9th Annual EDSS JR-SR Tourney Set For This Weekend

Elmira's 9th annual Junior & Senior girls' basketball tournament is set to go for this weekend, with two draws of 4 teams each.

Here's a look at the teams involved:

Junior:  Elmira, JF Ross, Stratford Northwestern, Sacred Heart (Walkerton)

Senior:  Elmira, Kincardine, Sacred Heart (Walkerton), Ursuline (Chatham)

Today's schedule sees the host Lancers go up against Stratford NW (JR; 3:30) and Kincardine (SR; 5:00pm), while Sacred Heart juniors play JF Ross juniors (6:30pm) and Ursuline battles the Sacred Heart Seniors (8:00pm).

Games go all day tomorrow (9am through 7:30pm tip times).  All are at Elmira DSS.

SENIOR: Bishop Mac "Shoot For The Cure" Tournament This Weekend

Yes, those are indeed the uniforms that the Bishop Mac Celtics will be rocking this weekend at their annual "Guelph Gryphons/Bishop Macdonell CSS Celtics Invitational" in Support of Breast Cancer Research.

The tournament is presented by Russell Athletics.

The tournament includes several highly-ranked CWOSSA teams, including the host Celtics (#5), Waterloo Bluevale (#4), Cambridge Jacob Hespeler (#7), and Guelph Lourdes (#9).

Here's a look at the draw.  Today's games go at Bishop Mac, with tomorrow's games all being played at the University of Guelph.

Friday:  First Round
Noon:  Preston vs. Bishop Mac
1:30pm:  Jacob Hespeler vs. Etobicoke
3:00pm:  Bluevale vs. JF Ross
4:30pm:  Lourdes (Guelph) vs. Waterdown

6:00pm:  Loser of PHS/BMAC vs. Loser of JHSS/EtCI
7:30pm:  Loser of BCI/JFR vs. Loser of SMHS/Wat

Saturday:  Second Round
9am & 10:30am:  Championship Semifinals
Noon:  Consolation Friendly / 7th Place Game
1:30pm:  3rd Place Game
3:00pm:  Consolation Championship
5:00pm:  Championship Final

CWOSSABasketball.com Junior Girls' Power Ranking: Week 2

Just a caveat in case you were wondering, there was no "week 1" ranking but I thought I'd keep the title consistent with my senior rankings.  I wanted to let some additional games be played by the juniors to get a better feel for the rankings......so here goes:

1.  Grand River CI Renegades / Kitchener
The Rens have been very strong to this point of the season in both league and tournament play; a big win at home yesterday against another top-rated CWOSSA team, Waterloo CI, cemented the #1 ranking.

T2.  North Park CVS Trojans / Brantford (AAA)
With a big showdown with fellow undefeated D5 school St. John's on the horizon, I'm going to play it safe and leave NPC & SJC tied for 2nd in this week's ranking.  Both have looked very impressive to this point, so it should definitely be a game to watch next week in the junior ranks.

T2.  St. John's College Green Eagles / Brantford
The Eagles have been comfortable on both ends of the floor thus far, and are looking like a serious contender for (another) AAAA CWOSSA junior crown.

4.  Waterloo CI Vikings / Waterloo
Before running into GRCI last night, the Vikes were undefeated save for a tournament final loss last weekend to (probably) the best junior team in the province, Hamilton St. Mary's.

5.  Bishop Mac Celtics / Guelph (AA)
It's been a difficult opening month in the D10 junior circuit, with many of the top teams squeaking past each other --- nobody remains without a loss.  I'll make a judgement call and take the BMAC Celtics as the best of the bunch and my #5 team in the rankings this week.

6.  Assumption College Lions / Brantford
Sure, the Lions are 1-2, but when you consider that those were two losses against highly-rated NPC (48-37) and St. John's (30-20), you see why I still view them highly in the overall CWOSSA scheme.

7.  Elmira DSS Lancers / Elmira (AAA)
The Lancers nearly were able to take out the WCI Vikings last week, falling after a second-half WCI comeback.  Three strong wins over other competitive WCSSAA programs have them 7th this week, and start out as my second-ranked "AAA" team.

8.  Kitchener CI Raiders / Kitchener (AAA)
Considering what GRCI has done to....well, practically everyone, the lone blemish on KCI's league record doesn't look so bad.  The Raiders have returned most of their key talent from last year's team, so they should be up in the top 4 at the end of the season, especially with an "AAA" based WCSSAA schedule.

9.  Guelph CVI Gaels / Guelph (AAA)
The Gaels lost to Bishop Mac, but beat St. James.  They're fairly deep, with a number of players that can score in double-figures on any given night.  They could be the story of the year in D10 girls' basketball, having already matched their win total from last season (3-11).

T10.  St. James HS Lions / Guelph (AAA)
Nipped Bishop Mac by one and fell to St. James in another close one; the Lions are certainly deserving of a top-10 spot at this point.  Nastassja Herriot has been impressive in the early going.

