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With the first couple weeks of the MHSAA basketball season underway, I thought it would be time to begin my weekly top 10 varsity AAAA rankings. The criteria that I will normally be taking into account each week will be what would have happened in the previous seven days worth of games. While I did want to include games and tournaments that had happened earlier in this season (BSSI, DMIT, and league games from December), I did want to have more recent results have more of the weight for why certain teams were placed where they were. Head-to-head matchups will also have an even bigger weight for placement. Without further ado, here are my rankings for the week of January 15th: Dakota Lancers The consensus number one team in the province right now. They began their season by beating DMCI in the Brandon Sun Invitational final and just secured a Buckeye Classic championship victory over Miles Mac. The Lancers are undefeated right now, and have beaten #2,3,5, and 9 in my rankings. They deservedly get top spot with the perfect record and the opponents they have beaten Vincent Massey Trojans While the Trojans haven’t had the busiest of schedules so far to begin the year, but a couple good results have kept them towards the top. A third place finish in the BSSI and holding firm in Winnipeg 1 league games has kept them steady. They also have one of the deeper rosters in the province in terms of talent. The Trojans are also the only team so far to keep Dakota close for an entire game, which is why I put them in second. With them hosting their own tournament this weekend, with three other ranked teams, this is their chance to cement their place towards the top of the rankings. Miles Macdonell Buckeyes The Buckeyes have been a really tough team to get a gauge of to begin the year. They started off with a tough draw in the BSSI (that being in the toughest group for group play), then finishing overall 10th. They have bounced back recently with a win over Garden City in KPAC league play and second place in the Buckeye Classic. They are one of the teams I feel are underrated and will make a big splash this year. We will see how they fare in the Trojan Classic against the three other ranked squads. Garden City Fighting Gophers The Gophers have been one of the busier teams to start the 2023-2024 campaign. A fifth place finish in Brandon, then two championships in the DMIT and Piper Classic have put the Gophers as one of the legit top teams in the province so far this season. The only knock that you can have on this team is their league form. 1-2 in three games, with both losses coming last week against Kildonan East and Miles Mac. But they followed that up with the Piper Classic victory over St. Paul’s. For the time being they will sit at number 4 because of the head to head loss to Miles Mac, but are also in the Trojan Classic this weekend. Could be a chance for them to move up. Daniel McIntyre Maroons The Maroons here are a surprise to me. They surprised me last year with how good they were, and they have surprised me once again. They finished second in the BSSI and won their initial group in group play of the tournament that consisted of Miles Mac and Garden City. Then in their own tournament, they lost the championship game against Garden City. The Maroons currently sit at 2-1 in Winnipeg 1 league play, with a notable win over the Sisler Spartans. Their only loss did come at the hands of the Oak Park Raiders. The main reason I have the Fighting Gophers ahead of the Maroons this week is because of both teams recent form. The Gophers have been better as of late, while that Maroons loss to the Raiders came last week. They may get a chance to face the Lancers in the Centurion Shoot out this weekend to cement a higher placing. They will also face Vincent Massey next week in league play. St Paul’s Crusaders This spot for the Crusaders may surprise some people. The defending back-to-back provincial champions are not getting the previous year champion benefit of the doubt. They did finish third in the DMIT, with a semi-final loss to Garden City, then lost to the Fighting Gophers this past weekend in the Piper Classic final. The Crusaders were also able to pick up a win over the Oak Park Raiders on Monday night. It’s hard to place them any higher with the resumes for wins the other teams above them have. They don’t play anyone of note upcoming, or are in a tournament this weekend. Depending how all the other games shake out, we could see St Paul’s slide even more. Oak Park Raiders With how the results have folded for the Raiders, you could argue this team is in 10th or just outside the top 10. But I will say that I hold out some hope for this team. They have one of the best players in the province, which should vault them ahead of other teams at times. They’re best wins so far were a league opening game victory over the Sisler Spartans, and a first round win in the Piper Classic over the Kildonan East Reivers. They did end the weekend with losses to St Paul’s, then the Maples Marauders, to finish in fourth place in the tournament. The Raiders are participating in the WIT this weekend, with a chance to keep hold of their seventh place ranking. Kildonan East Reivers Just like how DMCI was the surprise team last year, this season so far it’s the Reivers. They began the new year with a victory over Garden City, and have held firm in KPAC league games with a 3-0 record so far. While they did lose to the Oak Park Raiders in last weekend’s Piper Classic, they did win out and finish in fifth place overall. The Reivers will be participating in the Trojan Classic this upcoming weekend, which should give them ample opportunity to get a upset win or two. This team might be dangerous, watch out. Sisler Spartans I would really like to rank this team higher than I have them, but the results speak for themselves. A fifth place finish in the DMIT (a loss to Garden City in the first round, but also a win over Maples in the consolation final), a third place finish in the Buckeye Classic have kept them afloat. A 1-2 start in league play has hindered their ability to be higher up in the rankings. The losses came to the Oak Park Raiders and DMCI Maroons. The Spartans have an opportunity this weekend to move up a place or two with their participation in the WIT. Maples Marauders The final team on this week’s list is another one that has been up and down so far this year. A fourth place finish in the BSSI, sixth place finish in the DMIT, and a third place victory in the Piper Classic. That win in the Piper came against the Oak Park Raiders, but that is really their only win of note. The Marauders have been up and down throughout the first couple weeks, and we will see where they go from here. Let me know what you think of these rankings, or where you would place each team! Follow along for next week's updated set of rankings.

Brayden Jackson, a 6'8 dynamic guard playing out of Fort Erie International Academy in Ontario, has announced his commitment to the University of Buffalo men's basketball program via his Instagram page. Jackson is one of the most exciting prospects in Canadian basketball, with a fluidity of his game, a versatility of his skills, and a sky-high ceiling of his potential. Jackson, who plays for the FEIA on the prep scene and runs with Canada Elite during the AAU season, has impressed scouts and coaches with his ability to score from anywhere on the court, handle the ball like a guard, and defend multiple positions with his length and athleticism. He is a rare concoction of size, speed, and skill, that makes him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. Jackson chose the University of Buffalo over several other Division I offers, citing the proximity to his hometown, the quality of the coaching staff, and the opportunity to compete in the Mid-American Conference. I spoke with Brayden about his decision and he told me the following. Buffalo was just somewhere I felt like was the right fit and I see myself being the best player I can be. Brayden Jackson of Fort Erie International Academy He is looking forward to joining the Bulls, who have been one of the most successful mid-major programs in recent years, making four NCAA tournament appearances since 2015. Jackson's commitment is a testament to the growth and development of Canadian basketball, which has seen a surge of talent in the past decade. Fort Erie in particular has produced several stars, such as Leonard Miller, Jaden Clayton, and former Buffalo player Isaac Jack, as well as many promising young players, such as Ishan Sharma, Felix Kossaras and Christian Nitu. Jackson is part of the next wave of Canadian basketball talent, who are ready to make their mark on the collegiate and professional levels. If you are a coach who is interested in recruiting Canadian basketball talent, you should contact The Maple Minute, a website that covers the latest news and updates on Canadian basketball prospects. The Maple Minute is run by a passionate and knowledgeable basketball enthusiast, who can help you with your scouting and recruiting efforts. You can reach out to The Maple Minute at themapleminute.com, and get access to exclusive interviews, videos, and analysis of Canadian basketball players. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the next big thing in Canadian basketball.

