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Welcome to the 2024 Western Canadian JUCO watch list. This is for players in search of a post secondary program & for coaches in need of high quality prospects. I hope this list can help NJCAA programs recruit from the Great White North. For more information on any of the prospects listed below please reach out to LongShotsScouting on Instagram or X. Players: Israel Ogbebor - CTA West - 6’4 Combo Guard Israel stands out as an exceptional catch-and-shoot shooter, consistently delivering accuracy from beyond the arc. His impressive 6'11" wingspan adds a defensive edge, making him a versatile force on both ends of the court. Jada Bolok - Med Hat High - 6’7 Wing/Forward Jada is an explosive forward, known for his incredible bounce and polished post-finishing skills. His elite footwork sets him apart, enabling him to navigate through defenders with finesse. On the defensive end, Jada's shot-blocking prowess adds an extra layer of protection, making him a formidable presence in the paint. Abeeng Agot - WCPA - 6’7 Wing/Forward Abeeng is a dynamic wing player, showcasing an impressive style that involves playing above the rim. Abeeng's great efficiently getting to his preferred spots on the court is a testament to his basketball IQ and offensive skills. He consistently demonstrates the ability to score the ball effectively, making him a reliable and exciting presence on the wing. Akok Ajou - WCPA - 6’6 Wing/Forward Akok stands out as a forward with impressive scoring versatility. His reliable 3-point shooting is complemented by a strong presence in the paint, showcasing a well-rounded offensive game. As a true three-level scorer Nick Samba - CTA West - 6’3 Combo Guard Nick is an exceptional rebounder. He plays with great pace, showcasing a strong sense of timing and control on the court. Nick's athleticism is evident in his effective rim attacks, making him a dynamic presence in both transition and half-court situations. Samuel Issac - Legacy Prep - 6’4 Wing Sam is a unique prospect known for his effective 3-point shooting and a remarkable 40+ inch vertical. He excels in rim running and is a constant lob threat on the court. Randy Otieno - Edge Prep - 6’6 Wing Randy is a versatile scorer with the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court. He's effective at getting to his spots and knocking down shots, showcasing a well-rounded offensive game. Randy has the athleticism to make big level plays above the rim. Akec Abiamwol - WCPA - 6’5 Combo Guard/Wing Akec stands out for his ability to blow by defenders with impressive speed, getting him to the rim. His elite finishing skills make him a reliable scorer in close-range situations. Akec's skills extend to the defensive end, where his length becomes a valuable asset, getting in the passing lanes and contributing to his well-rounded game. Osagie Okundaye - Riffel Highschool - 6’5 Guard Osagie is a athletic guard who stands out for his excellent ball-handling skills. He's known for his ability to make smart decisions consistently, he brings a high basketball IQ to the game. Osagie is a reliable three-point shooter. Sam Friesen - CTA West - 6’5 Forward Sam is a high-energy forward that lives above the rim who excels coming off the bench. He brings a dynamic and impactful style of play, making winning contributions with his athleticism and ability to energize his team. Sam Mudia - WCPA - 6’4 Combo Guard Sam is a strong defender and a reliable scorer who can get to his spots and make shots consistently. His defensive prowess and scoring makes him a valuable asset, showcasing a high level of skill on both ends of the floor. Josh Campbell- PSA Prep - 5'9 Point Guard Josh is a true point guard that does it all. Josh can shoot the ball and finish around bigger defenders but he is a truly gifted passer. Josh is top of his class for his playmaking abilities. Cairo Wells - CTA West - 6’8 Wing/Forward Cairo is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, boasting a high shooting percentage. Cairo is extremely athletic throwing down some impressive dunks. Hayden Sansalone - FV Mountaineers - 6’3 Combo Guard Hayden is a floor leader, recognized for his ability to excel in transition by efficiently distributing the ball to teammates. He stands out as a high-level scorer while also being a big defensive presence. Alex Baulne - Lambrick Park - 6’7 Forward Alex is a versatile forward, showcasing the ability to shoot from beyond the arc and clash down in the paint. His proficiency extends to the paint, where he demonstrates great footwork. Beyond his on-court skills, Alex is recognized as a great leader, bringing valuable intangibles to his teams dynamic. Luke Linder - CTA West - 6’4 Combo Guard Luke Linder is a top prospect out of Western Canada. Luke’s ability to shoot the ball is huge for CTA West. He’s shooting over 70% on dribble pull ups this year around 15 feet. Shoots the ball well from three and is great at getting into the paint and finishing off two

Current Grade 11 in Vancouver has been impressing many coaches and scouts in BC, this week we Have 6 foot 5 Guard/Forward Dorian Glogovac. Glogovac is having a breakout year with the Saint George’s Saints who are currently ranked number five in the province. Glogovac’s game is super mature as he takes smart high percentage shots and looks to get his teammates involved. Glogovacs scoring ability is undeniable as he has all the features of a three level scorer, having the ability to finish strong above the rim and has a soft touch around the bucket. Dorian’s shot making ability is also elite as he lets the game come to him and makes high level reads to get easy buckets. What impresses me most about his game is the ability to put the ball on the floor, at 6”5 Dorian is very quick and decisive with the ball in his hands. Glogovac can be the primary ball handler and playmaker on the team or stick him out on the wing as a scorer where he goes to work. Dorian is a super versatile player with all the intangibles of a university athlete. Attending the school of Saint Georges, Glogovac is proving to be post secondary ready attending one of the best schools in Canada.

