Month: February 2014

Open Court With Coach Mac

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Toronto based 16U AAU team YAAACE are currently #2 in pre season rankings including all of North America.

2nd overall to only a program that is funded and orchestrated by none other then two-time reigning NBA champion Lebron James.

What YAAACE accomplished on tour of duty travelling AAU last summer was ridiculous yet remarkable.

Founded in 2007, the Youth Association for Academics Athletics and Character Education (Y.A.A.A.C.E) was only a community organization that’s mandate was to engage children and youth from communities through programs and activities. Now their novice team seven years later is sitting #2 in all of North America.

YAAACE head coach Jordan McFarlane aka Coach Mac is regarded as one of the better player coaches in the Greater Toronto Area.

From novice leagues to #2 in North America. Coach Mac has even played a part in tutoring and developing a top-10 ranked talent in America 2016 Justin Jackson. A 6-8 point guard with potential in his viens who could be real special one day.

It was only right that HHC caught up with the 27-year-old YAAACE head coach and discuss some current situations and happenings with the YAAACE boys from Toronto with AAU around the corner, Enjoy!

HHC: You’ve been head coach of YAAACE since the 2016 group were 10 years old. For people that are unfamiliar how did you get the gig which you’ve done a remarkable job including your squad being ranked right now #2 in N.America, Only behind Lebron Janes AAU program.

Justin Jackson, Coach Mac & Oshae Brisette.

Justin Jackson, Coach Mac & Oshae Brisette.

JM: It all started with Devon Jones. Devon use to coach a novice team that consisted of many of the players that I coach to this day. I was just the bigger brother to one of the kids on that team. As their novice season came to an end. Devon Jones appointed me to be teams new head coach. This was way back in 06/07. I’ve been working with these young men ever since.

HHC: In Canada your not considered great untill America says your great. #2 in North America, deep runs in Indiana, Orlando & Las Vegas and a July live period record of 19-3. Are you expecting the same results in 2014?

JM: That record was a direct result of all the hard work and sacrifices these athletes made all year. They trained hard as individuals and even harder as a team. This just means we have more work to do. It’s nice to be #2 but it’s not #1.

HHC: #1 player in 2016 Canadian class Justin Jackson, perhaps the most publicized player on the squad. Took his talents down south in September. Your thoughts on his season, as expected or even better?

JM: I think Findlay is definitely a big stage to be on. Especially since the roster is loaded with d1 talent. I think Justin early on has had some difficulty figuring out where he belongs in the d1 factory we call Findlay Prep, but has still found ways to be a key contributor to his team. Some would say it was a mistake to send him there but I say that in order to be the best you have play with and against the best, and that’s what Action Jackson is doing everyday in Vegas.

HHC: In regards to Action Jackson, some people say he is a point guard, tweener at the 3/4 you’ve coached Justin since he was 10 years old. What is Coach Macs feelings on the position & type role for Justin Jackson?

JM: Justin Jackson will be a PG at the pro level with out a doubt. He’s 6’8 with pg Handles and Magic Johnson like court vision. Defending the the pg position will be his greatest challenge to overcome. But from what I’ve seen so far from Justin this year is his defense has dramatically improved and will only continue to get better.

HHC: Recently YAAACE announced a merge with Triple Balance and formed a new moniker for AAU called Association Canada. Any reason for the merger and how will it benefit YAAACE moving forward?

JM: It was the perfect fit. Both organizations do life changing work in the community (Triple Balance/Malvern), (Yaaace/Jane&Finch). Plus together we arguably field the top 15 & 16u teams in Canada. I think this creates more opportunities for the young ones coming up in both programs. Plus the guys over at Triple Balance are great men. They are trust worthy and share the same passion we have for helping young men and women.

HHC: Reports surfacing about Association participating in the recently announced Under Armour AAU circuit and a partnership with Under Armour and Association. Can you confirm or deny rumored reports or still to pre mature?

JM: Yes The Association Canada Elite is officially a UA sponsored organization. Our 15, 16, & 17u teams will be participating in the UAA League this summer.

HHC: Back to the future. The other Pilot Oshae Brisette also at Findlay, relatively unknown in Toronto, what can you tell Canadian hoop heads about the young man?

JM: First of all Oshae Brissett is a class act. He’s a great student and an even better person. Oshae is a 6’8 wing with loads of talent and potential. We’ve thrown him into the fire at Findlay. He’s been going up against the likes of McDonalds All Americans Kelly Oubre and Rashad Vaughn everyday in practice. That environment will definitely help that potential blossom into greatness. Watch out for this kid in the future.

HHC: Toronto high school hoops scene have some of your guards going hard. Your main lead guard Godwin Boahen of St.Mikes, only 5’9″ but as a sophmore led his school to the most prestige provincial championship in the country. With the 2014 OFSAA kicking off next week he’s back as a Junior with the #1 seed. What makes that kid so special?

JM: He’s got the heart of a lion. He never quits. He’s never afraid to do the dirty work and lock down the opposing teams best player. Put it this way. If I had to coach against this kid I would be nervous.

HHC: High flyer Marcus Ottey. Showed signicant strides as a go to guy with JC Richardson. He was instrumental in their success and fell only 3 points short of The provincial championship in the LOSSA finals. Signs of becoming a complete player?

