Photo Credit: @ lucaszx.ss via @Huskiembb Over the weekend at the Ron and Jane Graham Shootout, I had the opportunity to speak with some highly recruited freshmen as they made their USports debuts. I interviewed them and their coaches to get their thoughts on their performance and the transition from high school and club ball to USports. David Harmon: How did it feel to get into the games and what did you learn? Diego Presingular (MacEwan Griffins), who is from Central Prep in Winnipeg, MB, emphasized the importance of being mentally and physically tough in basketball. He mentioned "facing tough teams like Carleton and UBC requires resilience and the ability to not let things get to you, especially as a young player, as these teams will try to provoke mistakes." Nylan Roberts (UBC), from Yale Secondary in Vancouver, BC, noted " the transition is challenging due to the difference in size and strength, but overall, it's going well." Owen Murphy Wiebe (Sask), from Aden Bowman Collegiate in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, reflected "It is challenging transitioning to the faster-paced and more physical game." Despite the adjustments, he expresses gratitude for the opportunities he is receiving. Dillyn Morin (Sask), from Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon, mentioned "I feel good about my performance and am playing decent." DH: What advice do you have for future recruits? What do you wish you knew in High school that would have made the transition easier? DP: "It is a lot tougher mentally, you need to check in all the time and know details. It is also physical. You need to get advice, talk to veterans who have played, and take that in." NR: "Hit the weight room and get into shape, you think you are ready but you aren't." OMW: "You need to work hard, it is a defensive game once you get here and I don't think I was as aware defensively as I should have been in High School." DM: "The summers matter, these guys are powerful and you need to be ready." DH: How do you feel your freshmen handled the weekend? Mike Connolly from MacEwan said, "We love our freshmen. I think the weekend got long for them and they got tired. Diego is coming into his own but is playing cautiously. As he gets more comfortable, he will continue to do good things that will help us as a team. Jud [Judson Weir from Regina] gives us an effort that allows him to be in our lineup, and we look forward to watching him grow." Taffe Charles from Carleton University mentioned that the players have picked up some bad habits while playing high school and club basketball. He emphasized that at this level, coaches will push them to improve and correct those habits. Charles also mentioned that the players will need to work hard to get better, as they may not be accustomed to the level of accountability that comes with playing at this level. Kevin Hanson from UBC expressed his satisfaction with the new recruits, emphasizing the importance of having one or two high school students join the program each year and grow within it. He also highlighted the challenge of dealing with numerous transfers in the league (USport), stressing the need to recruit players who can develop and improve over time. Jamie Campbell from Saskatchewan: "Like all freshmen, ours had their ups and downs, showing some exciting moments and making some mental mistakes. They provided some great moments this weekend, and I am really excited about the future." It has been an incredible start to the preseason, with many of the prospects we cover here at The Maple Minute beginning to transition to the next level. I also want to note that AJ Osman was a standout freshmen for Carleton this weekend but I was unable to catch up with him for an interview. For live updates on our team's whereabouts across the country, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Stay tuned for more updates from myself on Saskatchewan prospects, the ACAC, and all the Saskatchewan Huskies home games.

This weekend, I’ll be heading from Ontario to Edmonton for the highly anticipated Western Canada Prep Showcase, hosted by WCPA. This event promises to spotlight some of the top basketball talent emerging from Western Canada, and I’m excited to evaluate a selection of standout prospects. With a focus on their skills, potential, and overall impact, this report highlights key players and must-see matchups that will shape the outlook of the season upon us. Key Prospects to Watch Favian Mbaoma | 6’9 | WCPA | 2025    Favian is a major stock riser as a versatile forward with impressive length and agility. His shot-blocking ability and defensive presence make him a key asset in the paint. Offensively, he shows promise with a developing jump shot and post moves. Max Fraser | 6’5 | WCPA | 2025    Max is a dynamic point guard known for his scoring ability and athleticism. His capability to drive to the basket and knock down perimeter shots will be crucial for this WCPA team. Watch for his defensive tenacity as well. Cole Bekkering | 6’5 | Edge School | 2025    Cole brings a well-rounded game with a strong basketball IQ. He excels in transition and can effectively score both inside and out. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, adding leadership to his Edge School team. Malachi Richmond | 6’2 | Edge School | 2026    A crafty guard, Malachi possesses excellent ball-handling skills and playmaking ability. His quick first step allows him to create separation and facilitate scoring opportunities for his teammates. Jada Bolok | 6’7 | CTA West | 2025    Jada is a quick twitch forward with a strong rebounding presence. He’s effective around the rim and has the potential to be a lob threat in transition. His defensive versatility will be a highlight. Munroop Gill | 5’11 | CTA West | 2025    As a smaller guard, Munroop compensates with speed and agility. He excels in fast breaks and can be a consistent threat from beyond the arc. His ability to control the pace of the game will be vital for CTA West. Bilal Osman | 6’8 | Elite Futures Prep | 2025    Bilal’s size and skill set make him a formidable presence on both ends of the floor. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities are impressive, and he’s consistently developing a more reliable offensive game for the next level. Warris Isaiah | 6’8 | Elite Futures Prep | 2025    Another strong forward, Waris is known for his athleticism and defensive prowess. He has the potential to be a key scorer and is particularly effective above the rim. Achuil Jacob | 6’2 | PSA Prep | 2025    Achuil is a versatile guard with good shooting touch and court vision. His ability to create his own shot and find open teammates will be crucial for his team's success. Derrick Imuetinyan | 6’3 | United Prep | 2025     Derrick brings energy and hustle, often being the first player to dive for loose balls. His defensive instincts and ability to drive to the basket make him a player to keep an eye on. Must-See Matchups The showcase will feature several exciting matchups, but keep an eye on the Saturday matinee between Edge School vs. Elite Futures Prep at 1:30pm. The clash between Bilal Osman and Cole Bekkering promises to be a highlight, showcasing contrasting styles as Osman’s defensive skills meet Bekkering’s offensive versatility. Additionally, the battle between the dynamic guards Max Fraser and Munroop Gill should provide an exciting display of speed and skill on Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm. The Western Canada Prep Showcase is poised to be an exciting event that highlights some of the best young talent in Canadian basketball. With a rich crop of players who possess a mix of athleticism, skill, and potential, it’s a prime opportunity for scouts, coaches, and fans to witness the future stars of the game. I look forward to sharing insights and updates from the event as these prospects showcase their abilities on a national stage.

This weekend, an impressive array of talented USport teams gathered at the University of Saskatchewan to kick off the 2024/25 preseason and commence their journey towards Nationals in March. "We want to bring in the best teams in the country to Saskatoon. I have been fortunate to have established good relationships with coaches and programs across the country, and it's exciting for our program to have them come out and compete," explained Huskies Head Coach Jamie Campbell. Carleton Coach Taffe Charles expressed his excitement about coming out, saying, "Jamie and I go way back, and the opportunity to support him and check out his team was a welcome one. He has done a great job with the program, and we enjoyed the competition this weekend." With each of the 4 teams playing against each other over 3 days, here's an overview of what I observed and the respective coaches' thoughts about their teams: University of British Columbia Thunderbirds After a successful 2023/24 season where coach Kevin Hanson's team went 18-7 (14-6 in Canada West play), finishing 4th in league play but unexpectedly exiting the Canada West play-in game, they are gearing up to host the 2025 USport National Championship. The team has bolstered its ranks with experienced transfers in the hopes of clinching victory on their home court in March. This team is known for its tough, paint-focused basketball style. Forward Nikola Guzina put up impressive numbers over the weekend, scoring 18 points against MacEwan, 14 against Carleton, and 21 against Sask. His frontcourt teammates, Fareed Shittu and Victor Radocaj, also displayed remarkable toughness and experience. Although sharpshooter Adam Olsen struggled with his shooting, he managed to get many good open looks, which bodes well for the team's offensive capabilities as the season progresses. Coach Hanson reflected on the weekend, expressing satisfaction with the early-season performance on the road. He acknowledged that the players were still finding their rhythm and that there were areas for improvement. However, he highlighted the significance of securing wins on the road or on neutral ground. The team finished the weekend with an impressive 3-0 record, defeating MacEwan 84-69, Carleton 85-68, and Saskatchewan 75-5. Carleton University Ravens The USport champion for 17 of the last 21 years finished 13-9 last season. This year's team appears to be young again with only one 5th-year player and no 4th-year players on the roster. The young squad competed extremely well all weekend, and Augustas Brazdeikis emerged as their go-to scorer