It's a daunting task.
No local (Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge) squad has ever won the Classic, although schools from Guelph (St. James) and Brantford (Assumption College) have tasted victory in the late 1990s.
That being said, this may be as good a year as any for a CWOSSA, or even local (K-W) school to make some noise at the Heinbuch Classic.
In fact, several "independent" authorities on high school hoops that I have talked to think that there could be as many as three CWOSSA teams in this year's semifinals!
Before taking a look at the draw, let's examine our CWOSSA contingent:
Grand River Renegades
Last Year: WCSSAA Semifinalist
Key Players: Brodi Verbiski (6'1" G/5th Year), Filip Cvkralj (6'3" G/4th Year), Chuder Teny (6'1" G/3rd Year)
Of Note: Will be without some team members due to OFSAA volleyball this weekend.
Projection: Look for an 0-2 start. Might pick up a win in the consolation bracket.
Forest Heights Trojans
Last Year: WCSSAA Semifinalist
Key Players: Javon Masters (6'0" PG/4th Year), Juwan Miller (5'11" G/3rd Year)
Of Note: Like Grand River, may be missing some of their roster due to OFSAA volleyball.
Projection: Tough start, drawing the tournament favourites (Loyola/Oakville). Might get past Toronto Northern/MacNab loser in Round 2 --- bronze or consolation division.
St. Mary's Eagles
Last Year: D8 Finalist
Key Players: Alex Thompson (6'2" G/5th Year), Adam Voll (6'7" F/4th Year); Isaac Lance (6'0" G/5th Year)
Of Note: Playing first game at home during the school day --- always a crazy atmosphere and a huge advantage.
Projection: 2-0; Gold Division - Semifinal against JF Ross.
Resurrection Phoenix
Last Year: D8 Champions, CWOSSA Semifinalists
Key Players: Tyler Schneider (6'2" G/5th Year), Mike Pereira (6'5" F/5th Year), Cory Kenning (6'7" F/4th Year)
Of Note: Making 10th Heinbuch Appearance in School History.
Projection: 1-1 and silver division; 2-0 if they can get past a young and inexperienced (yet talented) Oakwood squad from Toronto.
JF Ross Royals
Last Year: D10 Champions, CWOSSA Finalists
Key Players: Shamlo Saeed (5'11" G/5th Year), Mike Friesen (6'3" G/F, 4th Year), Evan Karl (6'4" F, 5th Year).
Of Note: CWOSSABasketball.com's #1 ranked CWOSSA Senior Boys' Preseason Team
Projection: 2-0 with wins over Pope John Paul and Mother Teresa; Gold Division semifinal, possibly against St. Mary's
The Rest of The Field
Oakville Loyola, led by athletic wingman Rohan Boney, enters as the likely tournament favourite. The Hawks were victorious in last year's event, and are still very strong despite a couple of key graduations (Adam Presutti / Mike L'Africain).
Toronto Oakwood is seen as another potential challenger for the title, though they are regarded as a youthful squad --- and lost a couple of key players in Kevin Blake (graduation) and Isaiah Watkins (Transfer). However, they did post a couple of key wins this past weekend over notable competition so they look to be in good shape heading into the Heinbuch.
In the latest HooptownGTA ranking of GTA-area senior boys' teams, Loyola is #4, Oakwood #5, and Mother Teresa is #10. JC Richardson and Pope John Paul II are "honourable mentions", while Toronto Northern is unranked.
As usual, the Hamilton area will be sending a strong contingent of representatives ---- St. Thomas More, Cardinal Newman, and the intriguing MacNab HS out of the public league.
Rounding out the field will be Governor Simcoe from St. Catharines and Sarnia Northern SS.
Mark's Projection
Semifinals: JF Ross over St. Mary's; Loyola over Oakwood
Final: Loyola over JF Ross
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