For the last 20 years, club season in Saskatchewan kicks off with the Prairie Season Opener run by Saskatoon SLAM. For me, covering Saskatchewan basketball, this is an opportunity to really dig deep into the players who have been developing, maybe in lesser roles on senior teams or in juniors. I get to see multiple divisions in multiple gyms and take some notes. Teams from around Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba provided some fun games, and some of these kids' skill levels are impressive. Despite some car issues that kept me from getting to every gym I wanted to, I did get some notes on every division. Below you will find an overview of every division, and who jumped out as MVP. If you scroll down, as always, I have provided my players to watch for college coaches and basketball enthusiasts alike. If you are new to my writing and The Maple Minute, we do not evaluate younger age groups, as they will change, and the coaching network that tunes in to our content isn't looking for their info yet (but we will be here for them when it's their time). We also list all graduation years, including a post-graduation year, as that is the current NCAA norm. A huge thank you to the whole SLAM organization for their help and access this weekend. THE CHAMPS U18 Men - YXE Elite Gold (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - Zack Zeiser (YXE Elite) The U18 division came down to a match-up between YXE Elite and the Soldiers, both of whom feature multiple college signings and prospects. The Soldiers won the round robin play, but YXE came back to take the medal. U17 Boys Gold Division - Ignite - Jared Boville 2010s (Winnipeg, MB) MVP - Malakai Boville (Ignite) This division has some good basketball all weekend and showcased some great up-and-coming players in both Sask and Manitoba. The Moose Jaw Spartans were short-handed but battled to the final, but the Winnipeg Ignite squad found a way in the end. Girls Gold Division - Altitude U17 Black (Edmonton, AB) MVP - Emma Reid (Altitude) The division was extremely competitive, with 2 close semi-final games. However, the girls from Alberta were too much to handle as both Supernovas and SLAM were short-handed on the weekend, but fought valiantly. Boys Silver Division - Saskhoops U16 Cabural (Saskatoon, SK) co-MVP - Rylan Sandrino (Saskhoops)and Lourd Lagria (Saskhoops) Made up mostly of U16 squads, the silver division battled all weekend in a lot of close games. The end saw Saskhoops Cabural win over SLAM Heat, and the 3rd-place game went into overtime. Girls Silver Division - Slam U 15 Hanson (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - None Awarded SLAM and Moose Jaw Spartans fought hard in the round robin and final, but in the end, SLAM picked up gold. The teams fought hard in a tough defensive battle. It was fun to see so many girls' teams from three provinces playing hard. U15 Boys Gold Division - Soldiers U15 (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - Reegan Whitedeer-Norris (Soldiers) This division was fun to watch and, in my opinion, may be one of the most talented age groups in the province. In the end, the Soldiers stood at the top, but not without very impressive performances from Regina Raptors and SLAM Magic. Girls Division - Supernovas U15 (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - Zara Haimanot (Supernovas) This division had teams from everywhere, and girls' basketball in Sask looks to have some real good talent coming. The Supernovas won the final and had many girls star throughout the weekend, thanks to their deep squad. They defeated a strong Moose Jaw Spartans squad in the final, and Swift Current brought home 3rd. Boys Silver Division - Slam U15 Tysowski (Saskatoon, SK) co-MVPs - Troy Tysowski (SLAM) and Ryker Wiggins (SLAM) This division has some great play all weekend, with SLAM defeating the Raptors in the final. Mickeyas Cote was lights out for the Raptors in the final. Simon Villa, Gerry Tolentino, and Daniel Sharoika all had great weekends and will be names to watch in the future. U13 Boys Gold Division - Slam Phantoms (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - Ilyas Yazdani (SLAM) The 4 squads in this division had some great games and had fun on the big court at Tommy Douglas. Ignite gave SLAM all they could handle in the final, but SLAM overcame being short-handed and playing their 3rd game in 6 hours on Sunday. Girls Division - Altitude U13 Black (Edmonton, AB) MVP - Sophia Rosario (Altitude Black) This division was fun, and the Altitude girls from Edmonton were spectacular to watch. They play well above their years and are extremely well coached. I may be a bit biased, but a huge shout-out to Blakely Allen, the granddaughter of Phil Allen, who sure can shoot and play. I was also impressed with the Junior Bisons, who played well, earning a silver medal, and the Supernova girls, who were again short-handed but played hard. Boys Silver Division - Slam City U12 (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - Jack Frentz (QC Mambas) SLAM City came away with the gold, but QC Mambas gave them a really tough game in the round robin. It was great to see 10 teams in this younger division with teams from all over Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Regina, Estevan, Swift Current, and Warman). It was a great atmosphere, and it is exciting for the future of basketball in the province. U11 Boys Division - Mambas (Regina, SK) Girls Division - Fresh Grade 5 (Regina, SK) This is always the most fun at any tourney, the way these kids play their heart out and with such joy. They were all the MVPs, and I hope they stick with it for many years to come. WHO STOOD OUT? (2027) 6'3 Zack Zeiser YXE Elite Gold Zach was on my grade 12 player to watch list in October, and he looked every bit of it this weekend. He plays with a high motor and makes all the plays that his team needs to win. Zach is an excellent rebounder and defender who could be a great piece for a CCAA or post-grad team next season. (2028) 6' Fidel Lintaud Soldiers U17 A high-IQ player who is always looking for teammates and keeping them involved, this weekend, he shot extremely well from distance. He is getting more comfortable finding a balance between setting up teammates and scoring himself, making him much harder to guard. (2027) 6'3 Sowka Tombe YXE Elite Gold Sowka is uber-athletic and plays the game the right way. He scores at all three levels, including some dunks coming down the lane that got me out of my seat. He creates turnovers and is a solid defensive player. (2028) 6' Ike Brimacombe Soldiers U17 Ike has grown into the defender that opposing teams do not want to see. He prides himself on matching up with the opponent's top guards and making them work. He has a high motor and uses that to rebound well on the offensive end and keep plays alive. (2028) 6'2 Clark Poth SLAM Suns Clark played with a certain smoothness to him throughout the weekend, making good heads-up passes and finding openings to attack the defense. He shot effectively, and his team looked to him to lead, and he showed he could. (2028) 6'5 Ryder Hawman Moose Jaw Spartans Ryder was a very pleasant surprise, as he was injured for Central this season, but his big body, comfort with contact, and very active rebounding are huge for them. He scored in the paint with a variety of finishes and had great defensive positioning, making him a player I will be watching for next season. (2028) 6'3 Moe Jomha SLAM Suns Moe really impressed me with his grit over the weekend as he took on some tough defensive post assignments and showed great strength and footwork. Offensively, he was able to slash and get to the basket and use that same strength to finish. (2029) 6'2 Malakai Boville Ignite 2010's Malakai is polished well beyond his years and carries himself like a seasoned guard. He immediately jumped out when he threw a one-handed full-court push pass to hit a streaking teammate for an easy score. He made the game extremely easy for teammates. His shooting was incredibly consistent, and he had great defensive awareness and positioning. (2029) 6' Mohsen Ahmadzai Ignite 2010's Another heads-up guard on Ignite who shot well. He was aggressive both offensively and defensively, forcing the opposition into uncomfortable positions he could exploit. When off the ball, he runs the court hard. (2029) 6'1 Kyree Byfield Empire Kyree is an explosive athlete who jumps out at you immediately. He plays with a good motor and showed versatility playing multiple roles through the weekend. He was active on the boards and used his strength to score at all 3 levels. (2029) 6'1 Nixon Mohle Moose Jaw Spartans With their backcourt at provincial team tryouts, Nixan handled the ball and looked solid. He pushed the ball in transition, made good passes, and found ways to score to keep the defense honest. I look forward to tracking his progress on a very strong Spartans and Central team next season. (2030) 5'8 Reegan Whitedeer-Norris Soldiers U15 Reegan did a great job breaking down defenders off the dribble and getting to the rim; he showed a crafty finishing ability. When defenders backed off, he hit shots, making him a tough cover all weekend.