Written by Dillan Grant image by BasketballBuzz Olynyk has already proven his high level leadership qualities this past summer by helping Canada qualify for the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris, France. The young talented offensive arsenal that is the Oklahoma City Thunder lacks one thing, a veteran player. The Canadian compadres Shai Gilgeous-Alexander(SGA) & Luguentz Dort were just the beginning of OKC's illustrious rebuild. With the new additions of Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams & Poku, this team has become electric at the offensive end. Not only does OKC have various ways to score they also have committed to a selfless team defence that has helped them obtain a stellar 22-9 record in the 2023-24 season thus far. Now other than a much needed haircut, Kelly Olynyk would not only help as the centre of the defence while he's on the floor but also acts as a fantastic passing big man who can facilitate the many other scorers the basketball. On top of this he can rebound on both sides of the floor as well as continue his high efficient shooting percentage ( currently 54% on the season). Oklahoma's biggest potential problem other than being young with less experience in the playoffs is they do not have another centre on their roster who can confidently backup Chet when he needs rest or if he happens to get hurt. The last thing you want on a playoff team is when one of your stars gets hurt you have no one else who can step up with experience in that role or situation. Olynyk is currently on the last year of his deal with an expiring contract with 12.9M guaranteed on the Utah Jazz. This is a great opportunity for Utah to get something for him before he becomes a free agent. With a whopping 14-19 record it is apparent that the Mormons favourite ball club have no shot at winning a title this year. OKC's biggest superstar SGA has already played with Kelly on team Canada so the comradely & winning together already exists between the two. I believe that the Thunder should be very active before the trade deadline to move picks or other young talent like Oliver Starr or Kenrich Williams for Canada's captain if they want to make a deep run in this seasons playoffs.

Image via Stamford Advocate Last night at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, the TMU Bold women's basketball team hosted a much different opponent than usual. The number 17 ranked NCAA D1 UConn Huskies were in town for an exhibition game focusing on their star forward Aaliyah Edwards. A projected top five draft pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, Edwards was born in Kingston, Ontario and grew up playing basketball in Toronto. The 6'3" forward played her high school ball at Crestwood Prep in Toronto, gaining enough notoriety to be ranked the 23rd best player in her 2020 NCAA recruiting class. Committed to the University of Connecticut, Edwards was joining a squad highlighted by the number one ranked player in her class and another projected top five WNBA 2024 draft pick in Paige Bueckers. Together, the star duo led the Huskies to be the number one ranked women's NCAA team in the 2021 AP rankings, followed up by a number five finish in the 2022 rankings. Through injuries and a tough start to the season, UConn has fallen to 17th in the current rankings, despite the draft stock of Edwards and Bueckers only continuing to grow as they lead their injury-depleted team. On the other side of the ball, the TMU Bold have also been a top team in their own league in recent years. Led by coach and member of the Canadian national women's team coaching staff Carly Clarke, the Bold won the 2022 USports national championship. With much of that team moving on in the coming years, this current Bold team looks much different than the one that won the championship only a few years ago. Their lone senior Kaillie Hall leads the way as the team's primary ball handler and point of attack defender. Hall is also the lone Bold player with NCAA D1 experience, playing the 2019-20 season at Bowling Green State University before transferring to TMU. With the influx of new talent, the Bold have seen some freshman standouts. First year players Catrina Garvey and Hailey Franco-DeRyck have been huge for the Bold in their short time with the team, Garvey sitting second on the squad in scoring and Franco-DeRyck leading the way in rebounding. A complete team effort every night has seen the Bold go undefeated (10-0) in USports regular season player and landed them as the number 10 ranked team in Canada. Coming into the game, it was understood that the matchup mattered vastly more for one team than the other. It was an exhibition game for TMU, as USports is currently in its Winter break, meanwhile UConn's statistics would count towards their season output and the game counted as a regular season matchup, despite not picking up a win or loss for their record regardless of the outcome. From opening tip off, it was clear both teams were giving it their all, although it may be a lopsided affair. UConn started the game tremendously hot, posting an 18-0 run in the opening quarter. As it was her homecoming game, the Huskies were feeding Aaliyah Edwards in the paint to start, despite her missing a few close shots and free throws that she typically makes. Nerves would be understood in this affair, as the entire sold out crowd and broadcast viewership was largely tuning in to watch the Canadian star on home soil. Taking on such an opponent surely was nerve-racking as well, as TMU attempted and missed a lot of shots that the team tends to make during traditional USports play. A layup from rookie sensation Catrina Garvey opened the scoring for the Bold before another large run from the Huskies. TMU knocked down a three to end UConn's 8-0 run, before the Huskies finished the quarter on a 13-0 run. With the score 39-5 after the first frame, UConn's talent level was on full display and there was no slowing down in sight. The second quarter saw much of the same, as UConn continued to dominate. TMU mustered only four points throughout the frame while UConn piled on another 29 as they led 68-9 at the half. The quality of shooting stuck out like a sore thumb at halftime, with TMU making only one of their eight attempts from deep and shootling less than 20% from the floor overall. To quite the contrary, UConn had knocked down their threes at a 70% clip and shot nearly 80% from the floor. Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma had little to adjust at halftime as he continued rolling out his entire lineup and giving the fans what they wanted with Edwards and Bueckers seeing the floor. On the other hand, Carly Clarke had her work cut out for her squad as they trailed by nearly 60 points. However, whatever she preached in the locker room worked, as TMU came out of halftime with a chip on their shoulder and posted their best quarter of the game. The third quarter was the best of the game from TMU on both sides of the ball. They limited UConn to their lowest scoring quarter to that point in the game as the Huskies managed only 27 points, while TMU nearly doubled their first half output with 17 points in the frame. Still missing a lot of the shots they typically make at the rim, the Bold shifted their offensive focus to getting their shooters open and hitting their threes. Despite the 19% three-point percentage on the night, TMU still attempted 36 threes in the game, making seven of them with the majority coming in the third quarter. The final frame saw TMU continue with their 3&D game plan, however their shots did not continue to drop as the did in the third. Both sides took it easier in the fourth quarter, knowing that the nearly 70 point lead entering the frame was insurmountable. UConn still got downhill and finished at the rim, hitting the 100 point mark in the first few minutes of the quarter. The Huskies dribbled out the final possession of the game, ending in a 111-34 win. The standout on UConn's side was none other than the homecoming focus herself, Aaliyah Edwards. She led the game in scoring and rebounding, posting a 26-10-3 stat line on the night. The crowd was there to see her, and they let her know it. Edwards received a standing ovation both post-game and as she left the court, showing not only the love for women's basketball in this country, but the love and support of our Canadian basketball stars.

