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2024/25 was a great season in Saskatchewan, and we had some memorable moments, including buzzer-beater wins in both Saskatoon city finals and Saskatchewan provincial final, both involving Walter Murray and Holy Cross. College coaches were watching and paying attention as 16 players from grade 12 last season have moved on to play basketball at the next level : 5 - USport (Faisal Mahadi - USask, Moe Osman - USask, Osaze Oseghale- Dalhousie, Eston Glass- URegina, and Nathan Matebekwane- Queen's) 6 - CCAA (Demi - Douglas College, Thomas Olsen - Medicine Hat, Corbin Andres - Red Deer, Chase Seaborn - Briercrest, Ethan Aveyard - Okanagan, Nemo Arnold - Holland) 4 - Prep School (Kian Tyson - Edge, Cher Madol - Greater Destiny Prep , Jesse Klinger - The Academy Phoenix, and Mukungu Mutabazi - WCPA) 1 - MCAC (Garrett Smith) There were also 5 players from the 2023/24 grad class that went to prep and have now found college homes. Kaden Thompson - Ontario Tech (USport), Ethan Short - Dakota College at Bottineau, Osagie Okundaye - FPC Junior College, Jeremy Proctor - Ambrose (CCAA), and Dru Swain - Augustana (CCAA). This year I have decided not to rank the players as those are arbitrary numbers and were unneccesary, the post-secondary coaches I talk to would like to know skills, attitude and upside more than who compares to who, so this year I am simply going to highlight the 13 players that I have observed over the past year that coaches need to be looking at for thier programs. Please note that I did not include Zach Hawley and Nado Nadayikengurukiye as they will be playing their grade 12 seasons at Edge Prep in Calgary and Orangeville in Ontario, respectively, and will be highlighted in due time. Ben is a highly athletic prospect who experienced a significant surge in performance over the summer. He plays above the rim and is always noticeable in every game. He has shown the ability to stretch the floor with his shot, and his defense is solid. Every time I saw him play with Slam Elite and then during the Homecourt Summer League, he continued to add to his game. If he continues his evolution during the season with Centennial, he projects to be a wing that can bring a ton of energy to a team. He could be a solid pick-up for a CCAA team looking to add athleticism and depth. Emerson is a problem in the paint for most teams and has a very unique skill set. He uses his size well to get position and leverage against bigger players in the post. He is an excellent rebounder who consistently battles for every ball. He steps out and has an improving 3-point shot, especially from the corner. Emerson impressed during the summer with his Thunder club team, and my fellow Maple Minute contributor Harrison Paulichuk noted some of his standout games. Despite being undersized, I think that Emerson could become a contributor for a CCAA team that provides strength and smart play. Isak is a high-IQ player who has a great feel for the game. Watching him play over the past several years with Rise Above, Saskatchewan, and Walter Murray has shown me that he is always an impact player who finds a role to excel in. His ability to guard the best player for the opposition is incredibly valuable; he can also be trusted to keep the offense flowing and knock down shots when left open. I believe that Isak will be a sleeper pick up for a USport or CCAA program that will work extremely hard and be a long-term prospect that makes an impact during his career. Isaiah is a strong guard who uses his athleticism to get to the rim and score in traffic. He showed that he can run a team and put pressure on the opposition during the club season with Rise Above. He is a capable shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. Isiah has all the tools to play at a CCAA school and continue to grow his game further. I like his willingness to take on different roles within a team and attack it with vigor. Jacob had a huge summer for both Greenwave United and the Saskatchewan provincial team and drew a lot of attention. The big man has been a secret gem hidden in Martensville, but it appears he is no longer a secret. The big man is very athletic and was more comfortable every time he touched the floor. He is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker, and finishes above the rim on offense from both the dunker spot and off the dribble from the wing. USport coaches have already taken notice, and he has drawn attention. He is a prospect that could be a sneaky pick up for a JuCo, NCAA Division 2, or a prep program that could mold him into a 5 leaf prospect with another year of training. Joseph may be the best shooter in Saskatchewan this year. He can knock it down from anywhere and has a quick release that makes him tough to defend. He has excellent size on the wing at 6'5 and is a good team defender that finds ways to impact the game at that end as well. I think he will find himself a role with a USport or CCAA team due to his size and the fact that he is not a stranger to playing in tough situations, as his play with Rise Above and Saskatchewan has demonstrated. Kaden is a very athletic prospect who demonstrated his ability to shoot the ball effectively this summer with Saskatchewan at the Canada Games. He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional handle and ability to break down defenses off the bounce with Slam Summit all summer. I believe Kaden will be a great pick-up for a CCAA team that is looking for the type of athlete that can complement existing players. He has all the athletic tools to compete at that level and continue his improvement. Kai is a player that I have been watching for a long time, and he puts in the work to consistently improve and push his game to new levels. He is extremely coachable and has a great attitude that will be a positive for the program that signs him. He is a combo guard who breaks down defenses to get to his midrange game, where he makes shots. He is a very cerebral player who can lead an offense and get his teammates into the right spots. His 3-point shot and defense keep improving. Mofope can score the ball with any guard in Saskatchewan, and he has an incredibly quick burst that gets him by defenders with ease. This summer with Rise Above and Saskatchewan, I was impressed with his improved passing and play-making abilities. He showed real leadership in making sure the team was composed and everyone was involved. I do not see Mofope play a lot, but every time I do, I am impressed with his improvement and overall game. He will be a prospect to watch that will help a CCAA program and may be a nice prospect for the right USPort fit. Mayo is the most intriguing prospect in Saskatchewan this year. He has great size and is an impressive athlete. He plays above the rim on both ends of the floor and is not afraid to attack a defensive player who tries to stand between him and the basket. He has an improving shot that forces you to guard him on the perimeter. When locked in on defense, he moves extremely well and can stay in front of smaller players. Mayo is a prospect that USport, JuCo's, and NCAA Division 2 coaches should be in contact with. I would not be surprised if he were also looking at prep programs to take another year to work on his game and see what opportunities exist for him. Raph is the heart of any team he plays on and brings a defensive mindset that is rare, as seen by his last several seasons with Greenwave United. He uses his 6'7 wing span and athleticism to really make opposing point guards work every second they have the ball. Offensively, he gets to the paint and makes plays for his teammates, and his finishing keeps improving. Raph will be a great addition for any USport or CCAA team as he can contribute as a defensive player immediately. As he continues to spend hours in the gym working on his shot form and consistency, his stick will rise, and he could be someone whose stick will rise. Zack is my sleeper pick as he continued to impress me more and more all summer with his Golden Ticket club team. He is a tough, athletic prospect who plays extremely hard. He comes from a hockey background, and that is apparent when you watch his game. He attacks the basket with abandon and puts a lot of pressure on the opposition. Zack is a prospect who should fit in seamlessly with a CCAA team that wants grit on their roster. He plays well with other talent and makes good decisions with or without the ball. Zane is a two-sport athlete who should have a lot of options at the end of his high school career. This summer, he was Saskatchewan's leading scorer and was a standout for Rise Above in their Prep Hoops circuit. He has a physically mature build that college coaches will love, and already plays a physical college-style game. Zane's strength is his physical ability to get to the rim, draw contact, and finish, putting incredible pressure on the opposition. He is an excellent perimeter defender who changes games when he locks in. He can also knock down shots from all over the court and keeps his defenders honest. This will be a tough season to predict in Saskatchewan, as you will see in my upcoming preseason rankings article, which is scheduled to be released next week. E veryone lost a lot of talented players to graduation; these players will be asked to lead young teams and provide a lot. I truly believe that we will see all 13 of these young men play beyond grade 12, as they all have skill sets and attitudes that will be successful. I encourage any coach interested to reach out to me and their coaches for info. I will continue to follow and cover these athletes and more throughout the season with articles from big tourneys and tweets from league games, and smaller tourneys.

