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Our guy David Harmon out of Saskatchewan, hit the road to Denver, Colarado for the Prep Hoops event 'Rocky Mountain Mayhem'. He's bringing us 5 Canadian eye-catchers that stood out to him on his 18 hour trek. The Prep Hoops circuit will host 40+ tournaments and feature some of the best teams over the summer. This past weekend, I was able to attend the Rocky Mountain Mayhem tournament in Denver, Colorado, and watch 7 Canadian teams that had traveled down from Saskatchewan to take part and test themselves. Overall, the Canadian teams had 16 wins and 12 losses. Here is a glimpse of some of the standout players over the weekend: Moe Osman - Position: G - Height: 6’2 - School: Holy Cross Saskatoon - Class: 2026 Osman is a long athletic guard who is a smooth finisher around the rim. He was able to take over at the end of several close games and lead his team to victory. His long, lanky frame allowed him to be disruptive on the defensive end and grab key rebounds. He showed the ability to finish above the rim and also from beyond the arc. Faisal Mahadhi - Position: G - Height: 6’1 - School: Walter Murray Saskatoon - Class: 2026 Faisal is a player who just gets it done on the court. Watching him play, he shows that he can do just about everything. Throughout the tournament, he played many different roles based on what the team needs. He has a great finish around the rim, shoots the ball from range, and makes smart passes to put his teammates in good positions. Where he stands out the most is on the defensive end; his motor is elite, and he has an impact on every possession. Cooper Mckechnie - Position: G/W - Height: 6’2 - School: Martin Regina - Class: 2025 Mckechnie was tenacious on defense over the weekend and made an impact for his team. His ability to keep smaller, quicker guards in front of him was impressive. He also showed the ability to be an impact shooter when called upon. Obama Lasu - Position: G - Height: 5’10 - School: Harvest City Regina - Class: 2027 Lasu did it all over the weekend. In his first chance to play south of the border, he brought energy when he was on the floor. He is another smooth player who uses his athleticism to impact both ends of the floor. Sacha Scoular - Position: F - Height: 5’10 - School: Campbell Regina - Class: 2028 Scoular was the utility player for his team and did just about everything over the weekend as his team went 4-0. Showing the ability to play all 5 positions effortlessly and doing the intangibles that his team needed.

Welcome to The Maple Minute! Today, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jahnai Dunkley, a 6'8 do-it-all wing out of Hamilton, ON. Jahnai has had a remarkable journey through his high school career, playing for both Orangeville Prep and Lincoln Prep. Let's dive into his experiences, highlights, and challenges along the way. Can you tell us about your journey through high school basketball, playing for both Orangeville Prep and Lincoln Prep? What were some of the highlights and challenges you faced along the way? "Honestly, my journey was good. Actually, I enjoyed playing for both Orangeville and Lincoln Prep because of the practice and the training. There were some good highlights, like for example, in practice, I was on a fast break and went up for a dunk, and my shoulder hit the backboard. There were also some challenges, like I just got to their team, so me trying to get used to what they would do in practice was challenging, even trying to be a leader because that’s a very big role. But along the way, I adjusted to everything." Being the twin brother of Jalik Dunkley, who has received a lot of attention, how has that dynamic influenced your own path in basketball? And how do you differentiate yourself as a player? "I think my brother has gotten more attention, but it’s something I can’t be mad at. It kinda influenced me to push myself harder than ever. What differentiates myself as a basketball player is the way how I carry myself and the drive I have to put in the work in the gym. I’m a man of God, so I think that’s what makes me different." You’re currently playing AAU with AZ Unity out of Arizona. How has this experience impacted your game and what skills or aspects of your game have you been focusing on improving during this time? "AZ Unity was a great experience because I got to play in Arizona, so everything was kind of different. The experience impacted my game because I was playing against different talents, which made it a good experience. I’ve been working on my handles, my jump shot, getting to my spots on the court, finishing strong around the rim, and having more patience handling the rock and scanning the court better." With your impressive athleticism and frame, you certainly pass the eye test for a Division I prospect. What are your aspirations for playing at the collegiate level, and what kind of program are you looking to contribute to? "I would say I have high aspirations for college ball, but I wouldn’t set my mind on only one thing right now. I’m a very competitive person, and I just want to show that I can compete at the highest level of college basketball, which would be Division 1 basketball. I’m a really competitive person, so being considered as the underdog only fuels me to compete more." Despite perhaps being seen as an “afterthought” by some, what do you believe sets you apart as a player, and how do you plan to showcase your talents to potential college programs moving forward? "My work ethic and motor. I know there might be other players that have more skills than me, but I haven’t seen a player outwork me on the court, out hustle me on the court, or jump higher than me on the court." It has been truly insightful to hear about Jahnai Dunkley's journey in high school basketball. From navigating different teams to overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, Jahnai's dedication and passion for the game shine through. As he continues to hone his skills with AZ Unity and sets his sights on collegiate basketball, we look forward to witnessing his future success. Jahnai's resilience, work ethic, and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.

The All Canadian Games (ACG) Next Ones Up event at Athlete Institute showcased an array of talent among the rising stars of Canadian basketball, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport. Let's delve into the standout prospects from the class of 2026 who left an indelible mark on the court. Zane McFarlane | PG | 5’9 | United Scholastic McFarlane, standing at a modest 5'9", defies expectations with his remarkable scoring ability. His performance at the ACG Next Ones Up event earned him the MVP title for Team Black, showcasing his fearless demeanor and ability to elevate his game when it matters most. David Bottomley | PG | 6’0 | Orangeville Prep Bottomley's 6'0" frame belies his exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision. His ability to score with finesse and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a formidable force on the court. With poise and passion, he leaves a lasting impression on the game. Jordan Charles | SG | 6’1 | CIA Arizona A fixture at the All Canadian Games, Charles brings three years of experience to the court. His tenure with Team Canada underscores his craftiness and quickness, making him a scoring threat from anywhere on the floor. Rico Reat | G | 6’5 | St. Martin’s (PEDSDMD Elite) At 6'5", Reat possesses the versatility of a mobile wing with a solid frame. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and finish above the rim adds depth to his game, while his gritty defense sets him apart as a standout prospect. Quinten Either | G | 6’5 | Ridley College Either's emergence with Team Canada in the summer speaks volumes about his potential. Standing at 6'5", he combines size with a smooth shooting stroke, offering versatility on both ends of the floor. Miles Sadler | PG | 6’0 | CIA Arizona Sadler, the epitome of polish and proficiency, stands alone as the most refined prospect in the class of 2026. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering smile during the ACG Next Ones Up event foreshadow a bright future at the collegiate level. Vlad Popa | SF | 6’6 | Hodan Prep The younger brother of David Popa, Vlad leaves a lasting impact with his winning plays on the court. From his shooting prowess to his rim-rattling finishes, he embodies promise and potential. Caleb Roberts | PG | 5’10 | Ridley College Roberts, despite his 5'10" stature, possesses deceptive athleticism and a knack for breaking down defenses. His strong frame draws comparisons to NBA guards, while his ability to facilitate offense sets him apart as a dynamic playmaker. Isaiah Headley-Smith | SG | 6’4 | Royal Crown Headley-Smith's highlight-reel dunk at the ACG Next Ones Up event underscores his explosive athleticism and versatility. With humility off the court and tenacity on it, he represents a beacon of potential with a bright future. Callum Smith | PF | 6’11 | Ridley College Smith's imposing presence inside the key commands attention, complemented by exceptional hands and physicality. His dominance on both ends of the floor marks him as a considerable force in the class of 2026. Bennett White | SG | 6’7 | Crestwood Prep White's pure shooting stroke and offers from Division I schools highlight his potential. With a smooth operating style on the court, he emerges as a prospect with a promising trajectory. Janoy Walkes | PG | 6’0 | Brampton City Prep Walkes, a prolific scoring threat, showcases his ability to navigate through defenses with ease. His phenomenal touch around the net and acrobatic finishes make him a player to watch in the coming years. Rokeim Green | SG | 6’1 | CIA Arizona Green's MVP performance at last year's ACG Futures Game underscores his scoring prowess. His elusiveness on the court makes him a dangerous threat when he gains momentum. Jacob McGregor | SG | 6’4 | Bill Crothers McGregor's emergence as a standout prospect leaves a lasting impression. His ability to score while maintaining defensive instincts highlights his potential as a multifaceted player. Amare Lincoln | SF | 6’7 | Notre Dame Lincoln's entertaining style of play captivates audiences, showcasing his skillset and antics on the court. With a solid frame and an upcoming summer with Team Active, he's poised to make waves in the basketball scene. Evans Barning | SF | 6’8 | Archbishop Carroll Barning's electrifying warm-ups and promising performance hint at his potential. Despite not his best showing, his high-flying dunks and commitment to the game mark him as a prospect worth monitoring. Mahliq Guiseppi-Kitson | SF | 6’6 | United Scholastic Guiseppi-Kitson's all-around performance at the ACG Next Ones Up event leaves spectators in awe. His shot-blocking ability, powerful dunks, and tough shot-making prowess earned him the MVP for the White team. Ian McBride | PF | 6’8 | SC Academy McBride's potential as a stretch four man is evident despite his initial adjustment to the level of talent at the ACG Next Ones Up event. With great size and hands, he's poised for growth and development in the coming years. Arafan Diane | C | 7’1 | Dynastie Diane's towering 7'1" frame sets him apart as a dominant force on the court. With a soft touch and powerful frame, he's positioned to be a player of interest across all levels of basketball. Holds multiple Division I offers. These prospects, each with their unique talents and potential, represent the future stars of Canadian basketball, leaving fans eager to witness their growth and achievements on the court.