T10.  Resurrection Phoenix / Kitchener 
Despite losing the top scorer in CWOSSA last season, Sarah Schulz, to senior, Celia McGlynn has picked up the slack in that area and the Phoenix are the lone undefeated team in the D8 league. 

Honourable Mentions
SJAM / Waterloo
Bluevale / Waterloo
Forest Heights / Kitchener
St. Benedict / Cambridge

CWOSSABasketball.com's Senior Girls Power Ranking: Week 2

A few "shifts" in this week's report, but nothing too major.  I'm certainly looking forward to the senior tournaments in Guelph this weekend, which have the potential for some very interesting intra-CWOSSA matchups that should further help to sort things out!

1.  Waterloo Collegiate Vikings / Waterloo
Last Week:  #1
The Vikes remain atop the standings after a strong week that included a tournament win in Brantford (over SJC by 6 in the final), and a couple of comfortable league wins.

T2.  St. John's College Green Eagles / Brantford
Last Week:  #3
It's going to be a battle for the CWOSSA "AAAA" berth between ACS & SJC, and I have them tied for 2nd this week after SJC's strong showing against #1 WCI (leading for a chunk of that contest before falling late).

T2.  Assumption College Lions / Brantford
Last Week:  #2
The Lions are alone in first in the D5 standings after a league win over North Park.  Look for an exciting game this weekend against another top 10 team, the WODSS Crusaders.

4.  Bluevale Knights / Waterloo
Last Week:  #5
After a strong tournament victory over the Jacob Hespeler Hawks last weekend, the Knights move up a spot into the #4 slot.  Great guard play (Sarah Hamm & Natalie Bishop) has been their calling, though BCI has also received strong performances from two grade 10 rookies --- Julia Curran & Kailee Sawyer.

5.  Bishop Mac Celtics / Guelph (AA)
Last Week:  #7
The Celtics have proven to be the class of the D10 league to this point in the season, with "comfortable" wins over St. James and JF Ross, who are expected to be among the league's top 4 teams when the dust settles.  Keep an eye on them this weekend in their home tournament (co-hosted at U of G) with a team ahead of them (Bluevale) and behind them (JHSS) also involved.

6.  Waterloo-Oxford Crusaders / Baden
Last Week:  #8
The Crusaders have been making relatively quick work of their opponents to this point, though they did have their hands full with Cameron Heights (LW: #9) before coming away with the win.  As noted above under ACS' comments, big game at Centennial tomorrow against the #2 Lions.

7.  Jacob Hespeler Hawks / Cambridge (AAA)
Last Week:  #4
The Hawks slide down the rankings a bit this week, but it's not so much what they've done as much as what the other teams that passed them (BCI, BMAC, WODSS) have on their resume.  JHSS lost a close one at home to BCI in their tourney final; of note - still no timeframe on all-star PG Taylor Dennis' return from injury.

8.  North Park CVI Trojans / Brantford (AAA)
Last Week:  #6
The Trojans dropped a single-digit affair to Assumption this week, and appear to be right with the JHSS Hawks in terms of the "AAA" CWOSSA teams.  Another big D5 game next week (SJC) will provide an additional measuring stick.

9.  Our Lady of Lourdes Crusaders / Guelph (AA)
Last Week:  #10
The Crusaders are tied atop the standings in the D10 league with their rivals from Bishop Mac --- the way both those teams are playing, they appear to be the favourites to meet in an "all-AA" D10 final.  Next week, a big game against St. James (4-1) is on the horizon league-wise.

10.  Cameron Heights Golden Gaels / Kitchener 
Last Week:  #9
The Gaels nearly pulled out a big win against the higher-ranked Crusaders yesterday, thanks to the strong play of grade 10 F Hunter Johns.  Look for the Gaels to push the Bluevale Knights for the 2nd automatic CWOSSA AAAA berth (WCSSAA #3 plays D10 #2 for an additional berth this year).

Honourable Mentions
St. James (Guelph)
Resurrection (Kitchener)
St. Mary's (Kitchener)
Kitchener CI
Southwood SS (Cambridge)
Forest Hts. CI (Kitchener)

D10: Thursday Results

Senior

Bishop Mac 56, JF Ross 31
My Pick:  BMAC by 11
Thought this might have been closer, but the Celtics did a great job on the road on Thursday.  Rebecca Morris paced BMAC with 15, while Ellie Young and Katie Labron added 9 each.  Sydney Resch scored 13 for Ross, while Julia Robertson was held in check with 5.

Centennial 43, Orangeville 33
My Pick:  CCVI by 8
Kendra Achonwa (14) and Hannah Newman (10) were double-digit scorers for the Spartans as they picked up their first win of the year.  Claire Fenton (14) and Evelyn Burgess (8) were tops for ODSS.