JM: Marcus Ottey is like a little brother to me. Because we both live in the Durham Region we often train together in the off season. He’s probably the most athletic baller I’ve ever met, so watching him defy gravity over the last couple of years doesn’t surprise me any more. What is most impressive about Marcus’s game is his much improved skill set. He’s worked at it and had a great summer circuit because of it. Great kid.

HHC: #3 seed at OFSAA features combo guard Keshon Montague. As a 2016 he led D’Youville to a 32-4 overall record as a starter in a battle tested schedule, what type of player is he?

JM: Keshon is a glue guy. He is great at facilitating an offense and running it at a tempo that best fits his team. He also had a great summer and was a key part of the success that the #2 team in the country achieved. He is now the franchise guy with his high school squad D’Youville. I wish him all the best at OFSAA.

HHC: Your thoughts on the 2016 Canadian class in general. 2 clubs ranked inside the top 25 in AAU pre season polls and Canada basketbal is selecting a chosen few to represent the U17 level at the World Championships for this summer. How do we we compare to the Americans and is a gold medal game is realistic?

JM: The 2016 class is deep. Arguably the deepest class we have right now. That top 25 ranking is a testament to that. The national program will have a lot of talent to pull from. In my humble opinion I think the selection criteria for the national team is a bit flawed. Too much focus on size and not enough actual skill and talent. Especially at the guard spot. Last year we had no true facilitator or defensive stopper at the pg spot. If a little guy can get the job then that’s who should be playing.

HHC: Final question, in 2007 when YAAACE was founded do you ever think how basketball was just another activity to engage youths and all of a sudden now 7 years later your group is in the home stretch of obtaining 4 year scholarships which value over CDN $250,000? Your thoughts?

JM: Your right. when I first started coaching I thought it was just going to be something fun to do for the kids. Something to keep them engaged. But the opportunities that have come as a result of these boys doing what they’ve done thus far are incredible. If everyone of my athletes could earn a free scholarship at the end of the day I would be the luckiest guy in the world. These kids are special. And they deserve every ounce of credit.

There you have it, keep an eye on the Association Canada AAU squad and their blossoming young talent.

Moving forward the question begs, can this crop do it again?

To follow Coach Mac on twitter click here

To follow the Association Canada Elite click here

To follow HoopsHypeCa click here

Michigan Chasing Murray With Coach Meyer

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Scheduled to visit Michigan this past Sunday for their win over Michigan State, car trouble forced the Murray’s and his team to take a detour but the plan is to be in Ann Arbor sooner than later, with stops to other schools on the docket as well.

“We definitely want to get back to Michigan,” Athlete Insitute HS head coach Larry Blunt said. “We appreciate them extending the opportunity and we’re going to get down before the season ends.”

Though early, the Wolverines, led by assistant coach Jeff Meyer, are already laying the groundwork for a positive recruiting experience with Murray.

“Coach Meyer, we’ve spoken with him a ton,” Blunt said. “For one Michigan is a great school and relatively speaking it’s close from a proximity standpoint so his parents could see him play.”

30 year old Blunt in his first year in charge in Orangeville, ON concluded,

“Michigan has been great, they’ve been consistent, they’ve been keeping tabs on him and they’ve done a really nice job early in the recruiting game of building a solid foundation with him.”

Per source coach Meyer photographed above was at the 2014 Caribana Classic NCAA camp last summer in Brampton, ON held by CIA Bounce. It is there where he came away impressed with Kitchener, Ontario native Murray.

Hoop Dreams: Puma Point Guard Jordan Henry

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Last month Hoops Hype Canada pronounced 2017 Nova Scotia native Lindell Wiggington as the #1-ranked point guard in the nation. Little did we know that residing in Toronto is someone who maybe in the same conversation.

Meet class of 2017 5’9″ Jordan Henry of the Pine Ridge Pumas. Since arriving on the scene last AAU live period in Florida, the point guard nick named ‘Rock’ by his peers has taken his game to a whole different level.

As a underclass men only in grade ten, Henry has quarter backed the Pumas to a stellar historic season while mastering his craft in the east end of Toronto. Pine Ridge based out of Pickering finished a flawless regular season 15-0, and 29-7 overall. When HHC correspondents connected with Pine Ridge head coach Trisha Biffin. Coach vouched for his teams facilatator both on and off the court.

“Academically Jordan has been a strong student with us at Pine Ridge and has performed well both on and off the court. He is well liked by all his teachers and peers and always has a pleasant disposition in the classroom and at practice.” adding ” He is a true leader and a threat to all of his opponents.”

Jordan Henry remains to be one of the only starting grade 10 point guards in the province playing at the senior level. In the LOSSA finals head to head with Canadian Cadet 2016 Marcus Ottey, Henry scored 25 points including 14 points alone in the fourth quarter. Think Sacramento Kings starting point guard Isaiah Thomas. Very small, very explosive, and quite the competitor who likes to get to the rim.

Asked about what separates Henry from other tenth graders and the Pickering, Ontario high school head coach explained,

“He can not be shaken while on the court and does not let his emotions get the better of him. Alongside Chase Vassell he creates a plethora of scoring opportunities and we hope to create more chances with this duo at OFSAA.”