Photo via @ma.promotions on Instagram In the fast-paced world of basketball, the role of a point guard extends far beyond physical prowess; it demands a keen understanding of the game's intricate strategies and a mastery of on-court orchestration. Christian Payawal, renowned for his prowess as a point guard hailing from Quebec, offers unique insights into the delicate balance between instinctual play and strategic decision-making. Through an exclusive interview with The Maple Minute, Christian delves into the intricacies of his approach to the game, shedding light on the fusion of natural talent and strategic acumen that defines his playstyle. How do you balance your natural basketball instincts with the strategic decisions required as a point guard on the court? It all starts with knowing your teammates inside-out. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies becomes your secret weapon. Imagine having a radar for open shooters, slashers cutting to the basket, and potential mismatches – that's the power of teammate awareness. With this knowledge, you can orchestrate the offense, setting up plays that exploit these strengths and create the best possible scoring opportunities for each possession. In a game where physical attributes often receive significant attention, how do you leverage your determination and craftiness to outsmart opponents on the court? The court isn't just about physical prowess, it's a mental chess game too. That's where my determination and craftiness come in. My superior court vision allows me to push the tempo, disrupting the opponent's defensive setup before they can get comfortable. This combines with my high basketball IQ, enabling me to make smart passes that get my teammates involved and create scoring opportunities. My ball-handling skills create space for me to operate, making it even harder for defenders to predict my next move. But my determination extends beyond the game itself. Preparation is key, so I scout opponents to identify weaknesses we can exploit. By combining my on-court instincts with strategic planning, I strive to outsmart my opponents every time I step onto the floor. As a point guard known for your playmaking abilities, how do you continuously improve your basketball IQ, and what role does film study play in your development? My reputation as a playmaker thrives on a constantly evolving basketball IQ. The key? An insatiable hunger to learn. Being coachable is a huge part of that. With coaches boasting years of experience at all levels, I actively listen and absorb their knowledge. Film study isn't just about entertainment; it's a classroom for me. Reviewing games with my coaches allows us to dissect both our successes and mistakes. They've not only helped me identify opportunities on the court, but also taught me how to watch film effectively – analyzing beyond the highlights and focusing on the finer details. By constantly seeking out knowledge and learning from experience, I ensure my playmaking skills continue to evolve at the highest level. Can you share a particular instance where your ability to read the game and make quick decisions had a significant impact on a crucial moment in a game? Against Brebeuf, with mere seconds on the clock and a two-point lead in the 4th , the tension was high. I knew they'd try a press, a double team, anything to force a turnover and get the ball out of my hands. Thinking steps ahead, I dished the ball out quickly, anticipating the trap. But the play wasn't over. I ran past defenders, using the space I created to get the ball back in my hands . Time was ticking down . Knowing they'd scramble to recover, I used my speed to attack the basket before the double team arrived. With a smooth floater, the ball found the net! The buzzer sounded as our lead doubled, sealing the victory for our team! What advice would you give to aspiring basketball players looking to enhance their basketball IQ and become more effective floor generals like yourself? Being coachable is more than just listening – it's about actively seeking knowledge. I constantly engage with my coaches, asking questions and absorbing their insights. This open mind allows me to see the game from new perspectives and identify areas for improvement. It's not about blind obedience – it's about a mutual learning experience that fuels my development as a player. Christian Payawal's journey as a point guard exemplifies the fusion of innate talent with relentless dedication to mastering the craft. His ability to seamlessly blend basketball instinct with strategic foresight sets him apart as a floor general par excellence. Through his experiences and insights shared in this interview, aspiring players are not only inspired but equipped with valuable wisdom on how to elevate their game to new heights. As Christian Payawal continues to leave an indelible mark on the basketball court, his story serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations of players to come, reminding them that success lies not only in talent but in the relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth.

The class of 25 is loaded with top-end Canadian talent from guys like Efeosa Oliogu, Will Riley and Spencer Ahrens. This class is surprisingly deep and this article will showcase five underrated players from Ontario who have proven that they are ready to play at the next level. Tristan Darko | 6’4 combo-guard | United Scholastic/Canada Elite | 24.7ppg, 6.5rpg 3.1apg and 1.2spg Tristan Darko is a combo guard who plays in three leagues for his school United Scholastic, playing up a year on the grad OSBA team and for United Scholastic’s NPH and CYBL teams. Darko’s stats combined for both NPH and CYBL premier league are fantastic and from the jump do a great job at showcasing his ability to do it all, starting off by showcasing his scoring at 24.7 ppg over 30 games. Scoring from all three levels and his relentless ability to get to the basket have an almost slasher-like feel, and his high-level shooting makes him a fantastic 3-point shooter. This is showcased in recent performances where he scored 32 points while shooting 57% from 3, added 6 rebounds, and 4 assists to top it off, and his do-it-all mindset keeps his team's energy high, which shows great leadership to add on top of such a skilled player. One of the most important parts of Darko’s game isn't even showcased in his stats, and that is his high IQ and ability to read the game. After watching Darko this past year it's clear to see why he has the skills to play at the next level. He thinks very quickly leaving defenders confused, never knowing what he'll do and making the right calls on both offense and defense and his smart shot selection is extremely desirable to see from a combo guard, keeping his FG% higher than others. Darko's ability to control the game both with and without the ball in his hands makes him perfect for spacing the floor or running your offence as well. He is also a great off-ball cutter, and he loves to make the game easier for himself and his team. Darko's willingness to crash the boards helps him keep possessions alive, and his unselfishness often leads him to give up a good shot for a great shot. Keep an eye out for AAU as Canada Elites, Tristan Darko is the real deal and is ready for that D1 level. Oliver Beattie | 6’2 PG | Barrie North Collegiate HS/Simco United | (HS) 32ppg, 7rpg, 5asp. Beattie is your classic high-scoring point guard who will remind you of Tyler Herro, with the skills to score from all three levels at a high volume. He is a star in the making. Beattie is shooting a staggering 49% from the field, adding a solid 30% from 3, and with a hidden 36-inch vertical, he is always attacking the rim making it hard to stop him as a player who can finish on both sides and above the rim. as well as having the skills to pull up from anywhere on the court, he is confident and always able to get his team a bucket. Beattie this season is putting up numbers that are an incredible 32 points per game over 14 games playing varsity, topping 40 points three times and 50 once. The numbers don’t lie. Beattie is a high IQ player both on and off the court, posting a 96/A+ (4.0 GPA) in the classroom. He is also a player who always takes the right shots, is patient, and as such a skilled scorer is also an incredible passer who adds on a solid 5 assists per game and a good 7 rebounds per game throughout his high school season. Beattie is a guard who can help you win games instantly. For his Simco United squad, he was among a well-rounded team, putting up a very impressive 14 ppg, 4.2 rpg, and 4 asp over a 14-1 season in NPH, as well as helping his squad win CYBL this season, showing he can not only be a star but can fit into a system allowing for even more success in his career. Beattie on the defensive end is just as skilled, with a solid frame, good speed and a great ability to read the opposing players, he stays in front of his defender, has great help in defence, and is the player who often takes on the role of guarding the other team's best player. His heart is always out on the court and he never gives up. To make it even better Beattie is extremely humble and a very coachable player making him soon to be a highly