St. James 57, CWDHS 42
My Pick:  STJ by 10
Brittany Gazzola (19) and Chelsey Gazzola (17) combined for 36 points as the Lions picked up a key road win on Thursday.  Hailey Salvian had 15 and Chloe Trapp 10 for the Falcons.

Lourdes 60, Guelph CVI 45
My Pick:  OLOL by 19
It was a high-scoring affair as I had suspected in my picks post, and Lourdes came away with the win to stay undefeated.  Scoring details, however, were not available.

D10 Senior Standings
T1.  Bishop Mac 4-0
T1.  Lourdes 4-0
3.  St. James 4-1
T4.  CWDHS 1-2
T4.  JF Ross 1-2
T6.  Guelph CVI 1-3
T6.  Centennial 1-3
8.  Orangeville 0-5

Junior D10

Guelph CVI 44, Lourdes 21
GCVI:  Sydney Wilson 19, Ijeoma Staunton 11
OLOL: Elise Koche 7, Natasha Martinez 5

Bishop Mac 61, JF Ross 35
BMAC:  Tianna Sullivan 14, Jessica Burke 13
JFR:  Emily Kate Gray 13, Maddy Darling 8

St. James 43, CWDHS 23
STJ:  Nastassja Herriot 12, Donna Zen 10
CW:  Kayla Teeter 11, Rebecca Witzel 6

Centennial 56, Orangeville 34
CCVI:  Emma Cain 23, Emma Korol 12
ODSS:  Emma Wells 12, Madison Loder 9

D10 Junior Standings
1.  St. James 4-1
T2.  Bishop Mac 3-1
T2.  Guelph CVI 3-1
4.  JF Ross 2-1
5.  Lourdes 2-2
6.  CWDHS 1-2
7.  Centennial 1-3
8.  Orangeville 0-5
 

Brantford Expositor: PJC Never Says Die

Article By:  Darryl Smart

When the Pauline Johnson Collegiate visited Assumption College on Thursday for a senior girls basketball game, some of the Thunderbirds were wishing they could challenge the Lions to another sport.

And the early 12-0 Lions lead en route to a 69-16 victory was a good indication why.

Another reason is that the Thunderbirds are chock-full of competitive athletes, many at a provincial level in a number of other sports.

"On this team, everybody plays everything from volleyball, rugby, soccer, to baseball," said Erika Hewson of the Thunderbirds.

"And at our school volleyball is our main sport, definitely not basketball. So I wish we could've played them in volleyball tonight."

Hewson said that she and her teammates came into Thursday night's game with the right frame of mind.
"It's tough but it's fun, " Hewson said.

"There's a reason why we came back for our fifth year, and it isn't basketball. I know it's tough losing every game, but I'm OK with it for now.

"It's competition and we like that challenge," she said. "And we're going to keep on going."

The T-Birds competitive spirit showed throughout the game, especially down low in the paint in the offensive end.

With the ball in their host's end, there were a number of big battles, especially when Amber Kozinski had the daunting task of going up against the Lions' Abby Heron.

Though the Lions won a majority of those battles, there were moments when Kozinski and her teammates' demeanor went from a look of defeat to victory.

One came when Kozinski pulled down a pair of rebounds and scored. And another came when Madeline Daily knocked down a three-pointer.

Daily ended up leading the T-Birds with five points, while Kozinski added four, and Brianne Lavellee netted three. Natasha Irwin and Kaitlyn Andrew rounded out the scoring with two each.

"It was a good feeling getting a couple points," Lavellee said. "We know when we play Paris and some of the other teams, stuff like that will go a long way."

In the second half, Lavellee and her teammates kept forging on, and despite scoring only one basket in the third quarter and adding five points in the fourth, they kept coming.

That is something the T-Birds players pride themselves on, and it showed in the fourth quarter.

While the Lions used the half to work on a number of things, the T-Birds showed plenty of progress, stringing together six to eight passes while running their offence.

"We don't give up," Lavellee said.
"That's what we're known for. We're all athletes and we know we all have our own sports. But when we're on the basketball court we don't give up. It's not in us to do that.

"When we see someone working hard out there, it gets us all going and makes you want to work that much harder."

Leading the way for the Lions was Heron, who netted 17 points, while Grade 9 standout Rikayla Baldin added 13 and Emily Gill scored 10.

Full D5 Results

Senior

Assumption 69, Pauline Johnson 16
ACS:  Abby Heron 17, Rikayla Baldin 13, Emily Gill 10, Jerika Baldin 8, Sara Harris 6, Naomi Samuel 4, Alex VanDyk 4, Nicole Shea 2. 
PJC:   Madeline Daily 5, Amber Kozinski 4, Brianne Lavellee 3, Natasha Irwin 2, Kaitlyn Andrew 2.

St. John's 48, Brantford CI 18
SJC: Kendra Van Leeuwen 16, Bridget Monkman 8, Lauren Dubois 6, Brianna Bavota 4.
BCI:  Victoria Waud 7, Melanie Guenette 7, Cara Humenvik 4. 