Ahead of the 2014 OFSAA ‘AAAA’ championships next week in Mississauga, Ontario HHC (Hoops Hype Canada) correspondents caught up with Jordan. Henry and his Puma’s will be the #7 seed.

HHC: Tell us about yourself. Your game, any professional players you draw inspiration from? Any athletes that you aspire to be?

JH: I like to view myself as a pass first guard who enjoys watching their teammates score. My ability to pass keeps the defense guessing because I’m always in a triple threat position which gives me multiple options. I draw inspiration from Steve Nash, Tony Parker and Chris Paul. They all played on winning teams and they don’t always rely on their athleticism to contribute. They are very crafty and use quickness and basketball iq to succeed. I draw inspiration from Lebron James and Chris Paul because their team players and other players love to play with them. They always make their teammates perform better.

HHC: When did you first get interested in Basketball? Any accolades along the way your most proud of?

JH: I started playing basketball in grade 4 and all the tournaments and championships over the years are my most valuable accolades.

HHC: Any challenges your experiencing as a student-athlete on & off the court? How is your support staff with teachers?

JH: No I have no problems with my academics and if I do have problems the teachers at Pine Ridge are 100% supportive and helpful. I’m close to all my teachers and I’m extremely close to my assistant coach/guidance counselor Mrs. Biffin. I’m extremely thankful to have her involved because she’s always there for me when I need her help.

HHC: About Pine Ridge. What your doing as a 2017 at the senior level is fantastic. Your thoughts on your teams season so far and potential of going the distance down the stretch?

JH: Well we have some good wins and some terrible losses. We need to work on our consistency and not play down to the level of our competition. If we play to our potential we can compete with anyone in the country because we have a great presence and rim protecter in Jay Williams, we have another shifty and quick guard in Dre mcintosh, and we have the best scorer in high school basketball in Chase Vassell who can you go for 40+ any given night! I’m blessed for these teammates and my job is to make sure I get everyone involved in and make sure everyone focused, and playing as 1 unit! Our #1 goal is to win OFSAA.

HHC: Back to you… any daily routines? As you prepare for D1? Anything new you’ve incorporated lately to help propel you to the next level?

JH: Yeah I’ve started to eat way more healthy, I’m also doing push-ups and other exercises to gain more strength. I’m in the gym everyday shooting different types of shots like floaters, pull ups and other off the dribble shots. My strength and my shooting are my 2 major weaknesses so I’m going to continue to work hard on them and make them strengths of my game. I watch a lot of college basketball because it helps me gain more basketball iq and I can improve the mental part of my game.

HHC: For AAU who will be travelling with? Also any dream schools across NCAA you grew up admiring?

JH: l will be traveling with The Associaton this summer. My dream schools are North Carolina, Baylor and Michigan.

After hearing his commitment to the Association Canada, the flagship AAU program for Under Armour, HHC reached out to head coach Shane James for some feedback. First question? What makes Henry a top candidate for top point guard in his class, coach James responded,

“I think Jordan Henry is at the top of his class not only as a PG but as a complete player. He’s a coaches dream. A player that has tremendous leadership skills, a superb athlete and can do anything you ask of him. The kid can flat out score in multiple different ways, break people down using dribble moves, create for teammates and guard the oppositions best player night in and night out. Jordan is also an academic kid. He works just as hard in the classroom as he does on the basketball court. Not only is it a pleasure to coach a kid like Jordan, he makes my job a lot easier”

So what is next for JH? Is it time to take his talents south of the border?

“That would be a decision for JH to make with his family. With that being said, he has been getting a lot of interest lately from some of the top high schools and preps down south. He will have some tough decision to make. I have to give a lot of credit to coach Cam Nekkers who is doing a great job running a first class program at Pineridge. Jordan enjoys playing at Pineridge. Did you see the student/staff support they had at the LOSSA Championships? It’s a great when your whole school gets behind you and supports school sports. It creates a great environment to play in.” Concluded coach James.

There you have it folks, the talent vault doesn’t stop north of the border no matter the position. Look out for his patterned spin move to the hoop and circle the name Jordan Henry. 5’9″ class of 2017. If you didn’t know now you know.

2013-14 Pine Ridge Pumas @PineRidgeBball finished 29-7 overall with a 15-0 LOSSA record. They will enter the 2014 provincial championships as the #7 seed.

5 Question Inbound With 2016 PG Keshon Montague

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

20140224-170947.jpg

It’s no secret that Canada basketball overlooks smaller size point guards when it comes to international play. As evident when highly touted guards such as 2016 Keshon Montague, Godwin Boahen & Nelson Kaputo were omitted from the U16 FIBA Americas roster that finished with a bronze medal last summer in Uruguay. Yes European guards are long and tall but height at the point guard position size is irrelevant. Give us skill, leadership qualities and most importantly winners!

Ahead of the 2014 ROPSAA championship game between Brampton, Ontario rivals D’Youville Panthers & Notre Dame, HHC counterparts caught up with Panthers floor general who is known for his long range shooting, in your face defense, facilitating and WINNING on every level he’s played on. Recently the Brampton native was added to HoopTownGTA’s Fab 48 for Grade 11. Five question inbound with 2016 PG Keshon Montague, Enjoy!