looked at player who is such a hard worker. With his talent, there is no saying how good he could be for a program. Beattie is a player all eyes should be on. Nate Stoddart | 6’10 PF/C | Lincoln Prep/Monarchs AAU | | 10.1ppg, 8rpg, 3asp, 1bpg, 1spg | Stoddart is one of the best and underrated bigs in all of Canada for the class of 2025. Being a mix of both the old school and the new school, his game can keep him on the court at all times. Stoddart is strong, he can out-muscle everyone on the court and loves to backdoor cut for an easy dunk where he has no trouble finishing over or around defenders. Putting up 10 ppg, he bullies anyone down low and makes great plays, finding the right pass to make when double teams come his way, averaging just over 3 assists a night. He is almost a Jaren Jackson Jr level player, giving you at least 1 block or steal every game while scaring opposing players from attacking the rim with his size and length, as well as his ability to step back and shoot the ball, even expanding his range to the perimeter, which forces opposing bigs out of the paint, leading to many open chances for his teammates. Stoddart is 6'10 and very athletic, and he loves running the floor, doing so at a very high level. He is also surprisingly quick, which leads to a lot of fast breaks and chase-down blocks for this skilled big. As a player who loves to go for put-backs and is always chasing offensive boards to add to his strength this helps Stoddart average a solid 8 rebounds per game. He is an unselfish player who knows his role and excels at it. This mindset helps make him an amazing pick-up for any school that can grab him. Stoddart is absolutely ready for the next level his height, athleticism, and hustle will make him a sought-after big for any program looking to add size to their team, and Stoddart’s defensive skill set will make him a nightmare for any programs that choose not to. Stoddart is returning from about 3 months off due to a leg injury and has been training and getting game-ready, and he is looking better than ever for AAU. Coaches should keep track of him, as a breakout season is just around the corner for this future D1 talent. Connor Zinn | 6’0 SG | High 5 Academy/Team Active | | 23.5 ppg, 3.5 asp, 3 rpg, 1.8 spg | Zinn is the classic shooting guard you need for your team who can shoot lights out from anywhere in the half. His incredible shot selection has him shooting 42% from beyond the arc right now totaling over 150 3s this season for H5. Zinn is putting up 23.5 ppg, tallying most of his points from 3 and hitting about 4 a game. Yet you can't count him out anywhere else on the court either with a great one dribble pull-up and a fast first step, he can score at will and often attack when defenders close out too early. He even has the playmaking ability to kick it out to another shooter, as he averages 3.5 assists per game too. However, if you leave him anywhere past the 3-point line, the moment he gets that ball, you are likely to see it fly. Zinn isn’t afraid of pressure either and loves to be leaned on. Having hit multiple game-winners, including two already this year, being relayed heavily in those moments, Zinn is ready to be that guy. In a recent performance showing an amazing 36 points, going 10/14 from 3 pt, and adding on 3 steals in a win against a strong Tri-City prep team, there is no doubt that Zinn is one of the best shooters in Ontario. Zinn is heart over height. He hustles and runs with the best of them, is always on the floor for loose balls, and is an impactful player when it comes to pressure, which you don’t see from shooting guards, let alone anyone. Being a little undersized in the eyes of most coaches, Zinn uses that to his advantage and loves to play those passing lanes, getting just under 2 steals per game, making him a great 3 and D guy with no excuses to take off the court. With the willingness to not only do his job as a shooter but also follow a system to work to bring his team a win, Zinn plays his role and is always ready for when the lights are the brightest. Zinn is a player you’ll want to keep an eye on for the upcoming season, as every team will need a shooter like Zinn. | Marques Dasilva-Romeo | 6’5 SG/PG | Top notch academy | | 23ppg, 4,5rpg, 4asp | 52 games played | Marques Dasilva-Romeo, a high-energy, athletic, sharpshooter, has been slowly gaining notice from scouts everywhere, and it is about time as like the others on this list, he is one of the most underrated players in the class. Dasilva-Romeo is a go-to guy for his Top Notch Academy team, putting up a team-high 23 ppg. He loves to shoot the 3 ball and has a great pull-up jumper, yet he is also super athletic and loves to throw it down if given the lane. Defenders have no clue what to do with him, and with his killer mindset, Dasilva-Romeo is always looking to win. Watching him play, you can see his willingness and ability to adapt to in-game situations, allowing him to stay on the court for long periods of time, and leaving the door open for him to get hot. This is a huge reason behind many of his team's impressive wins and quite a few stellar performances. These included a 31-point game in the semi-finals of the Big Shots Diamond-HS against a steller Combine academy, then following it up with a 19-point, 6-rebound game to win his team the championship against a tough Moravian prep. Winning MVP honours in the process, it is clear he can perform on the big stage. Dasilva-Romeo loves to keep both his own and his team's morale and energy high, He is often the loudest player on the court, no matter the score, and you can still hear him chanting and making callouts when he is on the bench. He is passionate about the game, is very humble, and would much rather showcase others than himself, no matter how well he performs. When talking to him, it is clear he has a greater love for the game than most, and this allows his skills to be showcased like no other. Dasilva-Romeo is a top-notch prospect who is ready for the next level. Gabriel Hodgins | Ontario Scout | The Maple Minute

Standing at 6 foot tall Guard/Forward Puneet Deol is one of the best Grade 8 prospects in all of Canada. Deol has a complete game able to knock down university range shots at a consistent clip and blow past defenders for an easy bucket at will. What makes Deol so special is her upside. At 14 years old Puneet has already established herself as one of the best players in the province winning the Grade 8 provincials and taking home the MVP. Deol’s resume in the states is very impressive as she suited up for Athelite’s E40 circuit team, and played on the Made Hoops circuit with Genesis Basketball where she earned multiple Top 10 mentions in high school girls rankings. The sky is the limit for this young hooper and we can’t wait to see Puneet Deol soar as her highschool career has only just begun. Esher Sira - BC Scout

As we get closer and closer to the beginning of summer and the sixth season of CEBL basketball, each of the ten teams have a job to do before the fun can begin. They all need to secure players for their rosters. Each of the ten teams have the option to put players on their "Protected List." The purpose of that list of players is to ensure that certain players of your choosing are not allowed to talk to any other team for a specific period of time. In this case, teams have from February 1st up until March 2nd to speak to those players on their "Protected List" and those players may only speak to that club until that March 2nd date to work out a re-signing with that club. If no agreement is come to between the two parties, then the player becomes a free agent mid-day on March 2nd and may speak to whoever they wish. As well, players not on a "Protected List" may sign with whoever they wish beginning on February 1st. With that explanation out of the way, let's talk about each teams signings so far! Out of the nine signings so far in the 2024 Free Agency window, only one is a non-protected player re-signing. Let's look at who is coming back to the CEBL this summer! Note: This article will be updated up until March 2nd, at which there will be an overall signings piece released and updated once the Free Agency window is completely open. Vancouver Bandits Here are the Vancouver Bandits' signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. Nick Ward Ward is one of the best pure big men in the CEBL. He has plenty of post moves and is an above average rim protector. He is mobile enough for his size and rebounds well. A smart re-signing for a Bandits squad that is trying to get back on track after a not so successful 2023, where they only made the Championship Weekend because they were hosting. Kobe McEwen A signing that came out of left field from the Bandits. McEwen was not on the Brampton Honey Badgers "Protected List" (no one was to be fair) and Vancouver scooped up one of the best scorers in the CEBL. A former 6th Man of The Year winner, McEwen is a fantastic bucket getter and isn't too shabby as a secondary guard playmaking. A great signing for the Bandits. Duane Notice One of the better bench pieces in the league, Notice has re-signed with the Bandits for the 2024 summer. One of the better defenders in the CEBL, Notice also