After such a positive response to my 2024/25 ACAC preview, I have decided to reach out to the Canada West coaches and put together a preview for them. One of the things you will quickly realise is that this is a tough league to compete in with outstanding coaches and talent, teams bring in very select freshmen each year, and a lot of transfers are occurring. We have seen more players transferring to NCAA Division 1 from USport over the last several years, but that also comes with players transferring back from American programs, and American players seeing quality in USport, and transferring here to finish their careers. This year, the Canada West playoffs will once again feature the top 5 teams from the Pacific division and top 7 from the Prairie division, who are slotted by record, as all teams will play 20 league games. Calgary will be the host for nationals, meaning they get an automic berth. Canada West also gets 2 berths, so there will be 3 teams from this list at nationals. There is also a wildcard that the 3rd or 4th place team (depending on where Calgary finishes) can apply for, which could see 4 of the 8 teams in Calgary from Canada West. I highly recommend that young players who want to play beyond high school need to get out to watch local games, both USport and CCAA, to see just how tough it is to play at the next level and how much work they need to put in. PACIFIC DIVISION Victoria Vikes Where else can I rank the defending national champs but in 1st place? They have been the top team in Canada West for the 2020s, and that doesn't look to end soon. They return 4 out of 5 starters with Geoffrey James (5th; Edmonton, AB) coming back from injury, Reynaldo Robinson (4th; Montreal, QC) coming off 1st team Canada West honors, Ethan Boag (5th; Victoria, BC) having earned 2nd team Canada West, and Shadynn Smd (4th; Duncan, BC). They will add Cam Slaymaker (2nd; Coquitlam, BC) from Southern Nazarene University and an incoming freshman class as good as any in the country, with Toren Franklin (1st; Victoria, BC), Tyler Felt (1st; Victoria, BC), and Justin Hinrichsen (1st; Victoria, BC) all opting to stay home. There isn't much I can say about this program; they have lost a coach, a national Player of the Year, and yet they keep reloading and rolling along. 2. University of British Columbia (UBC) T-Birds An era has ended at UBC as Kevin Hansen announced his retirement over the summer. After 25 seasons and 600+ wins, the Thunderbirds will now move forward under interim coach Philip Jalalpoor. The team itself will look different as 7 of the 10 players that regularly saw action last season have moved on, most notably Canada West 1st team all-star Adam Olsen (3rd; Surrey, BC), who will suit up for South Alabama this season in the NCAA. The team will center around 6'10 "center Luka Guzina (4th; Vancouver, BC), who will be building on his 3rd-team all-star appearance. He, along with Tobi Akinkunmi (5th; Calgary, AB), Toni Maric (5th; Vancouver, BC), and Canada West All-rookie selection Nylan Roberts (2nd; Abbotsford, BC), will be looked upon to keep UBC's winning traditions alive. The Thunderbirds also add Holt Tomie (5th; Calgary, AB) from Mount Royal to bolster their rotation. This team boasts a lot of size and physicality, which should keep them in the hunt to make a run at the Canada West crown and secure another shot at nationals. 3. University of Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades The Cascades finished 5th in the Pacific division last season, and Coach Joe Enevoldson will look to improve upon that, bringing back 11 players, including 2nd team all-star Dario Lopex (5th; Madrid, SPAIN). This team has a lot of size with 6'11 Matthias Klim (5th; Chilliwack, BC) and Malcolm Tyley (2nd; Langley, BC). They will add 3 transfers to the deep returning core as Bennett O'Connor (3rd: Fall City, WA) from Skagit Valley College, Jaylen Lee (2nd; Chilliwack, BC) from Calgary, and Mateo Kells (2nd; Foothills, AB) from Olds, could all provide meaningful minutes. This team is tough and has a lot of depth that should see them settle into the playoffs, but also challenge UBC for a first-round bye. 4. Trinity Western University (TWU) Spartans Coach Trevor Pridie and the Spartans had a solid season last year, finishing 3rd in the Pacific division before meeting the eventual champions, the Calgary Dinos, in the quarterfinals. They will be without Canada West 2nd team all-star Josh Belvin and 3rd team all-star Jerric Palma this season, as both have completed their eligibility. The team will be looking to 6'11 Connor Platz (5th; Langley, BC) and David Mutabazi (5th; Delta, BC) for leadership, especially after they both had big summers in CEBL and the Rwanda national team, respectively. They will add a trio of transfers in Pearse Long (3rd; Temecula, CA) from Mira Costa College, Rondell Moore (3rd; Diamond Bar, CA) from LA Valley College, and Tyus DeVries (4th; Chilliwack, BC) from Thompson River. They are also high on freshman Logan Stewart (1st; Langley, BC). 5. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Wolfpack After a 10-10 season that saw the Wolfpack make the playoffs, Coach Chad Jacobson will have a lot of work to do this coming season with a team that will only return 5 players. Steve Stinson (4th; San Diego, CA), Dami Farinlove (4th; Winnipeg, MB) and Thomas Olsen (5th; Surrey, BC) will have to lead early as the coach works in his 4 transfers and 4 freshmen. Transfers Jaeden Bynoe (3rd; Ajax, ON) from SUNY Niagara, Jayden Green (3rd; Fresno, CA) from Mendocino Community College, Fran Monreal (Zaragoza, SPAIN) from Fort Hayes NW Tech, and Jayden Stephen (Calgary, AB) from Rust College will all take some time adjusting to USport play. Still, they should provide talent and experience to help get them back to the playoffs. Freshmen Cason Scott (1st; Kamploos, BC) and Chris Piorowski (1st; Winnipeg, MB) are both highly touted and may be able to impact games this season. 6. University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBC-O) Heat After missing the playoffs last season, Coach Clayton Pottinger will have his work cut out for him after graduating 7 players from last year's roster. He will be counting on veteran leadership from Jalen Shirley (5th; Brampton, ON), Lamine Conde (3rd; Montreal, QC), and Isaak Moore (3rd; Kelowna, BC). He will need his 11 freshmen to step up quickly, and believes Anthony Brady (1st; Calgary, AB) could make an impact early. 7. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Timberwolves Coach Todd Jordan will be looking for growth from within on this squad that will see 12 players returning, including 7 players returning for their sophomore season. Leading scorer Evgeny Baukin (4th; Moscow, RU) will be looked upon again, along with Justin Sunga (4th; Burnaby, BC, Ben White (2nd; Richmond, BC), and Canada West all-rookie selection Isiah Bias(2nd; Vancouver, BC). However, they also brought in some key pieces to help the returning squad in transferring Haukur Davidsson (3rd; Hveragerdi, ICELAND) from New Mexico Military Institute and their only freshman, Cairo Wells (Coquitlam, BC). Climbing up the standings to the playoffs will be tough in this Pacific Division, but it may be within reach if this team keeps its core together. Prairie Division 1. University of Manitoba Bisons Coach Kirby Schepp led his Bisons to a 16-4 record and top spot in the Prairies division, but a tough loss in the bronze medal game to eventual national champs Victoria kept them from advancing to nationals. This year, they will look to compete for not only Canada West but also a national title with 6 5th-year players on their roster. They will be led by Canada West 1st team all-star Mason Kraus (5th; Winnipeg, MB), Cieran O'Hara (5th; Winnipeg, MB), and Manyang Tong (5th; Calgary, AB). They have added several freshmen to give them the depth they will need, but none will be bigger for them than Ramogi Nyagudi (1st; Winnipeg, MB), who transferred home after a redshirt year with St Thomas (NCAA D1). 2. University of Calgary Dinos Coach Vanhooren put together a very talented team in 2024/25 that finished first in the division, won Canada West, and made it all the way to the national final. They would like to get back and win it this year, even more so when they will be hosting it right in the Jack Simpson gym. However, they will have some major holes to fill as USPort player of the year Nate Petrone has moved on to professional aspirations, Noah Wharton has graduated, and Declan Peterson has transferred to Western Michigan (NCAA D1). They will need Beckett Johnson (3rd; Salmon Arm, BC), Aiden Smith (4th; Cochrane, AB), and Martynas Sabaliquska (5th; Vilnius, LITHUANIA) to take on bigger roles. They were also very aggressive in their reload this summer and have added transfers Eli Djordjevic (2nd; White Rock, BC) from Long Beach State, Hayden Franson (4th; American Forks, UT) from Cornell, and Dre Francis (4th; Toronto, ON) from Aquinas College. They have also added some impact freshmen who will contribute immediately in Aleksandar Kukovic (1st; Burnaby, BC), Mrigendra Dhaliwal (1st; Calgary, AB), and Daniel Chijioke (1st; Fort McMurray, AB). This team will grow, but unlike everyone else, they know they will be at nationals and can focus solely on the goal of peaking come playoffs and being ready to defend their Canada West title. 3 . University of Winnipeg Wesmen The Wesmen finished last season in a tie for 1st place in the Prairie Division but were knocked out in the quarterfinals by UBC. Coach Mike Raimbault will be bringing back a majority of his players, but the loss of 2nd team all-star Shawn Maranan may take some time. The team will bring back 9 players, including Kato Jaro (3rd; Winnipeg, MB), Malachi Alexander (5th; Winnipeg, MB), and Ryan Luke (4th; Winnipeg, MB). Emmanuel Ugbah (3rd; Winnipeg, MB) will join the team from Carleton, and 5 freshmen will give the coach some depth. Look for Paul Ogweno (1st; Winnipeg, MB) and Jayden Westerlund (1st; Stockholm, SWE) to play roles this season. This team could make a run at cross-town rivals, Manitoba, to finish at the top of the division, but I think they will settle into this spot and be a very tough opponent for a top seed in the quarterfinals. 4. University of Alberta Golden Bears The Bears are an interesting team coming back with all but 1 player; however, they lost coach Barnaby Craddock to Simon Fraser University (NCAA D2) over the summer. Coach Geoff Pippus comes in with huge expectations, but having coached Camosun College on Vancouver Island, I'm sure he is used to those. This team will be led once again by Canada West 2nd team all-star and CEBL development player of the year Isaac Simon (4th; Regina, SK), who will be looking for Rookie of the year Kyle Varner (2nd; Munich, GER) and All-rookie team selection Nash Semeniuk (2nd; Kelowna, BC) to continue their development. If the 'bigs', Carden Kushnir (3rd; Edmonton, AB) and Carson Fisher (2nd; Spruce Grove, AB) can battle nightly, this team could be in for a long playoff run in February. 5. University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Coach Kenny Otieno has slowly built this team over the last several seasons, and this could be the year they break through to make a playoff run. They do lose Angelo Mbituyimana, who was 3rd team Canada West all-star and their leading scorer, which is the one reason I think they are still a year away. The Pronghorns do return 10 players, including Kymani Pollard (5th; Gardena, CA), Mason Hoffman (2nd; Magrath, AB), and Bryce Solis (4th; Calgary, AB). They grabbed Manny Biden (3rd; Regina, SK) from Okanagan College and signed freshman Cole Steele (1st; Kelowna, BC), who will shore up their rotation. 6. Mount Royal University (MRU) Cougars Last season saw Coach Josh Mullens take over and retool the Cougars and finish with a 10-10 record. He has lost Canada West 3rd team all-star Keivonte Watts to graduation, but returns a very solid core featuring Kuach Gajak (2nd; Calgary, AB), Kole Scott (4th; Ajax, ON), and Sam Barnie (4th; Courtney, BC). The Cougars will also add 2 impact transfers in Tag Layton (2nd; Calgary, AB), who last played for Lethbridge before his 2-year mission, and Faruq Balarabe (2nd; London, ENG) from Lake Superior State. One of the keys to watch will be the progress their incoming freshmen can make as Coach Mullens has a very highly-touted class coming in, including Desmond Ducheck (1st; Summerland, BC), Jacob McLellan (1st; Calgary, AB), and Jose Gabaldon (1st; Seville, Spain). This team is young, with a majority of the roster as 1st and 2nd years; however, I think they will surprise a lot of teams and be a tough match-up come playoff time. 7. University of Saskatchewan Huskies This will be Coach Jaime Campbell's third year with the Huskies, and his roster is young, as he has worked hard to recruit players who fit his system. He will bring back 8 players from last year's roster that were in the playoff hunt right to the end. He will rely heavily on 2023/24 Canada West Rookie of the Year Easton Thimm (3rd; Saskatoon, SK), who spent time in the CEBL this summer. Emmanuel Bonsu (5th; St-Laurent, QC) will be the team leader, and Dylan Miller (3rd; Calgary, AB) will be asked to provide additional support. The Huskies also added more young talent this summer with transfer Mohamed Mahadi (2nd; Saskatoon, SK) coming home from Central Wyoming College and Freshmen Treyvon Folkes (1st; Brampton, ON), Josiah Roberts (1st; Brampton, ON), and Josiah Draper (1st; Braeside, ON). This team will be tough to make the playoffs, but I will put them in mainly because I will admit I am a homer and see this team weekly. 8. Brandon University Bobcats The Bobcats finished last season with a 7-13 record, but that was enough to secure their spot in the playoffs, where they hope the experience gained will benefit them this season. First Team Canada West all-star Sultran Haider Bhatti (5th; Laval, QC) will lead the attack after averaging over 20 points per game. He will be joined by Travis Hamberger (5th; Richmond, BC) and Youri Cange (2nd; Mascouche, QC). Coach Gil Chang also has recruited Junior college transfers DeMarco Duncan and Malik Brown (3rd; Portland, OR). If you have followed us on Maple Minute, you will know we were very high on Munroop Gill (1st; Surrey, BC), who, along with Arjun Hehar (1st; Surrey, BC) could easily be the best freshman duo in USport this season. 9. University of Regina Cougars Last season, the Cougars were eliminated from the playoffs right at the end of the season, and Coach Steve Burrows would like nothing more than to get back in this year. They have lost a few imports but will return 9 players, including leading scorers Ben Kamba (5th; Calgary, AB) and Lodie Kenyi (5th; Calgary, AB). Also expect Drew Akerman (4th; Meadow Lake, SK) and Zach Hillis (3rd; Regina, SK) to take leaps forward this year. They also secured a couple of transfers to replace the departed players, Sufyan Ekannan (4th; Denver, CO) from Metro State University of Denver, Ajang Tong (3rd; Calgary, AB) from Bossier Parish Community College, and Gurech Gurech (4th; Calgary, AB) from Olds College should all be contributors this season. The Cougars will also look to 3 freshmen to provide depth. MacEwan University Griffins The last couple of seasons have not been kind to MacEwan as wins have been very hard to find for them, but the new head Coach, David Kapinga, is ready to go to work and turn around this program. He does return a few players, including Canada West all-rookie Diego Presingular (2nd; Winnipeg, MB). Even though the coach has returning players, he has brought in a lot of experience in 5 transfers Marcus Moore (3rd; Scarborough, ON) from Nipissing, Nathaniel Mtumba (3rd; Pickering, ON) from TMU, Elisha Ampofo (5th; Milton, ON) from Brandon, Favour Igbinyemi (3rd; Surrey, BC) from Mount Aloysius (NCAA Division 3) and Peter-Aulk Deng (2nd; Edmonton, AB) from NAIT. Along with 4 freshmen, they will battle this season and hopefully find a way to pick up some wins. This season will be fun to watch, as I actually have no clue what will happen. As much fun as these articles are to write and put together, they are stressful because I actually have no clue how these teams will come together through the year, and they are all stacked with talent and great coaching. In the end, they will do their talking on the court. With that being said, I will make some bold predictions. Victoria and Manitoba will make nationals, but we will not get the wild card, as there will be upsets during the playoffs, so the team finishing 4th (Calgary will be top 3) won't have the resume to get the wildcard. Isaac Simon from Alberta will be the Canada West Player of the Year. Munroop Gill will be Rookie of the Year and will be joined on the all-rookie team by Mrigendra Dhaliwal (Calgary), Cason Scott (Thompson River), Ramogi Nyagudi (Manitoba), and 1 of the 3 Victoria rookies.