Another week, another player spotlight! This week's edition features Sisler High School's Daven Sharma. Sharma is a 6' 2" guard in the class of 2026 that can get it done on offence and be a pest defensively. The Spartans are currently a top ten team in the province and Sharma is a big reason for that. One of big reasons I have been so high on Sharma is his shooting ability. He has great mechanics and can hit from all over the floor. He can also hit off the bounce quite frequently. Sharma would also agree that is one of his greatest strengths. Here is what he had to say: I feel like my mid range shot, my craftiness and scoring are three strengths I display in my game really well. https://x.com/davensharmaa/status/1752053665496469823?s=46&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg That craftiness Sharma mentions is another part of his game I noticed pretty quickly. He can finish at the rim with either hand, and does well scoring over or around defenders in the paint. With the combination of his shooting and finishing, he has the ability to put up big numbers in the scoring column. I asked Sharma what he thought was a part of his game that was underrated and here's what he had to say: I believe my rebounding is definitely an underrated part of my game. Despite being undersized, I have the tenacity to battle and grab a rebound every time a shot goes up. https://x.com/davensharmaa/status/1751708696395084213?s=46&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg Although he would not be considered undersized at the guard position, he does play the role of a four man for a smaller Spartan squad. While they do play five out, Sharma will sometimes hang around the nail and be a threat from the high post. This has put him in good positions to rebound misses, while also using his timing and his ability to box out well to finish the job. Another underrated strength for him is his ball handling. You feel comfortable that Sharma is going to keep a hold of the ball while he has it and is going to create for himself and others when he does. Similar to others I have spoken to, he has the same goals for the remainder of the season: For myself, my goal is to be ranked a top 10 player in the province this year. As a team, our goal is to be provincial champions. We have a ton of potential, and we can create a lot of noise in any circumstance. We are getting down to the nitty gritty, with not many games in league play remaining before the Provincial Championships in March. Best believe Sharma and the Spartans are going to make some noise next month. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davensharmaa?igsh=MW5ib3Qwajk5NDE2Yw== Twitter: https://x.com/davensharmaa?s=21&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg

The National Prep School Invitational (NPSI) is a prestigious basketball event that has played a significant role in showcasing top-tier talent over the years. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the tournament has been a sanctioned event by the NCAA, underlining its importance in the basketball landscape. Held at the Murray Center at Rhode Island College, the NPSI has consistently featured roughly 30 of the best prep basketball schools globally, making it a highly anticipated and competitive showcase. This year's 25th-anniversary tournament promises to be a special edition, marking a quarter-century of excellence in promoting and developing young basketball talent. With a rich history of contributing to the growth of players who have gone on to achieve success at higher levels, the NPSI continues to be a vital platform for college coaches and scouts to identify promising prospects. The event's longevity and continued success underscore its significance in the basketball community, providing a stage for emerging talents to shine and potentially make their mark on the collegiate and professional levels. I took some time to breakdown 15 Canadian prospects who will be participating in the 25th National Prep School Invitational. Point Guards Name: Rav Randhawa Height: 6'3 Class: 2024 School: Great Futures Prep - Crafty point guard with exceptional ball-handling and court vision. - Dynamic playmaker, excelling in creating scoring opportunities for teammates. - Unmatched shooting stroke, can shoot the cover off the ball. Name: Anderson Cummins Height: 6'2 Class: 2024 School: Polaris Prep - Speedy and agile point guard with excellent penetration skills. - Consistent finishing at the rim and slashing, adding a scoring dimension to the team. - Defensive disruptor with the ability to pressure opponents. Name: Kaleel Sutton-White Height: 5'11 Class: 2026 School: Dynastie Basketball - Floor general with a high basketball IQ. - Outstanding decision-maker under pressure. - Displays leadership qualities on and off the court. Shooting Guards Name: Tyson Lama Height: 6'5 Class: 2024 School: Polaris Prep - Explosive shooting guard known for high energy and bringing a team together. - Quick release and accuracy in three-point shooting. - Effective on-ball defender with a knack for generating turnovers. Name: Alex Charoltin Height: 6'3 Class: 2025 School: Dynastie Basketball - Versatile shooting guard with a diverse offensive skill set. - Strong mid-range