North Park 38, Paris DHS 10
NPC:  Abbey Sayles 10, Kyanna Wray 7. 
PDHS:  Marlie Stephens-Keresturi 4

Senior D5 Standings
1.  Assumption 3-0
T2.  St. John's 2-1
T2.  North Park 2-1
T4.  Paris 1-2
T4.  Brantford CI 1-2
6.  Pauline Johnson 0-3

Junior

Assumption 69, Pauline Johnson 7
ACS:  Tatum Osborne 12, Jordyn Beda 9.
PJC:  Kayla Mackenzie 3

St. John's 51, Brantford CI 4
(Scoring Details Unavailable)

North Park 46, Paris DHS 25
NPC:  Brooke Cesar 14, Halle Sitarski 12.
PDHS:  Avery Hamill 16, Courtney Boehmer 6.

D5 Junior Standings
T1.  St. John's 3-0
T1.  North Park 3-0
3.  Paris 2-1
4.  Assumption 1-2
T5.  Pauline Johnson 0-3
T5.  Brantford CI 0-3

Retrieved From:  http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2012/09/27/pjc-never-says-die

Junior WCSSAA: Rens Make Case For Top CWOSSA Ranking

Undefeated (league & tournament) to this point in the season, the junior Grand River Renegades have certainly made their case for a top ranking in my upcoming CWOSSA junior girls top-10 list.

The Rens jumped out to a 22-10 halftime lead and cruised to a 46-32 win over the WCI Vikings, who are no slouch themselves and considered a certain "top 5" CWOSSA team at this point in the season.

Nyamuoch Teny (10), Tara Deboer (9) and Maya Day (9) paced a very-balanced Grand River attack, while WCI was led by Danielle Sauve who had 11 and Isabella Kellerman (7).

Meanwhile, a couple of other undefeated teams being knocked off on Thursday helped the Rens take sole possession of first place in the WCSSAA junior standings.

Cameron Heights (3-0 entering Thursday) was stunned by WODSS 30-28 after the Crusaders received a strong 18-point outing from Hannah Appleton. Rylee Mitchell-Becker added 5, while Andjela Stankovic (8) and Salome Mekasha (5) led Cameron.

The Bluevale Knights were also on the wrong end of another close WCSSAA junior game.  

Despite a 19-point effort from Rachael Hamm, the Knights fell 49-46 in a high-scoring affair to Waterloo SJAM. 

Here's a look at the other couple of games on Thursday, keeping in mind that Galt (SSS) and Forest Heights (ECI) received "bye wins":

Huron Heights 28, Preston 27
The Huskies picked up their first win of the season in a tight game against Preston, who fall to 0-4.  Kiana Chin (9) and Erica Boer (6) paced the Huskies, while the Panthers received a game-high 12 from Claire Gagne and 4 from Jess Hedges.

Elmira 40, Jacob Hespeler 27
The Lancers moved to 3-1 with a solid home-win against JHSS.  Nicole Cressman (17) again led the Lancers, while Sydney Jones added 9.  The Hawks received a solid 17-point effort from Jasmine Ramcharan, and 7 from Shianne Riggan.

KCI 39, Glenview Park 12
Alia Hazineh poured in 15 points as the Raiders ran away from Glenview Park.  Kristin Hall had 5 for the Panthers.

WCSSAA Junior Standings
1.  Grand River 4-0
T2.  WCI 3-1
T2.  Forest Hts. 3-1
T2.  Bluevale 3-1
T2.  Cameron Hts. 3-1
T2.  Elmira 3-1
T2.  SJAM 3-1
T2.  KCI 3-1
T9.  WODSS 2-2
T9.  Galt 2-2
T11.  Jacob Hespeler 1-3
T11.  Huron Heights 1-3
T13.  Glenview Park 0-3
T13.  Preston 0-3

WCSSAA Senior Thursday: Rebels Nearly Stun Trojans

The Eastwood Rebels nearly pulled off a big shocker in WCSSAA senior play on Thursday afternoon.

The Rebels (0-3 after yesterday) led the Forest Heights Trojans (4-0) 23-21 after three quarters; however, the Trojans were able to secure a slim 4-point lead and then extend things near the end of the contest with some timely free-throw shooting (10-for-11 in the final quarter) to remain undefeated.

Perhaps the story of the game was the tremendous defensive job that the Rebels did on FHCI's leading scorer, Blair McNaughton.  McNaughton, who came into the game averaging 21.3 PPG, was held to just 5 points during the contest by ECI's swarming defense.

Tameika Elliot had 11 points for the Trojans, while two ECI players were in double-figures --- Mel Samuel with 11 and Meagan Karai with 10.