I attended the first weekend of the Dime Sessions over the weekend, and once again, this league will be a must-watch for coaches of all levels. The Dime Sessions is a U20 league that features some of the best prep, post-grad, and club teams from Western Canada in a series of 7 weekends culminating in the championship weekend, February 6-8, 2026, in Calgary, AB. There are 14 teams that will be competing for the championship, with numerous other programs that will take part in the various weekends leading up to the championship. This is the league's 3rd season, and we have seen players move on to every level of play (NCAA Division 1 and 2, Junior College, USport, and CCAA), making this a unique recruiting opportunity for coaches to see players playing against high-level competition every game. The league will play in 4 cities (Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Seattle) in the coming months, and I will be on site to cover the Edmonton and Calgary tournaments, and all the games will be streamed live on YouTube (@TheDimeSessions). This first weekend saw 13 teams play in 21 games over the 3 days, while a couple of teams that are expected to be at the top of the standings did not compete this weekend, we saw some amazing talent including a new program to the Dime Sessions (One Prep) and a very talented Supreme squad made up of some of the best grade 11 and 12's in Calgary compete at high levels. Here are 5 players that I thought stood out. 2026 6'4 Bebang Leke (One Prep) Bebang was impossible to miss if you were in the gym this weekend, as he threw down dunks that had everyone on their feet. He is super athletic and gets to the rim with ease, using his strong physical frame to his advantage, creating contact and lanes that the defense just can't seem to take away. On the occasions that the defense does keep the ball out of his hands, he attacks rebounds and creates other advantages for his team. 2026 6'10 Brayden Savage (CTA West) Brayden has the build and athleticism to play at a very high level next year. Throughout the two games he played over the weekend, I saw a smart big who is aware of his skills and how to find his spots to be successful. He uses his large frame to create room for himself and makes good decisions with the ball in the paint, whether catching and finishing with finesse or rising to dunk the ball emphatically. He showed good mobility on defense, both protecting the rim and moving his feet when he found himself guarding the perimeter. 2026 6'10 Spencer Tatlock (CTA West) Spencer is another one of the bigs on CTA that shows incredible upside and will be drawing a lot of college attention from both sides of the border all season. I was really impressed with his low block footwork on offense as he displayed various moves and finishes when he caught the ball with a defender behind him. Add to this his relentless pursuit of rebounds, no matter where they were on the court, and he is proving to be a standout prospect. 2027 6'6 Mayen Atem (Supreme) Mayen will be a player that we will have to follow closely this season as he plays out his grade 12 season at All-Saints High School in Calgary (If Alberta has a season amid the teachers' strike). He is a long and super smooth player who attacks the paint every opportunity that he gets, and he has a great instinct to make plays off his drives. I saw him pull up for jumpers, dunk with authority, and hit open shooters regularly throughout his 3 games. When they packed the paint and took away his drives, he pulled up from distance with a very smooth shot. 2026 6'1 Cyrus Goulder (Athletic Edge Academy) Cyrus impressed me with his quickness, especially on the defensive end. He anticipates passes and forces the offense to move the ball away from him in transition. He also attacked the defensive boards, eliminating the need for an outlet pass and getting his team out on the break efficiently. He also showed a well-rounded offensive game, scoring throughout his team's games all weekend. This was a fantastic start to the 2025/26 Dime Sessions. I can wait to get a look at the WCPA teams, Elie Futures Elite, and PSA Prep during the 3rd session in Edmonton, November 1 and 2nd. There is A LOT of talent for coaches to check out, and these 5 were just the start. I highlighted 13 players on Twitter (@david_harmon) this session and will no doubt talk about them, as well as others I took notes on over the coming months.

With so many people enjoying my ACAC preview last season, I have decided to extend it west to highlight the PacWest Conference. It is a much smaller conference with only 7 teams representing all of BC. They have traditionally done very well at nationals and have some amazing programs. This year, they will be sending 2 teams to Nationals, as Vancouver Island University will be hosting, and that means the league champion and the hosts will be playing. Each team plays 24 games, 4 against each of the other 6 squads. I’m grateful to the league’s coaches who shared their team outlooks for this season. I ranked the teams based on returning players, transfers, recruits, preseason games, and my own assessments.   Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners The 2024/25 season did not end up the way Coach Matt Kuzminski wanted his first season to go, as the team finished 1st in the regular season but came up short in the PacWest gold medal game and didn't get a chance to compete at nationals. This season will be different as they are guaranteed a spot as the hosts, but would much prefer to go as the PasWest champions instead. They lose a couple of starters but with a solid returning core of Kai Leighton (5th; Prince Rupert, BC), Ryan Bastian (4th; Ladysmith, BC), Kye Tinga (3rd; Comox, BC), and Marcus Modrovic (4th; Victoria, BC). They will be adding some transfers in Ekman Sohal (3rd; Surrey, BC), Winston Cole (4th; Seattle, WA), and Levi Van Egdom (4th; Chilliwack, BC), along with freshman Ty Cyr (1st; Port Alberni, BC). This team has only one freshman on the roster and is undoubtedly built to compete for a national championship. They will play in front of some of the best basketball fans in the country, as the culture that has been created on Vancouver Island is very underrated. 2. Camosun Chargers The Chargers will be entering this season with a new Coach, former assistant and PacWest All-star Jake Wilmott will be replacing Geoff Pippus, who is now the head coach at the University of Alberta. They will be returning a lot of the roster that led them to a bronze medal last season. David Finch (4th; Vancouver, BC) was an all-Canadian last season and is joined by a returning lineup including Cole Belton(5th; Victoria, BC), Cormick Brown (5th; Victoria, BC), Aiden Walsh (4th; Courtney, BC), and more. With David Featherston (5th; Sierra Vista, AZ) coming from Capilano and Owen Jones (4th; Victoria, BC) from Langara joining the squad, along with highly recruited freshman Diem Orser (1st; Victoria, BC), this team will be contenders to play at nationals, which will be just an hour drive from their campus. 3. Capilano Blues Last season ended with Capilano struggling out at CCAA nationals after winning the PacWest Gold medal, upsetting both VIU and Camosun during their spectacular championship run. They will enter this season with a new head coach as TJ Klim will take over for Jason Price. The Blues will see a solid group returning, led by first-team all-star Kash Lang (5th, Lewiston, ID), along with Zach Klim (4th; Chilliwack, BC), Justin Pamintuan (2nd; New Westminster, BC), and Carter Andrade (2nd; North Vancouver, BC). VIU transfer Peter Li (5th; Qingdao, China) brings experience and competitiveness, as will Alfonso Reyes (1st, Madrid, Spain). This is a big team, and a returning Zach Hamed (1st; Port Moody, BC), who had taken time away last year, will make them a very hard team to match up with. This team will push very hard for a berth to nationals, and as they proved last year, all they need to do is be ready come playoffs. 4. Langara Falcons Langara will be ready to play as they return second-team all-star Luka Subotic (2nd; Vancouver, BC), Pat Robinson (4th; Baker City, OR), Edriel Asirit (4th; Surrey, BC), and Nixon Owusu (2nd; Vancouver, BC). They will be joined by Grande Prairie transfer Aaron Ungprasert and a strong group of freshmen, including Hartej Aujla (1st; Surrey, BC), Justin Best (1st; Pitt Meadows, BC), and Brahm Nair (1st; Vancouver, BC). Coach Cassidy Kannemeyer has built a team with good size that will be pushing very hard to earn a berth to nationals. 5. Douglas Royals Coach Matt McKay is slowly building his program and will field a younger team that has a lot of potential. Hunter Thomson (5th; Victoria, BC) will lead a group of returning players that includes Kaniyen Duncan (2nd; Calgary, AB), Jesse Connolly (2nd; Surrey, BC), Griffin White (2md; Maple Ridge, BC), Efe Ilici (3rd; Ayazagah, Turkey), and Lorenzo Bonamin (3rd; Burnaby, BC). Expect the newcomers to also make an impact as they add transfer Derrick Monroe ( 3rd; Las Vegas, NV) from Feather River College and freshmen Olan Smith (1st; Burnaby, BC) and Demi Akinmoyero (1st; Saskatoon, SK). While I have them in the 5th spot, I think 3-5 will be a dogfight, which will make the opening playoff rounds super exciting. 6. Okanagan Coyotes Last Season, the Coyotes finished last and missed the playoffs. The lost former PacWest All-Star Manny Binden, who transferred to USport, but Coach Gini has brought in a good recruiting class that will hopefully get them to the playoffs this season. They will count of transfers Noah Steingart (3rd; Carstairs, AB) from St Mary's and Ryan Dekleva (3rd; Kelowna, BC) from SAIT to provide scoring along with freshmen Inder Deol (1st; Vancouver, BC) and Timi Orifa (1st; Calgary, AB). 7. Columbia Bible College Bearcats I could not find much information on the Bearcats other than some games they played in Calgary this preseason, where they struggled. They have signed some solid freshmen and will be a work in progress this year.