game and finishing ability at the rim. - Defensive asset, providing consistent perimeter coverage. Name: AJ Osman Height: 6'3 Class: 2024 School: J. Addison School - High-scoring shooting guard with a natural ability to create shots. - Consistent threat from beyond the arc. - Adept at navigating through defenses to find scoring opportunities. Small Forwards Name: Karim Keita Height: 6'9 Class: 2025 School: Dynastie Basketball - Athletic small forward with an NFL TE type body. - Drives effectively to the basket, finishing in traffic. - Versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Name: D'Shay Knights-Wright Height: 6'8 Class: 2024 School: Polaris Prep - Skilled wing player with a high basketball IQ. - Effective perimeter shooter with an unorthodox shooting stroke. - Contributes on both ends of the floor with strong defensive efforts. Name: Eternity Eguagie Height: 6'7 Class: 2024 School: J. Addison School - Strong and physical small forward dominating in the paint. - Effective post-up game and consistent rebounding. - Defensive presence, altering shots and protecting the rim. Power Forwards Name: Jaion Pitt Height: 6'9 Class: 2024 School: Canyon International Academy - Dynamic and sturdy power forward known for versatility. - Excels in fast-break situations, showcasing speed and agility. - Solid rebounder and effective on-ball defender. Name: Ewan Steele Height: 6'9 Class: 2024 School: Polaris Prep - Versatile power forward contributing in scoring and rebounding. - Skilled mid-range shooter adding offensive flexibility. - Under the radar passer with above average court vision. Name: Ramogi Nyagudi Height: 6'10 Class: 2025 School: St. John's DME Academy - Forward with a strong work ethic and hustle on both ends. - Efficient scorer in the paint and mid-range areas. - Team player, contributing to offensive and defensive schemes. Centers Name: Arafan Diane Height: 7'0 Class: 2026 School: Dynastie Basketball - Dominant center with an imposing presence in the paint. - Rebounding machine with shot-altering capabilities. - Consistent scorer in the post, contributing to team offense. Name: Cam Brennan Height: 7'0 Class: 2024 School: Polaris Prep - Agile center known for rim protection and efficient scoring. - Skilled in pick-and-roll situations, creating offensive opportunities. - Solid communicator on defense, organizing teammates effectively. Name: Ibrahim Sanoh Height: 6'11 Class: 2024 School: J. Addison - Center with a strong basketball IQ, understanding positioning well. - Excellent passer out of the post, contributing to team play. - Defensive anchor with good shot-blocking instincts.

It has been a wild week of hoops in the USports Women’s basketball circuit. Looking down the stretch we have no new teams that have entered the USports top 10 this week and these very well may be the top 10 the rest of the way but you never know! 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: University of Saskatchewan Huskies The Huskies remained a perfect 15-0 on the season following back-to-back road wins against the UVic Vikes. The Huskies defeated the Vikes 69-61 on Friday, January 26th, and defeated the Vikes again on Saturday, January 27th this time by a score of 74-63. The Huskies are a perfect 15-0 this season and will look to keep that streak alive as they take on the red-hot Regina Cougars in Saskatoon (who just defeated formerly #5 Alberta twice this past weekend) in a home back-to-back starting Friday, February 2nd at 7 PM EST. The Huskies and Cougars will battle again the following day (Saturday, February 3rd) at 6 PM EST. #2 in the Nation: Carleton Ravens The Ravens have lived up to the standard for Carleton Basketball teams this season as they’re a very impressive 24-1 in all games played this season, good enough for 2nd in the country behind the undefeated Huskies. The Ravens themselves are undefeated in 2024 and were riding a 5 game-winning streak going into last weekend's games. They first played the Laurier Golden Hawks at the Ravens Nest where they dismantled the visiting Hawks 82-39. They then hosted the Waterloo Warriors and proceeded to beat them by a score of 74-48. The Ravens only have 1 game this weekend but you could argue it might be their biggest game of the season. The Ravens will face the UOttawa Gee-Gees on Friday, February 2nd at 6 PM EST in the Capital Hoops Classic at TD Place, where they look to avenge their one loss earlier this season that came at the hands of these same Gee-Gees. This should be a must-watch match between two of the biggest rivals and best teams in USports women’s basketball. #3 in the Nation: Queen’s Gaels The Queen’s Gaels have been one of the best teams in USports Women’s Basketball over the last couple of seasons and they’ve continued that this season as they sit 3rd in the country thus far. Queen’s improved to 15-2 last weekend after a quick road trip to West Ontario. They first made a stop in London on Friday, January 26th to face the Western Mustangs and won that match 88-58. They then traveled to Windsor on Saturday, January 27th where they beat the Lancers 54-46. The Gaels will be at home this weekend when they host the Laurier Golden Hawks on Friday, February 2nd at 6 PM EST. They’ll also be at home the following