brings three point prowess to the table. If Notice is to start, he and McEwen could provide to be one of the better complimentary backcourts in 2024, with their differing but working styles. A fantastic start to Free Agency for Vancouver. James Karnik Not a re-signing per say for the Bandits, but a player who is familiar to the Vancouver organization. Karnik was last in the CEBL in 2022, where he enjoyed a successful summer with the Bandits. Karnik is a complete scorer, who can post up and get buckets or hit catch and shoot shots from the outside. He also has the ability to put the ball on the deck and get to the hoop that way. He is an average rebounder, and an ok rim protector. If Vancouver are able to bring back Giorgi Bezhanishvili, I really like how the front court big man rotation looks. They could end up having the scariest rotation in the league if that happens. Winnipeg Sea Bears Here are the Winnipeg Sea Bears' signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. Teddy Allen The first overall re-signing of the 2024 season had to be the 2023 CEBL MVP Allen. Not much more to say other than he may in fact be the best player in the league. He will be the on court leader for the Sea Bears and most likely lead them in many statistical categories. Chad Posthumus I just mentioned that Allen may be the on court leader for the Sea Bears, Posthumus is the off court leader. His experience and the intangibles he brings is why Posthumus is back. We saw him begin the year as a starter, then his minutes tapered off towards the end of the season. I expect to see those minutes at the end of the season be the same here in 2024, being a solid energy player off the bench. Alex Campbell There had been rumblings of a move from Alex Campbell to the Winnipeg Sea Bears for much of the off season. Credit to Joey Slattery who had the inside scoop first. Campbell is a fantastic signing for the Sea Bears and should slot perfectly into the starting lineup. He is one of the best defenders in the CEBL, while also being a great scorer with three point shooting. Those were two things Winnipeg lacked last season, being a bottom tier defensive group and not having enough shooting around Teddy Allen. When looking at the stats from 2023, it may have been a down year for Campbell statistically, you can bet with a better team (and the reigning MVP) around him, he will bounce back. A perfect signing for Winnipeg, who is trying to continue their upwards trajectory after a successful first season. Mason Bourcier Other than bringing Teddy Allen back, this may be my favourite signing of the window so far. A great way to describe Bourcier is a crafty player. He's a fantastic passer with great vision, getting creative with passes and fakes. He is a good ball handler, where he gets creative there as well with different combos to break down defenders. His finishing could be described as crafty, twisting his body at the rim for better angles. Next to his passing, Bourcier's best asset is his outside shooting. His ability to stretch the floor will be key for the Sea Bears, either starting or coming off the bench. A young, fun player for Head Coach Mike Taylor to work with and I can see having a breakout summer. Saskatchewan Rattlers Here are the Saskatchewan Rattlers' signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. Anthony Tsegakele A former CEBL U-Sports Draft Pick of many seasons, Tsegakele is a great defender who showed great upside and strides offensively last season at the pro level. He was coming off his best collegiate year and continued that momentum into the summer. That momentum has only kept going, with Tsegakele playing in the first division in France. I love his game and can't wait to see how he has progressed after a year overseas. Ottawa Blackjacks Here are the Ottawa Blackjacks' signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. James Jean-Marie Another solid defending bench player re-signing that has scoring upside. The French Canadian is having a solid year in Hungary and should provide solid depth to the Blackjacks this summer. Edmonton Stingers Here are the Edmonton Stingers' signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. Brody Clarke Arguably the best player on last season's Stingers roster is back. Clarke is a modern big man who is mobile, can play either the four or the five while scoring inside and out. He is also an above average rebounder and rim protector. Clarke is a key piece to a Stingers team looking to build off of what was a better second half of the season and playoff success. Elijah Miller Another smart "Protected List" re-signing for the Stingers. Miller was a bench option for much of the year, up until Adika Peter-McNeilly got hurt halfway through the summer. The Miller was thrust into a starting role and thrived until he himself got injured. More of a scoring guard, Miller can get it done inside or outside the arc. He has also showed upside in creating for his teammates and is a average defender. A young piece that Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker wanted to bring back, and someone who he believes will take another jump with his club this summer. Adika Peter-McNeilly So far the Stingers have only brought back players on their "Protected List" but they are good, smart signings. APM, a former 6th Man of The Year winner, is a great bench guard who scored, rebounds and playmakes a bit. He is also a decent defender to go along with what he brings on the other side of the court. APM only appeared in 10 games last summer, where his season ended by injury. We will see how he bounces back in a familiar environment, where he has been in the league every single season of its existence and even with the same franchise. Montréal Alliance Here are the Montréal Alliance's signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. Alain Louis One of my favourite younger players in the CEBL, Louis took a great leap forward in 2023. He became the main guard for the Alliance and took that a step further throughout the season, becoming one of their key cogs later into the season. I would assume even if the Alliance bring back star two guard Ahmed Hill, Louis will get plenty of touches. His speed, playmaking and scoring ability at the rim is so much fun to watch. He also showed upside shooting from beyond the arc, which could add a great extra wrinkle to his game. Elijah Ifejeh Not a flashy signing by any means here from the Alliance, but one of depth and familiarity. Ifejeh was one of only two players to play all 20 games last season and played about the same number of minutes as games played last season. He is a, do a little bit of everything forward that scores some and rebounds well. My assumption is he keeps his bench role and continues to improve, as he was even the Alliance's most improved player. Niagara River Lions Here are the Niagara River Lions' signings so far in the "Protected List" stage of CEBL Free Agency. Khalil Ahmad The reigning Defensive Player and Clutch Player of the Year is back with the River Lions. While Ahmad was a later addition to the Niagara roster, it did not take him long to get settled back into a familiar league. His stats speak for themselves. A prolific scorer inside and out, while also being a menace on defence. Did I mention that he was also a MVP runner-up last season and won the award in 2022? Ahmad is the key to this River Lions squad and they'll be happy to have him back. Jahvon Henry-Blair Blair will once again be Ahmad's running mate in the back court for 2024. He is a responsible guard that doesn't give up the ball too much, playmakes in small bunches but is another scoring threat for the River Lions when on the floor. Blair does most of his damage from beyond the arc, where he was among the best in the CEBL at 44%. He and Ahmad will be hugely important for Niagara's push towards another top spot in the Eastern Conference and in the league overall. Eddie Ekiyor Returning for his second year with the River Lions, Ekiyor is enjoying an explosive second pro year with Sporting CP in Portugal and is hoping for it to carry over into the summer. The 6'9" forward was also good with Niagara in 2023, where he split time between starting and coming off the bench and bringing big contributions on minimal shot attempts. He is an above average rebounder and can protect the rim decently well. Another important piece to the River Lions success is accounted for and should keep their ceiling high for this summer. Antonio Davis Jr. The fourth signing in a single day for the River Lions, but this one no less important than the three previous. Davis is returning for his third straight summer to Niagara and brings valuable play to a talented squad. A do it all Swiss Army knife forward, he is versatile in where he can slot into a lineup and the multitude of stats that will be filled on a score sheet. Scoring more so inside, Davis also has enough range in his game to make you pay from deep. Another good rebounder from the wing spot and a solid defender. After announcing the four different player signings this afternoon, the River Lions look poised for another push a top of the CEBL. With Ahmad and Davis, they also still have another U.S. import slot available to them.