I’m really looking forward to the start of the 2025/26 ACAC season, especially with the departure of many big-name players who have dominated the league for years. Last year, I not only followed the action closely but also had the chance to do online streaming color commentary at the ACAC championships in Caronport, SK. The league’s coaches have worked hard this offseason to bring the national championship back to the ACAC. After winning two CCAA national championships—SAIT in 2022/23 and Keyano in 2023/24—both Keyano and Briercrest struggled at the 2024/25 championships. This year, teams will battle for two spots at the 2026 National Championships, hosted by Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, BC. I’m grateful to the league’s coaches who shared their team outlooks for this season. I ranked the teams based on returning players, transfers, recruits, preseason games, and my own assessments. It wasn’t easy. The North Division plays 20 games, and the South Division plays 21, with each team facing opponents from the opposite division once and playing within their division twice. The playoffs will feature the top four teams from both divisions, with the first-place team in the North hosting at the end of January. The competition will be fierce, and just one unexpected loss could cause teams to drop in the standings and potentially miss the playoffs. South Division Outlook SAIT Trojans Coach Matt Daley is gearing up for another shot at a national championship banner, building on his success this summer with the Alberta U17 boys squad. While the departures of Will Tong and Jadon Matthews leave significant gaps, a healthy Marcus Masters (5th year; Kitchener, ON) returns for his final season to provide leadership and skill. As noted in last year's preview, SAIT has a proven track record of attracting strong transfers, and this year is no different. They’ll count on the talents of Marc Gabriel (5th; Montreal, QC) from CEGEP Thetford, Cameron Carter (3rd; Baltimore, MD) from CBC, and D'On Duncan (4th; Calgary, AB) from Ontario Tech to complete their roster and push SAIT back to the top. I’m confident SAIT will dominate the South and proudly represent the ACAC in Nanaimo. Having seen this team practice, they are extremely deep with long, rangy athletes that will defend multiple positions and get out on the break. 2. St Mary's Lightning The 2025/26 season will mark a fresh chapter for the Lightning, as they move forward without long-time stars and ACAC's greatest scoring duo, Brock Dewsberry and Caleb Jibb. Replacing them is no small feat, but Coach Nathan Ruff is confident his team has what it takes to stay competitive. With returning starters Pelumi Ajayi (5th; Calgary, AB), Riley Folensbee (5th; Moose Jaw, SK), and CJ Peters (2nd; Calgary, AB), the team aims to strengthen its defensive game. The addition of transfer Ben Gilbert (4th; Calgary, AB) from MRU, along with freshmen Kamari Breary (1st; Langley, BC), Brendan Nightengale (1st; White Rock, BC), and Cache Perrett (1st; Okotoks, AB), should provide depth. This team looked good in the scrimmage I saw them play, but they have been up and down throughout exhibition games. They will need to gel and find roles, especially how they will score early, to prevent the teams from looking to creep up and grab a better seeding. 3. Lethbridge Kodiaks This was by far the hardest team in the South for me to project, as Coach Heggie always finds himself a squad down in southern Alberta. Last season, he was super young but still made the playoffs and gave Keyano a tough first-round game. He will return ACAC all-star Coleston Lake (5th; Eagle, MT) and the breakout player from the playoff tournament, Levi Balderson (2nd; Welling, AB). This will be the top backcourt in the league this year. He also returns Treydon Barton (4th; Raymond, AB), Rhett Lewis (3rd; Cardston, AB), and Jackson Wright (3rd; Claresholm, AB), along with once again recruiting Southern Alberta to keep bringing in kids that play the exact style Coach loves. This team could finish top 2 with their spectacular backcourt or slide out of the playoffs with their youth. What we do know is they will play hard and compete every night, and if they do finish in 3rd, as I predict, no one will want to be 2nd in the North and have them as their first round match-up. 4. Medicine Hat Rattlers Last season saw the Rattlers fall just short of the playoffs despite another all-star performance from Cooper Ward, and now they move forward without him. They will bring back a strong core of Jordan Bigger (5th; Toowoomba, AUS), Colby Anderson (3rd; Camrose, AB), David Hamilton (4th; Regina, SK) and Trey Watson (2nd; Medicine Hat, AB), who are joined by a returning Keiran Isnor (3rd; Calgary, AB) , who led the team in scoring in 2023/24 season before a foot injury saw him miss last season. Coach Humphrey's has landed solid transfers in Wol Wol (2nd; Edmonton, AB)from SAIT and Josh Dirks (1st; Strathmore, AB) from Cape Breton. Along with freshmen Oyama Crouch (1st; Nainamo, BC) and Lincoln Kolinski (1st; Camrose, AB), they will be poised to grab that elusive playoff spot this season. 5. Briercrest Clippers Last year was a dream for Briercrest as they won their first-ever ACAC Championship in front of their home fans, but this year will be a test. Their championship was built on the development of players long term, and the losses of 4 players' graduation (Jude Shepperd-Hillis, Francis Dogani, Riley Seaborn, and Zach Martens), along with all-star Oroma Bongomin moving on to USport, will really show us what coach Shane Sowden has built. I expect breakout seasons from returning players Carter Waind (5th; Kirkland, QC), Owen Shepperd-Hillis (3rd; Saskatoon, SK), and Markus Glasspell (2nd; Regina, SK). Along with transfers Gabe Vig (2nd; Abbotsford, BC) from TWU and Cole Koop (2nd; Kelowna, BC) from UBCO, and talented freshmen Daniel Kaak (1st; Abbotsford, BC) and Chase Seaborn (1st; Moose Jaw, SK), I think they will come up just short of playoffs, but maybe their young guns learned just enough last year to get them back. 6. Ambrose Lions Coming off a tough 2-19 season that saw the Lions finish last in the South, their young roster got a lot of playing time, and Coach Nystrom is hoping the return of Jarom Watson (2nd; Calgary, AB), Paulo Cuestta (2nd; Cochrane, AB), James Censon (2nd; Calgary, AB) and Dylan Pearson (2nd; Calgary, AB) to step up and help Jackson Earle (5th; Sarnia, ON) and Ty Schenk (3rd; Lumsden, SK) provide a calmer more experienced team. The additions of transfer Payton Green (2nd; Calgary, AB) from Red Deer will be welcome, as well as contributions from freshmen Jack Corrigan (1st; Calgary, AB) and Jeremy Proctor (1st; Saskatoon, SK). I think we will see growth and more than 2 wins for this squad. 7. Red Deer Kings After a 2024/25 season that saw them finish 7-14 for 7th in the south, it looked like Coach Foster may be turning the corner and getting the Red Deer program back to the heights they had achieved in the not-too-distant past. However, his roster looks to have been rebooted again this season, with only 2 players returning: Lado Lado (3rd; Edmonton, AB) and Felix Webb (2nd; Edmonton, AB). They are joined by transfers Tong Akol (2nd; Edmonton, AB) from Olds and Noah Simon (2nd; Calgary, AB) from Okanagan College, but he will be dependent on freshmen to step up. They have a lot of talented freshmen in William Tchekchine (1st; Toronto, ON), Corban Andres (1st; Regina, SK), Marvellous Adpoju (1st; Calgary, AB), and Isiah Capicio (1st; Red Deer, AB). How the bottom of the South will shake out will be fun to watch after the Christmas break, as all these teams have a lot of growth potential. 8. Olds Broncos Olds took a huge step forward in 2024/2,5, winning 8 games, but that came at a cost as Head Coach David Kapinga was able to land the MacEwan men's job, cutting off some of their momentum. John Reece was on the coaching staff last year and will lead the team forward, but has 12 incoming freshmen and only 2 returning players, Kevin Mvemba (2nd; Calgary, AB) and Ethan Horb (3rd; Cochran, AB). They have some talented freshmen in Nick McKoy (1st; Ajax, ON), Will Jacques (1st; Cochrane, AB), and Ryan Zemp (1st; Cardston, AB), but experience usually is a big factor, and this team will gain a lot this season. North Division Outlook 1. NAIT Ooks Coach McNeilly had a great first year, and his team impressed at the ACAC championships. Now that he has had a full summer to recruit and prepare, I fully expect his team to be in the hunt for a return to the national stage for the Ooks. They will return a very solid group from last year's squad in Patrick Fisher (4th; Wainwright, AB), Peter Kugba-Nyande (3rd; Edmonton, AB), Kohl Wedman (3rd; Edmonton, AB), Donovan Caldwell (2nd; Sherwood Park, AB), and Antonio Benjamin (5th; Dallas, TX), and add transfer Nathan Saldo (2nd; Edmonton, AB) from Brandon. Last season, Coach made a seamless transition from his playing career to coaching, and I expect him to build upon that in year 2. He has a solid core that plays the way he likes and is ready to step back into the championship picture. Not only do I think NAIT will host the ACAC championships, but I expect them to pick up North Coach of the Year as well. 2. Keyano Huskies Last year, they came up short defending their national title, but still qualified for nationals. That will be the expectation this year, despite Head Coach Jeremy Wielenga stepping down to assume full-time responsibilities as Athletics Director. In his place, they were able to hire Anthony Skepple, who has built the Brieircrest women's program into a perennial playoff team that secured its first ACAC medal, making three straight bronze medal games. The return of ACAC North player of the year Keenan Miller (5th; Columbia, MO) and starter DJ Haynes (4th; Naples, FL) will lead Anthony. These key returns will provide them with the experience they can rely on. Add to them the transfer of Red Deer's leading scorer, DeAndre Rowe (3rd; Ottawa, ON), Sam Nkassa (2nd; Spring, TX) from the University of Regina, and Joyce Dumbu (1st, Ottawa, ON) from CEGEP Heritage. From what I have seen, this team has the potential to be very good, but it will have to keep growing as a team and moving the ball. I am also a very big fan of incoming freshman Wan Deng (1st; Calgary, AB), who will be a big piece for them come the playoffs once he has some experience against competition. I do think the losses of Omeechi Williams and others will be a lot to overcome and will drop them to second place going into the playoffs. However, I do not think the roster they play with first semester will not be the same second semester, and with the right additions, they could very well be hosting ACAC Championships. 3. Lakeland Rustlers This is a very hard team to gauge in the pre-season, as they have lost some big scorers in Alaysa Bray, Chance Samuel, Riley Rathwell, and Naythyn Whitedeer. They will lean on Bahaeddin Salma (5th; Saskatoon, SK), David Dimaao (5th; Lloydminster, AB), and Matthew Bryant (4th; Saskatoon, SK) for leadership. They have some solid transfers in Jordon Horobetz-Simpson (4th; Winnipeg, MB) from Carleton, Taleh Wade (4th; North Little Rock, AR) of Algoma, and Seth Johnson (3rd; Toronto, ON) from Lakehead. Expect Coach Sheray Thomas' team to be tough defenders who pick up full court as always. I'm not sure he has enough to crack the top 2 and will be in a fight to fend off teams looking to move up the standings 4. Concordia Thunder For the second straight season, Concordia will see a coaching change as ACAC legend Robbie Valpreda has stepped away, and Daniela Stabile will step in to take the reins. This will be a first for the ACAC with a female coach in a men's program, but it has happened in the CCAA with some very good results. The loss of Yaadvir Dhaliwal and O'Ryan Wallace will be a lot to overcome early, but they return a solid core with Evan Li (3rd; Edmonton, AB), Devon Weleschuk (2nd; Sherwood Park, AB), Roka Baker (4th; St Albert, AB), and Noah Julien (5th; Toronto, ON). Add Keella Gatwech (3rd; Fort McMurray, AB) and Abdishakur Jama (2nd; Surrey, BC), transferring from Keyano. Coach also used her deep Edmonton connections to sign freshmen Koen DeKlerk (1st; Rolly Viwe, AB), Tyron Okekel (1st; Edmonton, AB), Izaec Oppa (1st; Surrey, BC), Thiec Ruat (1st; Brooks, AB), and Karanveer Singh (1st; Edmonton, AB) to give her a lot of solid depth. This team will be interesting to watch and see if they can challenge Lakeland to move up or struggle and allow some teams to grab the last playoff spot from them. 5. The King's Eagles Coach Jay Ouellette has been building this program for several years and is hoping this is the year he cracks the playoffs. He returns most of his key players, including Brock Stupar (4th; Stony Plain, AB), Jonathan Barwegen (5th; Lethbridge, AB), and David Loki (2nd; Smithers, BC), all of whom are back. Logan Den Oudsten is their only major loss. They also add transfers Keyon Wisdom (4th; Brampton, ON) from Fleming College and Carson Irwin (2nd; Beaver County, AB) from Breircrest. They have shown significant growth this preseason, and I'm sure will be a team that desperately wants to be in the playoffs, making them a very tough team. 6. Northwest Wolves Coach Evan Lloyd went to work this summer and hopes to climb out of the basement of the ACAC North and find a way into the playoffs. He has lost his top 2 scorers from 2024/25 but brought back a solid core, including Mirza Torodovac (3rd; Banja Luka), Kaden Gavengard (3rd; Grande Prairie, AB), and Liam McCaffery (2nd; Grande Prairie, AB). He is a solid transfer from Holland College in Romaire Johnson (4th; Dartmouth, NS) and a very solid recruiting class of Martynas Petrauskas (1st; Kaunas), Sam Rosse (1st; Kitchener, ON), Trevon Arogie (1st; Surrey, BC), and Caleb Tengera (1st; Edmonton, AB). They will need to grab some wins in the first semester against the South teams as they find their footing. If they can do this, we will be in for a great showdown in the second semester as that last playoff spot in the North is up for grabs. 7. Augustana Vikings Coach Etienne Jacquet will look to continue building on the roster he established in his first year. He will return Jonathan Gomes (4th; Edmonton, AB), Brett Marlow (5th; The Pas, MB), and Cooper Nelson (5th; Strathmore, AB). The loss of Jack Smilski is tough, but they have a strong group of recruits in Jayden Rushma (1st; Edmonton, AB), Dru Swain (1st; Whitecap FN, SK), and Archer Jenkins (1st; Red Deer, AB) that should see the team continue to improve. I can not wait for this season. The one thing that became apparent as I watched preseason games and compiled information from coaches is that this is a season where we will see some movement. A lot of players have left the league, both graduating and transferring, there is a lot of parity, and I could be very wrong with every one of these placings and I love it. I also think when we get to the second semester, some of these teams I have predicted at the bottom with younger rosters and newer coaches will gain experience and confidence, which in turn will lead to 'upsets' that will have dramatic effects on playoff seeding. This is truly one of the great leagues in Canada, one that has led to players moving on to USports, NCAA, and even pro careers (there are 3 ACAC grads on one team in Europe as I write this).

