MISSISSAUGA, ON – Neglected on the national high school basketball scene is ROPSAA’s St. Marcellinus Spirit. In a recent poll created by the self proclaimed ‘leaders of Canadian basketball’ North Pole Hoops, it features a Top 25 ranking of high schools in the country, followed by another list of 39 programs on the outside looking in.  Overlooked are the Spirit of Mississauga, ON.

Last March the Spirit joined the party in the Peel playoff semi-finals that featured house hold names like St. Marguerite d’Youville, St. Edmund Campion and eventual OFSAA bronze medalists Notre Dame. ROPSAA power D’Youville Panthers ended the Spirit season in the ROPSAA semi finals but looking forward to this year, with a returning starting point guard, a new head coach and two reputable reinforcements, the Spirit are scary.

At the helm on the sidelines is community coach Tarry Upshaw. He brings with him years of coaching experience and familiarity coaching elite basketball talent. Experience that should bode well with a couple of under the radar additions that when it’s all said and done will no doubt play a pivotal part in this year’s playoff run.

2019 RJ Barrett

First the Spirit have 2019 6’5” RJ Barrett, hands down the number one prospect in his class and arguably North America’s. Barrett is joined by 2016 6’3” Devonte Brooks, a well known name in the grassroots ranks known for his toughness and tenacity.

2016 Devionte Brooks

Speaking to senior point guard Keenan Danso-Dapaah he thinks this year’s squad has the tools to fill voids from last season. Toughness and star power.

“The additions are huge,” Danso Dapaah told Hoops Hype Canada. “Devonte with his strength we need, we didn’t have strength last year. We were soft last year, we got destroyed by DY and toughness is the main reason why we lost.” Danso Dapaah said.

Toughness added is an understatement. One guy brings an abundance of it. Devonte Brooks is the closest thing to Ron Artest in the entire Canadian high school player pool. Brooks offers the Spirit a great physical presence, high volume rebounder and a reputable defender who can guard multiple positions.

Regarding RJ Barrett, were talking about a prospect who has already drawn comparisons to Andrew Wiggins. His addition to the Spirit is comparable to Lebron James rejoining the Cavaliers; instant contender. Questions entering his freshman year was if Barrett could hang and bang at the varsity level but with strong showings already against some of the top senior teams, he dropped 21 on St. Johns Kilmarnock, there is no question he can. Only now the question is if he can do it consistently?

In his first taste of ROPSAA basketball against Rick Hansen Barrett totalled 33 points. Thursday at the Marcellinus Christmas Showcase during a noon tip off versus Michael Power, Barrett shot 12/23 from the field and finished with 34 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Early stat lines that ring bells.

“RJ is being RJ. Doing what RJ does. Scoring the ball, dunking on people… just huge.” Danso Dapaah offered about his diaper dandy. With Danso Dapaah sidelined due to a hand injury that will have him him remove a cast on December 31st, entering the new year with a healthy trio at the one through three positions, it’s not rocket science that St. Marcellinus can be a force to reckoned with in ROPSAA.

So what does the 5th year veteran of the team think of this year’s team identity? He kept it simple,

“Well the thing is around here ‘House of Slam’ so just House of Slam.” Danso Dapaah said winking and pointing to a banner hanging on the wall when you enter the Spirit gymnasium.

Billed as the “House Of Slam” thanks to Barrett, Brooks and Danso-Dapaah’s athleticism and above the rim game. A style refreshing to a Mississauga West basketball community that is hoping that their flagship high school this winter can lead them into unchartered waters, that ocean being the ‘AAAA’ 2014 OFSAA Championships.