HHC: You have played on grand stages before. Nationals gold game, back to back junior level ROPSAA championships, showcase/all star games, elite 8′s, final fours and championship games during AAU live periods. Where does tonight, your first Ropsaa championship game at the senior level rank? Big or just any other game?

KM: This is my third ROPSAA finals in the last three years but I still don’t take this opportunity for granted. Even though we already qualified for OFSAA It’s still a big game for me. A lot of players were vying to play in the finals but my teammates and I worked very hard to ensure our place in this game. We our also trying to win this game for our 5th year seniors Addy (Ogunye) and Jerome (Simpson).

HHC: D’Youville! Notorious in Brampton for being a basketball power house. For people that don’t know Tristan Thompson attended DY before going south. You’ve been a lead guard since you arrived, play nearly 50 games a year with tourneys, season and playoffs. In your opinion what separates DY from other peel regional schools?

KM: What separates DY from other schools in my opinion is the kids who go there and how willing they are to work each and everyday. The coaches sacrifice a lot of their time giving us an opportunity to work on our game everyday 5 days a week sometimes three times a day. They also give us the game experience we need with our 50 game schedule and help us reach our full potential.

Keshon Montague Yaaace

411 on 2016 PG Keshon Montague courtesy of HoopTownGTA

HHC: Many experts have labelled you the purest facilitating PG in the 2016 class. Any players pro or collegiately inspire you? Or you model your game after?

KM: There are four guards i really study and try to model my game after. Chris paul for his facilitating and court awareness. Kyrie Irving for his scoring ability and how he attacks the rim. Tyler Ennis for the way he reads the pick and roll and lastly Stephen curry for his shooting ability.

HHC: On court is there anything you have added to your training regime or incorporated into your development to help propel you to the next level?

KM: I’d have to say more focused workouts, working on one thing each day instead of doing 5 things and not doing them properly. I’m also incorporating boxing, it gives u stamina, focus and endurance for the big games like today.

HHC: Last but not least, You were a big part of YAACE’s remarkable 19-3 July record. Making deep runs in Indiana, Orlando & Las Vegas your thoughts on that experience? Any timetable for your decision on summer plans?

KM: That was a great experience for me , probably the best summer I’ve ever had ! Our team was very talented and we did a lot of damage down south ! Very thankful to Coach Jordan for that opportunity. I want to take care of the rest of the HS season then make my decision.

Support and track Keshon Montague’s journey to the next level by following him on Twitter by clicking HERE

Support and track D’Youvilles journey towards OFSAA by following on Twitter by clicking HERE

2016 Jamal Murray Sweepstakes 1.0

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

2016 Jamal Murray (Athlete Institute/CIA Bounce) recruiting sweepstakes has officially begun. Murray a member of the Cadet Men’s National Team who will participate in the 2014 U17 FIBA World Championship for Men has seen his legend grow by the game.

Currently ranked #37 by Scouts.com the 6’5″ 190lbs Murray is being recruited as a combo guard at the next level, while primarily playing point guard for his high school team Athlete Institute in Orangeville, Ontario. Murray last week cracked the Fox Sports Scouts.com national top 100 list which is a rare feat for a Canadian playing high school ball on Canadian soil. Justin Jackson (Findlay Prep/YAAACE) is the highest sitting Canadian at 21. Both Murray and Jackson have been arguably the top player in the highly touted 2016 Canadian class.

“Jamal Murray is a special player…He wants the ball in his hands at the end of the game.” In talking about Murray’s recruiting AI HS head coach Larry Blunt mentioned to American media in December ,“His recruitment is heavy. A lot of colleges on him already as a sophomore.”

One school that has been consistently keeping in contact with Murray’s coach is Michigan. Who already boast a Canadian product with Mississauga native Nik Stauskas whose enjoying a stellar sophomore season.

“They’re looking at him as a one or two,” Murray’s father Roger told Scout.com “A lot of people haven’t seen him yet though…Once they see him I know it’ll be different. “He’s a point guard but you can put him anywhere and he’ll produce, basically.”

“For Jamal, anywhere he is going we’re looking for him to play and not really to sit; his game is to play. We’re looking for somewhere where he can go in and play.” Father Roger Murray added.

In the United States for game action this weekend at La Lumiere (IN) School the Murray’s will swing through Ann Arbor to visit Michigan as they host Michigan State at Crisler Center Sunday afternoon.

“This was just kind of on the fly,” Murray said. “Coach told me to call them to get up for the game so this is just on the fly.”

“We want to see how the team is setup, how they run the plays, just seeing how it is there, just to see what the environment is like. I’m not the one playing, he’s playing so.”

Murray is also hearing from Illinois, Syracuse, and Louisville, among many others, growing and learning under the tutelage of his father.

“I trained him all his life,” Murray said. “I’d say he doesn’t have much weaknesses. He can get a little more hops probably but he’s just a floor general…He can control the floor, shoot from anywhere, pull up and do all the moves you could imagine, has a nice handle.”