Written by Marc CEGEP basketball is one of Québec’s most unique development stages. With high school ending at Grade 11, athletes enter CEGEP for up to three years, competing in the RSEQ, a league that bridges high school and university and consistently produces players ready to contribute immediately. The D2 level is physical, experienced, and filled with older players who understand how to impact winning. It has already produced names such as Ismaël Diouf (Northern Iowa), Sultan Bhatti (Brandon), and Chris Evrard Malonga (Nipissing), with more prospects emerging each year. This weekend at Montmorency, the Nord‑Est and Sud‑Ouest regions collided. Across the matchups, eight players separated themselves not just through scoring, but through how they fit into their team’s identity and elevated their group in high‑pressure moments. To reflect the depth of the event, the article also includes a Category-specific Standouts section that highlights additional players who excelled in different categories. And for readers who want an even broader look at the talent on display, a full 20+-player list, complete with game links, highlights, and strengths‑and‑weaknesses breakdowns, is available on X through the two extended threads linked at the end of the article. Standout players Julian Rosa 6’4 Class of 2026 Vanier Julian continues to cement himself as one of the most impactful players in the entire league. He was arguably the best player on the floor every time he checked in. A large portion of Vanier’s half-court offense runs through him, and he showed why once again. He can operate comfortably in the mid‑post, elite rebounder for his size, consistently grabbing boards on both ends and generating extra possessions that Vanier desperately needs without a true big. His scoring from fifteen feet and in remains highly efficient, whether through touch shots, face‑ups, or shooting. Defensively, he struggled on some possessions against bigger defenders in the post, but he showed he could adapt by matching the physicality and becoming disruptive later on. His mobility and long arms translate on both ends of the floor and allow him to cover space effectively. The passing continues to separate him from most forwards at this level. Rosa consistently finds cutters, shooters, and weak‑side reads, even off the live dribble. It is unlikely he will continue playing the five at higher levels once surrounded by taller teammates, so tightening the handle will be important. Even so, his IQ, versatility, and ability to elevate Vanier’s structure make him one of the most valuable players in the event. Pavel‑Willam Bastien 6’3 Class of 2027 Limoilou Pavel was my biggest surprise of the event. It was my first time seeing him play, and he really surpassed expectations. Even though he is on the heavier side and not as comfortable going left, he was the driving force behind Limoilou’s offense. Most of their offensive structure was built around his creation. He used his frame to get to the paint with strong, decisive takes and rebounded well on both ends for his position. He also showed confidence from three, making shots both off the catch and off the dribble, including a few late‑clock attempts. The volume was not very high, which leaves some uncertainty, but the touch and willingness were encouraging. His passing was the most impressive part of his game. The ball rarely stayed in his hands for long. He delivered transition passes, post‑up reads, drive‑and‑kick assists, and a variety of creative deliveries that showed real feel and IQ. Surrounded by teammates who can shoot, finish inside, defend, rebound, and take some of the load off him, his ability to create advantages gave Limoilou a structure that few D2 teams can match. Julio Massa 6’5 Class of 2026 Dawson Julio, the Sud‑Ouest MVP, continues to be one of the league's most reliable scorers. In a system that struggles to shoot and relies heavily on transition, his ability to generate offense when the game slows down and when the pace increases is essential. He consistently finds ways to get to the rim and the free‑throw line, attacking the middle of the zone, running in transition, driving closeouts, and exploiting gaps. He also showed confidence from three, which adds another layer to his scoring profile. Even though there is still room for growth in terms of efficiency, he never shied away from the moment. Against Thetford, he hit big shot after big shot, including the game‑winning layup, and lifted his team to the win. His combination of physicality, rim pressure, and timely scoring makes him the offensive heartbeat of Dawson’s group. Yussef Jawad 6’3 Class of 2026 Vanier Yussef was one of the most dependable players in the tournament. Vanier’s offense thrives on movement, cutting, and interior touches, and he fits that identity perfectly. He was, in my view, the best offensive rebounder of the entire weekend, and it was not close when you account for position. He constantly generated extra possessions and shifted the momentum of entire games through effort, timing, and physicality. He is also a versatile scorer from all three levels, even though most of his production comes off the ball. He can shoot the three at a strong rate, has soft midrange touch, can score in the low post against smaller defenders, and is an active, well‑timed cutter. All of this makes him a real matchup problem because he is physical, smart, and efficient without needing many touches. The handle is still developing, but his IQ, motor, and ability to impact the game in so many different ways made him Vanier’s X‑factor throughout the weekend. Elliot Lunn 6’1 Class of 2027 Sherbrooke Elliot spent the weekend establishing himself as one of the best point guards in the league. He was the clear offensive engine for Sherbrooke, a team built around guard play, ball movement, and a deliberate pace. Their offense relies on spacing, post touches, and guards who can get deep into the paint, and Elliot controlled all of it with poise. He played entirely at his own rhythm, never sped up, and consistently found ways to get downhill through ball screens, screen rejections, closeout attacks, and transition pushes. Sherbrooke’s structure amplified his strengths. They opened games by moving the ball, punishing defensive coverage with early threes, and feeding their big man inside. When foul trouble slowed their interior scoring, Elliot took on more responsibility, keeping the offense flowing and repeatedly getting into the paint to create advantages. His scoring versatility stood out: midrange pull‑ups, post‑ups against smaller guards, catch‑and‑shoot threes, and tough finishes with either hand. He played a primarily on‑ball role and showed he could score from all three levels. There are still areas for growth. He can be too passive in the very last possessions, and his handle can tighten under heavy pressure, especially against Sud‑Ouest teams that pick up full court. But he adjusted throughout the weekend, showed more comfort with each game, and delivered some of his best stretches in the fourth quarter when Sherbrooke needed him most. His IQ, physicality, and ability to dictate driving lanes made him one of the most reliable lead guards in the tournament and the centerpiece of Sherbrooke’s identity on both ends. Dardaye Bah 6’2 Class of 2028 Édouard‑Montpetit Dardaye showed exactly why he was a first‑team all‑conference selection. He was one of the most confident shooters of the entire event, letting it fly off the catch, off the dribble, from deep, and from the midrange. He hunted shots, actively sought out big moments, and never shied away from late‑game situations. Even when he did not convert, he created clean looks for his team and showed almost no hesitation. He is especially good at getting to his spots in the midrange, where his pull‑ups were a reliable source of offense, although there is still room for growth in terms of overall efficiency. He rarely got to the rim, but he still found ways to reach the free‑throw line by drawing contact on jumpers, something very few players were able to do this weekend. His high release and forward momentum on pull‑ups made him a unique scoring threat, earning easy points from both three and midrange. Beyond the scoring, he showed good IQ, flashed passing ability, and brought consistent defensive activity. He also held his own on the glass, often boxing out and battling bigger players. Édouard‑Montpetit’s team context helped highlight his strengths. Their offense leans heavily on jump shooting, especially from the midrange, and Dardaye fits seamlessly into that structure. Within that framework, Dardaye’s shot‑making, confidence, and competitive presence stood out every game. Yassine Hajji 6’7 Class of 2027 Thetford It was my first time seeing Yassine play in person, and he did not disappoint. He is a very good athlete for his size, and his combination of positional size, mobility, and footwork gave Thetford a true two‑way presence throughout the weekend. Offensively, he showed real versatility and a strong feel for the game. He scored effectively in the low post against smaller defenders, displaying solid footwork and the ability to finish with both hands, even if the left is still clearly the weaker one. He ran the floor extremely well in transition, sometimes even pushing the ball himself, and finished coast to coast when the opportunity was there, although his handle still has room to improve. He also passed well out of the post, rarely forcing plays and consistently making the right read. Even with limited shooting volume this weekend, he showed some willingness to step out to the midrange and even to the three‑point line when left open. Defensively, he showed the potential to guard every position in the RSEQ. Even though he was used primarily inside, he disrupted actions with his length, anticipation, and physicality. His mobility allowed him to cover space, contest shots, and rotate effectively, giving Thetford a reliable anchor on the back line. Thetford’s team context helped highlight his strengths. When they did get out in transition, they were at their best, and Yassine played a major role in those sequences. His versatility, feel, and two‑way impact stood out immediately and made him one of the most intriguing performers of the weekend. Raphaël D’Astous 6’1 Class of 2027 Sherbrooke Raphaël was one of the purest shooters in the tournament, averaging four made threes per game over the weekend. Most of his production came from spot‑ups, but he also showed he could shoot it from deeper and with real confidence. His catch‑and‑shoot mechanics are clean, repeatable, and quick, and he consistently found ways to get open within Sherbrooke’s guard‑heavy offense. He can also attack closeouts, punish smaller defenders in the post, and finish through contact with both hands when he gets downhill. In late‑game situations, he was often the player Sherbrooke trusted to take the final shot. Even though he did not always convert, he never shied away from the responsibility and embraced those moments. His combination of shooting versatility, physicality, and willingness to step into pressure possessions made him one of the most prolific perimeter scorers of the weekend. Category Specific Standouts Beyond the eight featured standouts, several players distinguished themselves in specific skill categories throughout the weekend. These are not rankings, but groups of three players who consistently excelled in their respective areas. Each player appears in only one category to avoid repetition and highlight a broader group of standouts. Top USPORT Prospects Julian Rosa (Vanier)— 6'4, 2026 Yassine Hajji (Thetford) — 6'7, 2027 Julio Massa (Dawson) — 6'5, 2026 Point Guards Elliot Lunn (Sherbrooke) — 6'1, 2027 Jérémie Gibon (Thetford) — 6'1, 2027 Abdel Alao (Édouard-Montpetit) — 5'10, 2027 Shooters Dardaye Bah (Édouard-Montpetit) — 6'2, 2028 Raphaël D’Astous (Sherbrooke) — 6'1, 2027 Félix Bussière (Limoilou) — 5'10, 2026 Defenders Kedi Nzambe‑Busugu(Dawson) — 6'2, 2027 Dzidula Marylight Sowadan(Vanier) — 6'0, 2026 Xavier Marceau (Limoilou) — 6'0, 2027 Inside Presence Alec McMahon (Sherbrooke) — 6'7, 2027 Christ‑Ariel Oulaï (Limoilou) — 6'5, 2027 Zachary De Grandpré (Limoilou) — 6'8, 2027 Alexandre Gagnon 6’5 (André-Laurendeau) — 6’5, 2026 Swiss Army Knives (Versatility) Pavel‑Willam Bastien (Limoilou) — 6'3, 2027 Yussef Jawad (Vanier) — 6'3, 2026 Nathan Champagne (Sem. Sherbrooke) — 6'1, 2027 CLOSING Across three days of Provincials, these eight players consistently elevated their teams through scoring bursts, defensive versatility, rebounding, creation, and pure competitive presence. The RSEQ D2 level continues to produce players who are ready for the next step, and this weekend was another reminder of how much talent is hidden across Québec’s CEGEP landscape. Extended weekend breakdown (Part 1 & 2): https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723215376556298?s=20 https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047241091934543939?s=20 Contact Info: https://linktr.ee/qchoopslover

Why Not Destiny? Written by Matteo Antonucci The real question is: why isn’t Destiny on your watchlist already? Destiny Mbaoma is a name you should’ve already heard of. If you haven’t, let me catch you up to speed. Destiny is a 5’10 guard, Class of 2027. She is a PWBL First Team All-Star, an All-Canadian Top 75 Nominee, and a PWBL Session 1 Standout. In addition, she recently received her first NCAA Division I offer from Wagner College in New York. So yes—Destiny is pretty decorated for a Grade 12 athlete. Three things come to mind when I watch Destiny play: her passing ability, her attention to detail on defence, and her consistency and IQ in making the right read. Many players can do all three—but not at her level. In transition, she makes passes that most players don’t even see, and her size gives her an advantage over smaller guards. Defensively, she takes real pride in her attention to detail—reading hips and eyes, tracking every movement, and exposing her matchup’s weaknesses. On top of that, she shows a high basketball IQ. Destiny understands when help defence is too aggressive or too passive, recognizes stunts, and knows exactly how to respond. That level of awareness speaks to her maturity as a player. I was grateful to get the opportunity to sit down with Destiny. Here’s a deeper dive into why she should be at the top of your watchlist. Interview Matteo: How do you impact the game when your shot isn’t falling? Destiny: I’ve always learned to set my foundation on defence, and that should be the number one factor that fuels my offence. I believe you have much more control on defence than you do on offence, so I focus on controlling what I can. Being a good teammate is something I fall back on—rather than making things about myself, I try to uplift the team, whether that’s on defence, crashing the glass, or even verbally. I want to be a source my teammates can positively feed off of. Matteo: What does earning a D1 offer mean to you? Destiny: I’ve always had D1 aspirations since I discovered basketball, but the closer I got to my dream, the less I actually felt like it was going to happen. I got my offer at a time when I was about to settle and give myself a reality check that maybe this wasn’t attainable. Getting that offer gave me hope and lit a fire under me to keep pushing toward my goals. It also made me realize it’s not just my coaches who see something in me—but others do too. Matteo: If a coach watches you for the first time, what do you want them to notice immediately? Destiny: I want a coach to see my motor. Mistakes are inevitable, but how you respond to them matters more. I’m far from a perfect player, but I want coaches to see how I recover and find new ways to impact the game. I always look to multiply the ways I can contribute so that my mistakes become less noticeable over time. Matteo: What do you want to accomplish at the next level (college/university)? Destiny: I want to be a reliable piece wherever I go, in whatever role I’m given—whether that’s coming off the bench or starting. I want to build consistency with my motor and my drive, along with the things I can control like defence and rebounding. My goal is to make an impact and be a challenge for anyone I face. Matteo: One word to describe your game? Destiny: Patient. Matteo: Most underrated skill to possess as a basketball player? Destiny: The ability to stay steadfast despite what’s happening externally. That benefits the whole team. I’ve played with people who were rocks even when the stats didn’t show it. It’s about leading by example—persevering through tough moments and not putting your head down when things don’t go your way. At the same time, it’s about not settling when things are going your way, but continuing to chase more without letting setbacks define your value. Matteo: Players you study? Destiny: I don’t intentionally study anyone, although I probably should. But I really love Hannah Hidalgo’s tenacity and her off-ball defensive IQ. Her ability to play in the gaps and make her presence felt anywhere on the court is something I aspire to. Her offence is fuelled by her defence, and like I mentioned earlier, using something you can control to fuel something you can’t is really important to me. Final Thoughts Once you take a closer look at Destiny and begin to understand her identity, you start to see the true motivations behind who she is as a player. It allows you to evaluate her beyond just film or stat lines—to understand what shapes her and why. That deeper perspective gives coaches and scouts a more complete, behind-the-scenes look at a player who should 100% be on their watchlist.

