With 14 CWOSSA teams in attendance (out of 16 total) this weekend at WCI and Bluevale for the Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball -- there's a good chance that this tournament will help to sort out who the teams to watch out for as "AA" and "AAA" CWOSSA contenders might be.I'll start with the basketball analysis, and then get into the more important aspect of the tournament.
Tournament Draw
A couple of great first round games await on Friday -- including the upstart Galt Ghosts (who currently sit alone in 2nd in the WCSSAA standings) taking on the Grand River Renegades, a game that goes at 1:30pm at Bluevale.
Whoever wins that one, I look to advance to the semifinals against (most likely) Resurrection or Huron Heights. Both of those teams are off to strong starts -- keyed by big contributions from junior aged players, including Josiah Davis (Gr. 10, HHSS) and Jahsemar Olembe (Gr. 9, RCSS).
On the flip side of the draw (first round games at WCI), the St. Mary's Eagles have traditionally had success at this tournament -- and this year should be no different. A potential second round game against Ancaster HS (currently 5-0 in Hamilton Public) should be a dandy.
Meanwhile, one should never count out the WCI Vikings. They usually punch above their weight class (regardless of their roster) in this tournament, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the semifinals on Friday evening. By the same token, I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the teams in that top quadrant there either.
The Tournament's Legacy: Mental Health Promotion
Since it's inception, the tournament has done a tremendous job promoting the importance of mental health, as well as fundraising for the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council -- raising over $110 000 in the last 3 years (make sure to check out the silent auction this weekend, or donate at this link here).
Named in honour of former WCI and Memorial University star Jacob Ranton, who took his own life in December, 2014, the tournament organizers have done a tremendous job with promoting the message that "it's OK not to be OK", and the importance of reaching out for help. Former NHL goalie Clint Malarchuk, who himself struggled with mental illness -- including a suicide attempt, is scheduled to give a talk on Friday.
“Hopefully by us dialoging, talking about mental health, suicide prevention and raising funds for suicide prevention, we can help him (Jacob) allow other kids not to feel the pain he did and ask for help when needed,” Jacob’s dad, Doug Ranton (a guidance counsellor and former basketball coach at WCI), mentioned to the 570News’ Mike Farwell show last year.
Many people use the stats "1 in 4", or "1 in 5", when it comes to talking about mental illness. However, I would argue that it's really "5 in 5". We're all in this battle together, and whether you are suffering from mental illness, or a potential support for someone suffering -- we all have an important role to play that is no different from each individual's role to play during a diagrammed basketball play; it works best when we all understand the goal and are striving for the same objective.
Here 24/7 -- (844) 437-3247 -- is a number available anytime to call to access addictions, mental health and crisis services – the service is partnered with 12 agencies across Waterloo/Wellington.
Stay tuned to my twitter feed, @CWOSSABBall, for results and info.