Written by Harrison Paulichuk After three days and twenty-plus hours dedicated to watching high school basketball most people would need a break, but I was left wanting more after this year’s REB. This tournament was more than just a sequence of games, it was a spectacle. Jasper Place you really know how to put on a great tournament! Before I dig too deep into the players I scouted at the tournament, I want to just send a huge shoutout to the planning committee, teachers, students, and volunteers who helped with the tournament. There were so many moving parts that went into making this weekend possible. From the livestreaming and the behind-the-scenes work to the coaches who dedicated three days to coming to Edmonton with their teams, this was executed flawlessly and from a spectator’s perspective it was a joy to indulge in. Organization cannot be an easy feat for a tournament this size and I want to thank and congratulate everyone who was involved for putting on a phenomenal event. Attending my first-ever REB has single-handedly raised my expectations for all future tournaments and will now be a staple on my calendar each year it comes around. So, thank you again to everyone who made this tournament what it was; a wonderful 40th anniversary event. Now, on to the reason I attended the tournament in the first place, the athletes. With so much going on I attended as many games as I could but being only one person, I will admit that I unfortunately cannot be in two places at once and did miss out on a few games. I did make sure to watch at least two games of every team, so I was able to formulate a sound understanding of what each squad brought to the table here at this year's REB. I want all the readers to keep in mind that two games a piece is still a small sample size so if a player did not get chosen to one of my tournament teams, it does not mean that they went unnoticed, they may have just not stood out as much as other players did. Have any questions, concerns, or nominations that I may have missed? I would love to discuss it and even come to more of your team’s game this season so please feel free to contact my email at any time so we can have a conversation about it! Without further ado, here are this year's REB all-tournament teams. All-REB First Team This is the first of three teams that I made for this tournament. This team includes the best and most consistent athletes from the tournament, regardless of team standing or performance. I feel like an all-tournament team needs to focus on individual play regardless of team results because let's be honest, not every team has what it takes to be on the winning side of a tournament this tough. So, I do not believe it would be fair to count out players who were on the losing half of the bracket. Second, I was drawn towards all-around athletes and players with high potential versus strong one-sided players. Sure, your player may have been able to rain it in from downtown at a high clip, but could they play defence too? Could they notice when their teammate was open and get them the ball inside? These are just a few of the things to me, that differentiate a solid performance from a great one. So, for the All-REB First Team, I chose the players who made the biggest impact on both ends of the floor and the players who have the highest potential to replicate this performance consistently, maybe even at a post-secondary or professional level. The first player on this list was the strongest in the tournament and will be no surprise as he was also the Varsity Men’s REB MVP. Kelowna Secondary's Nash Semenuik looks like a star in the making. The University of Alberta commit came to his future home and left no one questioning why he is already signed to an elite U-Sports program. The 6’1 guard hit shots that I didn't even think were open. His offence was electric to watch, and he lit up opponent’s defences inside out with a three-point shot that knew no range and a quick first step that would leave even the best defenders in his dust. Not only was his footspeed impressive, but the speed of his shot was what won me over. Semenuik was able to release shots before defenders even had time to think about blocking him. The way he played made the game look easy and better yet, he let the game come to him. Rather than trying to force up bad shots or throw passes where they shouldn’t be he took his time and read the play as it was unfolding in front of him, reacting only when he either found or created the room for a good shot, lane, or pass. Defensively he was no slack either, pestering the other guards and making a team like Poughkeepsie settle for forced shots at the end of the shot clock during the finals, which they hadn't had to do all weekend. Nash was the best player in the tournament without a doubt, but the next player on this list did give him a run for his money when I was putting together these teams. The second of five on this team may get me some hate from Jasper Place as this player took the beloved home team and absolutely torched their defences in the bronze medal game, leaving no one guessing who would be going home with some fresh hardware. This player is Archbishop O'Leary's Karan Singh, and in my opinion one of the best players that I’ve seen in the province right now. With the ability to create space off the dribble, he was able to find his shots with ease anywhere he chose. Whether he was driving hard to the rim and drawing a foul or hitting a contested step-back J with the clock expiring Singh was easily able to navigate any defence that was sent his way. The standout part of his game besides this offensive ability was his phenomenal IQ. Just from watching you could tell how well he was able to read defences and offences and able to pick them apart piece by piece. This came as no surprise though, as Singh just emanated confidence the whole time he was on the floor and rather than rushing any plays, just like Semenuik, he was patient on offence and waited for the right time to strike on the defence. Defences would send a double team to him, and he would find the hole between the players to go through, or around it and find his open teammates. There was hardly any stopping him and the way he picked apart Jasper Place's defence in the bronze medal game was just unfair. The third player on this list may have the greatest potential of all of them simply due to his size and play style. This player was Ross Sheppard's Carson Bartlett. Playing the role of a stretch four/center for the Thunderbirds makes Bartlett a scary player for any kind of defence to try and figure out. So many times, over the weekend I saw him step out for a deep three and drain it like a guard and then return to the post the next play and dominate the other team's big man with a flashy post move. Besides this scoring ability, his intangibles are off the charts with a stocky 6'5 build alongside the ability to jump out the gym and throw it down on full display as one of the finalists in the dunk contest that was part of the opening ceremonies. When Bartlett put his head down and would drive to the hoop, you better get out of his way or be ready to put up some kind of fight because he is going to find contact one way or another. All weekend he was a monster finishing down low through contact and most of the time would also end up pushing through and getting the and-one. This is the entire reason Ross Sheppard beat Centennial in a nail-biting first-round matchup. Bartlett subbed in with two minutes to play and scored close to ten consecutive points. This guy was a menace on both ends of the floor as well, using his sheer size and athleticism to block several shots and force turnovers against players who underestimated his perimeter defence as the team’s center. The potential is just oozing off this kid and he is nowhere near his ceiling so get ready for a great season Thunderbirds! The next player on this list may surprise some as he may not have been as flashy or high usage as some of these last three that were mentioned. He simply played his role to perfection and did it with a type of quiet confidence. Meet Western Canada's Anthony Brady. A 6’0 tall, confident guard who is patient with the ball and one of the best scorers to touch the floor this weekend. He lit up most teams from beyond the arc and did it with a type of calmness that you don’t see very often, showing very little emotion. He was able to take the ball to the hoop when needed but was happy to shoot three plus threes per quarter if the defence let him. Brady did not need the ball in his hand to produce either and would create lanes and look for his teammate with some great off ball movement as well. on the defensive end, he stayed hungry, waiting for opponents to make a sloppy dribble or a weak pass, taking that ball away and never looking back. A very unselfish player who was able to find open players and run the offence