The Edge International Invitational (Calgary, AB) lived up to the expectations this past weekend, with a lot of talent on display. The tournament featured a showcase division featuring Edge Prep (Calgary, AB) and WCPA (Edmonton, AB), 2 of the most competitive prep programs not only in Western Canada but the whole country, along with Jelly Fam and the Diamond Doves from the Overtime Elite League. For those not familiar, the OTE features some of the best 16-20 year old prospects in the world and has produced numerous NBA players. So with all this talent, who stood out? 2027 6'1 Zach Hawley (Edge Prep) For the past three years, I have watched Zach continue to grow and dominate the competition in Saskatchewan every time he steps on the floor. To say that I was excited to attend his first game with Edge Prep and see him compete on a bigger stage is an understatement. Zach blew away my incredibly high expectations of him. He came off the bench and competed right away against both OTE squads. He settled in as a point guard and made a real effort on defense. He seemed to thrive around the amount of talent that Edge has, and finding his role, in the second half of his game against the Diamond Doves, he realized that he had more room than he was used to, and he let everyone know that he still is THAT shooter, and off he went. 6- 3's in the first game. Then 10 more 3's in game 2 had the home gym rocking. 2026 6'6 TJ Wal (WCPA) TJ Wal is one of the most talented 2026s with a skill set that is elite. His ability to use his long 6'6 frame and incredible feel to get the looks that he wanted is uncanny. TJ scored easily at all 3 levels, including several deep 3's. One of the things I took away from watching TJ is the physicality with which he plays defense. He uses his length to really lean on smaller guards and create turnovers either for his own steals or forcing bad passes that his teammates can capitalize on. 2026 6'8 Jordan Green (Diamond Doves - OTE) Jordan is currently holding over 20 Division 1 offers, and I can see why colleges are banging down his door. He is a smooth athlete who competes extremely hard. What stood out to me was his relentless effort on the offensive boards. Every time I saw a shot go up, I was impressed with how often I saw Jordan flying in from any spot on the floor to contest the rebound. Combining his motor with a deft long range touch, and powerful finishes at the rim, there is no doubt coaches will keep making offers 2028 6'6 Kevin Wheatly Jr (Jelly Fam - OTE) Kevin is a 5-star player in the Class of 2025 and is ranked in almost every national top 25 published. Watching him play, he is everything that I expected and more. He has a smooth game that has him score from all 3 levels, including some thunderous dunks that were impressive. His motor on defense is elite, and I can't wait to follow him as he should be a high-major college player and an NBA draft pick 2026 6'8 Patrick Anamali (Edge Prep) This was my first time seeing Patrick in person, and he lived up to everything I heard. He is a long athlete who has very fluid movements. He showed a great feel for the game and did a lot of different things for this Edge squad. In the first game, in front of a packed house, he had maybe one of the most incredible stretches of the weekend, with his team down he threw down an incredible dunk in traffic, turned around pressured the ball forcing a bad pass, then off his teammates steal he took a touch pass for an and-one dunk that almost took the roof off the gym. That sequence captured his game perfectly as he did it all. 2026 6'6 Kian Tyson (Edge Prep) Another Sask kid that I have covered for 3 years and got to see move up to prep this weekend. Kian was able to show off his full skill set as he moved to his natural small forward position on both offense and defense. He was able to find room to get off his 3 and mid-range jumpers that are a staple of his game. What really stood out was the adjustments he made on the defense end over the course of the weekend. Having been an interior defender in high school, Kian was able to guard the perimeter efficiently all weekend while also getting to the boards and blocking numerous shots. He will impact games for Edge Prep all year, and I'm sure a ton of offers will be coming soon. 2026 6'4 Rohan Dhanoa (WCPA) Rohan joins WPCA after a standout high school career in BC and caught my eye immediately. He is a knockdown shooter who punished defenses for helping off of him, which happened often on this loaded roster. I was also very impressed with his defensive effort. He moved his feet well and made some very good players give the ball up for other options. 2027 6'5 Jacob Williford (Diamond Doves -OTE) Jacob was knocking down shots for his team all weekend. Coming into this tournament, he was touted as a highly recruited wing prospect, and that is exactly what I saw; he made tough pull-up jumpers and knocked down open 3-pointers. He has multiple offers and will be a player to watch. 2027 6'0 Yandel German (Jelly Fam - OTE) This New York point guard was making shots all weekend at an incredible pace. He showed great touch in the paint and continually got to his spots. He will be a point guard that college coaches will love with his high-energy defense and shot selection. 2027 6'0 Zayne Hinkson (WCPA) Zayne has been on the prep scene for a while and continues to grow his game. This weekend, he was at his best running the high-powered WPCA offense like a maestro. He controlled the tempo and found favorable match-ups for his squad. Not only is he a pass-first point guard, but he has an array of shots that will keep defenses honest. It was an incredible weekend of basketball in Calgary, and Edge Prep director Eddie Richardson did a fantastic job hosting. Along with the showcase games, they hosted several club/prep teams in both a high school and U15 division to supplement the schedule. I featured some of the standout players in those games on my Twitter/X account (@david_harmon) during the weekend, so please check those out.