day (Saturday, February 3rd at 4 PM EST) when they host the Waterloo Warriors in their “Shoot for the Cure” game to raise money for Breast Cancer research. #4 in the Nation: University of Calgary Dinos The Dinos maintain their spot as the 4th ranked team in the country following two wins this past weekend. The Dinos improved to 27-3 on the year and increased their winning streak to 10 games as they faced Lethbridge in a home doubleheader. On Friday, January 26th, the Dinos defeated Lethbridge 82-55. The Dinos proceeded to beat Lethbridge also the very next day (Saturday, January 27th) this time by a score of 85-46. The Dinos will have some time off this weekend as they have no scheduled games until the following weekend when they take on UBC in Vancouver. #5 in the Nation: Laval Rouge et Or Laval finds themselves jumping up one spot in the rankings from their performance last weekend to 5th in the country. Laval played once last week on Saturday, January 27th where they beat Bishops 80-76 in Lennoxville. Laval will get their fair share of hoops this weekend though as they take on UQAM on Thursday, February 1st at 6 PM EST in Montreal. They then will host UQAM themselves on Saturday, February 3rd at 6 PM where they’ll look to improve their spots on the rankings even further. #6 in the Nation: University of New Brunswick Reds The Reds have had an outstanding season up to this point so far with a 13-2 record up to this point, good enough to move them up 1 spot from last week's rankings into 6th in the country. UNB racked up a win last week on Sunday, January 28th against Cape Breton by a score of 84-57. The Reds will look to improve their ranking this weekend after heading on the road to face #9 Saint Mary’s on Friday, February 2nd at 7 PM EST in what should be a must-watch game for a battle of seedings. The Reds will then travel to Acadia the following day (Saturday, February 3rd) for a battle with the Axewomen at 7 PM EST. #7 in the Nation: University of Alberta Pandas The Pandas find themselves being the one team to move down spots in this week's rankings going from 5th last week to 7th this week. A big reason for the drop is the back-to-back losses the Pandas took at the hand of the Regina Cougars on the Panda's home court this past weekend. They first played on Friday, January 26th where the Cougars defeated the Pandas 57-52. They matched up again the following night (Saturday, January 27th) where the Cougars again beat the Pandas, this time by a score of 72-63. The Pandas will look to get back on track this weekend as they prepare to host Thompson Rivers University in another home doubleheader. The first game is set to take place Friday, February 2nd at 8 PM EST with the 2nd game of the double-header scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd at 7 PM EST. #8 in the Nation: University of the Fraser Valley Cascades The UFV Cascades find themselves 8th in the nation again this week. The Cascades have done very well for themselves this season carrying an 11-3 record going into last weekend. The Cascades beat up on the Brandon Bobcats, beating them 85-36 at home on January 26th and then beating them again 101-47 on January 27th to improve to 13-3 on the season. The Cascades will look to improve on their now 3-game winning streak when they take on Mount Royal this weekend in Calgary for a doubleheader. The first game will be Friday, February 2nd at 7 PM EST with the second game happening on Saturday, February 3rd a 6 PM EST. #9 in the Nation: Saint Mary’s University Huskies The SMU Huskies will remain at 9th in the nation again this week following a solid last week. The Huskies defeated the STFX X-Women 76-60 on Wednesday, January 24th, and then proceeded to defeat the UPEI Panthers 84-56 on Saturday, January 27th extending their win streak to 4 games. The Huskies only have 1 game this weekend but it is a must-watch one as they take on the #6 UNB Reds at Home on Friday, February 2nd at 5 PM EST. The Huskies will be looking to avenge a loss from these same Reds on January 13th (82-73) which kickstarted the 4-game winning streak the Huskies currently have. Will the Reds top the Huskies again or will the Huskies get their Revenge on the Reds? Tune in Friday, February 2nd at 5 PM EST on austv.ca to find out! #10 in the Nation: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees The UOttawa Gee-Gees find themselves at 10th in the country this week yet again after splitting this weekend to the Waterloo teams. The Gee-Gees fell to the Waterloo Warriors on January 26th 60-52. The Gee-Gees then bounced back strongly against the Laurier Golden Hawks with an 80-42 victory. The Gee-Gees will suit up for the Capital Hoops Classic this Saturday, February 3rd at 6 PM EST when they take on cross-town rivals and the #2 ranked team in the nation the Carleton Ravens. The Gee-Gees are the only team to defeat the Ravens this season and will be looking to beat them again to improve their spot in the top 10 and earn bragging rights over the Battle of Ottawa while the Ravens will be as motivated as ever to avenge the one mark on their otherwise perfect record. This game will be a must-watch and will be available to stream on oua.tv on Saturday, February 3rd starting at 6 PM EST.

