Preseason All-WCSSAA First Team

If you look over to the right, I've posted a poll of 5 guys that I think have a decent shot of winning this year's Mike Moser Award, presented annually to the MVP of the league. Generally speaking, this will go to an individual on the WCSSAA championship team.

Previous Winners Include:
2009 - Justin Tomas, SJAM
2008 - Nik Saric, FHCI
2007 - Zach Nagtzaam, SSS
2006 - Cam McIntyre, KCI
2005 - Gavin Horne, WCI

Here's my preseason WCSSAA first all-star team. Note that this team was "selected" (by me) and was done so with no regard for position.

In alphabetic order by last name...

Stefan Arezina, Cameron Heights (G)
Arezina was named by the Record's former high school sports guru Josh Brown as his "rookie of the year" last year, and with good reason.

Arezina is a sweet-shooting guard who can light it up in a hurry, and not just against the 'cupcakes' of the WCSSAA league. Last year he pumped in 38 points in a loss to eventual champ SJAM. Already this year he's cracked the 30 point barrier against Resurrection in an exhibition tilt.

I look for him to take control of the Gaels this season and if the Gaels young corps of junior talent can contribute they could be a legit title contender come February.

Stefan Cvrkalj, Bluevale (G)
Pretty obvious selection here. Cvrkalj was a member of WCSSAA's first all star team last year and is currently getting some serious NCAA looks (Waterloo Chronicle Article).

Cvrkalj was named as a Heinbuch all-star with his impressive 27.0 PPG over three games, including a ridiculous buzzer-beater against London HB Beal to send the game to OT.

He's a smooth shooting guard that teams will obviously be keying on, but will find difficult to stop.

Arben Kalaba, KCI (G)
Kalaba was a big reason as to why the Raiders were able to advance through the playoffs last year and get to the WCSSAA finals. With KCI's top scorer (John Mitchell) having graduated, the bulk of the offensive load will need to be carried by Kalaba. He averaged 20.0 PPG (24, 17, 19) over three games at the Heinbuch this past weekend.

Kalaba is a deep three point threat with unlimited range (and, sometimes, conscience when it comes to putting it up). As KCI's vocal leader, he will be called upon if the Raiders are to make another deep run in the WCSSAA post-season.

Taylor McNaughton, Forest Heights (G/F)
Another guy who didn't get as much hype perhaps as he deserved last year due to teammate Mark Peterson, this is now McNaughton's fifth year and his opportunity to lead FHCI back to the WCSSAA championship.

Along with being a great spot-up shooter, McNaughton has a deceptive ability to drive, as well as some good length and positioning on the defensive end.

Jake Robinet, SJAM (F)
Like McNaughton, a guy that can do it all offensively and defensively. At 6'6" provides a lot of match-up issues with his perimeter shooting, so you have to respect it (NOTE: If anyone has the video from last year of him shot-faking and driving in on Bluevale for a dunk, I'll gladly post it).

I look for Robinet to take advantage of a lot of undersized (and/or youthful) front-lines in the WCSSAA league this season.

Your Preseason MVP?
Granted, there's a few others out there but I've gone with these 5 as my preseason all-stars based upon the fact that they exemplified good talent last year and should be forces in the league this year. I'm sure there's going to be a couple guys who have improved tremendously over the summer and surprise......but that's why we play the games.

Who's your pick? Right now after 126 votes:
1. Stefan Cvrkalj, 51 (40%)
2. Stefan Arezina, 43 (34%)
3. Jake Robinet, 13 (10%)
4. Arben Kalaba, 6 (4%)
5. Taylor MacNaughton, 5 (3%)

....8 other voters (6%) think that someone outside of those 5 will rise up and be this year's MVP.