TJ Wal • WCPA via Edge School Instagram The Western Canada Prep Academy Showcase has become a fixture on my scouting calendar. This will be my third year attending, and every time it delivers a mix of high-level competition, breakout performances, and a first look at the talent that will shape the next wave of Canadian basketball. WCPA has built this event into a stage where both proven names and hidden gems can shine, making it one of the most valuable early-season scouting stops in the country. This year’s field features a combination of familiar faces I’ve tracked over the years and fresh prospects who are ready to show they belong on the radar. The schedule is loaded, and the matchups promise to give a real glimpse into where the talent out west is trending. With teams from Alberta, Ontario & the U.S. as well as prospects from South Sudan, United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian. As always, I’ve picked out one player from each team who I’ll be locked in on this weekend: TJ Wal | 6’6 | WCPA | 2026 TJ has quickly become one of the most complete players in the country, and the hype isn’t slowing down. Fresh off a 53-point outburst at the Edge School event in Calgary, he’s proven that he can dominate in multiple ways. His All-Canadian nod last year was just the start—schools already recognize his upside, and the list of programs showing interest keeps growing. What makes him special is how comfortable he is doing everything on the floor, from creating shots to defending multiple positions. He’s the type of player who can control the pace of a game without forcing it. I’m looking forward to seeing how he sets the tone as one of the showcase’s headliners. Vlad Popa | 6’8 | Terror Prep | 2026 The younger brother of David Popa, Vlad brings a smooth handle and an advanced offensive bag for his size. What jumps out right away is his ability to make tough shots, whether it’s pulling up or finishing through contact. He’s athletic enough to play above the rim, and defenses have to stay alert for his lob-catching ability. While his brother carved out a reputation as a reliable scorer, Vlad looks like he’s carving his own lane with a versatile inside-out skill set. He’s still got plenty of room to grow, but the foundation is there for a very intriguing prospect. This showcase should be a great test for him. Ayden Thomas-Sybbliss | 6’0 | Full Circle | 2026 Ayden brings a gritty, two-way presence to the floor that every team needs. He’s crafty with the ball in his hands, but what really stands out is how active he is defensively—he seems to pop up in every passing lane. Add in his willingness to rebound and dive on the floor, and you’ve got a guard who thrives in the hustle plays that can swing momentum. Offensively, he’s more than capable of breaking down his man and either finishing or setting up teammates. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and it shows. I’m curious to see how his toughness translates against some of the showcase’s bigger backcourts. Coco Britt | 5’10 | Elite Futures Prep | 2026 Out of Los Angeles, Coco brings both pedigree and poise to this event. He’s a true point guard in every sense, capable of running an offense and setting the table for his teammates with precision. His sturdy frame allows him to hold his ground, and his fearless mentality means he never backs down from a challenge—no matter who’s across from him. Add in a 3.9 GPA, and you’re looking at a player who has the mental discipline to match his on-court skill. He’s got a style that makes teammates better, which is always valuable in a showcase setting. I think he’s going to turn some heads out west. Jahmar Smith | 6’11 | WCPA Regional | 2026 Standing just a hair under seven feet, Jahmar is impossible to miss on the court. Hailing from London, UK, he’s still learning to fully coordinate his size and athleticism, but the raw tools are there in a big way. On film, he runs the floor like a forward and punishes the rim whenever he’s in striking distance. Right now, the biggest step for him is developing consistency with his hands and catching in traffic. Once that comes, his ceiling rises dramatically. There’s a lot of anticipation around seeing how far along he is in person at this event. Noah Martin | 6’5 | WCPA RED | 2028 For a player who still has three full years of high school basketball ahead of him, Noah already looks like he belongs. His 6’5 frame and athleticism allow him to play above the rim, but what makes him stand out is his touch and polish around the basket. He can finish with either hand and doesn’t rely solely on power—he’s got finesse to his game as well. Physically, he’s strong enough to hold his own against older competition, and that experience will only speed up his development. Every time I watch him, he seems to add another wrinkle to his game. He’s one of the younger guys I’ll be keeping close tabs on during the showcase. Wani John | 6’9 | PSA Prep | 2029 Few players in this event carry as much long-term intrigue as Wani. At 6’9 with guard-like flashes, he already projects as a modern stretch four who can handle and face up. His length and mobility make him a mismatch waiting to happen, and the foundation is there for a dynamic offensive player down the road. Right now, he’s still figuring out how to put it all together consistently, but the trajectory is really exciting. Watching his growth over the next couple of years will be fascinating, because he has the raw tools you can’t teach. He’s one of those prospects who could end up being a huge story in future editions of this event. Titus Kennedy | 6’5 | Edge Varsity | 2027 Titus is the kind of player every coach loves to have—hard working, versatile, and willing to do the little things that win games. Defensively, he sets the tone with his effort and physicality, making him a reliable anchor on that end. Offensively, he’s shown the ability to finish inside while also stretching the floor when needed, which keeps defenses honest. His motor and toughness jump out right away, and he rarely takes a possession off. With his frame and approach, he projects as a steady two-way contributor who can impact the game without needing to dominate the ball. I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles the spotlight in this showcase setting. Omari Wilford | 6’5 | PSA Prep | 2026 Omari is one of the more fluent scorers in this event, and he makes it look effortless at times. Out of British Columbia, he’s proven he can finish through and around traffic with composure, showing a knack for adjusting mid-air to get buckets. What makes him even tougher to guard is his ability to step out and knock down threes, forcing defenders to pick their poison. When he decides to attack downhill, he’s athletic enough to rise up and finish above the rim. His scoring versatility gives PSA a real weapon on offense . I’m eager to see how he asserts himself against top competition this weekend. Final Thoughts The Western Canada Prep Academy Showcase never fails to deliver a great look at where the game is heading in this part of the country. Between established names like TJ Wal and high-upside prospects like Wani John, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Events like this give me a chance to see who’s ready to take the next step, who’s expanding their game, and who’s going to be on everyone’s radar moving forward. I’ll be back with a full recap after the dust settles, but one thing’s for sure—this year’s showcase has all the makings of another memorable weekend on the scouting trail.

(2026) 6’7 Eddy Polom Written by J.M. Poulard The Brookwood Elite Showcase (Montreal, QC) hosted numerous high-level teams this past weekend, which in turn meant that there was a lot of talent on display. Naturally, yours truly was in attendance to watch some of the best talent on hand in fiery head-to-head matchups.   And I know what you’re wondering: Who the hell stood out?   We got you…   2027 6’10 F Stefan Ilic (Tri-City Prep) Ilic has gotten a lot of attention and love nationally – rightfully so – and yet he still weirdly feels underrated. How many ambidextrous 6’10 euro-steppers have you seen in your life that play below the college and pro level? Probably not many, and that’s kind of the point. Ilic marries a great blend of skill with high-level IQ every time he’s on the floor.   Ilic is always processing time, score, scouting report and what the team needs at an elite rate. Oh and by the way, he will gladly score over 20 and collect over 10 boards on the regular because he’s incredibly difficult to contain.   2026 6’0 PG Johny Tchoukuiegno (Vanier) Tchoukuiegno is easily the craftiest guard observed at the showcase. His array of hesitation dribbles, herky-jerky moves and odd angle layup attempts just drive defenders crazy.   Tchoukuiegno has sneaky athleticism and is incredibly difficult to contain or force into a direction because he consistently finds ways to throw his defender off balance. What’s more, he blends that exquisite handle with solid shot making. His natural preference is a diet of middies, floaters and jellies (as the kids call it!), but do not sleep on his long-range shot. He will bury it if left uncontested.   2027 6’6 PG Mathis Beauchamp (Montmorency) As Beauchamp heads into his second season at Montmorency, he looked like someone with MVP talent during the Brookwood Elite Showcase. One of the things that stood out the most about him is the lack of wasted motions and possessions. Beauchamp took quick and sharp decisions to attack his defender and beat him to the spot for scores. He did it from long range, mid range and right at the rim despite the presence of tall shot blockers.   He bulked up during the summer and used the newfound strength to keep defenders at bay and sealing them for easy catches to set up his moves. Beauchamp’s going to end getting some national love at some point because his overall game demands it. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LTOcqxQDq5Q   2026 6’7 F Eddy Polom (Montmorency) Polom is a former football player that dropped the sport to concentrate full time on basketball. I mention this because he looks like a defensive end crossed with the grace and mobility of a pass-catching tight end.   Polom is crushing screener by virtue of his size and strength, and an incredibly potent scorer because of his mobility, speed, spatial awareness and feathery touch. He had one sequence against CTA where he stole the ball off a guard at midcourt, dribbled the length of the floor, pump faked at the rim to get a CTA highflyer to jump for popcorn and then laid the ball in. Polom plays at his own pace and it works well for him.   He has soft hands, which allow him to catch the ball in traffic, and the calmness of a lion hunting its prey despite being surrounded by a pack of crazy hyenas as defenders swarm him. He takes his time around the basket and scores through contact with a smile. Ilic was the best interior player I saw at the showcase, and Polom was probably second best. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EvvahCSBeKk   2026 6’9 F Anthony Nnajiofor (CTA) Nnajiofor’s athleticism was on full display this past weekend in the form of wild dunks and vicious ego-shattering blocks. Do not however make the mistake of thinking he is just a pogo stick with no skill. Indeed, Nnajiofor does a terrific job of ducking in and sealing his defender for deep paint catches where he’s almost automatic on those attempts.   He simply catches, rises up and finishes with layups or hooks over defenders (when he’s not busy the dunking people’s heads into the rim). Nnajiofor shows great patience when receiving passes near the rim as well. A lot of players with his level of athleticism can end up rushing their attempts and missing due to lack of concentration; but Nnajiofor is not one of them. He patiently navigates the interior with pump fakes and pivots when necessary before rising to finish at the rim.     https://www.instagram.com/canada_topflight_academy/reel/DOlgqRIgJ3e/?hl=en   2026 6’6 PG Jimmy Tumba (Vanier) Tumba picked up a USports offer during the weekend by showcasing his ability to run an offense and deliver on-time passes to open or semi-open players. He’s especially lethal from the low-post area where he simply towers over most guards and creates his shot or finds the open teammate. What’s more, he played some stifling defense and showcased his rim protection skills thanks in part to his 6’10 wingspan.   Tumba is a player worth keeping an eye on given his height, competitive spirit and finishing ability around the rim. Don’t just take my word for it, though, highlights below (jersey #9):   2027 6’7 F Julius Ferguson (Jean-de-Brébeuf) Ferguson was easily one of the most intriguing prospects I saw at the Showcase. He opened the game against Tri-City Prep by making three straight 3s, then picked up the point guard full court, stripped him clean in the backcourt and finished at the rim. To the untrained eye, he looked like a killer 3 and D wing with a seven-foot wingspan.   And then, the rest of the game happened. Julius has ball-handling duties (backcourt and halfcourt) that require him to read the floor and take high-level decisions. He beat his man off the dribble in the halfcourt and made a few tough midrange jumpers and even had a one-legged fade away that touched nothing but the net. What’s more, he plays with a mean streak that lets you know he’s all about business.   He will most certainly turn heads and attract attention as his game continues to evolve.   2026 6’2 PG Samuel Desrochers (Jean-de-Brébeuf) Desrochers is my leading candidate for the RSEQ DPOY award for the 2025-26 season. He’s a ball of energy that takes great pleasure in defending full court and turning over his opponents.   Desrochers such a such a defensive menace last season that some point guards refused to dribble the ball when defended by him for fear of getting robbed. He moves his feet at an electric pace and uses his hands and anticipation to swipe like very few I can remember. For all the talk about defense, what impressed me the most is his growth offensively. Last year, Desrochers was a sparkplug player coming off the bench to spell an All-Canadian guard (Edouard Gauthier) and the provincial championship MVP (Giogio Azzi). As we head into the 2025-26 campaign, Desrochers looks like he might be one of the offensive pillars of the team by virtue of his ability to simply put his head down and get to the rim. He’s also worked tirelessly on his jump shot to the point he is now a knockdown shooter. If he isn’t yet, Desrochers is about to become a hot commodity among university coaches.   2026 6’4 PG Jeremy Lalonde (Vanier) Lalonde has the physical tools that coaches want from a point guard: solid ball-handling ability, shooting and playmaking. And then there’s an extra layer to it: IQ.   As a university coach in attendance during the showcase outlined, Lalonde reads the floor and finds what works for the team to score. This was shared after he used his 6’4 frame to go down to the low block and attack baseline where a help defender came over to double. Lalonde reacted by firing  a one-handed pass behind the backboard to an open shooter on the opposite side of the floor . The combination of skill and basketball smarts are part of the reason that many view Lalonde as a point guard to keep an eye on this season. Video below (jersey #7):   So what’s next?   This coming weekend, the Durocher Showcase will take place with a few local Montreal teams, and  there will also be squads like C.O.D.E, Capital Courts, Ottawa Elite and Polaris Prep to name a few. Another great weekend of games and talent on display, and we will be there!