Jalik Dunkley, a 6-foot-7 guard from Hamilton, Ontario, has announced his decision to join Overtime Elite, a professional basketball league for high school prospects. Dunkley, who is ranked as a top 5 prospect in the class of 2024 per The Maple Minute, becomes the third Canadian player to sign with OTE. Dunkley spent his junior season at Canyon International Academy in Arizona, and the previous two seasons at Orangeville Prep. He also played for Bounce Elite, a Canadian AAU program that has produced NBA stars like Jamal Murray, Tristan Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins. Dunkley told The Maple Minute that he chose OTE over other options because he wanted to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball and getting exposure to top-level competition and coaching. "The deciding factor in the move was I wanted to be in OTE but wanted to fulfill my commitment to the team I was with. My coach and I talked and he wanted me to pursue my desire to play OTE as it’s my senior year and he didn’t want me to have any regrets," Dunkley said. Overtime Elite, which launched in March 2021, is a league that reportedly offers players a minimum salary of $100,000, plus health and disability insurance, equity in the company, and a guaranteed scholarship fund for college or vocational training. The league also provides players with academic and life skills education, as well as access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology. OTE has already produced some of the top prospects in the country, such as Somto Cyril, Trey Parker & Ian Jackson. Dunkley joins a roster that features standout products, such as Eli & Isaac Ellis and Don Lewis. Dunkley said he is excited to join OTE and showcase his skills on a global stage. Dunkley is also the latest example of the rising talent and popularity of Canadian basketball, which has seen a surge of players making an impact in the NBA, NCAA, and international competitions. Dunkley said he is proud to represent his country and hopes to inspire other young Canadians to follow their dreams. Dunkley will join OTE for the remainder of the 2024 season. The league features 8 teams and you can catch Jalik in action on February 2nd vs. Jelly Fam at LIU-Brooklyn. The games will be streamed on Overtime's digital platforms and broadcast partners.

It has been yet another amazing week of hoops throughout the USports circuit with everything from upset wins to blowout losses and everything in between! Let's break down the week that was January 23rd-29th 2024 and the week ahead of January 30th-February 5th 2024 in USports Men’s Basketball! #1 in the Nation: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees The UOttawa Gee-Gees have spent most of the 2023-2024 season at #1 in the country and they will stay atop the country in the #1 spot following back-to-back home wins over the Waterloo Warriors (63-46) and the #4 ranked Laurier Golden Hawks (75-67). The Gee-Gees now have a 6 game-winning streak going into the Capital Hoops Classic in Ottawa on Friday where cross-town rivals the Carleton Ravens are fighting to find something consistent before playoffs and looking to avenge a 79-78 loss to the Gee-Gees earlier this year and should make for a fantastic game this Friday at 8 PM EST. #2 in the Nation: UVictoria Vikes USports leading scorer Diego Maffia and the UVic Vikes stay firmly in 2nd place in the country following a home-court doubleheader versus the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, beating the Huskies 87-42 this past Friday and claiming victory the very next day by a score of 79-58. Maffia combined for 56 points over the two games further adding to his 27.6 PPG average on the season. The Vikes next face the Brandon University Bobcats in another home doubleheader for the Vikes and look to climb closer to that coveted #1 ranking. #3 in the Nation: Queen’s Gaels The Queen’s University Gaels maintain their spot as 3rd in the country after 2 quality road wins this past weekend. The Gaels defeated the at the time #8 ranked Western Mustangs in London 92-80 behind a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds from Cole Syllas. The Gaels then went down to Windsor and defeated the Lancers 87-74 behind 24 points and 4 steals from Luka Syllas. The Gaels will now have a massive game this Friday at home when they take on the #4 ranked Laurier Golden Hawks this Friday at 8 PM EST in a game that very well will see the winner have this #3 spot at the least next week. The Gaels will follow that game up with a battle at home against the struggling Waterloo Warriors who have lost 5 of their last 6 going into this weekend. #4 in the Nation: Laurier Golden Hawks The Golden Hawks stay at 4th in the country following a road trip to Ottawa last weekend. The Hawks started the weekend off Friday night at the Ravens Nest taking on the Carleton Ravens who have had a down season so far this year based on typical Carleton Basketball standards. The Hawks came back with a vengeance after watching their season end last year on this very floor in the OUA Quarterfinals, defeating the Ravens by a score of 86-74, giving the Hawks their first win against the Ravens since 1995! The