My picks went a perfect 8-0 on Thursday, although a couple games were certainly closer than anticipated:

Southwood 45, Galt 28
My Pick:  SSS by 18
Taylor White (15) and Cali Doran (12) provided double-digit efforts as the Sabres won this all-Galt battle.  Melissa Smith paced the Ghosts with 10.

KCI 41, Glenview Park 24
My Pick:  KCI by 19
The Raiders are still unbeaten and currently the top "AAA" school in the WCSSAA standings after a home win against Glenview.  Maddie LaFleur (10) and Olivia Nelles (9) led the way, while Chelsea Irwin (8) and Justine Schwier (5) paced Glenview.

Preston 57, Huron Heights 43
My Pick:  PHS by 24
The Huskies kept things interesting in this one before falling to Preston.  The Panthers received a couple of tremendous scoring efforts as Ashley White (23) and Breanna Johnson (19) led the way.  HHSS received 15 from Melissa Whigham and 9 from Aly Jacobs.

Bluevale 46, SJAM 24
My Pick:  BCI by 26
The Knights moved to 4-0 by handling cross-town Waterloo rival SJAM on Thursday.  Natalie Bishop (9) and Caroline Schmidt (8) paced a balanced Bluevale attack, while Katie Fowler (8) and Sam Fowler (7) led the 'Landers.

WCI 59, Grand River 27
My Pick:  WCI by 22
Lindsay Taylor poured in a season-high 29 points as the Vikes stayed atop the WCSSAA Standings.  Alex Klein added 10 for WCI, while Kailey DeBoer had 12 for the Rens.

Waterloo-Oxford 54, Cameron Hts. 41
My Pick:  WODSS by 8
My "game of the day" didn't disappoint as the Crusaders got down early, then battled back and used a very strong 4th quarter to turn a tight game into a win going away.  Maddy Horst was unstoppable at times, pouring in a game-high 27, while fellow Crusader Libby Brenneman added 9.  Hunter Johns (18) and Liz McLellan (12) had strong efforts for Cameron.

Jacob Hespeler 43, Elmira 37
My Pick:  JHSS by 21
After beating ECI by 27 on Tuesday after picking them by 27, the Hawks played with me on Thursday by jumping out to a near 20-point lead and then allowing the Lancers to bring it back late.  Candice Wright (16), Jess Huestis (8) and Brooklyn Wright (8) paced the Hawks, while Krista Wiens had a game-high 23 for Elmira.

WCSSAA Standings 
T1.  WCI 4-0
T1.  KCI 4-0
T1.  Bluevale 4-0
T1.  WODSS 4-0
T1.  Forest Hts. 4-0
T6.  Cameron Hts. 3-1
T6.  Jacob Hespeler 3-1
8.  Southwood 2-1
T9.  Grand River 1-3
T9.  SJAM 1-3
T9.  Preston 1-3
12.  Eastwood 0-3
T13.  Huron Hts. 0-4
T13.  Glenview Park 0-4
T13.  Galt 0-4
T13.  Elmira 0-4

News And Notes: Qahwash Announces Top 40 Senior Girls' Camp

After a solid junior boys "Tri-City Top 40 Camp" last spring, Imad Qahwash is branching out.

Next up in his future?  A planned senior girls' version of the "Tri-City Top 40" to be added to his list of basketball offerings.

"There has been some (interest in) starting a senior girls' camp," said Qahwash.  "I feel as though basketball for young women in our region needs to be appreciated more and needs to get the attention it deserves, especially considering how competitive the area is on the provincial stage.  I feel there is a bunch of talent that is sometimes overlooked as a whole in the region."

The camp, sponsored by Adidas next year (who will be providing player apparel), will have the same premise as Qahwash's camp this year.  He'll be inviting top CWOSSA talent, with this year's season playing a big role in determining who gets an invite.

"Players will be selected based on their performance this season," noted Qahwash.  "We will have regional scouts and coaches watching games and giving feedback. We are open to nominations but have a preliminary list of what we want in each player invited to camp. This is an invite only camp; that said, we feel performance this season will set players apart."

Qahwash added that the camp will be instructed by several former CIS All-Canadians and Division I women's players, and that at least 15 college/university coaches have already confirmed their attendance.  

In terms of details, invitations won't be sent out until Qahwash and his team have a chance to review recommendations based upon this season's performances --- likely in late February or early March.  The camp is set to go May 17th through 19th, 2013, at RIM Park in Waterloo.

Meanwhile, Qahwash is currently out in California auditioning for the LA D-Fenders of the NBA Development League (NBDL).  For more information on that, check out The Record's article that ran in last week's paper.