with ease with the ball in his hands. He appeared to have such a vast understanding of the game that it was a shock to learn that he was only in eleventh grade. I can be the first to say that I cannot wait to see what he has in store for next year, but I believe that his development will come much quicker than that after the performance I saw this weekend. The last All-REB First Team member for this year was a rotation player who became a star by the end of the tournament. Besides the first game, Centennial struggled with their guard play and had to switch their rotation up a few times. This is where Cruz Layton stepped into a starring role and never looked back. Another player only in eleventh grade who decided to take charge of the offensive initiator role on the floor when his team needed him most. Cruz was a spark plug for this team and whenever they were on the bad side of a run or needed a quick bucket, they would give it to him. He always managed to find an open shot or lane and give the team exactly what they needed. No matter who they were playing the teams just couldn't find a perimeter defender who was able to get in front and stop him from blazing a bath to the hoop, most of the time leading to a drawn foul and shots or a bucket. When he wasn’t heading to the rim, he was pulling up from well beyond the three-point line and draining both open and contested shots confidently. Being a spark plug for this team came on both ends of the floor as Layton was able to step up defensively on several occasions and smother opposing guards into a bad shot or a forced turnover. Cruz went from a role player to a star player in front of everyone who was watching this weekend and may be looking towards a larger role for the team going forward this season. All-REB Second Team The Senior boys’ side of this tournament had twelve teams. With only ten All-Tournament players selected only the best of the best got a selection. The second team consists of players who were solid all weekend but just did not stand up to the first-team players. These spots went to players who may have had a weaker single game followed by an all-star performance or players who were simply lacking something to get over that top-five hump. Regardless, these next five were as elite as they come and earned all the props that they will be getting here. The first player here was a standout on a team that played some of the best all-around ball I saw this weekend. The Poughkeepsie Pioneers from New York deserve some props for showing the strongest team chemistry and defence in the tournament and playing a very team-oriented game. This does make picking a single athlete from this group very difficult though as everyone showed some kind of promise and spark. The standout I chose after watching them in the finals though, was Prince Boone. This slippery guard was a menace off the dribble and hard for most defences to contain. Using his speed and athleticism to break defenders down and finish through contact down low was just the start of what made him stand out though. The whole team had scorers on it around the perimeter but the thing that helped Boone stand out from the pack his offensive aggression. Whether the Pioneers were up or down on the scoreboard Prince stayed aggressive and kept attacking, looking unfazed by any defensive pressure or score deficit. He was able to shoot confidently from deep and seemed unfazed by defensive pressure closing in on him. Boone also played a key role in the team’s elite defensive game plan, always pressuring the ball handler from half-court and using his hops and athleticism to clog passing lanes and grab a few steals along the way as well. The hustle on this kid was continuous all weekend and I am excited to see how far he can take his career. The next player on this list was not even on my radar until a massive final game made me question how I missed such a phenomenal player the last time I watched Ross Sheppard play. The Thunderbird’s Kai Dunkley took advantage of some weaker defences from Western Canada and put his full scoring potential on display. My initial scouting report had him as being a point guard who was a catch-and-shoot three-point threat at the most, but I found out in a hurry that Dunkley was not to be underestimated. His ball security was some of the best in the tournament and he was phenomenal at using an extremely quick first step to get around defenders. While driving to the hoop he was able to hide the ball from defenders well and finish contested shots at the rim. Stopping this kid seemed almost impossible in his final contest and having a strong supporting cast that he was able to find from anywhere on the court only helped strengthen his case as he had phenomenal vision and put on a passing clinic at times in the game. Like this wasn't already enough, Dunkley had to reinforce himself as a volume scorer from deep with a quick release, scoring more than once from beyond the arc. There was no stopping this kid and his confidence scoring the ball was a joy to watch. Speaking of scoring with confidence the next prospect may have shown some of the most elite and transferable talent in this entire tournament. Jasper Place's very own Owen Hickey was a standout in this tournament to me. A 6'3 shooting guard who has the confidence to shoot NBA distance threes on command. Hickey used his stocky build and athleticism to comfortably shoot from the perimeter and take the ball to the rack, finishing through contact comfortably. All weekend he was able to read his defenders and make smart decisions early on, whether that meant passing to the open man, taking it to the rack or shooting. When the on-ball pressure was tighter, he had the choice between bursting by the defenders or shooting a clean looking shot with a hand in his face, seeming almost unbothered. Though not as stand out as his offence, his defence was still present, making some key stops and using his athleticism and ridiculous hops to erase shots at the rim. This all may sound great but the reason why he's on the second team and not the first team is due to his consistency shooting the ball. In his final two games he struggled with his shot tremendously. This is not an issue I see following him throughout the season though as he seemed too comfortable behind the arc to not be a deep threat. I believe his ceiling is much higher than his floor at this point and look forward to following his game throughout the season.Though I was not thrilled at an inconsistent role and production for this next prospect I still felt he deserved to be recognized on the second team. Filip Cavarkapa, the 6'0 Guard from Centennial was honestly my favorite player to watch in the tournament…when he was on that is. By on I mean both on the floor and playing his brand of basketball. He had a ridiculous first game of the tournament and looked like he could be the best prospect of the entire weekend. Then the next game he had a torrential drop-off and found himself resting comfortably on the bench. The reason he made this list at all though was first and foremost his defensive presence which rarely failed during the tournament. Filip is a lanky guard who moves well on his feet and when he commits, can stop any player or position on the floor. In the final game of the tournament against Magrath Cavarkapa had 2+ blocks on perimeter shots in the first half. During his first game, not only his defence drew me in, but his offensive brilliance. The first shot I saw him make was a turnaround corner three as the shot clock was expiring. It wasn't a forced shot either; it was a shot he wanted to take and looked comfortable doing. He scored from the perimeter with ease which opened lanes for him to take the ball to the rack and drive straight into defenders’ chests while maneuvering the ball outside of his body and finishing at the rim with a foul. At the end of a tight game, they called his name consistently and he delivered. I think the potential that this guard brought to the table is not something that should be overlooked. I will be following this young man during the season more to hopefully see a star in the making. The final player on this list was the strongest and most dominant center in this tournament. Kymani Palmatier is Poughkeepsie’s second player on the all-tournament second team. This kid was a force down low and even though he may have been undersized for a center at 6'3 he did not let that slow him down. He grabbed every rebound he could get to and recycled more than a handful of looks for the Pioneers down the stretch of big games on their journey to the finals. He used his size well to back in smaller opponents and when he wanted to, he could m ix it up and finish creatively with a deep bag of faders and baby-hooks from in the paint. Finishing through contact is the name of the game as an undersized center and is just another place where Palmatier thrived, drawing