Kitchener, Ont. native Jamal Murray played a key role for Team Canada capturing bronze at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Uruguay. Murray led the Cadet Men’s National Team (CMNT) in scoring in four of the team’s five contests. His best game of the tournament came against Puerto Rico, where he scored a game-high 24 points, while rounding out his night with seven rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. The 6-3 guard was one of Canada’s more productive players, averaging 17 points on 46 per cent shooting, with averages of six rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals in the tournament. Jamal and the CMNT will now set their sights on the 2014 U17 FIBA World Championship for Men later this summer.

2016 6’5″ Jamal Murray expected to lead  U17 Team Canada team into the U17 FIBA World Championships this summer in Dubai.

Jamal Murray Sweepstakes

Pole Position

- Syracuse
- Michigan

Roger Murray not one to divulge details but many close to the situation see Jamal Murray ending up close to home. Bordering American cities with Ontario make Syracuse & Michigan obvious favourites from the start.

In The Mix

- Florida
- Illinois
- Louisville

If your not based in Western New York or the state of Michigan it doesn’t mean you don’t stand a chance. However with ‘Cuse & ‘Blue allready rolling out the red carpet you better come aggressive. For example, circle the Athlete Institute HS showcase tournament this March 21-23rd, also add the 2014 Caribana NCAA camp to the agenda too.  Illinois’ has been fond off CIA Bounce talent dating back to losing out on Xavier Rathan Mayes on his decision day. Despite the Negus Webster Chan Louisville debacle, with it’s pedigree of reigning defending champs the Cardinals & Hall Of Fame coach Rick Pitino present a stage for Murray second to none. The same goes for the University of Florida who have been monitoring Murray since he took home the 2013 Jordan Brand MVP award.

#37 in America and climbing. The pride and joy of 519 hoops is on demand and the sweepstakes for his signature have officially begun! Stay tuned.

Michael Asemota “In My Eyes Were The Best Team In Canada”

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

Since we first discovered Class of 2016 6’3″ SG Michael Asemota at a camp in Detroit no other 2016 guard has climbed up the rankings ladder quicker. Since then Asemota has won gold with Team Ontario at nationals last summer and parlayed that club success with high school success helping the Notre Dame Knights in Brampton, Ontario go 8-0 in the regular season including a season sweep of city rivals St. Edmund Campion.

Ahead of Thursdays ROPSAA quarter final match up versus who else Campion, Asemota caught up with HHC counterparts. Enjoy!

HHC: Tell us about yourself. Your game, any professional players you draw inspiration from? Any athletes that you aspire to be?

MA: Thank you for being able to share my story. An analyzation of my game would be an athletic scoring guard I draw inspiration and watch alot of Derrik Rose & Damian Lillard.

HHC: When did you first get interested in Basketball? Any accolades along the way your most proud of?

MA: First started playing basketball in grade 6-7 and I played on Team Ontario last summer which was a big honour. I got player of the game for the ROPSAA allstar game last year and a couple MVP’s along the way throughout my career.

HHC: Any challenges your experiencing as a student-athlete on & off the court? How is your support staff with teachers?

MA: Kind of, there are alot of pressures put on you being a student athlete but other people have done it so im confident i can also. My support staff with teachers is okay, if i need extra help my coaches will arrange help after schoool and help me get my grades up.

HHC: About Notre Dame’s Season. Your thoughts on your teams season so far and potential of going the distance down the stretch?

MA: I think our team has the talent and a chance to win ROPSAA and even OFSAA, were a very underated team with a lot of skilled players. Were an athletic and fast team that can shoot at a high level. In my eyes were the best team in Canada.

HHC: About you … Some say your the fatest rising 2016 in the Canadian class over the last 18 months. How have you been able to make such significant strides?

MA: I have just been working at my game. Coaches have been giving me constructive criticsm on my play and I’vs just been trying to implement it. I still have long long way to go though.

HHC: Any daily routines? As you prepare for D1? Anything new you’ve incorporated lately to help propel you to the next level?

MA: Im in the gym basically everyday with practice and games but ive been working on my defence and the mental aspect of the game, giving it my all in practice and games and also developing a killer mindset.

HHC: For AAU who will be travelling with? Also any dream schools in the NCAA you grew up admiring?

MA: Im not 100% sure right now but im practicing with Brampton Elite with Marcus Anderson and Eric Hackett. Its a strong team travelling to multiple high level tournaments in the states. I’ve always liked Memphis and Syracuse, I dont really know why ive just been attracted to those.

Chase Vassell Chasing OFSAA Medal & NCAA Offers

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

TORONTO-  Playing with Pine Ridge Secondary School the class of 2014 6’3″ SG Chase Vassell has separated himself from the competition in 2013-14 by dropping an eye opening 17 games of 25+ points. In the process Vassel was also influential in a historic campaign that saw Pine Ridge, for the first time in school history, finish the regular season undefeated. A remarkable 12-0 record.

Pine Ridge Pumas have shown a knack for developing prolific scorers. Jamal Reynolds,  who will join Canisius in September via JUCO poured in more than 50 points three times and over 40 at least 10 times in 2012. He averaged 43 points a game in league play that season. Reynolds now passes the torch on to Chase Vassell.

Hoops Hype Canada caught up with Vassell this week and the Mr. GTAHoops candidate for 2014 discussed various basketball related questions, enjoy!

HHC: Tell us about your game, any professional players you draw inspiration from? Any athletes that you aspire to be?