throughout the weekend (16 points vs. Sask, 16 vs. UBC, and 14 vs. MacEwan). Nelson Cilien was strong on the boards (10 rebounds vs. Sask, 11 vs. UBC, and 5 vs. MacEwan) all weekend, and To Randriasalama was a threat from behind the arc (6/16 on the weekend) in their games. Coach Taffe Charles stated, "We learned a lot from this weekend. Yesterday [Friday vs. UBC] we didn't play as well as I would have liked, but overall, we have a lot of good film to watch and get a really good assessment of our team at this point." Carleton finished 2-1 with wins over MacEwan (84-66) and Saskatchewan (73-67), and a loss to UBC (68-85). University of Saskatchewan Huskies The Huskies had a record of 11 wins and 10 losses in the 2023/24 season. They were eliminated by the Brandon Bobcats in the Canada West Play-in Game. The team is currently in a rebuilding phase after graduating 8 players. They are primarily led by veteran players, with the majority of the roster consisting of 1st and 2nd year players. Guard Emmanuel Bonsu was consistent throughout all 3 games, scoring 16 points against Carleton, 12 against MacEwan, and 7 against UBC. Easton Thimm, the reigning Canada West rookie of the year, made significant contributions in the paint before sustaining an unfortunate injury that sidelined him for the Saturday game. Each game saw a different guard stepping up as the top scorer: rookie Owen Murphy Weibe scored 17 points with 3 out of 5 from 3-point range on Thursday, 5th year Griffin Sharkey scored 28 points with 5 out of 9 from 3-point range on Friday, and another rookie, Dillyn Morin, scored 17 points with 5 out of 12 from 3-point range on Saturday. Coach Jamie Campbell reflected on the weekend, stating, "It was a good weekend with lots of promising things. The competitor in me doesn't like finishing 1 and 2, but after graduating 8 players, we have a brand new young team. We have to focus on the positives, and our guys competed for 3 straight games, and I am happy about that." As the coach mentioned, the team finished 1-2 with a win over MacEwan 77-61 and losses to UBC 59-75 and Carleton 67-73. MacEwan University Griffins After a challenging 2023/24 season where the Griffins did not win any of their 20 games, Coach Connolly managed to recruit some new players from other schools and high school. These additions have given him hope for the upcoming season. Job Janda (scoring 21 points against UBC, 7 points against Sask, and 14 points against Carleton) and Hugo Alsonso (scoring 8 points against UBC, 14 points against Sask, and 18 points against Carleton) were standout performers over the weekend, putting pressure on the opposing defenses. One area the team needs to improve on is rebounding, as a few of the team's key players were not able to travel with the team. Coach Connolly is hopeful they will be able to address this issue with a full lineup. After the games, I spoke with Coach Connolly, who was optimistic about the weekend's results. He emphasized that the weekend served its purpose by demonstrating the level of competition they need to match in order to compete with stronger teams. He highlighted the need for hard work and toughness to progress as a team, and expressed confidence that they can reach those standards. MacEwan had a tough weekend, losing all three games: 69-84 to UBC, 61-77 to Saskatchewan, and 66-84 to Carleton. I am excited to see how USports unfolds in the coming weeks as more preseason results come in. This tournament could have a significant impact on rankings in March, especially with UBC preparing to host nationals and Carleton aiming for an 18th national championship. I also believe that both Saskatchewan and MacEwan will show improvement and have the potential to upset teams that underestimate them.

On Sunday, I was able to take in the opening combine for the 2024 Saskatoon Homecourt Summer League. Going into it's 4th season, the league has continued to grow and has become a must see for witnessing the growth of basketball in Saskatoon. Founder Chan DeCiman, a former U of S Huskie player, has created a league that brings out the best that basketball has to offer in our prairie oasis. Just a few things that make the league stand out include: Season themes - last year was Spongebob, this is included in jerseys, social media and merch, it just makes the league a fun a vibrant place to be. This years theme will be Scooby-Do!!! Interactive Player of the Week voting - the coaches pick 2 players in each division and then voting between them is done on Instagram complete with video highlights. Up and coming coaches - the league identifies a lot of former local high school and USport players and give them a chance to try coaching in a low stress environment. League Combine - all the players ran drills and played games in front of the coaches on Sunday, who will draft their teams this week. This mixes up the kids from their school/club teams. The 2024 season will be the biggest yet with the league running from July 9th to August 22nd. The numbers are simply mind blowing considering Saskatoon has a population of under 300,000. The league will feature 134 kids in the Junior division (grade 4-8) playing Tuesdays, 72 Senior Girls playing Thursdays and 196 Senior Boys playing on