Senior Girls: Centennial (Guelph) Tournament Schedule

Centennial CVI in Guelph is hosting a 6-team tournament this coming weekend; included in the field are a couple of top-rated CWOSSA teams including Assumption and Waterloo-Oxford.  Here's a look at the schedule:

POOL A
1 - Centennial CVI
2 - Assumption College (Brantford)
3 – Waterloo-Oxford

POOL B
1 - St. Paul Secondary School (Mississauga)
2 - Resurrection (Kitchener)
3 - Norwell

FRIDAY
1:00pm – A1 vs. A2
2:30pm – B1 vs. B2
4:00pm – A1 vs. A3
5:30pm – B1 vs. B3

SATURDAY
9:00am – A2 vs. A3
10:30am – B2 vs. B3

12:00pm – 3rd in pool A vs. 3rd in pool B
1:30pm – 2nd in pool A vs. 2nd in pool B
3:00pm – 1st in pool A vs. 1st in pool B

D10: Wednesday Result & Thursday Picks

YTD:  9-2 (.818)

Well, I can assure you that I likely won't have as good of a day as I did on Tuesday, when all 4 D10 picks were correct within a three-pointer.

Before I go to that, though, there's one result from Senior D10 on Wednesday, and it was no surprise as St. James handled Orangeville on the road by a 45-29 final.  Chelsey (13) and Brittany (12) Gazzola led the way for the Lions, while Claire Fenton had 13 and Rachel Fenton 6 for the Bears.

The junior result was 56-14 in favour of St. James, with Nastassja Herriot leading the way with 17.

Now, on to the picks!
 
Bishop Mac (3-0) at JF Ross (1-1)
My Pick:  BMAC by 11
The Celtics have gotten off to a great start and I'm not sure that the Royals will be able to slow them down, even at home.

Orangeville (0-4) at Centennial (0-3)
My Pick:  CCVI by 8
Given the Spartans' recent injury woes, the opportunity certainly exists here for ODSS to stop their massive D10 senior losing streak.  That said, I still think Centennial will pull this one out but it could get interesting.

St. James (3-1) at Centre Wellington (1-1)
My Pick:  STJ by 10
The Lions are the favourites but the Falcons have been playing teams (e.g., Lourdes - 2 point game at half) tough so I expect a fight out in Fergus today.

Lourdes (3-0) at Guelph CVI (1-2)
My Pick:  OLOL by 19
Should be a relatively high-scoring contest at GCVI today --- not to mention an intense affair; these two schools are natural rivals as they're separated distance-wise by less than a kilometre.

WCSSAA: Thursday Picks

YTD:  22-2 (.917)

Things have generally "gone to form" thus far in the WCSSAA schedule, which also partially accounts for my strong 22-2 picks record to date.  There's a couple of nice games on the schedule today, and I'll start with a dandy between two undefeated clubs (also my "game of the day"):

Cameron Hts. (3-0) at WODSS (3-0)
My Pick:  WODSS by 8
The Crusaders have been strong thus far in the season, although I think their string of consecutive wins by 30+ will stop here today.  That said, they should sneak out a win --- especially on their homecourt.

WCI (3-0) at Grand River (1-2)
My Pick:  WCI by 22
Two stout defensive clubs will tip off in this one, which is why I have the spread as it is.  We all know the Vikes' capabilities (19.0 PPG against) but despite a 1-2 record the Rens are only allowing 33.0 points against.  If only I could pick the "under"....

Huron Hts. (0-3) at Preston (0-3)
My Pick:  PHS by 24
After facing a very tough opening schedule --- WODSS, WCI and Bluevale (3 of the top 4 teams in the league), things get a little better for Preston today against winless Huron Hts.  They should pick up their first win by double-digits.

Eastwood (0-2) at Forest Hts. (3-0)
My Pick:  FHCI by 19
The FHCI Trojans have definitely been identified as a possible "darkhorse" with a strong start to their season.  Games next week (JHSS & WODSS) will tell us a lot more about this club, but I expect them to at least move to 4-0 here today.

Jacob Hespeler (2-1) at Elmira (0-3)
My Pick:  JHSS by 21
Look for the Hawks to exploit the undersized Lancers on the interior en route to a big road win today.

Galt (0-3) at Southwood (1-1)
My Pick:  SSS by 18
A rivalry game, so it could be closer than anticipated --- but the Sabres should manage to be ahead at the final buzzer.

SJAM (1-2) at Bluevale (3-0)
My Pick:  BCI by 26
Provided the Knights don't let the Highlanders hang around (like Preston did early), they should cruise to victory at home today.

Glenview Park (0-3) at KCI (3-0)
My Pick:  KCI by 19
The Raiders aren't necessarily going to be winning games by huge margins given their style of play, but they'll still score what amounts to a comfortable victory at home today.

D8 Wednesday: Phoenix, Cavaliers Stay Unbeaten in Senior

Both the Resurrection Phoenix and Woodland Cavaliers scored convincing wins on Wednesday night in the D8 league, with the Phoenix moving to 3-0 and the Cavs 2-0 in the 6-team league.

Those two correct picks put me back on the "plus side" of the ledger, with a 5-3 record.