CV: I am a natural born competitor, who doesn’t go down without a fight. I like to take pride in my defense, and stopping my man, I do a majority of my damage from behind the arc, in transition, and off of screens. I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team win.

Chase Vassell

I draw a lot of inspiration from Steph Curry because he made his dream a reality as he was against all odds. He only got one NCAA d1 scholarship offer out of high school to Davidson, as like me right now standing at 0 offers this gives me hope. Another player that inspires me is Kobe Bryant because of his incredible work ethic, and commitment he has made to the game over the years.

HHC: Any challenges your experiencing as a student-athlete on & off the court? How is your support staff with teachers?

CV: On the court I am willing to work hard and know that the competition is always right behind me. In order to achieve success I know I have to keep working on my weaknesses and continue learning and achieving. The growth process will never be over for me and I look forward to the hard work and exciting times that lie ahead.

Off the court, I have been getting better marks than I was earlier in my high school career finishing with a 72% average last semester.

The support staff with teacher at Pine Ridge is great. All of my current teachers work well with me and understand the goals I have set to reach for myself and want the best for me. One person in particular that helped me get on track, back in grade 10 when we met, was Mrs. Biffin. The Pine Ridge assistant coach and school teacher. She put helped me select all of the right courses I need to gain eligibility for the NCAA. A lot of people had doubts that I could do well in higher level courses but she always had hope in me and supported my decisions.

HHC: About Pine Ridge… Your thoughts on the teams season so far and potential of going the distance down the stretch?

CV: I think that my Pine Ridge team has fully exceeded any expectations we had for this season so far and we are only starting to peak, and at the right time with OFSAA right around the corner.

I think that our team has all of the right tools that a team has to have in order to win a championship. That being height, heart, great defense, great guard play, and players that can score inside and out, along with a strong bench.

Going down the stretch I believe that we have great potential to win our league, LOSSA, and then go on to medal at OFSAA.

HHC: Seventeen 25+ point games this season is outstanding, what do you credit for this season where you have demonstrated such significant strides?

CV: I credit my hard work put in almost every day last summer. This school season I wanted to come in and prove myself as a top Canadian scorer and that I belong.

Also gotta give some of the credit to my great PGs Jordan Henry and Dre Mcintosh. Playing with them really opens up a lot of different scoring opportunities. In the end my individual points do not matter as much as playing as a team and getting the win.

HHC: Any daily routines as you prepare for the next level? Anything new that you have incorporated lately in your training regimes that could help you propel to the next level?

CV: I do extra training 4-5 times a week with my trainer Cedric Carter and Galaxy Training.

HHC: Last but not least, any dream schools growing up?

CV: Two absolute dream schools I had growing up always included Syracuse, and Baylor.

Support Pine Ridge during their LOSAA & OFSAA quests by following @PineRidgeBBall on twitter.

Support Chase Vassell’s journey to D1 basketball by following him on twitter @ChaseBIL

For more round-the-clock coverage on Canadian High School Hoops follow @HoopsHypeCA on twitter.

HoopTownGTA summarizes the sensational season of Chase Vassell in Toronto with Pine Ridge Puma’s.

Coach Miles Talks Campion Core

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada
Campion tookj home the 2014 Sheridan Cup last weekend.

The Campion Bears knocked off the two-time reigning champions d’Youville Panthers with a 55-45 decision to win the 2014 Sheridan Cup.

St. Edmund Campion are rolling. Since the turn of the new year Coach Miles and company have knocked off both #1 at the time Oakwood 60-52 @ the St. Mike’s Invitational on Jan 12th and #3 at the time d’Youville 55-45 @ the Sherdian Cup on Feb 1st.

Hoops Hype sent staff to Sheridan College last weekend and caught up with head coach of Campion Omar Miles. Celebrating his birthday with a double header, in between group stage games Coach Miles briefly discussed some Campion basketball.

Campion Coach Miles photographed from his playing days at the University of Wilfred Laurier in Waterloo, Ontario.

The former Wilfred Laurier point guard now head coach provides Canadian basketball fans with some in depth intel on a team that is currently firing on all cylinders at the right time of the season. After earning their third tournament title this season it means one thing, St. Edmund Campion are ready for OFSAA TODAY! Read up:

HHC: Group of death here at Sheridan Cup. 8AM versus Ascension then back at it for 1PM facing Xavier. Nice Birthday gift from tournament organizers. Your thoughts on the circumstances?

Omar Miles: Our guys get up for class and we start at 8:12AM  so if we have a game that starts at 8 we should be ready to play a good team like Ascension. Plus I’ve had my guys practicing the last two mornings at 6:30 to prep them for an 8 o clock game.

HHC: Ascension, a couple big wins this year, always tough year in year out, hard working bunch any keys to that success?

Omar Miles: If I had to play them in the playoffs I would have a sleepless night trying to prep for them. Super athletic, long and they get after it. They have to have the same type of attitude as their coach Freddy. He gets them going I told our guys you just have to be more discipline then they are, play smarter and not try to play the up and down game but also control the tempo which I like.

HHC: Xavier deciding game in the group next any scouting reports on them?