following day did not favor the Hawks as much as they battled closely with #1 UOttawa but fell to the Gee-Gees by a score of 75-67. Standout guard Taye Donald who is currently 3rd in USports PPG had a combined 47 on the weekend and will look to build on that this weekend as the Golden Hawks head to Kingston to take on the #3 Queen’s Gaels on Friday at 8 PM EST in what should be a must watch game. On Saturday the Hawks will head to Ontario Tech to face the surprise of the season Ridgebacks who went from 4-22 last year to 13-4 this year and look like a potential threat come OUA Playoff time. #5 in the Nation: University of British Columbia Thunderbirds The UBC Thunderbirds maintain their ranking of 5th in the nation following a road doubleheader against the UBC-Okanagan Heat. The Birds managed to go 2-0 against UBCO with a 97-77 win on Friday followed up with a 92-88 win on Saturday. Brian Wallack scored a team-high 23 points for the Thunderbirds in both games and looks to lead them into some big games next weekend. The UBC TBirds will have a huge home doubleheader to finish off their season next weekend (Feb. 9th and 10th) when they take on the surging Calgary Dinos who found themselves in the Top 10 in the country for the first time last week getting the 10th spot and now being bumped up to #7 this week just 2 spots behind the Thunderbirds. These games will be must-watch as well considering the result will no doubt have an impact not only in the USports top 10 but also in the Canada West Conference playoffs which will be less than 2 weeks away at the times of these games. #6 in the Nation: University of Manitoba Bisons The UM Bisons had last week off following their split doubleheader against the UVic Vikes. The Bisons will be back in action Thursday and Saturday where they’ll have a home and home (Thursday at the Wesmen, Saturday Home for Bisons) with the Winnipeg Wesmen where they look to raise their seeding before the CanWest playoffs begin in late February. #7 in the Nation: University of Calgary Dinos The UCalgary Dinos have been on a tear recently. They found themselves in the top 10 for the first time last week after a 7-game winning streak including a perfect 6-0 in 2024. The Dinos took on Lethbridge in a home doubleheader and beat them on Friday 99-77 as well as Saturday 90-84 to increase their winning streak to 9 and record a perfect 8-0 in 2024. The Dinos will finish off their season next weekend (Feb. 9th & 10th) in a huge doubleheader at #5 UBC for a likely 5th spot in the country as well as potential CanWest playoff seeding implications making these games a must-watch. #8 in the Nation: STFX X-Men The X-Men find themselves dropping from 7th last week to 8th this week after 2 straight losses this past week. The X-Men lost to St. Mary’s 72-62 last Wednesday and followed that up with an 85-77 loss to Cape Breton. The X-Men will try to get back on track this week when they take on Acadia on Wednesday at 7 PM EST and then on Saturday when they take on Cape Breton again looking for a chance at redemption. #9 in the Nation: UQAM Citadins UQAM Finds itself ranked 9th in the nation after being unranked the week prior. UQAM extended their win streak to 5 games this past week after back-to-back wins against McGill, winning 99-62 at home on Thursday and 93-59 at McGill on Saturday. UQAM will look to extend their win streak even further this week when they host Laval on Thursday, February 1st at 8 PM EST and when they travel to Laval on Saturday, February 3rd at 8 PM EST. #10 in the Nation: University of Western Ontario Mustangs After being ranked 8th in the nation last week, Western finds themselves falling to the final spot in the top 10. Western lost back-to-back games for the first time all season, losing to #3 Queen’s on Friday at home by a score of 92-80. Western then found themselves on their home court to play Ontario Tech the next day (Saturday) and proceeded to lose that game as well by the same 92-80 score. Western will look to put an end to their mini slide when they host the University of Guelph Gryphons on Wednesday January 31st at 8 PM EST and then head up to St. Catharine’s on Saturday February 3rd to take on the Brock Badgers at 8 PM EST. Missing from the last top 10: TMU Bold TMU was ranked 9th in the nation last week and finds themselves on the outsides looking in this week after playing one game this past week vs 1-13 Algoma University who had never beaten TMU since they joined the OUA in 2017. That was until this past Friday, January 26th when the Algoma Thunderbirds beat TMU for the first time 71-70 to give the Thunderbirds just their 2nd win of the year. TMU held a 70-69 lead with 14 seconds left and missed both free throws failing to make it a 3-point game Algoma took advantage and hit Jaylen White on a cutting layup plus the foul to put Algoma up 1 with 4 seconds left. White would miss the free throw and time would expire as Algoma pulled off the upset and knocked TMU right out of the Top 10 rankings. TMU will look to bounce back this weekend and climb back into the top 10 when they host Nipissing Friday, February 2nd at 8 PM EST and Saturday, February 3rd when they host Laurentian at 8 PM EST.

