"Historically, day two at the Top 40 Camp is always better than the first," noted Camp Director Imad Qahwash.
"Our coaching staff are very proud of the effort and attitude throughout camp. There is defintely some next level talent at this camp -- OCAA, USports, and potentially Division 1."
Along with Saturday's drills, skill stations, and coaching expertise, there were also some lessons given to campers when they weren't handling a basketball.
"Our players also had a great opportunity to listen to Coach Justin Seresse (Laurier Head Coach - USports) who spoke about the value of hard work and dedication on the way to the next level," said Qahwash.
"It was also amazing to have Javon Masters -- an All-Canadian and the all-time leading scorer in Canadian University history -- speak to our guys, especially being here from the region. Our players are fortunate to have an opportunity to get this kind of information from guest speakers and coaches that we have at camp," Qahwash added.
The campers were able to digest some of those comments over lunch, and parlay the lessons learned during their afternoon games. Here's how those went down:
Team Wiggins (Red) vs. Team Harden (Grey)
This one started as a back-and-forth affair, before Team Wiggins was able to go on a bit of a run in the first half. The catalyst? Although he wasn't on the scoresheet, Aidan Vachon was one of the campers who took the lessons about "doing the little things" to heart, taking a charge and setting the tone for his squad -- who were able to convert on several opportunities on the other end.
A three-pointer by Tariq Hamad (NPC) pushed the lead to double-digits for Team Wiggins, and they maintained that into the halftime break.
Team Wiggins maintained their offensive spark to start the second half, keyed early on by Aman Saleh, WCSSAA's leading scorer from this past junior season. He hit a well-contested three-pointer which put Wiggins up by a 38-21 count.
Cue the Trent Johnson show.
The grade 10 St. Benedict product, who played up for the Saints' senior squad this past season, started heating up from beyond the arc, putting home a trio of three-pointers in a row, and 11 points during one three minute stretch:
Trent Johnson (Team Harden) doing his part to help try to bring his team back; he's had their last 5 including this nice 3 from the corner... pic.twitter.com/z2uFBWiJZH— CWOSSA Basketball (@CWOSSABball) May 26, 2018
In fact, Johnson's burst was able to get Team Harden to within 4 points with about 5 minutes to go.
Unfortunately for them, that's as close as they would get. Saleh put home a two, before WCI's Tomisin Banjoko added another bucket, pushing the lead back up to 8 points.
Rez's Bradley Stephen then came up with a nice steal, following that up with a smart lookahead pass to Saleh, who converted for a double-digit lead that essentially iced it.
Team Wiggins finished on a 10-0 run to win going away, 57-43.
Team Lillard (Blue) vs. Team Murray (Black)
Similar to the first contest of the afternoon, this one was also a back-and-forth affair to start.
Brock Newton, a 6'5" Centre Wellington product, got things started for Team Murray by converting a layup on a contested alley-oop. Ozay Davis (St. Mary's) followed that up by burying a contested shot of his own -- this one from beyond the arc:
Ozay Davis (SMHS) with the contested catch-and-shoot from the corner -- Lillard up 8-6. @Top40Camp pic.twitter.com/dPVbesHYjk— CWOSSA Basketball (@CWOSSABball) May 26, 2018
On the other end, 6'7" Stefan Djukic (Huron Heights) displayed his soft mid-range touch for a big-man, stepping out and knocking home a jumper:
6'7" Stefan Djukic (HHSS) showcasing his nice midrange touch for Team Lillard, as they cut the deficit to 1. @Top40Camp pic.twitter.com/LfO7h9wFwJ— CWOSSA Basketball (@CWOSSABball) May 26, 2018
Late in the half, Team Lillard went on a run, spearheaded by 5'9" sparkplug PG Kevin Martinez (OLOL), and grade 9 Brantford CI guard Richard Spencer-Raymond, who cashed a couple of three-pointers. Their efforts propelled Lillard to a 31-22 halftime lead.
Team Murray, however, was able to flip the script to start the second half. They rained several threes during the early minutes of the second frame, going on a 15-5 run to take a 1-point lead.
Team Lillard, to their credit, maintained their composure, and were able to respond. Here's Marcus Barnes (CHCI) knocking home a three-pointer that re-established a 4-point lead:
Cameron's Marcus Barnes getting in the act from deep; his three pointer has Team Lillard back on top -- it's now 42-38. #TriCityJr40 pic.twitter.com/eVJV9zJki1— CWOSSA Basketball (@CWOSSABball) May 26, 2018
After that, Lillard was able to make a push to get things up to double-digits. In a game of "punch, counter-punch", Murray made one last push -- Guelph Centennial's Jackson Wallace had 5 straight points to cut it to 7 (66-59) with just over a minute to go, before Djukic had a lay-up for Lillard that made it 68-59, which ended up being the final margin.
Mark's Top 5 - Day 2
This was tough, so I'm going to throw in a couple of "honourable mentions" who should be recognized for their efforts as well. In no particular order, my top performers were:
Brock Newton (6'5" G/F, Grade 10 - CWDHS / Team Murray): A tremendous talent, and certainly in his comfort zone after having played up for the CWDHS Senior team this past season. Tenacious, willing to get in and "grind" (had a great rip-away steal on the offensive end which he put in for two) -- has excellent size which he used to his advantage on numerous occasions during the game on Saturday. Certainly in the mix for all-star and MVP discussions.
Trent Johnson (6'4" G/F, Grade 10 - St. Benedict / Team Harden): Almost single-handedly led his team back from a 17-point deficit. Extremely comfortable on the catch-and-shoot, where he knocked home three consecutive three-pointers in the second half. Also attacked the basket, and, like Newton, used his size on the offensive glass well.
Aman Saleh (6'0" G, Grade 10 - Grand River / Team Wiggins): The "microwave", he can heat up in a hurry and score from just about anywhere. Not afraid to take it hard inside, but can also hit the outside jumper. Had clutch baskets down the stretch in helping Team Wiggins take the victory.
Marcus Barnes (6'1" G, Grade 9 - Cameron Heights / Team Lillard): Hard to believe he's only grade 9. Just a tremendous skill-set overall, doing just about everything on both ends for Team Lillard. Also have to admire his confidence and "compete level" -- not every kid in the gym would ask to go 1-on-1 against Javon Masters, which Barnes did:
Richard Spencer-Raymond (6'1" G, Grade 9- Brantford CI / Team Lillard): Really liked his game. Had the three-point stroke cooking in the first half, but also showcased a versatile all-around offensive (and defensive - coming up with some steals) game by the time the game was through. Did suffer a late ankle injury, which he tried to play through, but was unable to continue. Hopefully he can be at full-strength for tomorrow's action, as he's certainly in the conversation for all-star consideration.
HM: Aidan Vachon (5'10" G, Grade 10 - Brantford CI / Team Wiggins): With mention made on numerous occasions by guest speakers, coaches, and the like about "grinding" and "doing the little things", it's only right that I recognize that on my list. Vachon took a key charge in the first half of his game (almost getting a second one that ended up being a "no-call") and took care of the little things positionally as well. Even though he wasn't doing the scoring, he enabled his team to make a big run in the first half.
HM: Milos Nenadic (6'5" F, Grade 9 - Cameron Heights / Team Harden): Heady, solid player who has range out to the three-point line, which he demonstrated on a couple of occasions for Team Harden. Has nice length which he was able to use to his advantage on the defensive side a couple of times. Overall, really intriguing prospect who played well on Saturday.
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