Former Pine Ridge Standout Returns Home After One Season Juco.

Shrewd managerial moves and outside the box recruiting from head coach Roy Rana has helped build a championship culture at Ryerson University. Last month it landed Rana the type of household name the CIS should covet. 20 year old Chase Vassell better known as Mr. HooptownGTA in 2014. Vassell is a part of a incoming class that also includes 94 born PG Myles Charvis a former University of Waterloo standout.

OSHAWA –Chase Vassell during the Lake Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association AAAA senior boy’s basketball final at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The Pumas beat the Storm 70-67. February 20, 2014.

Playing with Pine Ridge, ON during 2013-14, the 6’3″ guard separated himself from the competition by dropping an eye opening 17 games of 25+ points. Part of a historic campaign that saw the Pumas for the first time in school history finish the regular season undefeated; a flawless 12-0. In 2014-15, Vassell was again instrumental in Pine Ridge’s success, this time spearheading them to a bronze medal in the Ontario championships.

Vassell spent 2015-16 attending Missouri State-West Plains Community College where he was underutilized playing limited minutes in only seven appearances. In his only lengthy action last season Vassell recorded 11 points on 4/9 shooting in 16 minutes.  Contrast to what he was able to produce playing on the Under Armour circuit with Canada Elite. Vassell lead their U17 squad in scoring the summer of 2014. Efficency he hopes to bring off the bench for Roy Rana and Ryerson.

“Next year I see myself bringing scoring of the bench. I want to work hard and keep my minutes rising during the season and possibly start,” Vassell explained about his future prospects. “He’s been recruiting me since grade eleven telling me where I could fall into the program,” Vassell said about when Rams head coach Roy Rana started recruiting him.

After a humbling JUCO experience Vassell 2.0 in Canada feels vastly improved and ready to rock,

“Working on it all to be honest. Athleticism, handles, better defense too. Those are the main three I’m always trying to improve. Most noticeably is my fitness. I was a beefy 196 in Missouri… all that fast food and what not. Now I am a muscular 180 since returning home,” Vassell said.

PICKERING — Nevell Provo (right) and Chase Vassell, captains of the Pine Ridge Secondary School basketball team, accepted the LOSSA championship trophy and banner after beating Pickering. Provo has accepted a scholarship to Loyola University Maryland. April 2015

Vassell has been in the gym at his alma matter Pine Ridge preparing for the rigors of CIS basketball. Pumas are no stranger to producing next level student-athletes. Jamal Robertson at Canisius, Nevell Provo at Loyola Marymount  among others. More impressive then their track record preparing hoopers for the next level it is one of the most tight knit and community driven public high school programs in the nation. Something the Pumas are proud of and a reputation Vassel advocates for,

“Pine Ridge is a great basketball school. They really got my name out there. I recommend any young player looking to make a name for himself to attend Pine Ridge. They build winners not only in basketball but the game of life.” Vassell said.”

There you have it. Foundation for the Rams has been laid. Myles Charvis at the point, Chase Vassell his back court partner, and the Ryerson Rams a permanent fixture in CIS final fours? The ‘Chase’ is on.