In a groundbreaking announcement, Canadian basketball sensation Hudson Ward of WCPA, the #1 unsigned prospect according to The Maple Minute rankings, has officially committed to Penn State University. Standing tall at an impressive 6'8", Ward brings a unique blend of athleticism and defensive prowess that sets him apart as a game-changing impact player. Ward's unreal compete level on the court has turned heads in the basketball world, showcasing his relentless drive to excel in every aspect of the game. His postional size, combined with exceptional agility, makes him a formidable force both offensively and defensively. Ward's commitment to Penn State not only solidifies his dedication to the sport but also marks a significant milestone in his journey as he steps into the arena of Division I basketball. The Leduc, AB prospect's defensive prowess is nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating an innate ability to read the game, block shots, and disrupt opponents' strategies. His presence on the court has been likened to a defensive anchor, capable of turning the tide in favor of his team with strategic plays and unmatched court awareness. Penn State University's basketball program is undoubtedly gaining a gem in Hudson Ward. His commitment reflects not only his incredible talent but also the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and dedication to honing his skills. As he embarks on this new chapter, Ward's impact is poised to be felt not only within the university's basketball program but also on the national stage. Ward's journey from a top unsigned prospect to a Division I commit is a testament to his attitude & work ethic. Penn State University is set to witness the rise of a basketball prodigy, and the anticipation among fans and basketball enthusiasts is palpable. Hudson Ward's story is one of triumph, and his commitment to Penn State is a celebration of his extraordinary talent and the promising future that lies ahead in the realm of college basketball.

The second edition of my Manitoba player spotlight of the week is here! This week’s spotlight is on another player in the class of 2025, and will be featuring 6’ 3” guard from Dakota Collegiate, Kismayo De Michael. In my opinion, he is the best scorer in Manitoba high school basketball right now. His three level scoring ability that allows him to take whatever the defence gives him, combined with his athleticism make him a candidate for top player in the province. I got a chance to ask De Michael what he thought his strengths were as a player and he has this to say: “One of my strengths on the court is my ability to be able to shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor, which makes it difficult for opponents to defend. I would also say my ability to create for my teammates and also being able to play around the rim. That can open up more scoring and playmaking opportunities.” The most impressive part of De Michael’s game is that range he possesses. He is a danger as soon as he steps over half-court and isn’t afraid at all to let it fly. That range has defences gravitating towards him further from the basket, which allows him to find open teammates for easy buckets. It isn’t only the range that makes him dangerous to opposing defences. De Michael has no problem taking defenders off the bounce, hitting shots in the mid-range, even some off balance at times, and can finish at the rim with both hands. He will find every single hole that he can burn you and put more points on the scoreboard. I asked De Michael what he thought was the most underrated part of his game and this is what he chose: “It would definitely be my defence. I have a lot of length and athleticism, so often teams struggle to play around that and gives me advantages to block, steal and the little things like creating loose balls.” That combination of athleticism and length he possesses allowed De Michael to make plays that others may not be able to make. He picks his spots really well to jump the lanes on passes, pickpocket defenders and even get huge chase down blocks. If he does make a misplay, good chance he’ll use his quickness and his longer arms to get back into the play and make something happen. I also asked De Michael what his personal and team goals were for this season, and he has this to say: “A goal I have for myself is to be ranked in the top 10 coaches poll at the end of this year. The goal for the Lancers is obviously win a provincial championship and that takes a lot to do. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but in my opinion I think it’s a goal we can accomplish.” The third ranked Lancers are currently in the middle of SCAC league play and sit at a perfect 5-0 against the rest of the league. Their next big game will take place in the St. Vital Invitational Tournament, which they will be hosting. There will be three other ranked squads there, along with a couple other teams with talent. The tournament will be taking place between February 15th and 17th. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kismayodemichael?igsh=a3ZpZzB4OXR6Zzc4 Twitter: https://x.com/kismayod0?s=21&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg

Munroop Gill 6”0 guard 2024/25 out of Surrey BC, has led his Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers to the number 4 ranked team in the province after winning the RCMP Classic Championships. The RCMP Classic is one of the biggest tournaments of the year in BC, organizers had to turn away over 500 fans as the gym was already far above capacity. In the last week Munroop scored 46 points in the semi finals, 44 points in the championship game, and 55 in a league game against Kwantlen Park. What makes Gill so special isnt his ability to score the ball, but rather lead his team by example and get his teammates involved. Gill’s game starts on the defensive end proving to be a matchup nightmare for most guards having 5 steals in the semis and 7 steals in the finals. Munroop has played at the senior level since his sophomore year where he started for the team and helped them in a playoff push. Playing up is nothing new to Gill as he grew up the youngest in a household of 4 brothers. Munroop Gill is a true two-way guard who effects winning at a highlevel. The kid has true character, is a delight to have around the campus and a leader in the locker room.