Written by J.M. Poulard As we head into exhibition and scrimmage season, there are a host of players to keep an eye on given how they may impact the campaigns of their respective teams. One such player is 6’7 wing Aliou Diouf (class of 2027) from CEGEP Vanier. Diouf is a terrifying scorer that beats defenders off the dribble to score at the rim. The Val Bel-Air (Quebec) product is tall and athletic enough to punch it over the top of defenders when he gets into the paint; but for the most part, he plays like a below-the-rim player. Indeed, Aliou has an array of finger rolls, scoop and bank shots he uses with his dominant and off hand to score on the interior, which also means that he cannot be defended by smaller players. Put a guard on him to crowd his dribble, and Diouf will walk himself to the low block and seal his man for a deep paint catch and score. Cool, right? Well this next part is the most terrifying for opponents: He handles the ball at times like a 2-guard. Crossovers married with spin moves will throw opponents for a loop if they’re not prepared for it, especially considering he’s 6’7. Have a look at his highlights from one game during the 2025 postseason (he wears #4):   Very few defenders can match up with Diouf at his height when he is on the perimeter, and he further complicates issues with his mid-range and three-point shooting. In addition, this year, Diouf has added what might seem like a silly tool to his scoring arsenal: the dreaded pump fake.   Last year, he was content to catch and attack or simply catch and shoot. As he heads into his second campaign with the Vanier Cheetahs, Diouf has seemingly made it his mission to force teams to adjust the scouting report on him. His shooting ability is an issue for most to reckon with, and defenders often lunged early at him whenever it looked like he might shoot in an effort to disturb his rhythm.   But now?   Diouf took notes and defenses must now account for his pump fakes. Again, it might sound beyond silly to point this out, but this addition gives him an extra step against defenders attempting to close out; which means that a guy that already was a problematic scorer in the paint area just found an added way of getting into said paint, which invariably means more points.   Teams were concerned enough during the summer – Diouf played for both Brookwood Elite and Hoopville (school AAU team) – that they often deployed guards to defend him. Diouf was more than happy to oblige as you can see below (wears #10):   Aliou is a dangerous scorer and an extremely problematic mismatch, and he knows it. As a result, his scoring gift is also a curse. He can generate shots against just about any defender, and thus, he can get a bit trigger-happy and dribble into help defenders when attempting to set up his scoring opportunities. It’s a facet that Diouf has improved on as he goes into his second season with Vanier, and an area where he should continuously grow. In watching the 6’7 forward wing play in a scrimmage against a Canadian university, it’s clear that his combination of height and talent make him a prototypical wing at the next level. If he can then lock in on defense with consistency and maintain his offensive production and efficiency, there’s a strong possibility he will be among the very best players in the 2027 class.

As we prepare for the high school sports season in Saskatchewan, which begins in mid-November, I would like to offer coaches and fans a preview of the players who are poised to make a significant impact in their final year. This preview will include assessments of their skills, the competitive level at which I believe they can excel, and any interest they have received from colleges or programs. Last year's graduating class saw four players advance to USport, nine to the ACAC, and two to prep programs. Please note for coaches: all of these players will be completing Grade 12 this year. However, most of them were born in 2007, making them eligible for a prep year, which is why they are designated as 2026 on their prospect cards. #1 COMMITTED - Edge Prep Kian is a 6'6" shooting guard/small forward with exceptional skills. He possesses excellent ball-handling abilities and can shoot effectively from long range. Moreover, he is a high-motor athlete who finishes strongly around the rim and excels in rim protection. He had an impressive summer with Genesis in Calgary, AB, during the EYCL, which attracted significant interest from NCAA coaches. Genesis founder and head coach Eddie Richardson informed us that 'Kian had a fantastic summer with our Genesis AAU program in the Nike Champions League (EYCL). His development was apparent when he first came to training camp, as he matured from his training with coach Sean Tyson and Greenwave United. After our first Nike session, coaches started to notice Kian's ability to guard the one-to-four and his shot-making ability. He also had a few highlight plays that showcased his athleticism to the league. #2 COMMITTED - University of Regina Football Davin is a classic post player who excels in the paint. His 6'8" frame is hard to move, and he possesses a well-rounded game to match. He can effectively seal off opponents to execute his drop step, and he also has a solid jump shot. On the defensive end, he uses his size to great advantage, and his quick feet help him maintain his position. While Davin is an elite prospect, he has informed me that he has several USport football offers and that is the direction he is looking to go, this may be our last chance to watch him on the basketball floor and he is worth the watch. #3 COMMITTED - University of Saskatchewan Faisal is a joy to watch play basketball; he has one of the best motors I have ever seen and seems to enjoy every moment on the court. The first thing that stands out about Faisal is his defense. Despite being just 6'2", he can guard all five positions, sometimes even within the same possession. There is no challenge he won't take on. This summer, I had the opportunity to watch Faisal closely and evaluate his offensive game. When given the chance to be the lead guard, he flourishes and runs the team smoothly. Like his defense, he is unselfish and often makes the right play. However, if you leave him open, he will make you pay with his shooting ability, which extends well beyond the three-point line. Faisal should be able to compete at the USport level next year and vie for minutes as a freshman. He has received interest from schools on both sides of the border. #4 COMMITTED - VICTORY PREP (Florida) Cher is an explosive 6'6" athlete who has demonstrated the ability to drive to the rim and finish strong. He draws fouls at a high rate and is a willing passer. Cher prefers to finish with his left hand but shoots with his right, showcasing a versatile skill set. He is a solid defender, excelling not only at protecting the rim but also capable of guarding players on the perimeter. Cher thrives in transition and possesses a high motor, making him an intriguing prospect. He has received interest from USport programs and would be a valuable addition to the team that recruits him. #5 COMMITTED - University of Saskatchewan Moe is an athlete with a high basketball IQ. He can score from all three levels and has a strong understanding of the game. Throughout the summer, I have been impressed by his offensive skill set and his ability to read situations and respond accordingly. He is also an effective defender, getting into passing lanes and using his long reach to create disruptions. Moe has attracted interest from several USport programs, and I believe he has the potential to compete for playing time early in his post-secondary career. #6 COMMITTED - Western Canadian Prep Academy (WCPA) Mukungu is a tall and athletic wing player with impressive skills. He has demonstrated the ability to score from all three levels of the court and boasts a very nice shooting technique. Defensively, he can guard positions one through four and could potentially play in the paint with increased strength. Mukungu would be a valuable addition to any USport team looking to develop a player with significant potential. He has already attracted interest from several USport programs. #7 COMMITTED - The Academy Phoenix Prep Jesse is an exceptionally skilled 6'6" wing player. He has the ability to handle the ball, improve his teammates' performance, finish plays off the bounce, and shoot from long range. At times, he demonstrates effectiveness as a defender in the paint and is capable of rebounding well. Jesse could be a strong long-term fit for a USport program looking to develop his talents, and he has garnered interest from several schools. If a CCAA program were to recruit him, he would be able to step in and play the 3 or 4 position immediately, providing valuable size to a team in need. #8 COMMITTED - Medicine Hat College Tommy is a strong, athletic guard who can easily drive to the rim and finish strong. He is tenacious in getting into the paint, often drawing fouls against defenders. Additionally, he possesses a solid jump shot that keeps defenses honest. With all the skills necessary to compete at the next level, Tommy is an excellent addition for a team looking to strengthen their guard depth. He is a dedicated worker who competes fiercely and can make a significant impact on games. #9 COMMITTED - DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY Osaze has made significant strides in his game and is a prospect to watch this high school season. He spent his summer training with YXE Elite and UPrep from Vancouver. Unfortunately, he sustained an arm injury and was unable to compete in the summer league. Standing at 6'8", he presents an imposing defensive presence, and his elite athleticism enables him to block nearly every shot. He excels at finishing off the dribble and is effective from the high post. Osaze would be an excellent addition to a USport program and has attracted interest from several schools on both sides of the border. He has the potential to make an immediate impact wherever he ends up, provided he continues to work hard. #10 COMMITTED - University of Regina Eston is an outstanding shooter, as demonstrated at the nationals this summer. He is physically well-prepared to take on the challenges of post-secondary basketball and is expected to excel as a defender at the next level. In addition to his shooting abilities, he is also a selfless passer, showing patience while waiting for ball reversals to create quality open shots. Eston would be a valuable asset to any program in need of strong shooting, whether in U Sports or CCAA. #11 Nickolay is a talented player who demonstrated his impressive shooting skills this summer, achieving a high shooting percentage. This season, he will showcase his complete game as part of Walter Murray, my top team in Saskatchewan. He is expected to contribute by rebounding, guarding post players, and handling many of the tough tasks on the court. Nickolay would be a great fit for any program in need of a forward who can stretch the floor. As he continues to develop his skills under Coach Hawley this season, I expect his reputation to grow, drawing serious interest from USport teams. Honorable Mentions: Demi Akinmoyero (6'5 WIng St Joseph Saskatoon, SK) COMMITTED - DOUGLAS Raphael Ewejobi (6'5 Wing St Joseph Saskatoon, SK) Chase Seaborn (6' Guard Central High School Moose Jaw, SK) COMMITTED - BRIERCREST Daniel Moore (5'10 Guard Tommy Douglas Saskatoon,SK) Treyson Perras (6' Guard Campbell Regina, SK) COMMITTED - FOOTBALL VANCOUVER ISLAND D'Kin Crowe (5'10 Guard Scott Regina, SK) Tarun Rathur (5'9 Guard Johnson Regina, SK) Grady Wilson (6'5 Wing Riffel Regina, SK) Nathan Matebekane (6'5 Post Luther Regina, SK) COMMITTED - QUEENS UNIVERSITY Julio Ruiz (5'10 Guard Campbell Regina,SK) Goloom Bein (6' Guard Holy Cross Saskatoon, SK) Corbin Andres (6'4 Wing Martin Regina, SK) COMMITTED - RED DEER Nemo Arnold (5'10 Guard St Joseph Saskatoon, SK) COMMITTED - HOLLAND COLLEGE Kylan Wol-Harden (5'11 Guard O'Neill Regina, SK)] COMMITTED - MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE SOCCER Tyson Korol (6'3 Wing Yorkton Regional Yorkton, SK) COMMITTED - HILLTOPS FOOTBALL Ethan Aveyard (6'1 Guard Riffel Regina, SK) COMMITTED - OKANAGAN COLLEGE Garrett Smith (6' Wing Balfour Regina, SK) COMMITTED - PROVIDENCE COLLEGE (MB)