several fouls, and earning his way to the line regularly. When pounding the ball in the paint wasn’t working, he was able to take the ball outside and shoot a consistent clip from the three-point arc as well. He may not have always been the best defender down low on bigger centers as he lacked some of the footspeed that was required to stop taller guys down low, but he could bother opposing centers enough to force them into missing several shots. Being the sheer offensive force that he was gave him enough ammo to make the second team and prove his potential to be a star on his team. REB 'Got Next'Team For the final team, I wanted to do something a little different than the first two. The point of the REB Got Next Team is to showcase some of the elite young talent that showed out at this tournament. Much like the other lists, winning had no factor in this and I was more focused on individual performances along the way. I looked for the players who were in eleventh grade or younger and showed streaks of greatness over the weekend. A few of these players were not too far off making my top ten list as well but given their age, they still have a year more than most of the All-REB players to perfect their skills and prepare themselves for the next level which may come as even more impressive. I believe that these kids will be ready to take a jump from good to great before the next REB tournament but for most of them on this team, I believe that jump will come much sooner. Coming to a tournament of this calibre and having to perform in high-stakes games can't be easy but these kids seemed to thrive in the limelight and should be on everyone's radar going forward! The first player on this team is a high-flying, athletic forward with an edge. Archbishop O'Leary's TJ Wal is a 6'4 slasher who plays with a smoothness to his game. Being a high-usage player and capable of scoring in bunches he already looks like he is primed and ready to lean into a star role on his team but other times his age comes through. During his final game of the tournament, Wal was ejected before halftime due to a controversial call for hanging on the rim after punching a breakaway slam. This wouldn’t have been an issue if he didn’t already have a first tech from getting into a scuffle with the other team in the first quarter. He will not soon forget this moment and I am sure will take this as a lesson for the future that he can grow from. As far as his on-court play goes though, he has a high release and whenever he's in the paint likes to play above the rim and finish strong, usually through or overtop of smaller, less athletic defenders. He likes to take advantage of his athleticism on both ends of the floor, being a solid defender and able to block shots with ease using his strong defensive IQ. With such a big presence down low, it is important to note that Wal is also comfortable stepping outside and hitting deep threes confidently through whatever coverage is put in front of him. There is such potential here and I will be watching him throughout the season to find out if maybe he was just having an off- tournament and has reached the potential that I believe he has sooner than I thought. The second player on this list could not be any different than the last. The 5'8 point guard from Foothills Jerry Baker likes to use his speed and footspeed to freeze defenders off the hop and set his team up for looks that have you wondering if he has eyes in the back of his head. For a smaller guard, Baker played phenomenal on-ball defence and has great footspeed to back that up. He has some of the best handles at the tournament and was able to command the floor with the best of them. Using a combination of a quick first step and an IQ to protect the ball, Baker was surprisingly great at finishing off the drive. He had an IQ to play with his height and has perfected finishing high so that taller defenders had no chance of sending his shot back. Though he seemed hesitant to shoot and more confident to take it to the rack, he did still have a clean looking three point shot and was a threat if left open. Most of his damage was done either by cutting through the lane or finding open teammates off great passes. This kid may not have had the size of most guards at this tournament, but he had what it took to be the best player on the court at any given time and I believe, with a few extra tricks in his bag and another year of experience, Baker could be next up. Though he was named a tournament all-star already, I believe that Lincoln Kosinski has much more to show than he did this weekend. The 5'11 guard from Jasper Place was a lethal scorer and when his team fell apart, he kept firing and tried his best to put them on his back. His shot from the perimeter was lights out and his eye to find open lanes off the dribble was impressive for a grade eleven kid who was not always a first option on his team. Kosinski was not afraid to take the ball into a crowded paint and find contact, sometimes even finishing and making the and-one play. The only reason I did not believe he was ready to make the all-tournament teams yet was the other end of the floor. His defence was often a second late and he was not able to stay in front of stronger guards without fouling. His passing was also not always accurate as it could have been for a player who wanted to take over the game at times. These things will come though and by no means were they bad, I just believe that he needs some time to perfect them. These will come with playing during the season and I do not doubt that this kid can be the star player that JP wants him to be by the end of the season. The first time I saw Jiothiang Wuor play for the All Saints I remember thinking to myself "This could be the best center in the entire tournament". By the second time I saw him, I was certain that he had the potential to be the best center to come out of this tournament. Wuor is an athletic, 6’7, lanky inside-out center. His potential is off the charts. He showed that he could play a big game down low, making post shots and finishing high above the defence. He hit turnaround post shots from the paint with ease and boasts a clean stroke from wherever he is on the floor. On the defensive end, his sheer size alone allows him to clog the paint and intimidate smaller guards from even trying a drive. I watched him go from one side of the paint to the other in a split second to send a shot off the back board start a fast break opportunity for his squad. His skill set as a center is solid and exactly what anyone wants out of that position plus more. But wait, there's more. This kid steps to the perimeter on defence and has the footspeed to defend guards with ease off screens and switches. He looks comfortable, like a guard out there. Not only defensively can he play on the perimeter but offensively as well. In the final game of the tournament, I saw Wuor nail two threes in the first half of the game. This is ridiculous for his size because defensively there is almost no way to prevent a kid like this from shooting. I believe that Wuor has star potential and once he tightens up his handles and a few other elements of his game, he will be nearly impossible to defend. The final player to make the REB Got Next team is Strathcona's Owen Gateretse. A forward who can run the court like a guard and has the basketball IQ of a vet, even though he is still in grade eleven. He has the build of an elite basketball player already being 6'5 and lanky with handles that can get him by most defenders. I saw the drive and determination of this kid that can only lead to success. He made smart decisions on offence and is elite at getting himself to the rim. He is not afraid of finishing through contact and several times during the tournament I watched him drive into the paint begging defenders to contest him, usually ending with him earning a trip to the line. This guy had a great IQ, and I don’t think I saw him take a bad shot. If he was contested or couldn’t find a way to the rim, then he would find a way to get an open look for his teammates. Gateretse is oozing with potential, and I believe that all he needs is a more consistent shot to break his whole game wide open. This would force defenders to stay truer to him and open more lanes for him to take it to the hoop. This guy has all the makings of a great basketball player now I just need him to put it together and take off during the season. The sheer amount of talent that I was presented with did not make picking these teams easy. I loved every second of learning what they had to offer though, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Let me know what you think of these teams. If you haven’t ever seen any of these guys play, then you are missing out and I would add them to your list of young talent to watch next! Feel free to reach out if you'd like me to come scout your team play next!