Men’s Quarterfinal round (Thursday, February 22nd) All games can be streamed on canadawest.tv for your viewing! 2 PM EST: University of Alberta Golden Bears VS #5 University of Calgary Dinos The Golden Bears look to keep their playoff hopes alive today following a 97-93 win over the Mount Royal Cougars yesterday, a game in which the Golden Bears starters combined for 82 of their 97 points. The Dinos have yet to play in the tournament and are ranked #5 nationally but are the 2nd seed for the Canada West tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 PM EST. 4 PM EST: University of Brandon Bobcats VS University of Victoria Vikes The Brandon Bobcats are looking to pull off a major upset over the #1 nationally ranked Victoria Vikes and recently announced back-to-back Canada West MVP Diego Maffia. Maffia led the entirety of USports in scoring with 26.7 PPG and will be a tough cover for the Bobcats. The Bobcats themselves are fresh off a 62-55 win against the Saskatchewan Huskies where Brandon was led to victory by Sultan Haider Bhatti and his 19 points and 13 rebounds in the winning effort. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 PM EST. 6 PM EST: The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades vs. the Winnipeg Wesmen The UFV Cascades are fresh off a 74-62 upset over the 6th-seeded Regina Cougars last night. The Cascades were led by Dylan Kinley who dropped 20 points and 11 rebounds in the winning effort. They will have a tough matchup today again as they’re going against the Canada West 3 seed Winnipeg Wesmen who have been playing their best ball at the right time, climbing to 6th in the national rankings over the last month. Can the Cascades take down another 6 or will Winnipeg keep on rolling? Tip-off is scheduled for 6 PM EST and we will find out then! 8 PM EST: The University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves vs. the University of Manitoba Bisons The UNBC TWolves are the early finalist for upset of the year just a day into the Canada West Playoffs, as they were able to take down the #4 nationally ranked UBC Thunderbirds last night 86-76, ending UBC’s season and hopes for a deep playoff run. It was the first time UBC has not made it past the first round of the Canada West Playoffs since 2017. The TWolves will meet the #7 nationally ranked Bisons in the Quarterfinals, where you could argue they won’t be as tough an opponent as UBC, but anything can happen in the Playoffs and any team can get hot at the right time. Tune into canadawest.tv at 8 PM EST to see if the TWolves can continue their early Cinderella story of if the Manitoba Bisons will take care of business and continue their quest for Canada West glory. Women’s Quarterfinal round (Thursday, February 22nd): 4 PM EST: The University of Alberta Pandas vs. the University of Calgary Dinos The reigning Canada West champs the Alberta Pandas find themselves back in the quarterfinals after a 59-53 win over the Mount Royal Cougars last night. They will have a tough matchup against the Calgary Dinos as these two teams have been some of the best in the Canada West conference all year. The Pandas are ranked at #8 in the country right now while the Dinos are ranked #5 in the country respectively. This should be an amazing game between two top teams in the Canada West. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 PM EST. 6 PM EST: The University of Victoria Vikes vs. the UBC Thunderbirds The UVic Vikes find themselves as the highest remaining seed in the Women’s Canada West playoffs as the 10 seed after defeating 7 seed Lethbridge 54-43 last night. It was a defensive battle as both teams were held to under 30% shooting from the field. The Vikes will have to shoot better than that if they want to take down the 2nd seeded UBC Thunderbirds who have been a force in Canada West competition all year and will look to keep pushing forward to the Canada West title. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 PM EST. 9 PM EST: The University of Regina Cougars vs. the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades The Regina Cougars defeated the Manitoba Bisons-handedly yesterday 71-45 behind recently announced Canada West MVP Jade Belmore and her 22 points. Belmore led the Canada West averaging 18.3 points per game and will hope her scoring touch can lead the Cougars into the next round. The UFV Cascades will have something to say about that as they have high hopes for this season and will not go down without a fight. The Cougars are currently ranked #10 in the nation while the Cascades are ranked #7 in the nation. This should be a great matchup between two top 10 teams in Canadian Women’s basketball. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 PM EST. 11 PM EST: The University of British Columbia-Okanagan Heat vs. the University of Saskatchewan Huskies The UBCO Heat find themselves in the quarterfinal round following a 63-57 win over the Trinity Western Spartans last night. UBCO was led by Jaeli Ibbetson who recorded 21 points and 16 rebounds in the win and will look to keep it rolling against the Huskies. The Huskies were widely considered the best Women’s USports basketball team in the country as they were ranked #1 for most of the season. That is until earlier this month when they took their first loss of the season to Regina and finished the season ranked #2 in the nation. Either way, this is a very good Saskatchewan team that will be a tough out for anyone in the tournament and we’ll see tonight if UBCO has it in them to make that upset happen. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 PM EST.

It’s been another week in the books in the USports Women’s Basketball world with everything from energizing wins to blowout losses. The teams are prepping themselves for playoffs just around the corner in a week or two depending on the conference so let’s take a look at the Top 10 teams in the country and their roads ahead to next week! #1 in the Nation: Carleton Ravens The Ravens find themselves in the 1st spot in the country for the 2nd week in a row following some dominant showings this weekend. Last Friday, the Ravens hosted the UofT Varsity Blues which resulted in a 93-39 Ravens victory. The Ravens went on to complete the 2nd part of the Toronto doubleheader hosting the TMU Bold last Saturday. The Ravens once again ended up victorious, this time by a score of 92-61 behind 21 points from Oceane Kounkou. The Ravens will play their last 2 games of the regular season this weekend starting on the road Friday, February 16th at 6 PM EST. The Ravens will then Travel to Kingston on Saturday, February 17th at 6 PM EST to take on the #3 ranked Queens in what will be a meeting of two top teams in all of USports Women’s Basketball and could very well be a playoff preview for the future. #2 in the Nation: University of Saskatchewan Huskies The Huskies find themselves at 2nd in the country for the 2nd week in a row as well. The Huskies were able to respond last weekend vs UNBC following their first loss of the season two weeks ago to the Regina Cougars. Last Friday, the Huskies took down the Timberwolves 98-42 behind 27 points and 9 rebounds from Téa DeMong. The Huskies again were able to take care of business against the Timberwolves the following day, winning by a score of 95-32. The Huskies have finished their regular season and await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule to see their next matchup. #3 in the Nation: Queen’s Gaels The Gaels are once again ranked 3rd in the country, as they have been for what feels like most of the season at this point. The Gaels dismantled the Lakehead Thunderwolves last Friday 82-27 behind 19 points and 13 rebounds from Julia Chadwick. The Gaels will be tested a little more this weekend, as they’ll take on the Ottawa gauntlet starting with the previously #10 ranked UOttawa Gee-Gees coming to Kingston on Friday, February 16th with tip-off scheduled for 6 PM EST. The Gaels will then host the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens in the last game of both team's respective seasons. This will be a match between the two best teams in the OUA and arguably the country, with a possibility of the #1 ranking in the country in the final rankings before playoffs very much on the line. This game will be a must-watch and is available to stream on Saturday, February 17th at 6 PM EST on OUA.TV. #4 in the Nation: Laval Rouge et Or Laval finds themselves moving up 1 spot to 4th in the country following a sweep of McGill last week. Laval first beat the Martlets last Thursday by a score of 59-43. Laval was able to beat the Martlets again last Saturday, this time by a score of 70-44. Laval will only lace them up once this weekend, as they’ll host Bishops University on Friday, February 16th at 6 PM EST where the Rouge et Or will be looking to build on their momentum from last week and attempt to move even further up the Top 10 ranks. #5 in the Nation: University of Calgary Dinos The UCalgary Dinos find themselves moving down 1 spot to 5th in the country following a split weekend in Vancouver. The Dinos traveled west to take on the UBC Thunderbirds with their first matchup coming last Friday, which saw the Thunderbirds emerge victorious 66-59. The Dinos were much better prepped for the rematch however, as they secured an 83-67 victory behind 15 points and 8 assists from Myriam Kone. The UCalgary Dinos have now completed their regular season and await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule to see when their next game will be. #6 in the Nation: Saint Mary’s University Huskies The Huskies find themselves holding the 6th spot in the rankings for the 2nd straight week following a sweep of the Acadia Axewomen. The Huskies and Axewomen first