What a great week of basketball! It started off with a thrilling Quebec win over Alberta and ended with Alberta bringing home a gold medal. Picking 16 players for awards was not easy, as basketball continues to get better in Canada and these games once again proved it. This tournament was full of players that scouts have been talking to and offering scholarships to for over a year already. The fact that almost a dozen players play for prep schools outside of Canada (not to mention the 20 or so that play for Canadian-based prep programs that compete regularly in the U.S.) speaks to how the Canadian basketball scene has exploded. We will see many players on this list — and at this tournament — in March Madness games and playing for USPORT programs from coast to coast. So without further ado, here are the players we thought were the week’s All-Stars. MVP Deng Ngor | Team Alberta | 6'7 | 2027 The Fort Erie prospect came into the tournament as one of the players everyone had on their radar, and he lived up to the hype. Leading his team in scoring and rebounding, he delivered in every big moment. Already holding offers from schools like Colorado State, the sky is the limit for this 6'7 wing. Be sure to keep following along as we cover his journey. First Team Javion Tyndale | Team Ontario | 5'8 | 2027 Javion Tyndale was the engine for Ontario throughout the Canada Games, leading the team in scoring at 20.3 points per game while playing a team-high 29.4 minutes. His ability to create offense for both himself and others stood out, as he dished out 5.5 assists a night, finishing with 33 total on the week. What really jumped off the page was his defensive activity, piling up 24 steals across six games and showing his instincts in the passing lanes. While his shooting percentages weren’t overly efficient (38.5% FG, 30% from three), he consistently shouldered the offensive load and delivered in big moments. Tyndale’s two-way impact makes him one of the brightest long-term prospects coming out of this Canadian squad. Submitted by Josh Millican — Founder of The Maple Minute Nathan Yambayamba | Team Alberta | 6'6 | 2027 Before the Games began, we were barely talking about Nathan. Despite leading his team to a provincial title in Alberta and joining UPlay on the EYBL circuit, he wasn’t getting much attention going in. That changed quickly. Nathan led an attack alongside Deng that made Alberta nearly impossible to guard — two 6'6+ players who can handle like guards and play well above the rim. He shot the ball well from deep and threw down massive dunks that made sure the Canadian basketball community knows his name now. Godson Okokoh | Team Ontario | 6'9 | 2027 Godson Okokoh gave Ontario a reliable presence inside, averaging 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while starting all six contests. His physicality on the glass was balanced, pulling down nearly three offensive and three defensive boards per outing. Defensively, he was one of Ontario’s best rim protectors, recording eight blocks across the tournament while also adding four steals. He showed flashes of efficiency as well, knocking down 46.8% from the field and an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc — a rare skill set for a player with his interior impact. Okokoh’s versatility and toughness made him an anchor for Ontario on both ends of the floor. Submitted by Josh Millican — Founder of The Maple Minute Daven Larosiliere | Team Quebec | 6'3 | 2027 Daven came into the tournament as the starting 2-guard for Quebec but became the de facto point guard after Kalan-Jameer Leith went down. Despite the switch in roles, he lit up the box score thanks to his ability to create off the dribble and initiate contact. He lived at the free-throw line and found ways to get his teammates involved in the action. Submitted by J.M. Poulard — Quebec-based scout for The Maple Minute Blake Pye | Team British Columbia | 6'2 | 2027 Blake showed the rest of Canada why he’s one of the most promising guards out of B.C. during this year’s Canada Games. A Prolific Prep product, Pye has been tearing up the AAU circuit in B.C. ever since coming back home. He played with a high level of confidence, making tough shots look easy and pouring in buckets all over the court. His play this week will definitely garner the attention of many scouts across North America. Submitted by Esher Sira — British Columbia-based scout for The Maple Minute Second Team Ryder English | Team Newfoundland | 6'3 | 2027 Ryder English seems unaffected by the pressures of being the son of a legend. Using his stout frame and physicality to score in a variety of ways, he led the tournament in scoring with 24.4 points per game and finished in the top ten for rebounding, free throw percentage, threes, and minutes played. Look for him to increase his role with Orangeville Prep in the fall, where he plays against the best high school players in the world. Submitted by Andrew Sharpe — Atlantic Canada-based scout for The Maple Minute Settimo Yugu | Team Manitoba | 6'9 | 2027 Settimo was a standout for Manitoba — and that shouldn’t surprise anyone. Having recently committed to CIA Bella Vista in Arizona, he is an extremely skilled big man who moves with fluidity and grace. He led Manitoba in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. At 6'9, he simply overwhelmed most teams as Manitoba finished 5th. Oliver Nadeau | Team Nova Scotia | 6'4 | 2027 If you didn’t have 6'4 Nova Scotia guard Ollie Nadeau on your watchlist before Canada Games, you do now. He finished third in scoring with 19.6 ppg, while leading the country with 28 three-pointers on a scorching 46.7%. Ollie returns to Armbrae in September, where he will be a top recruit. Empty your inbox, Ollie — you’ve got mail. Submitted by Andrew Sharpe — Atlantic Canada-based scout for The Maple Minute Hart Kreter | Team British Columbia | 6'6 | 2027 Hart has flown under the radar in B.C. for most of his career, but his performance this week at nationals showed everyone his true potential. His ability to not only grab rebounds and finish around the rim, but also playmake and hit big shots, was on full display for the recent Spire Academy commit. Submitted by Esher Sira — British Columbia-based scout for The Maple Minute Elijah Thomas | Team Alberta | 5'11 | 2027 Another member of Alberta from St. Francis Xavier High School (along with Nathan Yambayamba), Elijah helped win the Alberta high school provincial title. The point guard came off the bench to do whatever this Alberta team needed. He truly is a coach on the floor who steadies the ship and controls play. His three-point shooting was spectacular in big moments, and he will be someone a lot of post-secondary schools will be calling. Third Team Zane Litzenberger | Team Saskatchewan | 6'2 | 2027 Right from the start, Zane showed what I’ve always known — he has an elite motor and will play extremely hard. He has a very good skill set that, when combined with his effort level, leads to good things happening. He was among the league leaders in field goal percentage and steals. He finished shooting 72% on his two-point attempts despite being only 6'2. Theodore Worley | Team New Brunswick | 6'4 | 2027 A lot was expected of Fredericton’s Teddy Worley, as New Brunswick leaned on him heavily to do the bulk of their scoring. He responded with 18 points per game, good for 5th in the Games. He also had the third most three-pointers, hitting at a strong 41.1%. Oh, and he was also the best free throw shooter in the tournament at 83.8%. This fall, look for Teddy to be the go-to guy for his Fredericton High Black Kats. With eight seniors, they will be the favorite to repeat as NBIAA AAA champions. Submitted by Andrew Sharpe — Atlantic Canada-based scout for The Maple Minute Zach Mathison | Team Northwest Territories | 6'1 | 2027 A player from NWT on the All-Tournament Team? This Edge Prep product made a name for himself all week long. Despite being on a team that most considered an afterthought, he forced opponents to game-plan for him and made games competitive. He could be a big part of inspiring future players in all the territories, and they couldn’t ask for a better role model. Antonny Peraza Blais | Team Quebec | 6'1 | 2027 Antonny morphed into Quebec’s second-best player thanks to his emphasis on the details. At 6'1, he relentlessly hit the boards, got into passing lanes, and put constant pressure on opposing guards. In addition, he helped generate transition opportunities and finish them for a Quebec team that consistently needed a spark. Submitted by J.M. Poulard — Quebec-based scout for The Maple Minute Kenyon St. Louis | Team Ontario | 6'2 | 2028 Kenyon St. Louis quietly put together one of Ontario’s most balanced performances, averaging 12.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just over 27 minutes per game. His activity on the defensive end was impressive, finishing with 10 steals and 2 blocks across the week. St. Louis also provided timely scoring, showing his ability to stretch the floor with a willingness to step out and take threes, despite shooting just over 30% from deep. His free-throw shooting was reliable at 76.5%, which helped him stay efficient in tight games. St. Louis’ well-rounded stat line highlighted his value as a glue guy who could make plays in multiple phases of the game. Submitted by Josh Millican — Founder of The Maple Minute Final Word The 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s were a reminder of just how far Canadian basketball has come — and how bright the future really is. From household names living up to the hype, to breakout performances that put new prospects on the national radar, this week gave us a glimpse of the next wave of talent that will carry the game forward. These athletes aren’t just competing for medals; they’re building résumés that will take them to prep schools, USPORTS, NCAA programs, and beyond. If the level of play we saw here is any indication, Canadian basketball is not only here to stay — it’s still climbing. And for us at The Maple Minute , the most exciting part is knowing this is only the beginning.

Written by Alex Cawsey Zach Walker | 2027 | 6’0 | PG One of the best pure PGs in his class with an elite shot. Crafty playmaker who creates well for himself and others. His handle allows him to get to his shot effortlessly and consistently generate paint touches. Zachary Downer | 2027 | 6’6 | Guard One of the most intriguing guards in his class. Physical specimen who can guard multiple positions and uses his body well to finish through contact consistently. Developing into a three-level scorer with each passing day. Stefan Illic | 2027 | 6’10 | Forward The best forward in his class out of Canada. High basketball IQ allows him to pick defenses apart both as a scorer and facilitator. Scores consistently from all three levels and continues to grow defensively as a rim protector capable of guarding both forwards and wings. Deng Ngor | 2027 | 6’8 | Wing Great two-way player who consistently brings energy on both ends. Nightmare to guard in transition and has developed into a half-court scoring threat. Versatile defensively, capable of locking down both guards and forwards. Javion Tyndale | 2027 | 5’10 | Guard The best true PG in his class. Javion strikes a perfect balance between facilitating and scoring. A true three-level scorer with one of the best jumpers in the class. Elite vision allows him to constantly get teammates open looks and get paint touches at will. Mmesoma Ndubisi | 2027 | 6’8 | Forward One of the best athletes in a deep 2027 class. A highlight waiting to happen, he uses his elite motor to protect the rim and create extra possessions. Khalil Barrett | 2027 | 6’4 | Guard One of the toughest guards in his class. Balances a fluid scoring game with an elite motor that is infectious. Guards 1 through 3 consistently and uses his motor to make winning plays. KJ Perez | 2027 | 6’3 | Guard Has developed into one of the best shooters in his class. Consistently scores from all three levels and has taken on more responsibilities as a playmaker. Kairo Charles | 2027 | 6’0 | Guard An elite guard who consistently makes the right decisions. Gets paint touches at will and can score from both inside and out. Possesses an elite motor, making him a true two-way PG. Daniel Igbokwe | 2027 | 6’0 | Guard Crafty scoring guard who finds ways to score both inside and out. Has a unique ability to time steals for easy transition opportunities. Favour Nkemka | 2027 | 6’4 | Guard One of the toughest guards in his class. Has an elite knack for scoring and consistently gets to his spots. Shifty handle allows him to get paint touches at will, and he defends both guard positions extremely well. Sha-Cure Grant | 2027 | 6’6 | Forward Physically imposing forward who consistently scores from inside and out. A monster on the glass, he finds every way possible to fill up the stat sheet. Bieva Cabant | 2027 | 5’11 | Guard Electric guard with a unique ability to score both in the paint and on the perimeter. Strong frame allows him to dictate defensive matchups. Godson Okokoh | 2027 | 6’9 | Forward Long, athletic, and rangy forward who is a highlight waiting to happen. Developed jumper has turned him into a consistent threat from behind the arc. Godson possesses all the tools of a high-major talent. Kymani Walters | 2027 | 6’3 | Guard Dynamic guard and elite defender. One of the best motors in his class, able to guard both guards and wings. A great slasher who uses his body to finish through contact and make plays above the rim. Isaiah Lukusa | 2027 | 6’5 | Wing Three-level scoring wing who gets to his spots with ease. Uses athleticism and size to rebound effectively and is a nightmare in transition as an above-the-rim athlete. Elijah Edwards | 2027 | 6’0 | Guard One of the more underrated guards in his class. Uses his frame to make tough finishes through contact consistently. Crafty playstyle allows him to get paint touches at will. Ethan Angelone | 2027 | 6’3 | Guard Combo guard who plays hard on every possession. Skilled at scoring inside as a slasher and from three. Rebounds the ball extremely well for a guard. Graydon Jurik | 2027 | 6’0 | Guard One of the best shooters in his class. A threat to score as soon as he catches the ball within five feet of the arc. Uses his shot to create advantages for himself and teammates and is developing well as a passer. Zohar Dhaliwal | 2027 | 6’6 | Wing Strong frame and good size for a wing. A great transition threat who consistently finishes through contact. Kyree Taylor | 2027 | 6’2 | PG One of the most electric guards in his class. Scores from all three levels and is a crafty finisher. Can create for himself and others.