Written by Andrew Sharpe Halifax’s YHZ U15 boys started their summer club season off with a bang, going an unchallenged 4–0 at the U16 Rockets Rush tournament this past weekend in Dartmouth. Led by 20-year veteran coach Vince Williams, who also assists at the University of King’s College, YHZ is playing a competitive schedule, as they travel to the Made Hoops New England Clash in Boston this weekend and the Canadian National Invitational Tournament in Burlington, ON in July. The team is led by School Sport Nova Scotia Metro Division One Rookie of the Year candidate, 6’2” 2028 G Josiah Clyke—a physical, athletic slasher who plays for Dartmouth High—and 6’3” 2028 forward Max MacDonald, an oversized, physical 3 with a nice touch at the rim, who played last season at Halifax Grammar. 2028 6’0” PG Dylan Cameron and 2028 5’10” Blake Lloyd are the standout pivots. Cameron is a tenacious on-ball defender with a handle who relishes the “White Chocolate” highlight pass. Coach Williams expects he will challenge for the starting PG position at CP Allen this year, adding that “he reminds me of their head coach, Steve Harris, back when he played.” Lloyd brings the ball up at Lockport High School and is more of a high-IQ game manager. Coach Williams is high on Lloyd as well, saying, “He has the potential to be one of the best point guards in the province. He can facilitate and is strong with the ball.” 2028 6’2” wing Eli Fredericks is one to watch. This athletic defender has a nose for rebounds and has done very well to hang with the big boys, considering this upcoming Grade 11 season will be his first foray into high school basketball. YHZ is proving Team Nova Scotia isn’t the only NS team to watch this summer. This squad brings a high level of compete and physicality that will be tough to beat in the region. Coach Williams says they will continue to play up with U16s to ensure they are challenged. It will be very interesting to see how they fare in this weekend’s U.S. tournament.

Written by Marc CEGEP basketball is one of Québec’s most unique development stages. With high school ending at Grade 11, athletes enter CEGEP for up to three years, competing in the RSEQ, a league that bridges high school and university and consistently produces players ready to contribute immediately. The D2 level is physical, experienced, and filled with older players who understand how to impact winning. It has already produced names like Ismaël Diouf (Northern Iowa), Sultan Bhatti (Brandon), and Chris Evrard Malonga (Nipissing), with more prospects emerging every year. This weekend at Montmorency, the Nord-Est and Sud-Ouest regions collided. Across the matchups, eight players separated themselves not just through scoring, but through how they fit into their team’s identity and elevated their group in high-pressure moments. Alongside these eight standouts, the weekend also revealed several players who excelled in specific skill categories—shooters, defenders, point guards, interior anchors, and versatile do-it-all pieces—all highlighted in a dedicated section later in the article. Standout Players 1. Julian Rosa — 6’4 | 2026 (Vanier) Julian continues to cement himself as one of the most impactful players in the entire league. He was arguably the best player on the floor every time he checked in. A large portion of Vanier’s halfcourt offense runs through him, and he showed why once again. He can operate comfortably in the mid-post, is an elite rebounder for his size, consistently grabbing boards on both ends and generating extra possessions that Vanier desperately needs without a true big. His scoring from fifteen feet and in remains highly efficient, whether through touch shots, face-ups, or shooting. Defensively, he struggled on some possessions against bigger defenders in the post, but he showed he could adapt by matching the physicality and becoming disruptive later on. His mobility and long arms translate on both ends of the floor and allow him to cover space effectively. The passing continues to separate him from most forwards at this level. Rosa consistently finds cutters, shooters, and weak-side reads, even off the live dribble. It is unlikely he will continue playing the five at higher levels once surrounded by taller teammates, so tightening the handle will be important. Even so, his IQ, versatility, and ability to elevate Vanier’s structure make him one of the most valuable players in the event. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723221412172001?s=20 2. Pavel-Willam Bastien — 6’3 | 2027 (Limoilou) Pavel was my biggest surprise of the event. It was my first time seeing him play, and he really surpassed expectations. Even though he is on the heavier side and not as comfortable going left, he was the driving force behind Limoilou’s offense. Most of their offensive structure was built around his creation. He used his frame to get to the paint with strong, decisive takes and rebounded well on both ends for his position. He also showed confidence from three, making shots both off the catch and off the dribble, including a few late-clock attempts. The volume was not very high, which leaves some uncertainty, but the touch and willingness were encouraging. His passing was the most impressive part of his game. The ball rarely stayed in his hands for long. He delivered transition passes, post-up reads, drive-and-kick assists, and a variety of creative deliveries that showed real feel and IQ. Surrounded by teammates who can shoot, finish inside, defend, rebound, and take some of the load off him, his ability to create advantages gave Limoilou a structure that few D2 teams can match. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723226151715142?s=20 3. Julio Massa — 6’5 | 2026 (Dawson) Julio, the Sud-Ouest MVP, continues to be one of the league’s most reliable scorers. In a system that struggles to shoot and relies heavily on transition, his ability to generate offense when the game slows down—but also when the pace increases—is essential. He consistently finds ways to get to the rim and the free-throw line, attacking the middle of the zone, running in transition, driving closeouts, and exploiting gaps. He also showed confidence from three, which adds another layer to his scoring profile. Even though there is still room for growth in terms of efficiency, he never shied away from the moment. Against Thetford he hit big shot after big shot, including the game-winning layup, and lifted his team to the win. His combination of physicality, rim pressure, and timely scoring makes him the offensive heartbeat of Dawson’s group. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723230861881696?s=20 4. Yussef Jawad — 6’3 | 2026 (Vanier) Yussef was one of the most dependable players in the tournament. Vanier’s offense thrives on movement, cutting, and interior touches, and he fits that identity perfectly. He was, in my view, the best offensive rebounder of the entire weekend—and it was not close when you account for position. He constantly generated extra possessions and shifted the momentum of entire games through effort, timing, and physicality. He is also a versatile scorer from all three levels, even though most of his production comes off the ball. He can shoot the three at a strong rate, has soft midrange touch, can score in the low post against smaller defenders, and is an active, well-timed cutter. All of this makes him a real matchup problem because he is physical, smart, and efficient without needing many touches. The handle is still developing, but his IQ, motor, and ability to impact the game in so many different ways made him Vanier’s X-factor throughout the weekend. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723235169505603?s=20 5. Elliot Lunn — 6’1 | 2027 (Sherbrooke) Elliot spent the weekend establishing himself as one of the best point guards in the league. He was the clear offensive engine for Sherbrooke, a team built around guard play, ball movement, and a deliberate pace. Their offense relies on spacing, post touches, and guards who can get deep into the paint, and Elliot controlled all of it with poise. He played entirely at his own rhythm, never sped up, and consistently found ways to get downhill through ball screens, screen rejections, closeout attacks, and transition pushes. Sherbrooke’s structure amplified his strengths. When foul trouble slowed their interior scoring, Elliot took on more responsibility, keeping the offense flowing and repeatedly getting into the paint to create advantages. His scoring versatility stood out: midrange pull-ups, post-ups against smaller guards, catch-and-shoot threes, and tough finishes with either hand. There are still areas for growth. He can be too passive in the very last possessions, and his handle can tighten under heavy pressure. But he adjusted throughout the weekend and delivered some of his best stretches in the fourth quarter. His IQ, physicality, and ability to dictate driving lanes made him one of the most reliable lead guards in the tournament. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723239690965041?s=20 6. Dardaye Bah — 6’2 | 2028 (Édouard-Montpetit) Dardaye showed exactly why he was a first-team all-conference selection. He was one of the most confident shooters of the entire event, letting it fly off the catch, off the dribble, from deep, and from the midrange. He hunted shots, actively sought out big moments, and never shied away from late-game situations. Even when he did not convert, he created clean looks for his team and showed almost no hesitation. He is especially good at getting to his spots in the midrange, where his pull-ups were a reliable source of offense. There is still room for growth in terms of overall efficiency. He rarely got to the rim, but still found ways to reach the free-throw line by drawing contact on jumpers. His high release and forward momentum on pull-ups made him a unique scoring threat. Beyond scoring, he showed good IQ, flashed passing ability, and brought consistent defensive activity while holding his own on the glass. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723244153708970?s=20 7. Yassine Hajji — 6’7 | 2027 (Thetford) It was my first time seeing Yassine play in person, and he did not disappoint. He is a very good athlete for his size, and his combination of positional size, mobility, and footwork gave Thetford a true two-way presence. Offensively, he showed versatility and feel. He scored in the low post, ran the floor extremely well, and even pushed the ball himself at times. His handle still has room to improve, but the flashes were evident. He also passed well out of the post and showed some willingness to step out to the midrange and three-point line. Defensively, he showed the potential to guard every position in the RSEQ. His length, anticipation, and mobility allowed him to disrupt actions and protect the back line effectively. His versatility, feel, and two-way impact made him one of the most intriguing performers of the weekend. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723247987241448?s=20 8. Raphaël D’Astous — 6’1 | 2027 (Sherbrooke) Raphaël was one of the purest shooters in the tournament, averaging four made threes per game over the weekend. Most of his production came from spot-ups, but he also showed range and confidence. His mechanics are clean, repeatable, and quick, and he consistently found ways to get open. He can also attack closeouts, punish smaller defenders in the post, and finish through contact. In late-game situations, he was often the player Sherbrooke trusted to take the final shot. Even without always converting, he embraced those moments. His combination of shooting, physicality, and confidence made him one of the most prolific perimeter scorers of the weekend. Highlights: https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723251850236060?s=20 Category Specific Standouts Beyond the eight featured standouts, several players distinguished themselves in specific skill categories throughout the weekend. These are not rankings, but groups of three players who consistently excelled in their respective areas. Top USPORT Prospects Julian Rosa (Vanier) — 6’4, 2026 Yassine Hajji (Thetford) — 6’7, 2027 Julio Massa (Dawson) — 6’5, 2026 Point Guards Elliot Lunn (Sherbrooke) — 6’1, 2027 Jérémie Gibon (Thetford) — 6’1, 2027 Abdel Alao (Édouard-Montpetit) — 5’10, 2027 Shooters Dardaye Bah (Édouard-Montpetit) — 6’2, 2028 Raphaël D’Astous (Sherbrooke) — 6’1, 2027 Félix Bussière (Limoilou) — 5’10, 2026 Defenders Kedi Nzambe-Busugu (Dawson) — 6’2, 2027 Dzidula Marylight Sowadan (Vanier) — 6’0, 2026 Xavier Marceau (Limoilou) — 6’0, 2027 Inside Presence Alec McMahon (Sherbrooke) — 6’7, 2027 Christ-Ariel Oulaï (Limoilou) — 6’5, 2027 Zachary De Grandpré (Limoilou) — 6’8, 2027 Alexandre Gagnon (André-Laurendeau) — 6’5, 2026 Swiss Army Knives (Versatility) Pavel-Willam Bastien (Limoilou) — 6’3, 2027 Yussef Jawad (Vanier) — 6’3, 2026 Nathan Champagne (Sem. Sherbrooke) — 6’1, 2027 Closing Across three days of Provincials, these eight players consistently elevated their teams through scoring bursts, defensive versatility, rebounding, creation, and pure competitive presence. The RSEQ D2 level continues to produce players who are ready for the next step, and this weekend was another reminder of how much talent is hidden across Québec’s CEGEP landscape. To reflect the depth of the event, the article also includes a Category Specific Standouts section, highlighting additional players who excelled in different areas. For readers who want an even broader look at the talent on display, a full 20+ player list—complete with full game links, highlights, and strengths-and-weaknesses breakdowns—is available on X through the extended threads below. Extended Weekend Breakdown (Part 1 & 2) https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047723215376556298?s=20 https://x.com/QChoopslover/status/2047241091934543939?s=20 Contact Info https://linktr.ee/qchoopslover

Written by: QChoopslover - Marc The Maple Minute CEGEP is Québec’s unique bridge between high school and university competition. Since in Quebec high school ends at Grade 11, athletes enter CEGEP for up to three years, where they compete in RSEQ leagues that serve as a key development stage before moving on to university. The D2 league sits just below D1 and remains a competitive and physical environment filled with older, more mature players who are often ready to contribute immediately at the next level. It has already produced notable names such as Ismaël Diouf at Northern Iowa, Sultan Bhatti at Brandon University, and Chris Evrard Malonga at Nipissing, with many more following that path each year. The league is divided into two regions. The Sud Ouest, which includes nine teams from the greater Montréal area, is the deeper and more talent dense side of the league. The Nord Est, which includes eighteen teams from the Québec City region, brings its own style and depth. Both regions battle through their playoffs to send four teams each to Provincials, held this weekend from April 17 to 19 at Cégep Montmorency. This watchlist focuses on the eight teams that qualified for Provincials and highlights one key player per program. Jérémie Gibon 6'1 Class of 2027 Thetford Thetford relies heavily on its top players to make plays, and Jérémieties everything together. He controlled the tempo throughout the regionals, using his IQ to pressure defenses, shoot confidently out of the pick-and-roll, and make the right reads even as fatigue set in. He also showed the ability to score at all three levels: transition buckets, threes, tough drives, and timely assists, all while bringing real defensive presence both on and off the ball. Julian Rosa 6'4 Class of 2026 Vanier Julian was already featured in the last article for the way he operated as a true offensive hub, and that same versatility becomes even more important at Provincials. He screened, facilitated handoffs, posted smaller defenders, and even created in isolation, giving Vanier a forward who could generate offense from multiple spots on the floor. He also brought real defensive value, guarding multiple positions, jumping passing lanes, and controlling the glass with strength and consistency, which added another layer to his impact. Because Vanier’s half-court system runs through the middle with constant movement, backdoor actions, and handoff sequences, Julian’s decision-making and ability to read pressure were central to keeping their offense flowing. His blend of scoring, physicality, playmaking, and defensive presence fits perfectly with a team that relies on pace, cutting, and shared creation. He was the centerpiece that made their structure work. Thomas Pépin 6'3 Class of 2026 Limoilou Limoilou is one of the most complete teams in the league, with size, shooting, and multiple players who can take on responsibilities. Within that structure, Thomas brings a valuable blend of size, poise, and shot creation. He is a lights-out shooter on the catch and also has tough three-point shotmaking off the dribble, giving Limoilou a reliable option when possessions break down. His handle creates just enough separation to reach his spots, and he showed real variety as a shooter with pull-ups, catch-and-shoot looks, and quick pickups over contests. On a very balanced team, Thomas provides the spacing, decision-making, and individual scoring spark that elevates their offense. Yann Paré 5'11 Class of 2027 André‑Laurendeau Yann’s impact was already detailed in the previous article, where his feel, communication, and passing controlled the Sud Ouest bracket. Heading into Provincials, that same ability to manage tempo becomes even more important. AL plays with pace but also relies on structured half-court execution, and Yann’s command of actions, shot making, and ability to create advantages with his eyes make him the organizer who keeps everything connected. Elliot Lunn 6'1 Class of 2027 Sherbrooke Sherbrooke plays at a fast pace, runs clean sets, and relies on multiple guards to initiate action, and Elliot fits that identity perfectly. He is a high-IQ ballhandler who controlled games with pace and elite footwork, scoring with touch while maintaining his line on drives. His three-point shooting showed real variety. Elliot’s ability to stay composed, create advantages, and make reads under pressure makes him the guard who keeps their offense flowing. Julio Massa 6'5 Class of 2026 Dawson Julio was already highlighted in the last article for the way he powered Dawson through the Sud Ouest playoffs, and those same strengths translate directly to Provincials. His full-court pressure, physical drives, and ability to turn his team defense into offense fit perfectly with Dawson’s fast-paced identity. What stands out now is how his physical tools, rebounding ability, and downhill pressure can influence matchups. Nathan Champagne 6'1 Class of 2027 Séminaire de Sherbrooke Nathan's IQ and ability to get to the rim consistently created the advantages his team needed. He finished with both hands, used deception and footwork to beat bigger defenders, and played far above his size on both ends. He often had to play out of position, defend larger matchups, and carry more responsibility than most guards in the league. His versatility and ability to draw made him the engine of a team that relied heavily on his creation. Dardaye Bah 6'2 Class of 2028 Édouard‑Montpetit Dardaye’s shot creation and composure were already highlighted in the previous article, and Provincials give him another stage to show why he was a First Team All-Star. He is not a pure rim attacker, but his pace, communication, and rebounding make him a stabilizing presence in most games. Édouard Montpetit leans on creators when sets break down, and Dardaye’s ability to manufacture offense under multiple situations makes him their anchor in tight moments. Provincials tip off at Montmorency from April 17 to 19, and the quarterfinals are now set: Vanier against Séminaire de Sherbrooke, André Laurendeau against Sherbrooke, Dawson vs Thetford and Édouard Montpetit against Limoilou. Each team arrives with a clear identity, and every player highlighted here represents the competitive edge that brought their program to this stage. If you want more context, full game links, or notes on other standout players from across the league, you can reach out through my page. I share additional insights and help connect programs with athletes exploring their next steps. Contact Info: https://linktr.ee/qchoopslover

Written by Alex Cawsey As AAU season has officially kicked off, we take a look at a strong list of notable standouts who were on hand at the legendary Hoop Group Pittsburgh Jam Fest. With a deep cast of Canadian talent, Pittsburgh Jam Fest served as a proving ground for some of the best prospects in the country—many of whom will be on the national radar throughout the coming months. Alex Cawsey broke down the group from the baseline, where he was both recruiting and scouting for The Maple Minute. Javion Tyndale – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027 Javion is, by far, the best point guard in the 2027 Canadian class. He controls the pace of the game and strikes the perfect balance as both a playmaker and scorer. He creates any shot he wants and is a hyper-efficient scorer from all three levels. Expect more Division I offers and increased interest for the Montverde standout this summer. Stefan Ilic – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027 Stefan is an elite forward who can effectively play both inside and on the perimeter. His touch around the basket is extremely impressive, as he can finish with either hand and through contact. His defensive versatility stands out, with the foot speed to switch onto guards and the strength to battle with traditional forwards down low. Kyree Taylor – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027 Kyree is one of the most electric scoring guards in Canada. He can create any shot he wants and uses his quickness to get into the paint at will. His playmaking has come a long way, consistently creating easy looks for teammates with his ability to break down defenders using a wide array of attacks. Kymani Walters – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027 Walters is one of the most physically imposing on-ball defenders in Canada. His motor and defensive intensity will be a major asset for whichever college program lands him. Offensively, he has developed into a capable shot-maker who can score efficiently as both a spot-up shooter and when attacking closeouts. Amare Lincoln – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026 Amare had a massive weekend, showcasing his immense upside as a do-it-all forward. His ability to score in the paint and through contact was evident, as he consistently powered his way to tough finishes. His shooting continues to improve, proving he can knock down perimeter shots. He is also a force on the glass, tracking down rebounds outside his area and dominating the offensive boards. Jaylen Simmons – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026 Simmons is one of the quickest guards in his class. His ability to get into the paint—whether to finish through contact or create for teammates—is elite. His defensive intensity also stood out, as he hounds ball handlers and generates a high number of live-ball