The 2014 Father Henry Carr Early Bird Classic tipped off Thursday. Maybe the most premier and anticipated high school tournament across the entire Toronto high school basketball scene. Following are a few TIDBITS and observations from Day 1’s action:

• RESPECT 

Kadre Gray registered a tournament high 25 points vs St. Mary’s.

When talking about rich tradition in Toronto high school basketball Eastern Commerce are the New York Yankees. In Yankee fashion EC went on to stifle D’Youville in a close contest 63-56 (Narcisse Ambanza game high 19 points)then went on to SMASH St. Mary’s 79-50 (Kadre Gray game high 25 points).

Not only were Eastern disrespected by the self proclaimed “leaders in Canadian Basketball” North Pole Hoops who ranked Eastern #18 in their pre-season rankings but also overlooked by the schedule makers who omitted them from the tournaments official broadcast schedule.

“Everyone asks me what we look like this year and I always say the same thing were guard heavy. If your guards aren’t the toughest on your team then you have something wrong,” Head coach Kevin Jeffers told Hoops Hype Canada.

Regarding the #18 rank and broadcast schedule omission Jeffers reiterated it only serves as motivation.

“Bulletin material and it’s coming from the media, I tell my boys all the time that stuff doesn’t define us, we use it and play with a chip on our shoulder. For us the season starts in September and ends in March, March is when we care where were ranked.”

Playing stellar defense, and attacking in transition was point guard Kadre Gray who dropped atouney high 25 points,

“We come hard every night and play defense by not sitting back, we will come at you” Gray told Hoops Hype Canada about Eastern’s identity in 2014-15.

They now advance to the final four on Saturday.

• THUNDER UP

Thornlea PG Kimbrl Saint-Felix averaged 13 ppg in two games.

Head coach Shane James and Thornlea were supposed to be rebuilding in 2014-15. Don’t tell that to his Thunder squad. In maybe the most staggering statistic of the day Thornlea held Father Henry Carr to only 27 points in their opening game. With an offense by committee the Thunder beat the Crusaders by 15 then followed it up with a 62-57 victory over Holy Trinity that saw 2016 Jaeden Lewis drop 21 points and Saint Felix 18.

Former Quebec native Kimbrl Saint-Felix is getting acclimated in hoop town GTA great and anticipates more of the same success in 2014-15,

“We came out hard and listened to Coach Shane and our success was expected…more to come for sure” Saint Felix said about the victory over Henry Carr.

“All we work on is defense, last practice we didn’t even touch the ball it’s only defense and offensively we just have to push the ball.” Saint Felix added about the Thunder defensive performance.

Thornlea now will also advance to the final four on Saturday.

• DEPLETED D’YOUVILLE

Entering the Early Bird as tournament favorites, D’Youville ended day one eliminated from championship contention and riddled with injuries to a trio of core players.

In a battle decided in the fourth quarter the Panthers dropped a tight game versus Eastern Commerce. Along the way losing one half of the splash brothers 2016 Christian Gould.

In their 58-51 victory against St. Mary’s down went 2015 DamiAnn Prehay and Ovie Eyamoro. However starting point guard Keshon Montague (15 points) and rising 2017 Jordan Lyons (16 points) picked up the slack. Also thrown into the fire was 2017 6’0″ G Luis Puente who surprisingly was a calming influence in the offense and steady presence for the Panthers.

• .500 CARR

This years edition has all the ingredients but entering day one it became evident that they are still searching for their identity.

A 15 point defeat to Thornlea in game one I’m going to consider a wash just because of their tremendous consistency (six OFSAA medals; 1 copper, 2 bronze and 3 silvers) as a program in the last 10 years. Against Holy Trinity they took a step in the right direction prevailing 54-58.

A  deep back court including Marcus Bonnick, Kyle LeFave, John Akende, Mychael Paulo, Carlo Dubria among others are faced with the challenge of sacrificing as the Crusaders coaching staff figures out how to allocate minutes.

Untill they figure out the back court plan the physical specimens in their front court led by 6’7″ Imani Whilby-Taylor, 6’7″ Shamar Bailey Decoteau, 6’6″ Tristan Thompson and 6’6″ Rayshawn Smith have got to be better and more assertive.

Overall there is just too much talent on this years Henry Carr roster to draw a conclusion that this years edition will be mediocre.

• HOLY UPSIDE 

Chris Hanklins was impressive Thurday. Dropped 20 points versus Henry Carr.

Defeated twice on day one but a dynamic duo is forming in Oakville, ON. Holy Trinity boast 2018 6’4 Igsnis Bradzdekis and 2017 6’3 Chris Hankins. Think Gordan Hayward and Gerald Green. Both registered 20 point games on Thursday and raised many eye brows in the crowd.

After losing tight tilts to Henry Carr 54-48 then Thornlea 62-57, Thursday’s valuable experience should bode well for the young Titans future prospects.

Look out for Holy Trinity this season and next as potential Halton contenders. Especially as Bradzdekis and Hannicks become more mature and polished along the process of their development.

 

• HAIL MARY

UMASS-Lowell commit Tesloth Simon averaged 16 ppg in two games Thursday.

On the eve of the 2014 Father Henry Carr Early Bird Classic St. Mary’s was appointed #1 in Canada by North Pole Hoops— borderline laughable.With all due respect to the Eagles, who boast the only commit in the tournament 2015 Tesloth Simon (averaged 16 points per game) and are senior laden with the entire squad returning, but even there head coach was dumbfounded by the pre-season ranking,

“Not a welcome addition, appreciate it from those guys but it may cause me more stress,” Head coach Jason Hergott told Hoops Hype Canada.

Hergott finalized his team Monday. His Eagles would eventually go 0-2 on the day while being outscored by Eastern Commerce 79-50 followed by defeat to short handed D’Youville 58-51. Another great bold prediction by the competitor.

That being said this Eagles edition may have the highest ceiling in years. They do have a chance to make CWOSSA history for deepest run in the OFSAA championships.

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