especially when Winnipeg needs him. Played decent defence which is encouraging. They didn't need the bench on this night, but I would hazard a guess they will down the line and Hildebrandt is going to be pivotal to that. Shane Osayande A very short outing for Osayande so it's hard to be picky on his performance. I hope his minutes don't get cut too short with the eventual arrival of David Muenkat and now Emmanuel Akot, but we will have to see. Chad Posthumus Posthumus was solid once again in limited minutes with six points and six rebounds. I've mentioned it so many times over the last two years, he brings so much energy and solid play, especially in those shorter minutes. Coach Mike Taylor has gotten so good on figuring out when to deploy him, and I hope that does not change. He had the only bench points in the game which makes his play even more valuable. All in all this was a big step in the right direction for the Sea Bears, as if we get the team from the second half and Target Time, we really have a championship caliber team on our hands. They just need to find a way to put it together for a full game before I start hedging my bets. Either way this a good, veteran basketball team that is going to get better as the summer goes along. Winnipeg's next game is Wednesday June 5th in Brampton against the Honey Badgers, which is the first of four games on the road.