WCSSAA Junior Semifinals - Previews

#8 Huron Heights Huskies vs. #4 Waterloo CI Vikings

We thought earlier in the year that we might see these two clubs in the semifinals ---- but definitely didn't think they'd finished the year with the #8 and #4 rankings.

That said, we have a tremendous match-up between the HHHS Huskies and WCI Vikings at 3:30pm over at Cameron Heights. The Huskies are making their first ever WCSSAA semifinal appearance in boys basketball (junior or senior).

The Huskies won the regular season matchup (played at WCI) 64-56, thanks to a 26 point outing by Sean Samuel. If you want to see a player, check this kid out this afternoon. He causes all kinds of problems for an opposing defense.

The key for the Huskies is going to be getting solid production from their 2nd, and 3rd scoring options. They got a balanced attack against the FHCI Trojans in the quarterfinals which was key --- Samuel (27) and Tyler Kosub led with 10, while the remainder of the team combined for a whopping 41 points.

WCI has a balanced attack that played very well against Eastwood. The Rebels struggled against WCI's halfcourt pressure, and Huron Heights can expect to see that here today too as the Vikes are sure to look to slow down the Huskies' offensive attack.

For WCI, Jacob Ranton knocked down 4 first half three-pointers and 20 points in total against Eastwood. He's confident in his shot, and Huron Heights can't afford to lose him on the defensive end. WCI, though, has a balanced attack with big man Malcolm Piazza, and guards Alex Anagnostopoulos and Zach Totzke.

I look for this one to come down to the wire.

Prediction: Waterloo CI 65, Huron Heights 59


#6 Grand River Renegades vs. #2 Cameron Heights Golden Gaels

What's up with the Rens? Just when you look to write them off they always seem to find a way to make it to the semifinals. They defeated #3 Jacob Hespeler on the road in a defensive battle to punch their ticket this year.

Meanwhile, Cameron Heights has been on fire. All of a sudden, with Forest Heights out of the mix, the Gaels may actually be the favourite at AAAA CWOSSA --- not too many people predicted that coming into the year, but the Gaels have played well and earned it.

Cameron is led (offensively) by the guard tandem of Nem Simic & Vedran Dmitrovic. However, it is the other starters that provide the glue that holds this squad together. Jason Thompson, for example, is a serious rebounder and a double-double candidate most nights.

For Grand River, they will need a great performance out of Filip Cvrkalj, who has been one of the premier scorers among WCSSAA juniors this year. However, the Rens will only win this game if someone else steps up. Chuder Teny (16 in the quarterfinal) did that on Thursday, so we'll see if he can match that here. Other candidates to do so would be Nate Walker or perhaps Taulant Hassani.

These teams met just over a week ago, with Cameron Heights coming away with a 60-46 victory. I think there'll be a few more nerves today with the big crowd and it'll be a bit lower scoring, which lends itself to a tighter game.

Projection: Cameron Heights 50, Grand River 43