matched up last Thursday with the Huskies winning 76-63. These two teams then met again on Saturday, with the Huskies holding on to an 81-79 victory in which the SMU starts combined for 66 of their 81 points. The Huskies will be back in action this weekend, with their first game on the road versus the Memorial Seahawks being on Friday, February 16th at 4:30 PM EST. Game 2 of the doubleheader versus the Seahawks will take place on Saturday, February 17th at 4:30 PM EST. #7 in the Nation: University of Alberta Pandas The Alberta Pandas maintain their 7th spot in the rankings after making easy work of Lethbridge this past weekend. The Pandas first faced the Horns last Friday, a game in which the Pandas won 62-38. These two teams then faced off again the following day, with Alberta once again claiming victory, this time by a score of 76-56 behind 30 points from Jenna Harpe. The Pandas have now completed their regular season and await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule to see their road in those very same playoffs. #8 in the Nation: University of the Fraser Valley Cascades The UFV Cascades are once again ranked 8th in the nation. The Cascades made quick work of Trinity Western last Friday defeating the Spartans 66-46. The Cascades defeated the Spartans again the following night, this time by a score of 63-50. Maddy Gobeil dropped a combined 40 points over the two-game homestand for the Cascades, who have now completed their regular season and await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule and seeding to see what the future of their Canada West and USports National Championship dreams hold. #9 in the Nation: University of Regina Cougars The Cougars find themselves as the 9th-ranked team in the country following last weekend's doubleheader against the Winnipeg Wesmen. Regina and Winnipeg first matched up last Friday, in a game that saw the Cougars emerge victorious 82-72 behind 18 points and 10 rebounds from Jade Belmore. The next game of the doubleheader was played the following night where the Cougars were once again victorious, this time by a score of 63-55. The Cougars have now completed their regular season and await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule to see what their next path will be for basketball glory. #10 in the Nation: University of New Brunswick Reds The UNB Reds currently hold the 10th ranking in the country but may not for much longer given the past week they’ve had. The Reds lost at home last Friday 76-72 to a 6-10 STFX team that has underachieved this year. UNB was able to bounce back the following night defeating that same STFX team 74-45 to what they thought might end their mini slide. Unfortunately, that was not the case as UNB played Acadia this past Wednesday at Acadia, and lost that match 83-76. The Reds have lost 3 of their last 4 and seem to be slowing down at the worst time with one more makeup game scheduled before playoffs. The Reds will hope to get back on track during their last regular season game, which will be a home battle against that same Acadia team this Saturday, February 17th at 12 PM EST.

Another fantastic week of USports Men’s Basketball is in the books with some big changes on the rankings, including a new #1 in the nation! Teams had seasons end and a couple you could argue have had playoffs already start with seeding and playoff spots on the line. That being said, let’s take a look at this week's recap. #1 in the Nation: UVictoria Vikes The UVic Vikes have finally done it. After weeks of being 2nd in the nation, they finally found themselves on top at #1. The Vikes now hold a first-place ranking in the country, while also having the top scorer in the country in Diego Maffia, whose 26.5 points per game lead the country and has for some time now. The Vikes took care of business last weekend defeating MacEwan 95-47 on Friday and 87-58 on Saturday. The Vikes also defeated Thomspon Rivers University at home on Wednesday, February 14th in a rescheduled game 97-79. The Vikes will face off against Thompson Rivers University again on Thursday, February 15th at 8:30 PM EST once again in Victoria. #2 in the Nation: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees The UOttawa Gee-Gees find themselves out of the #1 spot for the first time in a long time. The Gee-Gees hosted two Toronto teams this past weekend starting with the TMU Bold last Friday. The Gee-Gees won that matchup 69-52. The Gee-Gees then hosted the UofT Varsity Blues the following day. The Gee-Gees would not fare as well against UofT, as UOttawa shot an abysmal 30.6% from the field and 20% from 3-point range on their way to losing 76-70 to the Varsity Blues. The road does not get any easier for the Gee-Gees as they have a gauntlet this weekend that may have them rise back into 1st or fall even further than 2nd depending on what happens. The Gee-Gees will travel to Kingston to take on the #3 ranked Gaels who have been itching to move up the rankings and will likely get their chance to in this match to be played Friday, February 16th at 8 PM EST. The Gee-Gees will then travel to Oshawa to tale on the #7 ranked and recently surging Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Saturday, February 17th at 6 PM EST. Both games will be huge for both teams involved and will be a huge factor in next week's final Top 10 rankings before the playoffs. #3 in the Nation: Queen’s Gaels The Queen’s Gaels maintain their 3rd in the nation rankings as they have for some time now following a 98-77 road win last Friday over the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The Gaels were led by Cole Syllas who dropped a double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds in the win. The Gaels have a tough test this weekend where they’ll look to improve their spot in the rankings as #2 UOttawa comes to #3 Queens on Friday, February 16th for tip-off at 8 PM EST. This will be a must-watch match between the 2nd and 3rd best teams in the country, with 2nd best likely on the line. The Gaels will then host the Carleton Ravens on Saturday, February 17th at 8 PM EST. Despite their struggles this year compared to other years, the Ravens always seem to give the Gaels trouble. The Ravens defeated Queens 93-89 earlier this year and ended the Gaels OUA title hopes last season by beating Queen’s in the semi-finals. Both games will be available to be streamed on OUA.TV. #4 in the Nation: University of British Columbia Thunderbirds The UBC Thunderbirds find themselves once again at 4th in the country following this past weekend's double-header against the UCalgary Dinos. The Thunderbirds hosted the Dinos first last Friday, which saw the Dinos emerge victorious 85-82. The rematch happened the very next night, this time with the Thunderbirds emerging victorious behind 28 points from 5th-year guard James Woods in what may be his last regular season game at War Memorial Gym. The Thunderbirds have no remaining regular season games and await the Canada West playoff schedule release to see when they’ll lace them up next. #5 in the Nation: University of Calgary Dinos The UCalgary Dinos remain at #5 in the country following a double-header on the road with the UBC Thunderbirds. The Dinos were able to take the first game of the doubleheader last Friday 85-82 behind 27 points from Noah Wharton including 7 made 3-pointers. The Dinos did not fare so well in the rematch the following night, as the Thunderbirds won 107-75, a far more convincing victory that allowed the Thunderbirds to stay at #4 in the country. The Dinos have finished their regular season and await the Canada West playoff schedule release to see when they’ll play next. #6 in the Nation: Laurier Golden Hawks Laurier finds themselves in the 6th spot in the country again for this week's rankings. Last Friday, the Golden Hawks took on UWindsor on Laurier’s home floor. The Golden Hawks were able to walk out with an 83-70 win over the Lancers behind Ethan Passley’s season-high 28 points. The Lancers then hosted a York Lions team that seemed to be finding their stride at the right time winning their last 4 games before their Saturday match against Laurier. The Lions would continue that hot streak defeating Laurier 81-80 and extending York’s winning streak to 5 games before their 94-90 loss to TMU this past Wednesday. The Golden Hawks will finish out the season at home, hosting the UofT Varsity Blues on Friday, February 16th at 8 PM EST followed by a Saturday, February 17th game at 8 PM EST against a previously ranked Western Mustangs team looking to climb back into the Top 10 before playoffs. #7 in the Nation: Ontario Tech Ridgebacks The Ridgebacks continue to rise, going from their first-ever ranking of 9th in the country last week and jumping 2 more spots to land at 7th in this week's rankings. The Ridgebacks traveled to Lakehead last Saturday to take on the Thunderwolves. The Ridgebacks were able to walk out with an 85-79 win behind Keon Baker’s 26 points and 9 rebounds. The Ridgebacks will have a true test this weekend and an opportunity to potentially boost their Top 10 ranking even more. On Friday, February 16th, the Ridgebacks will host the Carleton Ravens at 8 PM EST. On Saturday, February 17th at 8 PM EST, the Ridgebacks will then host #2 UOttawa in what is sure to be a must-watch game between two top teams in the OUA and country. These games will be available to stream on OUA.TV. #8 in the Nation: University of Manitoba Bisons The Bisons were able to hold their 8th ranking in the nation following a double-header versus UBC Okanagan this past weekend. Last Friday, the Bisons defeated the Heat 83-78. The following night, the Bisons were also able to defeat the Heat, this time by a score of 81-72. The Manitoba Bisons have finished their