Omar Miles: I remember they have a big guy that’s pretty good I coached against him in Junior. I should have a guy to match him in Andrew Anderson if not maybe another guard. We all hang our hats on our defense.

HHC: Now let’s talk Campion roster. The next level guys like Marcus Anderson and Keshaun Saunders get a lot of the hype for Campion, but with a guard like Curwin Elvis, you can kind of fill that void if Marcus sits. Talk to us about 2015 6’6″ Andrew Anderson it looks like this kid is irreplaceable on your team, thoughts?

20140205-020249.jpg

Heart and Soul: Andrew Anderson turned down Athlete Institute offers to return to Campion. A leader by example makes him almost irreplaceable.

Omar Miles: Love his motor and I call him my JYD. Same type of attitude, no quit and always getting after it. He may have a bad first half but probably the only player I can chew out and it’s a yes coach I understand. I’ll get it, you don’t have to worry and I love that attitude… Certain guys you have to motivate differently, he has his own motor and own motivation. I have to pull him back a little, calm him down, which is a good thing, he goes, goes, goes and sometimes you got to bring him in but I don’t ever have to motivate him he’s a good self motivator and it’s perfect for us.

HHC: How about 2015 6’3″ CJ Bennett what does he bring to the table?

Omar Miles: Very talented, right now lacking that motor that we talk about in Andrew Anderson. I got to light the fire under his butt and he is always responsive but I need him to be a bit more of a motor and motivating himself to get after it.

HHC: 2016 6’5″ Dylan Gregory had a solid game this morning what does he bring to the table, kind of epitomises your depth right?

Omar Miles: He’s only been playing basketball for three years. Talented, trying to get him to go both ways meaning going right or left. He is really lefty dominant but he has the size and the physical ability. Now he just has to put it all together. Again he’s learning the game, he hasn’t played enough games. He’s trained but not enough basketball games at the elite level. So this year he’s playing for Brampton Elite outside of our basketball so this will be really be back to back basketball seasons that he will be playing at a high level.

HHC: Now the guys who get a lot of hype as far as next level goes and deservingly so. Canada Basketball was high on 2015 6’2 Marcus Anderson can you elaborate what makes him special?

Omar Miles: He has to be the best guard defender in the country. He just harasses and harasses guards. I just tell him keep your aggressiveness till the second half and we just punish guys that way. Offensively he’s still trying to learn the point guard position and for me being a point guard and now coaching I want him to be the coach on the floor and that’s a transition that he’s just going through. Going from two guard and playing rep ball with a guy like Keshon Montague from D’Youville and other guards in Brampton now he has to become that lead point guard if he wants to play at the next level. You know what he was the last cut for the Canadian Cadet team and he was close. I’m sure you know what, they could have used him.

HHC: 2018 6’4″ Keshaun Saunders the household name on both sides of the border and special because he is so young. Called up to the senior team this weekeded, is that something you took into consideration maybe earlier in the season?

Omar Miles: I always want to give kids opportunities. It was difficult to have him on our senior team because we do have a lot of depth. Each of our guys play rep ball or club basketball so I didn’t have enough minutes for him. He also needs to learn how to become a leader, because he plays on a really, really good Bounce grade 9 basketball team and they have guards and the leadership is what is going to take him to the next level, he has the talent, he is very coachable and thats what I love. He had some big plays in the morning game and he is playing against seniors that are 3-4 years older. Future is bright and if he doesn’t stay at Campion at least I can say we got a good one or two years out of a Keshaun Saunders which build the profile of our basketball program but also there is going to be more kids coming up.

Game Report vs Ascension CLICK HERE

Game Report vs Xavier CLICK HERE

Game Report vs D’Youville CLICK HERE

Campion’s basketball history began in the year 2004. In its short history, Campion has made a name for itself in Peel basketball and the rest of Ontario. To Support Campion Basketball on Twitter Follow @CampionBball

 

Game Report Campion vs D’Youville

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

When the 2014 Sheridan Cup draw was released, most projected a championship game between Brampton city rivals D’Youville and Campion. Saturday night on campus at Sheridan College Brampton hoop fans in the 905 got their wish.

sherioan Cup

DamiAnn Prehay came out of the gates a man possessed. Knocking down a three ball to open up scoring and bulldozing his way to the FT line for an early 6-0 lead. Keshon Montague’s buzzer beater three ball at the end of the first period gave his Panthers a 12-9 lead after 1. Panthers reserves Christian Gould & Norville Clayton helped stretched DY’s lead to its largest of the night 16-9 early in the second quarter. Campion’s reserve Kean Lopez then stretched the floor re-igniting his Bears for a 13-6 run to even things up at the intermission 22-22.

To open up the second half Marcus Anderson’s bucket gave Campion its first lead of the night 24-22. Back to back blocks from Campion’s Andrew Anderson & DY’s Addy Ogunye got the crowd buzzing. Entering the final frame, led by 5th year Curwin Elvis 8 third quarter points, Campion held a narrow 39-35 lead.

DY’s demise came early in the fourth quarter. After reducing its deficit to 4 points after three quarters, Campion opened up the fourth quarter with a 7-1 run. Midway through the fourth another Kean Lopez deuce gave Campion it’s largest lead of the night 50-39 with under 4 minutes to play. Both squads exchanged points down the stretch and for the Campion Bears who all weekend fired on all cylinders earned their third tournament title of the campaign with a convincing 55-45 total team effort.

