NSSAA (Norfolk League) Preview

Many thanks to a blog reader for pointing out the NSSAA preview in yesterday's Simcoe Reformer.

The NSSAA features schools such as Simcoe Composite school (who, as a #7 seed knocked off #2 Galt in CWOSSA "AAA" a couple years back) and smaller schools such as Waterford DHS (last year's CWOSSA "A" representative).

Also, the NSSAA has a website at http://www.nssaa.ca/ where scores & schedules are posted.

Anyways, here's the NSSAA preview by the Simcoe Reformer's Jacob Robinson(http://www.simcoereformer.ca/SearchCat.aspx?cid=4556&cname=Local+Sports)

NSSAA PREVIEW - It's Jam Time

Upon first glance at the NSSAA rosters, one might think Waterford has a clear road to victory already paved. The other five teams would beg to disagree.

A relatively young league will take to the court this year, as Simcoe, Holy Trinity, Port Dover, Valley Heights and Delhi look to knock off the defending champion Wolves.

The start of a new season brings all teams hope, and every point will count as the race to the playoffs begins today.

Waterford and the two big schools -- Simcoe and Holy Trinity -- look strong, but don't count out the Lakers, Bears or Raiders. With long Christmas and exam breaks throughout the schedule, it's not about who jumps out to an early lead, but who gets hot at the right time.

WATERFORD WOLVES

Last year's finish:NSSAA Champs

Losses:C Shane Bergman, PF/G Sam Speck

Leaders:PG Paul Malcolm, C Mike Couperus, G Gary Hill-Stone, G Aaron Hall

Overview: Eight players from last year's OFSAA squad are back, with a bulls-eye planted firmly on their red uniforms. The Wolves, though a little banged up, are the heavy favourites having lost just once all of last year on their road to the provincial tournament.

It remains to be seen just how much losing Bergman will mean to the group. The six-foot-seven, 300-plus pound centre could impose his will on anyone, and will be tough to replace down low. The Wolves have plenty of skill and athleticism on both sides of the ball, and will count on their guards to distribute effectively as shown in the past.

Expectations:With most of last year's roster in tact, there's no reason to think the Wolves won't get back to the league finals once again. That isn't where the team's potential stops though. Another CWOSSA title and OFSAA birth is attainable.

SIMCOE SABRES

Last year's finish:Lost in NSSAA final

Losses:G Brendan Tracey, G Brett Mitchell, G/F Jordan McInally

Leaders:G Connor Pettersen, G Sam Baskerville, F Kaleb Matschke

Overview:For the second straight year, the Sabres have a lot of speed and athletic ability throughout their lineup. This team will be able to run and gun with the best and have shooters up and down the roster.

Losing Tracey and Mitchell, the Sabres' ball movement will take a hit, as will their experience. A limited amount of Simcoe players suit up outside the high school season.

Expectations:Simcoe is looking to get back to the playoffs. Another run to the finals is a possibility, but Greg Pajor's team will look to record a post-season birth before thinking about another title shot.

VALLEY HEIGHTS BEARS

Last year's finish:Lost to Simcoe in semifinals

Losses:F Brian Reddecopp

Leaders:G/F Ben Rempel, SG Jay Knelsen

Overview:Rempel and Knelsen will pace a speedy and veteran roster. All but one of the Bears were on the team last season, so team chemistry should already be formed.

With just eight players, Valley Heights will rely on everyone to log big minutes, especially their starters.

Knelsen can distribute the ball with the best, and will give everyone plenty of opportunities to put up points.

Expectations:"Our goal is to try and win CWOSSA and get to OFSAA," said new coach Brandon Van Haecke. "We want to try and win everything we can."

HOLY TRINITY TITANS

Last year's finish:Lost to Waterford in semifinals

Losses:F Gerad Vandenbussche, G/F Craig Rebry

Leaders:C Kevin McDonald, PG Josh Johnson, PF Tom Demers

Overview:The core of junior Titans that were victorious in the NSSAA finals last year have moved up a level. Johnson -- a Grade 10 that made the senior team -- is one of the best point guards in the county and will dish to a fast, young group around him. The Titans possess a lot of basketball sense, and have already completed an early-season tournament in Brantford to prepare for the season ahead.

A young squad, the Titans lack height up and down the roster, but have plenty of reserves and should be able to run with anyone.

Expectations :This is a rebuilding year, but at Holy Trinity, that still means you push for the playoffs. Despite a small roster, with the amount of talent Holy Trinity has, they will be in the hunt for the post-season.

PORT DOVER LAKERS

Last year's finish:Missed playoff s

Losses:G Jordan Giles

Leaders:PG Cody Mummery, SG/SF Travis Beemer

Overview:The Lakers have an experienced club with two top guards -- Mummery and Beemer. Their big men have shown an ability to shoot and won't quit when it comes to working in practice.

Rebounding will be something to watch for. Port Dover will be focusing on their board play, and reaction time as the season begins.

If Mummery and Beemer are shut down, the group will need to score by committee.

Expectations:Coach Adam Mummery is looking to take things slow, but was excited about the possibilities for his team. Port Dover won't be a pushover, and will look to get hot at the right time. Playoffs will be the team's main goal to start.

DELHI RAIDERS

Last Years Finish:N/ALosses:N/A

Leaders:G Erik Charnak, C Justin Lichach

Overview:Though the Raiders have just one Grade 12, the team does have a lot of experience playing together. The core of this year's club went on a wild ride to the NSSAA junior finals in 2008, and will be no pushovers at the senior level.

The start of the year will be a learning process for DDSS to get adjusted to the calibre of play, as the Raiders return to the senior ranks after a brief absence.

Expectations:"Our goal is to make the playoffs," said coach Kristin Mawhiney. "As a young senior team, that's what we hope to do."