regular season and await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule and seeds to find out their next matchup. #9 in the Nation: University of Winnipeg Wesmen The University of Winnipeg Wesmen find themselves in rankings at the right time, securing 9th in the country while carrying a 6-game winning streak into the Canada West Playoffs. The Winnipeg Wesmen went into last weekend with a 4 game-winning streak and their final 2 regular season games left to play on the road against the Regina Cougars. Last Friday, the Wesmen were able to defeat the Cougars 80-62 to secure their 5th straight win. Last Saturday, the Wesmen were able to get their 6th straight win going into the playoffs, defeating Regina 85-76. The Wesmen have finished their regular season and now await the release of the Canada West Playoff schedule to see their first playoff opponent. #10 in the Nation: STFX X-Men The X-Men find themselves dropping 3 spots to 10th in the nation following a weekend in which they struggled against the then 8-9 UNB Reds. Last Friday, STFX managed to hang on to a 67-66 victory after UNB’s Javordo Mitchell had a chance at game-tying free throws with minimal time left on the clock. Mitchell would go 1/2 from the line and STFX would hold on to win. The following day, the Reds came out for revenge and STFX was not able to handle them, as the Reds would go on to defeat the X-Men 76-64. STFX will look to bounce back this weekend, as they take on Dalhousie on Friday, February 16th at 7 PM EST. The X-Men will also play Saturday, February 17th at 7 PM EST against Cape Breton in a makeup game that was previously postponed on February 3rd. Missing from the last top 10: University of Western Ontario Mustangs Western finds themselves on the outside this week following 2 wins this past week, albeit against not-great opponents. The Mustangs defeated the Guelph Gryphons last Saturday 93-79 in Guelph. They then took on the Waterloo Warriors this past Wednesday and were able to defeat them by a score of 82-75. I believe this is more of a circumstance of other teams playing better competition and winning (ex. Winnipeg securing their playoff berth) as opposed to the Mustangs doing any wrong over the past week. The Mustangs will try to make their case to re-enter the Top 10 this weekend on Saturday, February 17th when they travel to Waterloo to play the #6 Laurier Golden Hawks with tip-off scheduled for 8 PM EST, in a game I’m sure could have Top 10 ranking implications for whoever wins.

It has been a wild week of hoops in the USports Women’s basketball circuit. Looking down the stretch we have 1 new team that has entered the USports Top 10 this week and plenty more who will look to enter the Top 10 before playoffs. There’s still tons of basketball left to be played so let's break down what happened last week and what’s happening this week. #1 in the Nation: Carleton Ravens The Carleton Ravens find themselves ranked 1st in the country following a big victory at the Capital Hoops Classic last Saturday versus the UOttawa Gee-Gees 78-72. The Ravens found themselves down 12 at half to the then #10 ranked Gee-Gees but rallied strongly in the 2nd half, outscoring the Gee-Gees by 18 in the 2nd half to secure a 6-point win and the top ranking in the nation. The Ravens will be back in action this weekend at home, first hosting the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday, February 9th at 6 PM EST. The Ravens will lace them up the following day also as they play the TMU Bold on Saturday, February 10th at 6 PM EST. #2 in the Nation: University of Saskatchewan Huskies After being 1st in the nation for almost the entirety of the season, the Saskatchewan Huskies find themselves falling to 2nd in the country after their first loss of the season this past weekend. The Huskies hosted the Regina Cougars last Friday where they fell to the Cougars 69-62 mainly due to an abysmal shooting night from the Huskies who shot 30% from the field and 12.5% from 3-point range. The Huskies would bounce back the next day though as they hosted the Cougars again for the rematch in which the Huskies won handedly 90-57. The Huskies will look to reclaim their #1 spot following this weekend where they’ll go on the road to take on the UNBC Timberwolves for a doubleheader. The first game will take place on Friday, February 9th at 11 PM EST with the second game taking place Saturday, February 10th at 10 PM EST. #3 in the Nation: Queen’s Gaels The Gaels maintain the 3rd in the nation ranking after a solid showing this past weekend. The Gaels first took on the Laurier Golden Hawks last Friday where the Gaels ended up on top 75-56. They then went on to face the Waterloo Warriors the following day where the Gaels once again claimed victory in their “shoot for the cure” classic, this time by a score of 67-42. The Gaels will be back in action this weekend but only for 1 game as they travel to Thunder Bay Ontario to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves. Tip-Off is set for Friday, February 9th at 6 PM EST. #4 in the Nation: University of Calgary Dinos UCalgary maintains their 4th ranked spot in the country after a “bye” week this past weekend. The Dino's most recent game is still when they defeated Lethbridge 85-46 on January 27th. The Dinos will be back in action this weekend however, as they head to British Columbia to take on the UBC Thunderbirds in a doubleheader. The first game is scheduled for Friday, February 9th at 8:30 PM EST while game 2 will tip-off on Saturday, February 20th at 7 PM EST. #5 in the Nation: Laval Rouge et Or Laval finds themselves firmly ranked at #5 in the nation again this week following a solid stretch of hoops from the Rouge et Or. Laval walked away with a 75-56 victory on the road last Thursday versus UQAM. Laval then hosted UQAM themselves where the Rouge et Or were victorious by a score of 74-42 this time. Last night also Laval went on the road to face McGill where the Rouge et Or came out victorious 59-43. The Rouge et Or have one game remaining this weekend on Saturday, February 10th where they’ll host McGill at home for a 6 PM EST tip-off. #6 in the Nation: Saint Mary’s University Huskies The Huskies have claimed the 6th spot in the country following a huge home win, taking down the previous #6 ranked team the UNB Reds last Friday. The Huskies defeated the Reds 82-50 led by Lucina Beaumont who dropped 16 points and 9 rebounds in the win. The Huskies continued their hot streak at home last night also defeating Acadia 76-63. The Huskies and Axewomen will run it back on Saturday, February 10th with tip-off scheduled for 5 PM EST. #7 in the Nation: University of Alberta Pandas The Pandas hold their 7th spot in the rankings following a dismantling of the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack this past weekend. The Wolfpack and Pandas first matched up on Friday, where the Pandas won 101-35. The two teams then matched up again on Saturday with the Pandas also winning that matchup, this time by a score of 80-34. The Pandas will travel on the road to Lethbridge this weekend to take on the Horns with game 1 of the doubleheader taking place Friday, February 9th at 8 PM EST. Game 2 will be the following day, Saturday, February 10th at 7 PM EST and the Pandas will be looking to finish their regular season off with 2 more wins before playoffs. #8 in the Nation: University of the Fraser Valley Cascades The Cascades also maintain their 8th ranking from last week following a successful weekend of hoops. The Cascades traveled to Calgary to take on Mount Royal in a doubleheader. The Cascades won game 1 last Friday by a score of 73-47. UFV took game 2 last Saturday versus Mount Royal 70-49 as well to go 2-0 on the weekend. The Cascades will round out their regular season this weekend when they host Trinity Western for a doubleheader. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday, February 9th at 9 PM EST. Game 2 of the doubleheader will take place on Saturday, February 10th at 8 PM EST. #9 in the Nation: University of New Brunswick Reds The UNB Reds find themselves dropping from 6th in the nation last week to 9th this week following a big 82-50 loss to formerly 9th and now 6th St. Mary’s in which the Reds shot 30% from the field as a team. The Reds will try and correct their course before playoffs starting with a home doubleheader where they’re hosting STFX. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday, February 9th at 5 PM EST while game 2 will take place on Saturday, February 10th at 1 PM EST. #10 in the Nation: University of Regina Cougars The Regina Cougars find themselves ranked this week after going on the road and giving the formerly 1st ranked Saskatchewan Huskies their first loss of the season last Friday in a 69-62 Cougars triumph behind 31 points from Jade Belmore. The Cougars did not fair so well in the rematch last Saturday though as they fell to the Huskies 90-57. The Cougars will look to bounce back this weekend when they host the Winnipeg Wesmen for a doubleheader in Regina. Game 1 of the doubleheader will tip-off Friday, February 9th at 7 PM EST and game 2 will tip-off Saturday, February 10th at 7 PM EST. Missing from last Top 10: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees The UOttawa Gee-Gees find themselves on the outside looking in following a 78-72 loss in the Capital Hoops Classic last Saturday versus Carleton, a game in which the Gee-Gees led by 12 at the half and got outscored by 18 in the 2nd half to lose by 6. The Gee-Gees will look to bounce back this weekend when they host a pair of Toronto schools. Ottawa will host TMU on Friday, February 9th at 6 PM EST and will then host the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, February 10th at 6 PM EST.

