CWOSSA "AAAA" - Senior Pool B Preview

Participating Teams

Waterloo SJAM Highlanders (WCSSAA #2)

Brantford St. John's Green Eagles (D5 #1)

Guelph John F. Ross Royals (D10 #1)

Interestingly enough, Pool B is exactly the same as it was last year ---- a year where all three teams went 1-1 (SJAM defeated JF Ross, St. John's defeated SJAM, and JF Ross got past St. John's).  This year, things are a little less balanced as JF Ross would appear to be the strong favourite on paper.  Of course, that's why the games are played.

Waterloo SJAM Highlanders

League Record:  9-3

Playoff Finish:  WCSSAA Finalists (lost to CHCI)

Key Wins Against CWOSSA Teams:  Cameron Heights

Last CWOSSA Appearance:  2010 - lost to Bluevale in semifinals

Last CWOSSA Championship:  2009 - defeated Centennial CVI in finals.

Final CWOSSABasketball.com "AAAA" Rank:  #9

Key Players:  Ben Reyhani (6'0" G, Grade 12); Edem Ame (6'0" G, Grade 12); Jordan James (5'7" G, 5th Year); Theshawn Barry (6'1" G, Grade 11); Quinn Turner (6'5" F, Grade 10).

Season Review:  The Highlanders started very strong, jumping out to first place positioning over their league foes after pre-Christmas wins over Cameron Heights and Bluevale.  However, some injuries and inconsistencies down the stretch led to the 'Landers dropping their final three games (KCI, WCI and Forest Heights) as they limped into the playoffs.

SJAM would get redemption against KCI in the WCSSAA quarterfinal round, and pulled out an upset win over Forest Heights in the semifinals --- but just didn't quite have enough last night against Cameron.  That said, they can definitely play with anyone in this tournament so don't be surprised to see them end up at OFSAA when it's said and done.

The 'Landers are led by their guard laden lineup, and, in particular, Ben Reyhani and Edem Ame, who both have very "complementary" styles of play.

Mark's Pool Projection:  1-1, with a semifinals appearance.

Guelph John F. Ross Royals

League Record:  14-0

Playoff Finish:  D10 Champions (def. Centennial in finals)

Key Wins Against CWOSSA Teams:  Centennial (3x)

Last CWOSSA Appearance:  2010 - lost to Bluevale in championship final; qualified for OFSAA.

Last CWOSSA Championship:  1996 (AAA)

Final CWOSSABasketball.com Rank:  #5

Key Players:  Evan Karl (6'4" F, Grade 12); Mike Friesen (6'3" F, Grade 11); Jack Cornett (6'3" G, Grade 12); Wil de Groot (6'2" G/F, Grade 12); Shamlo Saeed (5'10" G, Grade 12).

Season In Review:  Without a doubt, the JF Ross Royals are much better than my "#5" AAAA ranking would indicate.  However, some early CWOSSA losses (Bluevale, Forest Heights) and some unfortunate circumstances (ending up on the consolation side of the SBCSS tourney, for instance) meant that they haven't got a chance against too many of the "upper echelon" CWOSSA teams.

That said, the Royals are for real.  They ran through the D10 schedule and right now have to be considered a favourite for one of the two CWOSSA berths.  Quick-as-lightning guard Shamlo Saeed leads the attack, while G/F Jack Cornett is a multi-faceted player.

The Royals are seeking not only their second-straight OFSAA apperance, but also their first CWOSSA title since 1996.

Mark's Pool Projection:  2-0, semifinalists.  The Royals do have to go "back to back" with SJAM and St. John's but along with Rez are the deepest squads in this tournament.

Brantford St. John's Green Eagles

League Record:  8-2

Playoff Finish:  2nd (lost to NPC 2-0 in D5 final)

Key Wins Against CWOSSA Teams:  N/A

Last CWOSSA Appearance:  2010 - finished 1-1 in pool play but failed to advance on +/- tiebreak.  Defeated SJAM, lost to JF Ross.

Last CWOSSA Championship:  2008 (AAA)

Final CWOSSABasketball.com "AAAA" Rank:  T-10

 

Key Players:  Tyler VanLeeuwen (6'0" G, Grade 11); JP Yurcich (6'4" F, Grade 11); Matt Digout (6'4" F, Grade 12); Matt Kusnierz (6'3" F, Grade 12).

Season in Review:  Though they haven't really been involved with many games against other CWOSSA foes, the Brantford St. John's Green Eagles are not to be taken lightly.

In fact, all members of the Green Eagle roster have CWOSSA experience, something that may come in handy this Friday during their games over at St. Mary's.

Though the Green Eagles are on the youthful side, I look for them to keep their games competitive and possibly spring an upset (given their advantageous schedule and rest periods).  At the very least, this is a squad that will only get better next year with most of these players set to return (and joined by a very solid junior roster).

Mark's Pool Projection:  0-2, but wouldn't be surprised to see them steal a game and go 1-1.