turnovers with his active hands and off-ball instincts. Kairo Charles – DC United HGSL – Class of 2027 Kairo is one of the quickest and shiftiest guards in the 2027 class. His shot creation for both himself and others is elite. Defensively, he is a true ball hawk, constantly applying pressure and creating live-ball turnovers. He is also one of the most vocal prospects in Canada, bringing strong leadership and energy as a teammate. Miles Hamilton – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026 Miles remains one of the most under-the-radar prospects in Canada. His ability to score from all three levels is exceptional. He shoots the ball efficiently from deep and consistently finds ways to score as both a cutter and driver. He also provides strong secondary playmaking, attacking closeouts and making the right decision at a high level. Shaundre Dennie – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026 Elite shooting, left-handed guard. Shaundre is a hyper-efficient scorer who can light it up from beyond the arc while also finding timely scoring opportunities as a cutter. He is a strong playmaker who creates effectively for teammates out of drive situations. Judah Price-Noel – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2026 Judah is a tough-nosed guard who scores efficiently from all three levels. He consistently finds ways to get into the paint and create for himself and others. Defensively, he applies constant pressure to opposing lead ball handlers. Myles Dehaney – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2027 Myles is a shifty guard who creates for himself and others at an elite level. He is a true lead guard who can run an offense effectively while also maintaining strong scoring efficiency. Kareem Aljaibat – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2027 Kareem is an elite athlete who continues to develop as a dynamic scorer. His jump shot has improved, and he is a strong-nosed wing who can score both as a driver and perimeter threat. Elijah Ali-Smith – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2028 Elijah is a smooth lead guard who provides both elite scoring and effective playmaking. He has developed into a true three-level scorer with the ability to create his own shot at any time. Sha-Cure Grant – NY Rens EYCL – Class of 2027 Sha-Cure is one of the most physically imposing forwards in his class. He consistently finishes through contact with either hand and is a tough-nosed rebounder. His ability to secure rebounds outside his area is particularly impressive, creating extra possessions for his team. Khalil Barrett – UPLAY EYCL – Class of 2027 Khalil has one of the best motors among Canadian prospects in his class. He is a relentless finisher who plays above the rim and absorbs contact well. Defensively, he is a ball hawk who applies constant pressure and excels at reading passing lanes. CJ Nelson – RWI – Class of 2026 CJ is one of the top shooters in the 2026 class. He creates shots for himself and others while effectively playing both on and off the ball. Isaiah Olunloyo – RWI – Class of 2026 Isaiah is an athletic combo guard who excels in both on-ball and off-ball roles. He gets downhill at will, shoots efficiently, and provides consistent playmaking, allowing him to run an offense and create quality opportunities for teammates.

Spring club season has started in Western Canada, and my first stop was Alley-Oop in Calgary, Alberta. If you didn't see my story last year, let me introduce you to the most fun spring tourney in Canada. They host 20 courts inside the Calgary Olympic speed skating Oval, and this session saw 350+ teams competing from U9 to U18. It is a fun atmosphere, and the organizers keep improving. This year, every game had a half-court shot for $100, and even 1 lucky girl hit a $ 1,000 shot. They also added a dirty soda booth that local players Nash and Drew Byam make some really good drinks (I may have had several sugar highs to support my guys) Now, the talent on display is also incredible, and coaches will want to take notes, as at least 5 ACAC/USport/post-grad coaches were in attendance. WHO STOOD OUT? The committed players (2027) 6'3 Noah Barlow - Mount Royal University A strong guard that knows what play to make. He is strong and took over several games, just getting to the rim at will. (2027) 6' Kai Dobranski - Durham College He led his team all weekend, hitting big 3's and making plays for his teammates. Any team that pressed him paid the price as he calmly broke it routinely. The Unsigned Grade 12's (2027) 6'8 Makalele Palid Supreme U18 The big man was noticeable every time he was on the floor this weekend. He was dominant in the paint at both ends, showing great strength and athleticism. He took the ball to the rim with power and finished through contact regularly. He also impressed with his desire to get the ball on rebounds, securing it high. (2027) 6'2 Drew Byam FYB Drew is as fundamentally sound as any player in the gym; he knocks down shots and makes plays. He will be highly sought after this summer as he makes his decision for what is next. (2027) 6'4 Cedric Reynolds-Raby Supreme U18 Cedric is an efficient player; he uses his first step to create issues for the defense and makes good reads to get himself a bucket or a pass to a teammate for a good shot. He knocked down perimeter shots and showed a great feel all weekend. (2027) 6'6 Matthew Maneer Empire (Winnipeg,MB) Matthew is a long, dynamic prospect with a full bag of tricks on offense. This weekend, he attacked the rim with fury and rebounded the ball at a high level, leading to easy breakouts for his teammates. (2027) 6'3 Nash Murray PEAK The very definition of hustle. He was everywhere on the court and showed an incredible IQ, especially on defense, understanding what was happening and making plays. (2027) 6' Hafeez Shokoya Rise U18 An incredible athlete who turned up the pace all weekend and had his team moving up and down the court. He was physical and got to the rim and finished with explosive dunks. (2027) 6'1 Kieran Weinberger Rise U18 I have seen Kieran play at the Dime Sessions, and his ability to shoot from deep is impressive. He is a very consistent shooter, with a quick release that doesn't need much space to make the opposition pay for losing him. (2027) 5'11 Max Saffran PEAK a heads-up point guard that controlled the floor for his squad. He created opportunities for himself and his team. The Ones to watch (2028) 6'5 Daniel Rom Empire It's hard to imagine he is still in grade 11; his ability to knock down shots anywhere on the court, as well as above the rim in traffic, made him the most-watched player in the building all weekend. (2028) 6'5 Mitchell Ilika Supreme U17 The big man was an imposing player in every game he played. Mitchell's ability to both post up and take the ball off the wing and finish. He also showed incredible defensive instincts, guarding multiple positions. (2028) 6'3 Luca Pek YXE Elite Luca knows how to be a connector and make the little things his team needs to win. He is growing into a very good defender who can change the game. (2028) 6'2 Austin Wang Supreme U17 Austin makes shots, and his teammates look for him. Whether off a catch-and-shoot or a one-dribble pump fake, he was one of the most consistent shooters all weekend and made clutch shots for his team in both their playoff comeback wins. (2029) 6' Sayvian Smallings Factory He impressed throughout the weekend, making quick, athletic, and dynamic plays. He pushed the ball up the floor and was one of, if not the best, floor generals I saw all weekend. Alley-Oop was a great start to the spring club season, and I expect the talent to keep standing out. Thank you to all the coaches and players who stopped and said 'Hi'. If you want to know where I will be this summer, be sure to check out my Instagram (@davidharmoncoach) and see the pinned post. Be sure to follow on X (@david_harmon) to see my player standouts in real time.

Zach Hawley had a great season at Edge Prep in 2025-26 and while the production speaks loudly, it also doesn't tell the whole story. On paper, the numbers were efficient: 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, paired with shooting splits of 50% from the field, 44% from three, and 93% from the free-throw line. The output was real. But Hawley's value is easier to understand when you look at how those numbers are generated - and what happens in the possessions around them. "Of course, everyone looks at the scoring," Hawley said. "But I've always thought of the game as just playing the right way. If you're watching without the numbers, I think you're seeing someone who's going to make the right play." Efficiency as a Choice At higher levels of competition, efficiency tends to reflect decision-making more than touch; Hawley's shot profile suggests intent. He isn't accumulating attempts; he's selecting moments. "Everyone at this level can score," he said. "So you have to take the right shots and not take away from someone else's." This mindset shows up in his shot selection - catch-and-shoot looks taken without hesitation, drives that collapse defenders without forcing the finish, and a willingness to pass when the defense responds. The percentages reinforce the idea that his offense operates within the structure. Defensive Presence and Non-Stat Impact Hawley's season also showed that the notion of a scorer only is false. The rebounding and steals numbers reflect engagement, but not the full picture. Being on the help side isn't a stat," he said. "But that's how you win or lose games." That comment captures a recurring theme when watching Zach: early positioning, communication, and defensive possessions that end without any credit. These are habits coaches tend to trust before roles expand. What Holds Under Pressure When asked what he leans on as competition increases, Hawley didn't overcomplicate the answer or take long to find it. "I trust my shot," he said. "I know the work I've put in." Confidence, in this case, is backed up by effort. He also references intensity - defending, rebounding, staying engaged from the start - as the constant when games get tighter. Having confidence knowing the hours in the gym will pay off. Aggression without Possession Control One aspect of Hawley's game is how pressure dictates it. He doesn't equate aggression with finishing every action. If you're a threat, guys have to jump out on you," he said. "That's when you find teammates." The results are assists that are a product of reads rather than orchestration. He creates movement without monopolizing it, which allows him to slide between roles depending on the lineup and matchup. A Role-Flexible Outlook As he looks to make the next step in his basketball journey, Hawley doesn't frame his future around a fixed identity. "Playing your role might mean setting a screen, slipping, creating for others," he said. "It depends." That answer aligns with how his season played out statistically and situationally. His value doesn't depend on maintaining a single usage rate or a single-shot diet. Instead, it is tied to reliability, spacing, shot readiness, defensive awareness, and a willingness to operate within whatever the game requires. What the Season Suggests Hawley references Jason Kidd when describing impact - "the most impactful player on the floor, even if he didn't score." It's not a reference to skill set that he wants to emulate, but to mind-set. The takeaway from this season isn't that he scored efficiently, though he did. It's that his production sits on top of habits that he has worked tirelessly to develop. Those habits tend to hold. And when roles change, that is usually what matters the most.

