Here's a quick look at the history of the tournament, as well as the favourites and "players to watch" this time around:
Tournament History
Past Tournament Champions:
2010: Cameron Heights (over JF Ross)
2009: JF Ross (over Resurrection)
Past Consolation Champions
2010: Philip Pocock - Mississauga (over WCI)
2009: Philip Pocock - Mississauga (over Galt)
Past Tournament MVPs:
2010: Vedran Dmitrovic, Cameron Heights
2009: Shamlo Saeed, JF Ross
The 2011 Tournament
The theme for the first two years of the tournament has been "expect the unexpected". Both years, teams that were a bit "under the radar" have come away with the tournament championship.
In 2009, the JF Ross Royals endured a grueling schedule and surprised the Resurrection Phoenix (who were 30-0 at the time but were without Andrew Mwangi due to a family trip to Africa).
Last year, the Cameron Heights Golden Gaels had to knock off London St. Thomas Aquinas, Brantford North Park, and Grand River just to get to the championship game where they won a hard-fought battle against JF Ross.
The Gaels are one of a handful of "favourites" to bring home the 2011 crown. Here's a quick look at those teams:
Cameron Heights Golden Gaels (Kitchener/WCSSAA)
The Gaels are led by their star grade 10 forward Jason Thompson, but it has been their balanced effort to this point in the season that has put them undefeated in WCSSAA league play thus far. Milos Jovkovic, Nikola Farkic, Luke Hovius and Junior Bradford are among the key players for the Gaels.
London South Lions (London/TVRAA)
If I had to pick a "favourite" entering the tournament, I'd go with either the Gaels or the London South Lions, who defeated Forest Heights (another top WCSSAA club) in a tournament earlier this year. Don't have much else to go on, but they have won their league games by 35-40 points per contest --- pretty impressive stuff.
JF Ross Royals (Guelph/D10)
The Royals have a ton of size --- and skill. They're led by 6'3" swing forward Kristian Vande Kemp, who has size but "guard skills" as well. They've had success both years they've been in the tournament, and are looking for their third consecutive finals appearance.
St. John's College Green Eagles (Brantford/D5)
The Green Eagles have been flying under the CWOSSA radar to this point, but we'll get a good look at them this weekend. They currently sit atop the D5 standings, and are a veteran club with about six returnees from last year's CWOSSA "AAAA" semifinalists.
Grand River Renegades (Kitchener/WCSSAA)
I'm hearing that the Rens may be a bit short handed this weekend, due to injuries and a couple of absences, but they still may be dangerous. They're led by Chuder Teny (one of the top scorers in CWOSSA) and Murtada Khamis, a quick penetrating grade 9 guard.
Resurrecetion Phoenix (Kitchener/D8)
The host Phoenix aren't as strong as years previous, but they are playing games on their home floor (and some in front of their students) which is always an advantage. Grade 10s Adam Schneider (guard), Jacob Gilbert (forward), and Patric McGlynn (guard) are the key players for Rez.
(Some of) Mark's Top Players To Watch
Kristian Vande Kemp, JF Ross (Grade 10/Forward)
About 6'3"ish with excellent "guard skills" for a big man. Can finish inside as well as he can penetrate. Solid for the Royals on the boards as well --- a threat to go for 20+ each time out.
Adam Schneider, Resurrection (Grade 10/Guard)
Off to a slow start to the year scoring wise, but probably one of the top "pure PGs" in the junior CWOSSA ranks. Excellent court vision and ball-handling capabilites.
Chuder Teny, Grand River (Grade 10/Guard-Forward)
Was solid as a grade 9 this year but has improved even more this season --- especially ball-handling. Has ability to get to the rim or shoot the outside shot with success. Size as a guard can create match-up issues for the opposition.
Jon Dulmage, North Park (Grade 10/Forward)
Much like his (now graduated) older brother, brings a ton of size (6'4/6'5 ish?) to the floor. Soft hands and good ability to finish inside; works well with his back to the basket.
Jason Thompson, Cameron Heights (Grade 10/Forward)
Pure athlete and great leaper off the floor (probably the quickest guy off the floor). A bit undersized as a 4 or 5 but makes up for it with his athleticism. He can score (30+ in one league game this year) but is also arguably one of the best rebounders in CWOSSA.
Jeevanjot Sidhu, Bluevale (Grade 10/Guard)
He's come on the scene this year with a flurry of 20+ efforts. Nice shooting stroke and can heat up quickly. Also an effective penetrator for the Knights.
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