Here's the recaps & standings:

Resurrection 45, Rockway 16
My Pick:  RCSS by 32
The Phoenix had no trouble with the Flames on Wednesday; again, they were backed by rookie guard Sarah Schulz who poured in 21 points, although it actually dropped her scoring average a touch down to 23.0 PPG --- still the top scoring average among all CWOSSA leagues.

Sam (8) and Stephanie (4) Veltri topped the Rockway scoring.

Woodland 35, Mons. Doyle 8
My Pick:  WCHS by 8
I expected a "low scoring game in the 30s" as I indicated in my pick yesterday, but the 'Stangs could not get untracked offensively and this one ended up as an easy Woodland win.  Rebekah Oosterhof had double digits (10) for Woodland in the win, while Taylor Fitzpatrick scored 4 for MDCSS.

D8 Senior Standings
1.  Resurrection 3-0
T2.  St. Mary's 2-0
T2.  Woodland 2-0
4.  Rockway 1-2
----
5.  St. Benedict 0-2
6.  Mons. Doyle 0-4

Junior
There was a full four-game slate of junior action on Wednesday, so let's take a look:

St. Benedict 33, St. David 23
The biggest game of the day featured two of the (projected) top 3 teams in the league.  Kayla Leusink netted 16 as the Saints assumed sole possession of 2nd place.  Bobbi-Sue Hentges led the Celtics with 9.

St. Mary's 34, PRDG 10
Lexi Stoyakovich netted 12 points as the Eagles moved back into playoff position with a win over the Chevaliers.  Christine Boileau scored 6 for PRDG.

Mons. Doyle 36, Woodland 20
Julianna Thomson scored 16 but it wasn't enough as the Mustangs pulled away for the win in this one, evening up their record at 2-2 on the season.

Resurrection 61, Rockway 13
Celia McGlynn continued her strong play for the Phoenix as she netted 14 in a Rez romp at home.  Emilie Vos was again the top Flame scorer, putting in 6 points.

Junior D8 Standings
1.  Resurrection 4-0
2.  St. Benedict 3-1
3.  Woodland 2-1
T4.  St. Mary's 2-2
T4.  Mons. Doyle 2-2
6.  St. David 1-2
7.  PRDG 1-3
8.  Rockway 0-4 

D8 Wednesday: Picks

I'm back at .500 (3-3) after Monday's games, so we'll try to keep that momentum going today:

Rockway (1-1) at Resurrection (2-0)
My Pick:  RCSS by 32
Shouldn't be any trouble here for the Phoenix, so how about an interesting "prop pick":  Sarah Schulz (currently 24.0 PPG in league play) to outscore the Flames.

Mons. Doyle (0-3) at Woodland (1-0)
My Pick:  WCHS by 8
Might be the first ever time I've picked Woodland in a game, but they've earned it after a win over Rockway last week.  Look for a low scoring game in the 30s, with the Cavs to be ahead at the end.

CWOSSA News: GRCI's Murray Receives Invite to 2012 NBA Americas Team Camp

Most Grand River students will be in classrooms learning about math, history, and science the next couple of days.

Jamal Murray on the other hand?  He'll be getting some instruction of a different kind --- basketball instruction from former NBA coaches and legends.

Murray recently received a call from Canada Basketball to invite him to the 2012 version of the "Americas Team Camp".

Murray is en route to Puerto Rico as we speak for the camp, which takes place from September 27th through to the 30th in San Juan, PR.  The camp, presented by Nike, will be bringing the top players together from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Uruguay for basketball skill development and competitions.  

The thing that makes the above even better?  These skills and competitions will be conducted by NBA legends and coaches.  

Needless to say, it's a great opportunity for Murray (who will be moved up to the senior squad at GRCI this year), something his high-school coach Tolly Henderson agreed with.

"It's a great opportunity for Jamal and will enable him to build on the great strides that we've already seen here at Grand River," said Henderson, "myself and the rest of the Renegade coaching staff are certainly looking forward to continuing to work with Jamal going forward."

Henderson also noted that Murray has been benefiting from the coaching he's received at the club level (CIA-Bounce and Waterloo Wolverines this past off-season), and from his own personal hard work in the gym.

"He's improved significantly even from last February (WCSSAA & CWOSSA)," noted Henderson.

Murray was named as my CWOSSA "rookie of the year" and a first-team junior all-star last season.

As for the camp he's off to, it has been running since 2010; here's a link to that inaugural camp to give you an idea as to some of the daily activities he'll get to be a part of.

Congrats, Jamal!

D5 (Brant County): Tuesday Results

More to come, but for now....at least the results:

Senior

Brantford CI 57, Paris DHS 16

Assumption 52, North Park 44

St. John's 38, Pauline Johnson 16


Junior

North Park 48, Assumption 37

St. John's 40, Pauline Johnson 8

Paris 40, Brantford CI 28

WCSSAA: Tuesday Results & Standings

Not too many surprises on Tuesday in WCSSAA action, although there was one pick that I tabbed incorrectly --- congrats to the FHCI Trojans who moved to 3-0 at the expense of the still winless Elmira Lancers.  I had picked the Lancers in a single-digit upset, but the Trojans pulled away to a double-digit (13-point) win.  