By Josh Millican Hudson Ward is not a household name just yet, but he soon will be. The 6-foot-8 small forward from Leduc, Alberta, Canada, is one of the most intriguing and talented prospects in the class of 2024, and he is drawing attention from some of the top programs in college basketball. He is simultaneously making a very strong case for the Canadian Player of the Year award which has been awarded to the likes of David Simon, Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe & Leonard Miller. Ward, who plays for Western Canada Prep Academy, has been dominating the competition in the Grind Session and the Tarkanian Classic, two of the most prestigious high school basketball events in the country. He has shown a versatile skill set, a high basketball IQ, and a killer instinct that has impressed scouts and coaches alike. Ward's performance has earned him a flurry of offers and interest from schools across the nation. He currently holds offers from Rice University, Chattanooga, Long Beach State, Penn State, San Diego, UT Arlington, San Jose State, FGCU, and Albany. He is also receiving interest from Buffalo, Missouri, Northern Arizona, Marquette, UCSB, and Boise State, Wisconsin, New Mexico & LSU. Ward is not in a rush to make a decision, but he is enjoying the recruiting process and the opportunity to showcase his game. He is looking for a school that can offer him a good education, a good fit, and a chance to play at a high level. Ward is not only a star on the court, but also a humble and hard-working student off the court. He has a 3.8 GPA. He can presumably credit his Head Coach Sunny Sooch, for instilling in him a strong work ethic and a sense of gratitude. Ward is a rare talent who has the potential to make a big impact at the next level. He is a player who can do it all, and he is not afraid of any challenge. He is a player who lives by his motto: "Stay hungry, stay humble." This is Hudson Ward. This is Canadian Basketball.

Will Riley is not your average high school basketball player. He is a 6-foot-9 forward who can play multiple positions, shoot the ball, and create off the dribble. He is one of the top Canadian prospects in the 2025 class and has already received offers from several high-major programs, including Arizona, Villanova, Kansas State & more. Riley, who was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, moved to the United States two years ago to attend the Phelps School in Pennsylvania, where he plays for the varsity team with fellow Canadians Onyx Nnani (Edmonton) & Nyce Bakare (Vancouver). He also plays his AAU basketball with UPLAY Canada on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he faces some of the best competition in the country. In an exclusive interview with us, Riley shared his thoughts on his basketball journey, his goals, and his inspirations. Josh Millican: You are one of the top Canadian prospects in the 2025 class and have already received offers from several high-major programs. How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a highly sought-after recruit? Will Riley: It’s what I’ve dreamed of ever since I was younger. So there isn’t really pressure because I’ve always had the motivation to do this so it’s routine for me. Josh Millican: You are playing your basketball in the United States, after moving from Canada to attend the Phelps School in Pennsylvania. What are some of the biggest challenges and adjustments you have faced in transitioning to a different basketball culture and environment? Will Riley: It is different because I’m away from all of my family, and it’s a lot more competitive down here, and there’s a lot more opportunity for me. I get to develop my game everyday by having access to the gym whenever. Josh Millican: You have a versatile skill set as a 6-foot-9 forward who can play multiple positions, shoot the ball, and create off the dribble. Which players do you model your game after and what aspects of your game are you working on the most to improve? Will Riley: I've been working on my handle for countless hours a day, and getting up a lot of three point shots daily. There isn’t a specific player I model my game after, but I study players like Manu Ginobili, Demar Derozan, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Multiple Canadian teams and prospects were at the scene in Washington, DC for the She Got Game Classic as a majority of the NCAA Coaches were sidelined to evaluate the talent infront of them. In this article, we will highlight ten prospects who showed out this weekend as top recruits in North America. Deniya Prawl, 6'2, IMG ACADEMY Deniya Prawl, a premier Guard in the class of 2025 who can really do everything on both sides of the court. Her combination of size, skill and work ethic really puts her in the conversation as the top recruit in North America. Prawl's versatilty on the offensive ends ranges from inside-out. She has one of the tightest handle on the ball and smoothest mid ranges in today's game. Jasmine Bascoe, 5'6, Kings Christian (Villanova Commit) Jasmine's performances in the She Got Game Classic showcased her elite athleticism and skills. Her shot making skills is one of her best attributes. Her IQ for the game is high and shes extremely coachable. She popped off for 30 points this last weekend in DC, hitting shots from all over the court. Bascoe is undoubtedly a top-tier prospect, in the class 2024, who should be on every coach's radar. Chance Berry, 5'10, Royal Crown Chance Berry is the youngest in charge in North America. She is only 14 years old, class of 2027. Chance is one of the toughest all around players in this class, she brings a real edge to her game. She's always having the most fun on the court as shes always competing to win. When you speak with her she couldn't be more humble and respectful but on the court she'll rip your head off. She still has alot to work on but has the highest potential. Cearah Parchment, 6'2, Fort Erie I think Cearah is the best available true big in the class 2025 as we apparoach Christmas break. She is a true big who can rebound, defend, facilitate, shoot & score. She was unstoppable this past weekend as she took any shot she wanted down low and not much players could really stop her. I love her enthusiasm on the court and her ability to communicate and make plays with her court vision. Toby Fournier, 6'3, Crestwood Prep (Duke Commit) Toby Fournier always puts on a show every game! She controls both sides of the game as the defensive ancor and always demanding the ball on offense applying pressure towards the oppossing defense. She can dunk with ease. Class of 2024 and already commited next year as a Duke Blue Devil. Olivia Leung, 5'10, Crestwood Prep (Dayton Commit) Olivia Leung is another Canadian prospect who plays for Crestwood Prep. She displayed her versatility and efficiency as a guard, scoring from all three levels, rebounding, and passing. She also demonstrated her leadership and maturity as a player, running the offense, making smart decisions, and playing hard. Leung is one of the best shooters in the class of 2024 and has already commited to Dayton. Syla Swords, 6'0, Long Island Lutheran (Michigan Commit) Syla Swords is a versatile guard who can play inside and outside, Swords has a smooth shooting stroke and a high basketball IQ. She can handle the ball, create her own shot, and finish at the rim with either hand. She also has good vision and passing skills, making her a threat in transition and in the half-court. She is currently ESPN's 11th ranked player and has already commited to Michigan next year. Amani Nethersole, 5'5, Royal Crown Nethersole heated up this weekend in Washington, demonstrating her ability to call plays and hit three-pointers. Her leadership on the court was evident, and her shooting accuracy made her a valuable contributor. Incredible athleticism and playmaking skills, if she can get everything to click she could be a major steal for a D1 program. Class of 2025. Savannah Swords, 6'2, Long Island Lutheran Savannah Swords, younger sister of Syla is also ESPN 13th ranked for the class of 2026. A long and athletic forward who can protect the paint and run the floor, Swords i is a rim-protector who can block shots and alter shots with her length and timing. She is also a good rebounder who can start the fast break with her outlet passes. Keep an eye out for her as I can see her making a major leap next year. Keana "KJ" Foz, 5'9, Fort Erie (Wagner Commit) Arguably a top 5 guard in the class of 2024. She stood out this weekend, as she was Fort Erie vocal leader on the defensive side of the floor and she controlled the offensive tempo running there sets. Shes coming back from last years injury but it doesnt seem like shes lost a step, if anything she's looking more polished and determined than ever.