TOP PERFORMERS

Campion:

Curwin Elvis a game high 18 points in the Sheridan Cup Championship game.

Curwin Elvis a game high 18 points in the Sheridan Cup Championship game.

2014 6’0” Curwin Elvis 18 points - Skinny frame and a long wingspan for his size. Fast guard with a scorer’s mentality. Corner threes & his constant threats taking the ball coast to coast in transition DY had no answer for.

2016 6’3” Devonte Daniels 13 points – quiet but potent do-it-all performance. Got his touches on post ups, rolls to the hoop, basket cuts showing good decision making skills. Also put the ball on the floor from time to time. Big frame and fundamentally sound.

2014 5’10” Kean Lopes 9 points – Continues to prove himself as one of the most efficient spot up shooters in all of  Canadian high school basketball. Tremendous outside shot. Textbook form. Money behind the arc.


D’Youville:

2015 6’5” DamiAnn Prehay 12 points – Motor on 5th gear was a menace attacking the paint showing he can get to the FT line at will, with a more sense of urgency earning trips to the line and more consistent FT shooting (3-for-7) sky is the limit for Prehay

2016 6’0” Keshon Montague 11 points – lead guard & sound defender held Marcus Anderson to 5 points. Crafty moves created offense for himself, using hesitation moves and a strong crossover. Showed flashes of stopping on a dime after creating his own shot and elevating for his smooth looking jumper.

2015 6’4” Norville Clayton 5 points – limited minutes but threw down two EMPHATIC dunks. Size and length underutilized all season long and no different Saturday. Too good of a rebounder to only be seldom used, a testament to his excellent physical tools.

Game Report: Campion vs Xavier

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

logoBRAMPTON- In a battle between Peel regional foes St. Edmund Campion and St. Francis Xavier went head to head with a final four berth in the Sheridan Cup at stake. Early on Campion’s defense was stifling. Midway through the first half the Bears held a 16- 7 advantage. Playing their 2nd game of the day the Bears depth was on full display. Diaper dandy Keshaun Saunders on senior duty demonstrated why he’s been so highly touted. Baby jumpers, drawing contact the south paw’s penetration in both half court and in transition had the crowd buzzing and that seem to spark his teammates resulting in a 15 point half time lead 41-26.

In the 2nd half it was Junior Marcus Anderson leading the way for Campion. Hitting three balls, finishing at the rim with a dunk and showing his coast to coast capabilities as floor general.  He had a game high 15 and invited everybody to the party.  CJ Bennett & Kean Lopez connected three balls meanwhile Quinton Hamilton and Andrew Anderson gave the crowd their money’s worth with a vicious slam dunk each. When the dust settled the score board at the final buzzer was 70-47 Campion.

Campion the winners of the Campion Classic and the George Brown X-Mas bash seem to have bounced back from an early dismissal at the 2013 RimRocker. Next up a semi finals date in the Sheridan Cup Saturday afternoon.

Top Performers

Campion

2016 6’1” PG Marcus Anderson 15 points – Moves off the ball intelligently and seems to have all the attributes needed to play within a system, as he’s a serious, competitive player who seems to know his limitations and puts a good effort in on most possessions.

2018 6’5’ G Keshaun Saunders 11 points- Ultra-aggressive scorer with huge upswing. Can simply rise up on a dime and elevate over defenders. perimeter shooting is getting more and more consistent as time goes on.

Xavier

2016 6’4’ G/F Emanuel Ansay 9 points – Extremely unique prospect due to his combination of size, strength, scoring instincts and ball-handling skills. Has work to do, on the defensive end in particular, but he’s clearly a top-notch prospect for D1

 

 

 

 

Game Report: Campion vs Ascension

Posted on by Hoops Hype Canada

 

logo

BRAMPTON- In Friday mornings match-up between peel regional rivals, the St. Edward Campion Bears held off the Ascension Eagles 45-41 for victory in their Sheridan Cup opening game. After an 8:00AM tip off the Bears from Brampton broke a deadlock tie at 13-13 with a strong finish right before halftime. Dylon Gregory poured in 8 first half points and was Campion’s catalyst during a 13-4  run that gave Campion a 26-17 lead at the intermission.

Some 2nd half precison shooting behind the arc (3-for-3) from Deshawn Tyrell erased the Eagles defecit with a 23-12 run of their own. All tied up at 40-40 late Campion came out on top. Clutch at the charity stripe for Campion was Curwin Elvis who 4 for 4 shooting FT’s in the final two minutes.

Final Score: Campion 45 Ascension 41

Top Scorers:

Campion

2016 6’5 Dylon Gregory- 11 points in various ways. Off the dribble and in transition.
2015 6’3 CJ Bennett -  9 points & a good effort in both defensively and on the glass.
2015 6’6 Andrew Anderson- 7 points including some man among boys emphatic dunks.
2015 6’0″ Curwin Elvis- 7 points all coming in the 2nd half including clutch FT’s late.

Ascension

2014 6’6 Chris Williams 12 points and several swats.
Deshawn Tyrell 9 points all from behind the arc.