What a week of Basketball it was in the USports world. We had upsets, blowouts, and some new teams joining the Top 10 list in the nation to go along with some fantastic performances by the players. With that being said, let’s talk about the week that was in USports Men’s Basketball! #1 in the Nation: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees The Gee-Gees maintain their 1st in the nation ranking after defeating Carleton 71-61 in the Capital Hoops Classic this past Saturday. Brock Newton helped lead the way for the Gee-Gees dropping 20 points in the win and helping Ottawa claim bragging rights over the Ravens for the time being. The Gee-Gees will be back in action this weekend when they take on TMU on Friday, February 9th at 8 PM EST at home in Ottawa. the Gee-Gees will lace them up again at home versus the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, February 10th at 6 PM EST. #2 in the Nation: UVictoria Vikes The Vikes remain at 2nd in the nation after they kept on rolling last weekend defeating the Brandon Bobcats at home first on Friday 97-81 and then again on Saturday 81-67. USports leading scorer Diego Maffia dropped 29 points in the 97-81 victory and 28 points in the 81-67 victory keeping his spot atop the USports in points per game. The VVikes will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Edmonton to take on MacEwan, first on Friday, February 9th at 7 PM EST. Victoria and MacEwan will play again on Saturday, February 10th at 3 PM EST. #3 in the Nation: Queen’s Gaels The Queen’s Gaels stayed hot and at 3rd in the nation this past weekend hosting the Waterloo schools on their home court. The Gaels first defeated the formerly #4 ranked Laurier Golden Hawks last Friday 84-68 behind 16 points and 13 rebounds from Cole Syllas. The Gaels then faced off against the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday where the Gaels emerged victorious by a score of 106-65 behind 21 points from Luka Syllas. The Gaels will only lace them up once this weekend when they go on the road to Lakehead to take on the Thunderwolves on Friday, February 9th at 8 PM EST. #4 in the Nation: University of British Columbia Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds found themselves with a rare “bye” week last week and haven’t played since they beat UBC Okanagan on January 27th. However, due to Laurier’s loss to Queen’s the Thunderbirds find themselves moving up 1 spot in the rankings from 5th to 4th best in the nation. That ranking will be tested this weekend though as the Thunderbirds have two huge home games against the now #5 ranked UCalgary Dinos to finish off the season. The first game of the doubleheader will be played on Friday, February 9th at 10:30 PM EST and the 2nd game of the doubleheader will be played Saturday, February 10th at 9 PM EST. Both of these games will be must-watch games for Canadian Hoops Fans and will be available to stream at canadawest.tv #5 in the Nation: University of Calgary Dinos The UCalgary Dinos are in a similar position to their opponents the UBC Thunderbirds this weekend. The Dinos have found themselves moving up 2 spots to 5th in the nation after the Laurier loss and the Dinos also have not played a game since defeating Lethbridge on January 27th. In addition, the Dinos will also be playing their last 2 games of their regular season this weekend in BC against the Thunderbirds. As mentioned prior, the Dinos and Thunderbirds will play on Friday, February 9th at 10:30 PM EST and again on Saturday, February 10th at 9 PM EST. These games are available to stream on canadawest.tv #6 in the Nation: Laurier Golden Hawks The Laurier Golden Hawks find themselves moving down the rankings 2 spots to 6th in the country following a tough road trip this past weekend. Laurier took their first loss of the weekend last Friday losing 84-68 to Queen’s. They then played on the road versus Ontario Tech and proceeded to lose that game as well 101-89. Safe to say this is not how the Golden Hawks wanted the weekend to play out. However, they have a chance to turn it around this weekend with back-to-back home games. Laurier first plays the Windsor Lancers on Friday, February 9th at 8 PM EST. The Golden Hawks are back in action the following day hosting the York Lions on Saturday, February 10th at 8 PM EST. #7 in the Nation: STFX X-Men The STFX X-Men move up one spot to 7th in the nation following a tough weekend for the Manitoba Bisons even though the X-Men got an unintended “bye” this past weekend due to raging snowstorms currently impacting the Atlantic coast of Canada, especially in Nova Scotia. Their game against Cape Breton scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd will be postponed to another date. Hopefully, the weather holds off this weekend and the X-Men can get back in action as planned! As of right now, STFX is scheduled to play the UNB Reds in Fredericton on Friday, February 9th at 7 PM EST and again on Saturday, February 10th at 3 PM EST but we will know soon whether these will need to be postponed as well (hopefully not). #8 in the Nation: University of Manitoba Bisons The Manitoba Bisons find themselves moving down 2 spots in the rankings to 8th in the nation following a tough weekend of hoops. The Bisons did a home-and-home with the Winnipeg Wesmen and were unable to secure a win in either game. They first lost last Thursday 86-79 on the road, and proceeded to lose again 88-78 this time at home. The Bisons will look to get on the right track this weekend with a home doubleheader to end their regular season against the UBC-Okanagan Heat. The first game of the doubleheader will be played Friday, February 9th at 9 PM EST followed by the 2nd game of the double-header being played on Saturday, February 10th at 8 PM EST. #9 in the Nation: Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Rank the Ridgebacks is something that I found myself saying following the season and the weekend they’ve had. It seems as if the committee has listened ranking the Ridgebacks 9th in the nation. The Ridgebacks are a remarkable story any Canadian Basketball fan can get behind as they went from being one of the worst teams in USports Basketball with a 4-22 record last year to a 15-4 record so far as well as being a top 10 team in the country this year. Similar to Queen’s, Ontario Tech hosted the Waterloo Universities this weekend starting with the Waterloo Warriors last Friday whom they defeated 90-82. The Ridgebacks followed up that win by beating the formerly #4 ranked Laurier Golden Hawks 100-89 to earn their 5th win against a ranked opponent. The Ridgebacks will look to extend their win streak to 6 games as they travel to Thunder Bay to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Saturday, February 10th at 8 PM EST. #10 in the Nation: University of Western Ontario Mustangs The Western Mustangs stay in the 10th spot in the country but they found themselves back on the right track this past week after picking up a big home and road win. They first hosted the Guelph Gryphons in London last Wednesday and defeated said Gryphons by a score of 96-88. They then found themselves traveling to St. Catharine’s on Saturday to take on the Brock Badgers. Western defeated the Badgers 81-61 and headed home with some positive momentum. This weekend the Mustangs will head to Guelph in a rematch with the Gryphons on Saturday, February 10th at 4 PM EST. Missing from the last top 10: UQAM Citadins UQAM finds themselves outside of the rankings this week due to back-to-back losses against Laval last week. They first lost last Thursday at home in a heartbreaker 67-64. UQAM then followed that up on Saturday losing to Laval again, this time on the road and by a score of 84-72. The Citadins will look to bounce back this week when they have another home and home with the Concordia Stingers. The First game was played at home on Thursday, February 8th with UQAM coming out victorious 90-76, while game 2 will be played on the road on Saturday, February 10th at 4 PM EST.