Written by: QChoopslover - Marc The Maple Minute CEGEP is Québec’s unique post–high school pathway, bridging the gap between high school and university competition. Since high school ends at Grade 11, athletes enter CEGEP for up to three years (CEGEP 1–2–3), where they compete in RSEQ leagues that serve as a key development stage before university. The CEGEP D2 league sits just below D1. It is a competitive, physical environment that consistently produces U SPORTS– and CCAA-ready talent, filled with older, physically developed players who can contribute immediately at the next level. It also serves as a springboard for athletes aiming to jump to their school’s D1 roster. The pathway has already produced notable names such as Ismaël Diouf (NCAA D1, Northern Iowa; national champion with Laval in 2024), Sultan Bhatti (Brandon University; U SPORTS All-Canadian Second Team), and Chris-Evrard Malonga (Nipissing; OUA All-Rookie), with many more following that trajectory each year. The Sud-Ouest region (nine teams), representing the greater Montréal area, is the deeper and more talent-dense side of the league, while the Nord-Est (18 teams) covers the Québec City region. Both regions battle through their playoffs to send four teams to provincials, held this year from April 17–19 at Cégep Montmorency. Results Regional Champions:  Vanier Second Place:  Dawson Third Place:  André-Laurendeau Standout Players Julio Massa 6'5 Class of 2026 Dawson Julio brought a strong two-way presence in the regionals, applying full-court pressure, disrupting ball handlers, and using his size to finish through contact. His physical scoring stood out with euro steps, slow steps, and strong drives that consistently earned him trips to the line. This fit his team perfectly, as Dawson plays at one of the fastest paces in the Sud-Ouest and constantly turns defense into offense. Julio’s blend of strength, mobility, and downhill pressure made him the engine of a team built on aggression and transition scoring. Julian Rosa 6'4 Class of 2026 Vanier Julian operated as a true offensive hub by screening, facilitating handoffs, posting up, and creating in isolation. His ability to score from multiple spots while anchoring the glass makes him one of the most complete forwards in the league. Because Vanier’s half-court offense runs through the middle of the floor with constant movement, backdoor actions, and handoffs, Julian’s decision-making and versatility were a major part of their system. His impact matched exactly what Vanier needed from their centerpiece. Ed Papoute Laurent 6'0 Class of 2026 Heritage Ed was a silent killer—efficient, poised, and constantly in control. He lived in the paint, finishing with both hands or kicking out when help arrived. His shot-making, both off the dribble and on the catch, gave him multiple scoring layers. Heritage relied heavily on their two creators to generate offense, and Ed’s ability to break down defenses and stay composed under pressure was essential to maintaining their structure. He was the stabilizer in a system that leaned on guard play, and he is actively looking for a U SPORTS opportunity while having the skill set to make an immediate impact in the CCAA. Yann Paré 5'11 Class of 2027 André-Laurendeau Yann ran the show with elite feel, constant communication, and high-level passing. He created advantages with his eyes, threading tight-window passes while also scoring in transition and hitting shots from three and the midrange. Given that André-Laurendeau pushes pace but also slows down to execute patiently in the half court, Yann’s ability to organize actions and control tempo made him the brain of their offense. Yussef Jawad 6'3 Class of 2026 Vanier Yussef showcased real offensive versatility, getting to the line, attacking mismatches, and punishing defenses on pops and cuts. He used his strength to bully smaller guards while staying active on the offensive glass. Because Vanier’s offense thrives on movement, physicality, and skill, Yussef’s ability to score without needing plays called for him made him the ideal complementary piece. He fit seamlessly into a read-and-react structure. Souley Traoré 6'2 Class of 2027 Vanier Souley scored both on and off the ball, using his athleticism to get downhill while showing he can operate in ball screens as a scoring threat. He added value with cuts, spot-ups, and defensive disruption, jumping passing lanes and turning mistakes into transition points. Vanier’s identity is built on pace and defensive pressure, and Souley’s ability to instantly flip the tempo made him one of the most dangerous guards in the region. His style amplified everything Vanier wanted to do. Kedi Nzambe-Busugu 6'2 Class of 2027 Dawson Kedi brought downhill pressure in all three games, using his speed to score in transition and create bursts of offense. He took on tough defensive matchups, competed physically, and even face-guarded late in games. Because Dawson plays fast, pressures full court, and thrives on chaos, Kedi’s athleticism and defensive edge made him a perfect fit. He embodied the team’s aggressive identity on both ends. Dardaye Bah 6'2 2028 Édouard-Montpetit Dardaye stood out as a poised shot creator, using fluid ball-handling to generate his own looks and score in tough situations. Rim pressure is not his primary strength, but he compensated with elite communication, excellent pace, and intentional rebounding. Édouard-Montpetit ran organized half-court sets and leaned on creators when plays broke down, and Dardaye’s ability to stay composed and manufacture offense fit that structure perfectly. He was their stabilizer in tight moments. In my view, he is the prospect with the most upside—impressive considering he is already a First Team All-Star. Abdel Alao 5'10 Class of 2027 Édouard-Montpetit Abdel played with edge and constant pressure, living at the free-throw line thanks to steady rim attacks and sharp ball-screen reads. His efficiency on possessions where he does not draw fouls can still grow, but he balanced that with high-level defensive activity—jumping passing lanes, creating turnovers, and staying locked in. Because Édouard-Montpetit relies heavily on guard pressure and rim touches to open up their sets, Abdel’s downhill ability and defensive intensity fit their identity perfectly. Steven Bonilla-Montoya 6'2 Class of 2027 André-Laurendeau Steven brought relentless defensive toughness, often guarding the opponent’s best player and fighting over every screen. His motor was unmatched—sprinting the floor after makes, pushing pace, and creating easy buckets in transition. André-Laurendeau’s style is built on pace, pressure, and physicality, and Steven’s nonstop energy made him the heartbeat of that approach. He was a tone-setter every time he stepped on the floor. As the competition tightens at Montmorency from April 17–19, the provincial quarterfinal matchups are officially set: Vanier vs. Séminaire de Sherbrooke, André-Laurendeau vs. Sherbrooke, and Édouard-Montpetit vs. Limoilou. A full player watchlist for both regions is coming soon. There are far more standout athletes than those highlighted here, and several are still looking for opportunities at the next level. A huge thank you to the players, coaches, cameramen, scorekeepers, and everyone who helped make the regional playoffs run smoothly—especially Cégep André-Laurendeau for hosting and organizing the event at such a high level. If you are interested in learning more about any of the featured players or others who stood out during the season, you can reach out through my page. I share additional notes, context, and insights, and can help connect programs with athletes exploring their next steps. Provincials tip off at Cégep Montmorency from April 17–19. Stay tuned—the best basketball of the year is still ahead. Contact:   https://linktr.ee/qchoopslover

After taking last year off, City & Love has brought back the Prairie Hoops Jamboree. This year has seen the addition of yours truly (David Harmon) to help select the players, and a Young Stars game to spotlight grade 9 and 10 players throughout the province. Friday, April 10th Girls Young Stars Game 6:00 p.m. Girls All-Star Game 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11th Boys Young Stars Game 2:00 p.m. Boys All-Star Game 4:00 p.m. *** All games will be live-streamed at www.youtube.com/@jeremysundeen **** BOYS ALL-STAR ROSTERS Team North Number Name Grade Height School 0 COOK, Owen 11 6'2 BJM Owen is a crafty player who makes plays for his teammates and gets to the rim extremely well 1 HAWLEY, Zach 12 6'1 Edge In my opinion, the best guard prospect in Western Canada has unmatched deep-range shooting. 2 HAWLEY, Andrew 11 6'1 Walter Murray Andrew can flat-out shoot the ball. When his feet are set, he is as good as anyone. 3 MacANGUS, Kaden 12 6'3 St. Joseph Kaden is an excellent ball-handler whose athleticism allows him to get to the rim or pull up with range 4 TYSON, Lucian 11 5'10 Holy Cross Lucian is a microwave who heats up quickly and scores at all 3 levels. 