To go along with my weekly Manitoba AAAA High School rankings, I want to shed some spotlight on prospects here in Manitoba. This week's spotlight is on Vincert Massey's Jeremiah Ige. Ige is a 6' 2" combo guard in the class of 2025 (current Grade 12 senior), that creates great offence for himself and others, while defensively he is a pest with quick hands to poke balls loose from the opposition. https://x.com/yrgjerry1/status/1749800547354608053?s=46&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg The part of Ige's game that impresses me the most is his shot creation off the dribble in the mid-range. That dribble pull up is the best in the province bar none. But it doesn't stop there, he is more than adequate getting to the rim. He has decent ball handling skills, and isn't waved by much defensive pressure. I got the chance to ask Ige what he thought was the most underrated part of his game, and he had this to say: "It's my defence. Every time I step on the court it’s full court pressure till the buzzer sounds." https://x.com/yrgjerry1/status/1745821476446433392?s=46&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg That I can believe. He uses his length and quick hands to bother opposing ball handlers. He also has above average athleticism, with his quickness with or without the ball being the eye catcher. He has also shown flashes of good playmaking skills, which helps with defences keying in on his offensive abilities. One aspect of Ige's game that he has and continues to work on is his three point shooting. His percentage has improved, but he continues to work on it to become more of a knock down threat. I also asked him what are his goals for the remainder of the season for himself and the Trojans as a team. Here is what he had to say on that: "For myself it's to be top 5 in the end of the year rankings. As a team, we all agreed upon being Provincial Champions, nothing less. Last year we were a good team, top 3 in the province, but we don’t want to be remembered as another good team who couldn’t get the job done." Ige has heard from multiple U Sports schools, but is also open to playing a post-graduate season at a Preparatory school next year. We will definitely be keeping up with his progress for the remainder of the year! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremiahige4?igsh=NGF3NHE3N3g0am4y Twitter: https://x.com/yrgjerry1?s=21&t=HSs-53Le4ES5TSxIVipzHg

Sartaj Bhangu is the most explosive player out of BC this year. I’m Esher Sira back with The Maple Minute and this week we have Sartaj Bhangu class of 2025 is a 6”8 Guard/Wing out of Surrey, BC. Bhangu is 3 level scorer able to get to his spots all over the floor. Where his game really shines is finishing above the rim. Bhangu thrives in the open floor finishing dunks through contact and when the path is more resistant Bhangu has a variety of gathers and finishes to get his team points. At 6”8 most will think Bhangu will be restricted to the paint. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Bhangu can effectively play and defend all 5 positions on the court. He’s able to bring the ball up as a guard, make the right passes, and knock down perimeter shots, While also being able to fill all the duties of a big man, grabbing rebounds and sending back shots. Bhangu’s defensive presence is valuable as he’s able to Match up against quicker guards on the perimeter and switch onto the other teams big man. Sartaj has continued to put BC on notice as he’s helped his Tamanawis Wildcats to be in the top 3 of the ranking all year long. The Wildcats might also have the toughest schedule in Canada as they travelled to Washington, Portland and California to play some of the top teams in high school basketball and they are winning. Sartaj dropped 30 points in a win against Millikan high school showing that he affects winning at the highest levels. Any coaches looking for more information on Sartaj you know where to look.