Written by Jaysen Perez-Carey Photo from NPH CNIT In the last three years, my journey in coaching and observing high-level high school basketball has been nothing short of thrilling. Amidst a pool of extraordinary talent, one player has consistently emerged, demanding of the attention and spotlight — meet Carson Anderson, a 6 ft 4 Guard from the Class of 2026 in Waterloo. Join me as I had the pleasure of sitting down and getting to know the narrative of this stock-rising star, a potential game-changer for any roster. Carson says his love for the game began growing up in Toronto, “I really think it was the lifestyle and atmosphere I wanted to be around all the time. I viewed it like an art form and made it something I wanted to perfect the art itself. So when I made the move from Toronto to Waterloo in Grade 9 I took it as an opportunity to try something new and something I knew I would love.” From picking up the game at grade 9 to CNIT (Canadian National Invitational Tournament) MVP just this past summer, speaks volumes on just how dedicated this kid is to being the best player out there. When you walk into any gym he is undeniably the hardest worker there. Carson has this focus and ability to tune in unlike a lot of other players I’ve seen at his age. As Carson's confidence in his game elevated, so did the success of his team: "We went to Montreal, and that’s where I really began to find my confidence was when we brought home the Brookwood Championship." Regarding his outlook entering the CNIT and any contemplation about earning the MVP, Carson reflects: "I really didn’t start thinking that(MVP) until the finals and not until the game was over. I really think it was because I was just so tuned in and focused, and that’s what allowed us to get that far is that I wasn’t focused on being the leading scorer; I wanted to help my team win… Winning MVP just meant a lot to me because it helped me understand that I can be that MVP, I can be that main guy with a team that can win." So how high is the bar set for Carson Anderson? Let’s get into it. Carson’s relentless offensive approach makes him a handful for defenses, reminding you at all times that you can’t and won’t forget about him on the court. Blending the agility typical of a guard with the physicality of a forward, he navigates defenses with a perfect mix of finesse and power, making him a tough matchup for most defenses as shown with his effortless 20 PPG. A true gym rat, Carson is consistently in the gym developing and refining his skills night and day with the latest addition to his game being a smooth jump shot that is quickly becoming a trademark of his. While Carson initially played a forward role in his career thus far, his recent transition to the guard position showcases adaptability and his desire to want to be the best he can be from wherever on the court. Despite being relatively new to the guard role, he embraces the challenge with enthusiasm, finding joy in involving his teammates and leading the players on the floor. Just a constant spark plug for any team, you don’t have to ask him to bring the energy. He remains humble and committed to the overall success of the team, striving to bring unity among teammates and creating an environment where everyone is motivated to perform at their best. Defensively, he remains a nightmare for opponents with tenacious on-ball defense, disrupting passing lanes, forcing turnovers, contesting shots and hustling for loose balls. His commitment to defense stands as a testament to his all-encompassing dedication to the game. However, what truly distinguishes him is his unparalleled work ethic — a constant presence as the hardest worker in the gym. When I asked him what keeps him so motivated he told me, “My Uncle. He plays for Team Canada wheelchair basketball team in the Paralympics. And back in the day he was ranked #1 in the whole world for wheelchair basketball… Growing up and getting to watch the behind the scenes of a high level athlete you know, being a great father, and uncle, and just a great person and seeing what he was able to accomplish through his dedication, it just really inspired me to follow that same path.” Carson also noted that if it weren’t Coach Anthony and Coach Eddie Perez’s (Waterloo Wolverines) belief in him that he wouldn’t be the player he is. “It motivated me to take the game a lot more seriously” Carson stated, “When you have people who believe in you like that it makes you feel like you have a lot more to prove.” Not shy to the gray areas of his game, Carson says that being on the ball more this season has been an adjustment for him. He says, “It's a lot of pressure. But it's good to have that pressure. It keeps you honest.” As the season unfolds, I look forward to watching Carson Anderson's impact on the high school basketball scene. Truly one of the most humble players I have ever had the pleasure of working with and speaking to, when asked about what’s next for Carson? He told me, “Just striving to reach my full potential. I don’t know what the future holds for me but I know that with whatever opportunities that my hard work brings I will be happy with.” Day in and day out, he can be found in the gym, showcasing an unmatched dedication for the game that sets him apart from other talents. The future is undeniably bright for this 6 ft 4 Guard, and with the CNIT MVP under his belt, it is safe to say his hunger and pursuit of wanting to be the best is destined to propel him to even greater heights.