Wednesdays. The week consists of one hour long practice and 2 games on their game night. I had the privilege of coaching in the leagues inaugural season and have tried hard to make appearances each year to support the amazing work Chan and his team have done. This year with support of the Maple Minute, I will be taking in games weekly and writing about a prospect to watch each week. So please bookmark this post and check back each Friday over the summer to learn about the next group of Saskatoon talent PROSPECT WATCH July 9-11 DANIEL MOORE Position: Guard Height: 5'10 School: Tommy Douglas Collegiate (Saskatoon, SK) Club: Saskatoon Shadow Class: 2026** Daniel Moore opened up the first week of the Homecourt League by showing us the work he has put in to get ready for his grade 12 year at Tommy Douglas High School. Known mainly as a shooter the last couple of seasons, Daniel showed his new bag with incredible finishes at the rim in a variety of ways. In the first game he dropped an eye-popping 24 points (games are 20 minute run time halves) and followed that up with 11 in the second game. College and Prep coaches will want to keep and eye on Daniel this coming season, he has been an undersized 2 guard, but his effort to improve his ball handling, defense and passing, could make him a hidden gem for the right program. July 16-18 Andrew Hawley Position: Guard Height: 5'11 School: Walter Murray Collegiate (Saskatoon, SK) Club: Greenwave United Class: 2028** You can't help but notice Andrew when he is in the game, I had a college coach comment they think he is one of the best shooters in the province. He is not only an elite catch and shoot player, he is an intelligent player that makes the right play consistently, whether it be moving the ball quickly on the break to create advantages or making the right read to find the open man in the half court. Andrew will keep defenses honest next year as he moves up to the senior team to join his big brother and dad and the rest of Walter Murray defend its provincial crown. July 23-25 Jesse Klinger Position: Wing Height: 6'6 School: Clavet Composite (Clavet, SK) Club: Rise Above Class: 2026** Jesse has put in a lot of work over the summer and last night in summer league it showed. He already was an impressive shooter for his size and intimidated opposing teams roaming the middle of Clavet's zone; However, over the summer with both Rise Above and the Saskatchewan U17 team, he has started to become a slasher that finishes hard at and above the rim. Jesse has really good size and strength and will be one to watch at nationals in 2 weeks. I think the USport coach that gets him will see huge returns. July 31- Aug 2 Taylor Grant Position: Guard Height: 6' School: St Joseph Collegiate Club: Shadow Class: 2029** Taylor is a super smooth scoring threat from all 3 levels and continues to grow his game. He has been showing up all summer league against much bigger and older kids and just keeps putting up points having lead his team in scoring most games. He will be a player to watch over the next several years to see what he adds to his game. Aug 13-15 Raph Mutongolo Position: Guard Height: 6'1 School: Holy Cross Collegiate Club: Greenwave Class: 2027 After a one week break, summer league was back and the players work over the summer has shown. School starts soon and before we know it basketball season will be underway. This week, I was impressed with Raph's improved shooting. Raph is a pure point guard who distributes the ball and gets teammates involved, he beats his man off the dribble and makes excellent reads when help comes. Over the years I have watched Raph, it is his motor on defense that makes him special, he has a long wingspan and presses up on opposition guards constantly creating mistakes. If he keeps working on being a consistent shooter, he will be a major factor in helping Holy Cross get back to being the top team in Saskatchewan. Aug 20-22 FINALS!!!! What a final session as all teams were seeded and played for the championship. Instead of featuring a prospect this last week, I am going to simply list the Senior Division all-Stars, most I have featured in other articles and will be going much more in depth on during the upcoming high school season. It was a pleasure to watch all the kids and coaches learn and grow in such a fantastic setting. MVP Moe Osman Position: Guard Height: 6'3 School: Holy Cross Club: Rise Above Class: 2026 First Team All-Stars Zach Hawley Guard/6'1/Walter Murray/UPlay West/2027 Jack Gray Guard/6'1/Concordia/Rise Above/2024 Jeremy Proctor Forward/6'4/Unsigned/2024 Faisal Mahadi Guard/6'/Walter Murray/2026 Leandro Rego Forward/6'5/ St Joseph/Greenwave/2027 Second Team All-Stars Kian Tyson Guard/6'6/Holy Cross/Genesis/2026 Jesse Klinger Forward/6'6/Clavet/Rise Above/2026 Will Stianson Guard/6'/Briercrest/Golden Ticket/2024 Raph Ewejobi Forward/6'4/St Joseph/YXE Elite/2026 Sam Besong Guard/6'3/Unsigned/Rise Above/2024 **Some players played limited games due to club/prov team commitments and that was reflected in all-star voting ** All classes include a post high school prep year which is standard for NCAA recruiting.

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

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.