Elmira held Blair McNaughton to just 18 points (5.0 PPG under her season average) but Clorissa Seftel, Cassidy Wettlaufer and Sara Potter each chipped in with 6 as well.  Julia Frey (10), Krista Wiens (8) and Tessa Charnuski (6) led the Elmira attack.

Here's a rundown of the other games on Tuesday:

Cameron Heights 61, Southwood 39
My Pick:  CHCI by 5
Thought this one might have been a bit closer, but the Gaels were on fire offensively on Tuesday.  Liz McLellan poured in 22, while Hunter Johns added 14 for Cameron; Taylor White put home 18 for Southwood with Kayleigh Hutt-Taylor adding 9.

Jacob Hespeler 47, Eastwood 20
My Pick:  JHSS by 27
Picked this one right on as the Hawks gradually used their size to pull away in the second half from the homecourt Rebels.  Brooklyn Wright notched 19 while Hawk teammate Naomi Adams added 11.  Mel Samuel had half of ECI's points (10) while Meagan Karai added 8.

Bluevale 51, Preston 34
My Pick:  BCI by 22
The Knights were served a first-half wake-up call in this one, as Preston was within 2 at halftime.  However, their strong guard play helped ensure a comfortable margin at the final whistle.  Natalie Bishop (15), Julia Curran (13) and Sarah Hamm (13) were the top Bluevale perfomers; Ashley White had a game-high 18 for Preston with Taylor Devries adding 6.

KCI 32, Grand River 28
My Pick:  KCI by 4
KCI used their zone defense to help slow the pace of this one down --- and helped me get another pick right on in the process.  Scoring details weren't yet made available at time of posting.

SJAM 47, Huron Heights 43
My Pick:  SJAM by 13
SJAM was able to hang on in this one despite the best efforts of the Huskies.  Malena McCrossan-Moses poured in 20 with Safina Hussein adding 12 for SJAM; Huron received 12 from Katrina Koste while Rachel Wilkinson and Jenna Gangl each added 8.

WCI 44, Glenview Park 14
My Pick:  WCI by 35
As expected, no trouble for the Vikings here.  Alex Klein and Lindsay Taylor each had 10 Viking points in the win, while Jocelyn Kivell (7) and Justine Schwier (3) were the top Panther performers.

Waterloo-Oxford 57, Galt 16
My Pick:  WODSS by 38
The Crusaders ran their way to their third consecutive big win, thanks to another 20 point effort from Maddy Horst and 11 from Hope Eagleson.  Melissa Smith and Ashlyn Beckman each had 6 for Galt.

WCSSAA Senior Standings
T1.  WCI 3-0
T1.  KCI 3-0
T1.  Waterloo-Oxford 3-0
T1.  Bluevale 3-0
T1.  Forest Heights 3-0
T1.  Cameron Heights 3-0
7.  Jacob Hespeler 2-1
8.  Southwood 1-1
T9.  Grand River 1-2
T9.  SJAM 1-2
11.  Eastwood 0-2
T12.  Preston 0-3
T12.  Elmira 0-3
T12.  Galt 0-3
T12.  Huron Hts. 0-3
T12.  Glenview Park 0-3

Junior WCSSAA

Cameron (over SSS); JHSS (over ECI) - "bye wins"

SJAM 28, Huron Heights 12
SJAM:  Perry Gasteiger 10, Brianna Ilitshishin 6
HHHS:  Kiana Chin 8

WCI 38, Glenview Park 12
WCI:  Jessica Roes 12, Isabella Kellerman 9
GPSS:  Kaitlyn Ladoucer 4, Katie Kralicki 3

Galt 28, WODSS 20
GCI:  Emma Buck 10, Aisha Hufnagel 6
WODSS:  Hannah Appleton 5, Kiria Shantz 4

Elmira 37, Forest Hts. 28
EDSS:  Nicole Cressman 16, Kelsie Freeman 9
FHCI:  Linna Liou 10, Katie Martin 6

Bluevale 36, Preston 22
BCI:  Rachael Hamm 13, Megan Reid 9
PHS:  Olivia Naylor 7, Claire Gagne 4

Grand River 47, KCI 26
KCI:  Alia Hazineh 12

WCSSAA Junior Standings
T1.  Bluevale 3-0
T1.  Cameron Hts. 3-0
T1.  Grand River 3-0
T1.  WCI 3-0
T5.  Forest Hts. 2-1
T5.  Elmira 2-1
T5.  KCI 2-1
T5.  SJAM 2-1
T9.  WODSS 1-2
T9.  Jacob Hespeler 1-2
T9.  Galt 1-2
T12.  Glenview Park 0-3
T12.  Huron Hts 0-3
T12.  Preston 0-3