Written by Josh Millican Canada has produced some of the best basketball talent in the world in recent years, such as Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Andrew Wiggins. But there is another Canadian prospect who is making waves in the US high school scene: Jalik Dunkley-Distant Dunkley-Distant is a 6'7 shooting guard who plays for Canyon International Academy in Arizona, a prep school that competes in the prestigious Grind Session circuit & the newly release Nike EYBL Scholastic league. He is a versatile scorer who can attack the rim with explosiveness, shoot from the outside with accuracy, and create for his teammates with vision. He also has a killer instinct and a fluidity that make him hard to guard. Dunkley, who is originally from Ontario, burst onto my radar with his high flying dunks & quickly rose to prominence in the local and national levels. He played multiple seasons at Orangeville Prep in Ontario, the same school that produced Jamal Murray, for his early years of high school and became one of youngest players on the National team. He then moved to Canyon International Academy with his Head Coach at Orangeville, Tony McIntyre for his post grad year and has continued to impress scouts and coaches with his performance and potential. He is currently ranked as a 3-star prospect on 247sports & the # 26 SF in Arizona. Personally I think this is incredibly low as I have him as a top 3 Canadian prospect committed or not per The Maple Minute ranking system. Dunkley-Distant recently tweeted that his recruitment is still open, with offers and interest from schools like Syracuse, Pitt, Clemson, Creighton, UCF, Rhode Island, Xavier, Washington State, as well as the G-League Ignite and Overtime Elite. The G-League Ignite is a developmental basketball team in the NBA G League that offers elite prospects a one-year program with professional coaching, training, and competition. Overtime Elite is a basketball league for 16–20-year-olds based in Atlanta, Georgia that offers players a salaried professional career or a scholarship option. Dunkley has not yet made a decision on his future, but he has plenty of options to choose from. He is one of the most athletically gifted prospects from Canada since Andrew Wiggins, and he has the potential to become a star at the next level. He is a player to watch for fans of Canadian basketball and the NBA draft.

Written by Dustin Mactaggart Photo via @kandidcapturez on Instagram Several aspects of Javion Tyndale's game from the class of 2027 have impressed me, aside from his remarkable achievement of scoring 44 points in Canada's most competitive Highschool Basketball league. While the scoring, shooting percentages, and minutes he accomplished this in are undeniably impressive, there are numerous other facets that merit closer examination. Firstly, before anyone asserts that he is too short or too small, it's crucial to note that he plays as a point guard, a position in basketball where such metrics hold less significance. Additionally, Tyndale compensates for his size with an abundance of heart and other intangibles. Let's leave those criticisms at the door. Following his scoring outburst, I felt compelled to delve into his game film to gain a deeper understanding of his skills. Fortunately, I've had the privilege of assisting his uncle, David Tyndale, in a couple of Javion's workouts over the summer, so I already knew about his relentless work ethic and exceptional skills. However, what I observed in the film was truly remarkable and, perhaps, unprecedented. Common descriptors you'll hear about him include his proficiency in three-point shooting, excellent decision-making, relentless playing style, and the ability to break down his opponents. I'm about to delve even further into this player, and one takeaway before we get into the details is that Javion is destined to become a great basketball player at the next level. Photo via @artheplaymaker on Instagram Let's begin. What immediately caught my attention while watching the film was Tyndale sitting right beside the coaches while the rest of the team seemed to be pushed to the opposite end. Is this shocking? No, but what followed was. After a few minutes of being vocal and a leader from the bench, he did something I haven't witnessed in a Canadian player before. He stood up behind the bench and started warming up. This ends the debate about "Coach, it's hard to come off the bench because I'm cold when I get in," doesn't it? It's a conscious decision to be ready to contribute when his number is called, demonstrating a lack of concern for what others might think—no arrogance, just readiness. After observing Javion play for a few possessions, it became clear to me that this kid is the real deal. In one of the initial possessions, he got beaten badly. So, for the rest of the film, I expected a defensive massacre. However, the opposite happened. He bumped every cutter, executed proper screen defense, boxed out, played a pestering defense on the ball, and was remarkably physical. My initial skepticism turned into admiration, especially considering his matchups were against 17- and 18-year-olds. Tyndale is a coach's dream. This 10th grader led, pulled his teammates into huddles on the floor, provided guidance during stoppages, communicated effectively, sprinted off the floor during timeouts, and, for lack of a better term, played his heart out every minute on the court. In the first half, it became evident that Tyndale can really shoot the ball. He knocked down numerous threes from various ranges, whether over defenders off the dribble, making the right reads off screens, moving to space for catch-and-shoot opportunities, or even sinking end-of-shot-clock bombs. However, it wasn't a fluke or a lucky game. Tyndale is always ready to shoot, maintaining a low stance, hands ready, and constantly creating longer closeouts by moving to open spaces. He could have easily made 2-4 more threes if two things hadn't happened: he missed two easy ones that practically went down, and he was blatantly looked off early. Understandable, though, when a player this young is called up to the senior team and immediately stands out as the best player. When Tyndale couldn't get his shot off, he made the right plays. Not only did he drive when necessary, but he attacked gaps and bodies, creating opportunities for his teammates in a methodical and instinctive manner. It wasn't just about driving and kicking; it was about creating extra space by attacking the right help defenders and making his teammates better. Once again, a coaching dream. That was the first half. The second half rolled around, and he maintained the same attributes as before. Just as dominant as in the first half, but when the fourth quarter arrived, it shifted to giving the ball to this kid and letting him do his thing. A few noteworthy observations during the "Javion Tyndale coming out party": Firstly, the best defender, a 6'3"-6'4" 17-18 year old, did his best to be physical and stay in front of the 10th grader. However, Tyndale dismantled everyone in sight—primary defenders, secondary defenders, those denying screens, isos, hard hedges, and drops. It was amazing to witness. He finishes over length and height at the rim with both hands, and he makes plays for his teammates even when looking to score. In essence, when Tyndale touches the ball, good things happen. What more can you ask for from a 10th grader? All in all, it was refreshing to see a player who fulfills all the coach's expectations while being a scoring machine. It defied my expectations; I was prepared to see taunting, bad shots, over-dribbling, and everything else we often witness. This is a true testament to the people in his corner. A huge shout-out to Michael De Giorgio and the rest of the coaching staff at Royal Crown, Uncle and Trainer David Tyndale, Javion's family, and, of course, Javion himself. Keep going, kid. The future is bright.

The following article is exclusive for my Patreon supporters. Thank you for your support and enjoy the read! International Prospects Shining in Canada Canada has become a hotbed for basketball talent in recent years, producing stars like Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and many more. But it's not just the homegrown players who are making waves in the Canadian prep scene. There are also a number of international prospects who have chosen to showcase their skills north of the border, and they are turning heads with their impressive performances. In this article, we will highlight eight of these prospects, who are all part of the 2024 or 2025 classes, and who have one thing in common: they are international prospects excelling on Canadian soil. Kavon Bradford, 6'3, WCPA (Oregon) Kavon Bradford is a dynamic guard who can score from anywhere on the court. He has a quick first step and a tight handle, allowing him to blow by defenders and finish at the rim with flair. He can also knock down shots from deep with consistency, as well as create for his teammates with his vision and passing skills. Bradford is a fearless competitor who plays with a lot of energy and intensity on both ends of the floor. He is one of the leaders of WCPA, a program that has produced several high-level prospects in recent years. To read the entire article, you can gain full access by becoming a member of The Maple Minute Patreon.