5 LWANGA, Ezra 11 6'1 Holy Rosary An elite player in the ball screen, Ezra is a very good shooter of the bounce 6 MUTONGOLO, Raph 12 6'1 Holy Cross One of the best perimeter defenders in Western Canada, his ability to impact the game on the defensive end is inspiring 8 JUNGSWIRTH, Jakob 12 6'10 Martensville The big man is an elite rebounder who secures the ball above the rim. As he gets more comfortable with contact, he will be a force at the next level 10 LARSEN, Isak 12 6' Walter Murray Isak is the ultimate team player; he finds roles that make the team better and has the IQ and skill set to excel in those roles 11 LITZENBERGER, Zane 12 6'1 Carlton Committed to the University of Regina football team He is a high-energy player who can be a force on both ends of the floor 12 DOBRANSKI, Kai 12 6' Aden Bowman Kai is a high-IQ guard who looks to put his team in great scoring positions. He uses his body well to create angles for a shot or a pass 25 MacCUAIG, Emerson 12 6'4 Carlton Committed to The King's University He is a force in the paint whose great footwork and relentless pursuit of the ball make him a match-up nightmare. BOYS ALL-STAR ROSTERS Team South Number Name Grade Height School 0 TEECE, Quinn 12 6'3 Sheldon Williams A highly skilled player who does a little of everything and isn't afraid to get physical 1 SCOULAR, Sacha 11 6'4 Campbell a big point guard that shoots the ball well and picks defenses apart 3 LIPPAI, Joseph 12 6'4 Riffel Committed to UPEI He can shoot the ball extremely well and has been an impact player on defense this season 4 NDAYIKENGURUKIYE, Christ-Nado 12 6'9 Orangeville a long athletic prospect that alters shots and rebounds well. 6 BAKER-PALMA, Dominic 11 6'5 Campbell An excellent finisher around the rim who is incredible in the pick-and-roll. 7 LASU, Obama 12 6'4 Harvest City A high motor athlete who causes chaos on both ends of the floor 8 EVBUOMWAN, Osaze 11 6'3 Regina Christian a big body guard that uses his size extremely well to get to the rim, he also knocks down his shots incredibly well, making him a tough match-up 9 SOYEMI, Mofope 12 6' Miller Mofope is a true point guard that pushes the pace and finds his teammates, but give him room, and he is a very good shooter that makes you pay 10 SHAW, Rayce 11 6'1 Riffel An elite scorer who can pick apart a defense in a ball screen. 11 YEMBA, Isiah 12 6' Harvest City Committed to Briercrest Isiah is a smart guard who makes great plays on both ends of the floor 12 HOMINUKE, Sam 11 6'4 Leboldus A big lefty that can do a little of everything, attacks the rim from both the wing and post 24 THOMSON, Kobe 11 5'9 Martin Kobe is a coach on the floor, extremely competitive, and willing to do all the hard things GIRLS ALL-STAR ROSTERS Team North Number Name Grade Height School 0 ROBERTS, Syage 9 5'6 Walter Murray one of the best guard prospects in the country, an electric guard that can shoot, drive, and handle 1 AARO, Dyllin 11 5'7 St. Joseph Physical guard that scores effortlessly. 2 HOLT-MELLOR, Grier 10 5'5 Holy Cross Has a high motor and plays the whole 94 feet. 3 HICKEY, Ellie 11 5'8 St Joseph Smooth athlete whose length impacts the game on both ends 4 HUMENNY, Camryn 11 5'6 North Battleford Best described as a 'bulldog' that gets into the ball on defense and knocks down open shots 5 HOLT-MELLOR, Sloane 12 5'9 Holy Cross Committed to the University of Saskatchewan. Physical player who uses her basketball IQ to affect the game on both ends 6 ASPINALL, Sadie 12 5'7 Estevan Committed to the University of Alberta - Augustana Unlimited shooting range, she will shoot early and often 8 JETZKE, Brynn 11 5'9 Walter Murray Physical player that loves to mix it up in the paint. 9 ZEHTAB-JADID, Zelene 12 5'3 Aden Bowman A solid guard that loves to get after it on the defensive end. Watch for her euro step, it is devastating 11 METLEWSKY, Ariyana 12 5'8 North Battleford Committed to Briercrest, She is a slasher who will continue to improve 12 SIMPSON, Addison 12 5'10 Central Committed to The King's University, She has a great offensive game and protects the rim. 13 JACKSON, Dani 11 5'11 Swift Current Has an unlimited ceiling, a high-skilled player who just keeps improving GIRLS ALL STARS ROSTERS Team South Number Name Grade Height School 0 MICHELL, Neko 11 5'9 Leboldus Has committed to play soccer at Memphis hands down the best athlete on the floor 1 CAMERON, Sarah 12 5'10 MIller Crazy athlete that is devastating in transition 2 WELLS, Jael 12 5'5 Harvest City Committed to the University of Regina. The Heady point guard who can score from anywhere and has basketball IQ beyond her years. 3 RIEGER, Chloe 12 5'10 Riffel Committed to NAIT Talented shooter when she gets her feet set. 4 FERRARA-HORNE, Severyn 12 5'10 Notre Dame Really strong shooter from deep. 5 LEVY, Ayla 10 6'2 Winston Knoll Freak of nature that has guard skills for a 6'3" 6 KOT, Hayden 12 6'1 Leboldus Committed to the University of Saskatchewan. Look for her floor presence, shooting touch at all 3 levels, and command of the game. 7 OUELLET, Sophia 12 5'7 Sheldon Williams Aggressive defender that will play 94 feet on both sides of the ball 8 WOLOSHYN, Kierden 10 5'8 Sheldon WIlliams Grade 10 guard who can fill it up, finishing and shooting. 10 BIRNIE, Brooke 12 5'4 Winston Knoll Heady guard that can stay in front of people and shoot from deep 12 MEBAN, Nicola 11 6'1 Leboldus Look for her sweet shooting stroke and ability to score from anywhere on the court. 17 CLIVE, Kai-Lynn 12 5'11 Harvest CIty Committed to The University of Regina a heady 5 that knows how to play as an undersized post. BOYS YOUNG STARS ROSTERS Team North Number Name Grade Height School 2 SAID, Ali 10 5'11 Holy Cross a natural playmaker who gets to the paint and puts pressure on defenses 3 TYSON, Syn 9 6' Holy Cross a leader whose skill set is well beyond his years, he can do it all on the court and picks his spots well 4 MURDOCH, Kingston 9 6'8 St. Joseph a modern big man who can stretch the floor but also protect the paint 5 CLIMENHAGA, Josh 10 5'9 Carlton a heady guard who uses his quickness to set teammates up for easy looks 6 COOK, Evan 9 6'1 BJM A strong wing who uses his body to get to the rim and has excellent range 7 HAWLEY, Lucas 10 5'9 Walter Murray a high-IQ player who can play any role on the floor, especially on the defensive end 8 ARANDA, Marcus 10 5'7 Bethlehem He is fearless and attacks the rim with abandon, and defensively, an absolute pest for 94 feet 10 SOWAH, Ivan 10 6' St Joseph a quick guard that gets to his spots and creates good shots 11 GRANT, Taylor 10 6'2 BJM He is the definition of a bucket getter, scores from anywhere in the half-court, and looks effortless 12 MAKOL, Makol 10 6'3 Holy Cross He is super athletic and is a creative scorer, also a very good defender with an impressive wingspan 22 PETERSON, Paul 9 6'7 Holy Cross A true big man who gets in the paint and plays physical on both ends, he has shown great footwork and an array of post moves that make him a tough match-up. 99 MULDER, Jonah 10 6'6 Walter Murray a relentless motor that believes every rebound belongs to him, he locks in on defense and makes you cover him the whole 94 feet BOYS YOUNG STARS ROSTERS Team South Number Name Grade Height School 0 NGOR, Liing 9 6'5 Regina Christian Huge wing player, a matchup nightmare with his ability to shoot and post up. 1 FORSYTHE, Kymani 10 5'10 Riffel Best motor on the floor and can guard everyone, really strong shooter and attacker. 2 KOT, Anderson 10 6'3 Leboldus He has a great size for his position and is an extremely talented shooter 3 BELSHER, Hudson 10 6' Central Pure point guard, there isn't a pass or shot he can't make. 4 FOKOUG, Nathan 9 6'4 Riffel Great grade 9 athlete with a huge frame. Can score from anywhere and guard 1-5. 8 DelCASTILLO, Jacob 10 6'2 Miller Maybe the best shooter in the province, and has unlimited confidence from deep 9 ANDRES, Porter 9 6'2 Miller Great size and still growing and improving 10 ARTAVIA, Caleb 10 5'10 Peacock Really talented scorer and crafty ball handler 11 WELYKHOLOWA, Nate 10 6' Miller Big wing that makes the right play on and off the ball. 12 LANG, Jayce 10 6'5 Riffel Massive rim protector that can alter everything around his own basket and finish at the other one. 24 KARKI, Ananya 10 5'11 Campbell Wizard with the ball attacking the basket, he can "go get a bucket." 35 WALDRON, Braydon 10 6'5 Martin Brick wall at the 5, who is only getting better. GIRLS YOUNG STARS ROSTERS Team North Number Name Grade Height School 1 DIMAGUILA, Annia 10 5'0 Bethlehem excellent court vision that is always looking to break down the defense to create opportunities 4 BURNS, Annabelle 10 5'8 LCBI a strong rebounder that is able to score and finish. 5 HAYNES, Hayden 10 5'10 Bethlehem Her length allows her to get her shot off easily over any defender 6 OBOROWSKY, Callie 9 5'9 North Battleford A great sense of the game and aggressively attacks on offense 7 LARSEN, Marin 10 5'8 Walter Murray plays with an IQ well beyond her years, and if you leave her open, she will drill it from deep. 8 WAGNER, Chelsea 10 5'7 LCBI A fundamental, solid player who excels on defense 9 CLARK, Alexis 10 5'4 Holy Rosary Great decision-maker and leader who is dangerous with the ball in her hands 10 AZINTA, Emmanuella 9 5'11 Carlton A long lefty who just keeps improving 11 PEARSON, Addie 10 5'8 Walter Murray a great two-way player that is physical on defense and can score at all three levels 12 TAYLOR, Sienna 10 5'6 Holy Cross Another high-IQ player who is a natural leader. She looks to create for herself and her teammates 13 CHEPIL, Riley 10 5'9 Wynyard An aggressive, high-IQ player who guards extremely well 20 OLUWATOMISIN, Oresanya (Tomi) 10 6'2 Bethlehem She is long and uses that to her advantage on both ends of the floor as she is an excellent shot blocker. GIRLS YOUNG STARS ROSTERS Team South Number Name Grade Height School 1 SKOLNEY, Gracie 10 5'7 Regina Christian Unlimited range and confidence from the 3-point line. 2 BOWERING, Charlotte 9 5'4 Luther Extremely talented scorer at all levels. 4 SUNDEEN, Lily 9 5'11 Luther Great all-around player whose length makes her a problem on offense and defense. 5 CAREFOOT, Ila 10 5'7 Sheldon Williams A great athlete who can keep everyone in front of her. 6 WAYNARSKI, Carolina 9 5'5 Campbell Offensive star who can do it all with the ball in her hands. 7 GALLAGHER, Keaghlan 10 5'5 Riffel Extremely crafty point guard that's always trying to make the coolest play possible. 8 BRADLEY-DAWSON, Charlotte 10 5'5 Luther Aggressive athlete who can attack the basket very well. 9 STASIUK, Georgia 10 5'3 Campbell A combo player that plays off 2 feet and makes good decisions 11 BURROWS, Emma 10 5'8 Campbell   All-around star on both sides of the ball. 12 CAMERON, Rachael 10 5'9 Miller Really strong athlete who uses her frame to her advantage on both sides. 13 MacLENNAN, Lilianna 10 5'9 Leboldus Has played a lot of high-level basketball and is a very strong finisher. 22 MARSH, Lennon 9 5'4 Winston Knoll Great shooter and all-around guard. Thank you to everyone who has helped put together this list and make this possible for the athletes. A special thank you to Stephen Shields, Zenon Orobko, and Cori Linantud for the player breakdowns.

It was another great weekend of basketball in Moose Jaw, SK, as 48 teams gathered for Hoopla. In Saskatchewan, the high school provincial championship weekend known as Hoopla sees the top 4 boys and girls teams from the 1A to 4A classifications and the top 8 boys and girls teams in 5A. This is the culmination of 3 weeks of action as the rural teams go through Conference playoffs, where top teams are ranked and advance to regional playoffs, where the winner of each regional advances to Hoopla. It makes for a busy, hectic weekend as they play across 4 gyms in one city to determine all the champions. I will take a look at who won and, in my opinion, which players were the MVPs, before giving coaches an overview of some standout male players they should track. THE PROVINCIAL CHAMPS 5A Men - Holy Cross Crusaders (Saskatoon, SK) MVP - Raphael Mutongolo This marks Holy Cross' back-to-back titles; only Raph and Lucian Tyson returned from last year's team. This year's squad has only 4 grade 12s and 2 grade 9s who played significant roles. We could be looking at a dynasty. Also want to note that Holy Cross had 3 losses all year - Maples (Manitoba 4A champs), Collingwood (BC AA champs), and St FX (Alberta 5A runner-ups). What a season Women - Leboldus Golden Suns (Regina, SK) co-MVP - Nicola Meban and Hayden Kot This is 3 in a row for the Suns, with the co-MVP's being major contributors in all 3. This squad was undefeated against any Saskatchewan opponents this season 4A Men - Central Cyclones (Moose Jaw, SK) MVP - Keaton Belsher (Grade 12) This is 6 in a row for the Cyclones, who don't look to be slowing down anytime soon. Women - Harvest City Christian Reapers MVP - Jael Wells (Grade 12) University of Regina Commit This marks the Reapers 3rd title in 5 years, with a 5A silver as well. 3A Men - Regina Christian Grizzlies MVP - Osaze Evbuomwan (Grade 11) Regina Christian has earned 9 gold medals in the past 10 Hoopla competitions. Coach Glasspell has built a program that just keeps winning Women - Wynyard Bears MVP - Riley Chepil (Grade 10) This marks the Bears 3rd title in 4 years, with a silver the other year and a 2A title in 2022. Add on Coach Trevor Otsig's 5 - 1A titles in Middle Lake, and your jaw drops at his success. 2A Men - St Brieux Crusaders MVP - Wil Daubenfeld (Grade 12) 5 of the last 7 2A championships have gone home with Coach Ryan Trembley. Women - Preeceville Panthers MVP - Kacey Heskins (Grade 12) That is 3 straight championships for the Panthers 1A Men - Porcupine Plain Bears MVP - Kaden Wasylyk (Grade 12) Back-to-back for the team from Northeast Sask. Women - Norquay Knights MVP - Presley Vogel (Grade 11) This is the 1st ever title for the Knights. WHO STOOD OUT? The committed players (2027) 6'4 Emerson MacCuaig - The King's University (ACAC) Not much more I can say about the big man, but his footwork, sheer strength, and impressive 3-point shooting all helped his team come get to the title game, and 31 points in a heroic final effort. (2027) 6' Isiah Yemba - Briercrest College (ACAC) His leadership and grit were evident once again as his team won a close semi-final before running into the juggernaut that is Central. (2027) 6'3 Suliman Suliman - Okanagan College (PacWest) The athletic prospect did a little of everything, winning his 2nd Hoopla title. (2027) 6'1 Zane Litzenberger - University of Regina Football 29 points in the final in a year where he led team Saskatchewan in scoring at the Canada Games, he had an unbelievable high school career. (2027) 6'2 Keaton Belsher - University of Saskatchewan Football 3 consecutive 4A Hoopla titles and 24 points in his final championship game. The Unsigned Grade 12's (2027) 6'1 Raph Mutongolo Holy Cross As noted above, he was the MVP for the 5A champs and did it all. He may have only scored 6 points in the final, but I counted 12+ assists unofficially as he fed his big men easy baskets all game. Most impressive was his defense, as always. When Cross needed big stops in overtime, he delivered. (2027) 6'6 Clarence Ermine Carlton The big man has been on my radar for several years, and this weekend was his coming-out party. A huge dunk in traffic as his team was coming back in the 4th was definitely a statement. He led the break off of defensive rebounds and found ways to score consistently all game. (2027) 6' Mofope Soyemi Miller He opened Hoopla Thursday night with 36 points and was a steady leader for his team throughout the weekend. He is a pure point guard who has grown immensely in his ability to make the game easier for his teammates. (2027) 6'3 Quinn Teece Sheldon Williams Quinn is a highly skilled prospect who did it all for his team. Leading them in scoring all 3 games, rebounding, and playing tough defense. He is a tough, scrappy player who will help any program he joins. (2027) 6' Isak Larsen Walter Murray Isak has shown over the years I have covered him that he just helps the team win. Whether being the primary ball handler, taking a scoring role, spotting up and knocking down shots, or locking down the opponent's top perimeter player. He just does what he needs to do and is a great teammate. (2027) 6'2 Nate Fransoo John Paul II Nate can shoot the ball. When he gets his feet set, the opposition is in trouble. He showed all weekend that he isn't afraid of the moment and did a great job defending as well. (2027) 6'2 Obama Lasu Harvest City Christian Obama is uber athletic and plays with a high motor at all times. He attacks the paint and finishes well, but I think it is his defensive upside that makes him a prospect that programs will want. His lateral quickness and ability to explode for rebounds and on the break are impressive. The Ones to Watch (2028) 6'4 Sam Hominuke Dr Martin Leboldus Sam has continued to grow his game this season, and he is getting stronger and more confident in his ability to finish around the rim. He grabs rebounds above the basket and gets out on the break well. I am excited about how he will play on the summer circuit and about his next progression. (2029) 6'3 Anderson Kot Dr. Martin Leboldus My first look at the young shooter and he did not disappoint, he plays with a maturity well beyond his years and moves extremely well to find openings to get his shot off. I expect Anderson will be a big-time prospect over the next 2 years. (2029) 5'9 Kobe Fontanila Miller My first impression of Kobe is that he can really go. He played at an extremely high pace but was under great control. Having spent his season on the junior team and moving up for the playoffs, he looks as if he has been with the team all year and showed no signs of Hoopla being too big a stage. (2029) 6'3 Jacob DelCastillo Miller I am no stranger to Jacob's talent; he has been shooting the lights out for several years on the club scene with various squads. The impression I come away from Hoopla with is that he is growing into his frame, getting stronger, and rounding out his game nicely. Only in grade 10, and putting up huge point totals in big games, Jacobs' ceiling is looking very high. (2028) 6'6 Daniel Umejiego Holy Cross To me, Daniel was the breakout player of Hoopla. Coming in, I knew him as one of the best rebounders I had seen in high school ball, and he did not disappoint. However, it was his work on offense that really stood out. He found room down low to get behind the defense, and when his guards gave him the ball, he used his impressive strength to finish through contact and draw fouls. If he realizes that he can finish these with dunks, he will be an even scarier option next season. (2028) 5'11 Lucian Tyson Holy Cross I love watching Lucian play. He is a microwave that heats up quickly, and at that point, the game is usually over for his opposition. He can get his shot off from well behind that 3-point line, and he doesn't need much room to do it, but if you guard him too closely, he will get to the rim and finish around much larger defenders. He will be a player coaches want to talk to sooner rather than later, as he will draw a lot of attention next year. (2028) 6' Nash Temple Central Nash scored the ball well all weekend and was a driving force for Central. I think coaches will want to keep an eye on him as he takes the lead role in helping Central go for his 7th consecutive title next season. (2028) 5'9 Zander Rissling Humboldt This was the first chance I have had to see Zander, and he shot the lights out all weekend. Despite a smaller stature, he was aggressive defensively and showed that he could get his team organized and into their offense. (2028) 6' Carter Glasspell Regina Christian Carter was once again at his best, getting his team organized and into their sets. His communication on the floor is incredible to watch, and when given an open shot, he is as good as almost anyone I saw all weekend. (2028) 6'3 Osaze Evbuomwan Regina Christian Osaze is going to be one I keep my eyes on closely this summer. He continues to grow physically, and that will be an issue for opponents. He already scores well at all 3 levels, and how that translates against competition in the top club divisions will really show what level coaches should be recruiting him next year. (2030) 6' Syn Tyson Holy Cross (2030) 6'6 Paul Peterson Holy Cross It's rare you see me cover grade 9's as they are so early in their development, projecting them is hard. It is also unheard of to see a grade 9 play a massive role on a defending provincial champ, but these 2 did exactly that. Syn and Paul showed that they can play with anyone anywhere, and I can't wait to see their growth. Watch for an article on these 2 sometime this summer.