Yes, it's early, but I thought I'd put together a list of a few players that have certainly been impressing to this point in the season. The players below have had a significant impact on their respective team's performance in league and tournament play --- so it's not a surprise that many of the selections are from "highly ranked" CWOSSA teams.
Senior list to follow.
(Teams listed in alphabetical order)
First Team - Junior
Adham Eleeda, G/F, St. Mary's
He was good last year in grade nine, and he's only improved from there. Matchup nightmare for teams as he has size, but is equally adept from outside the arc as he is inside. "A guard in a forward's body", who knows how to use his size to his advantage.
Aaron Grubb, PG, Waterloo CI
Confident point guard who does a tremendous job of running WCI's offense. He's equally adept as a scorer and a distributor, and has a very nice "mid range" game for a junior-aged player -- which you don't often see.
Muyang Iluya, G/F, Resurrection
He's been a quality performer for Rez to this point, including an MVP honour at the Eastwood tournament last weekend, where he averaged 21.0 PPG. Long-strider with the ability to get to the rim with one dribble from the three-point line; great finisher in traffic and does a job for the undersized Phoenix on the backboards as well.
Barnaba Neil, F, St. Mary's
After being a raw offensive threat a year ago, Neil has significantly improved that area of his game. He was always a huge rebounder and shot blocker, but his offensive growth has been exponential --- to the point of him taking his game on the perimeter at times. He's been SMHS' leading scorer in their two key league games vs. SBCSS & RCSS.
Zubair Seyed, G, St. Benedict
The quick-as-lightning PG can do it at both ends of the floor. Offensively, he's as comfortable at hitting the "3" as he is driving to the glass. Defensively, he can be a pest with some very active hands. Overall, extremely sound player and a fun one to watch.
Second Team - Junior
Alex Douglas, F, St. Benedict
I compare him to a "men's league player", which is not disrespecting him by any means. He's beyond his years in terms of his knowledge of the game and has well developed fundamentals that you don't often see at the junior level. Slightly undersized, but makes up for that with smarts & provides a much-needed interior presence for the Saints.
Alex Durigon, G/F, St. James
Has been tremendous in league play to this point for the Lions, including averaging over 22 PPG in his last 5 league contests (including 25, 30, and 22 point efforts). It's a wide open D10 league this year, with all teams having at least 2 losses entering the break, and his performance in the second half could be a key to help the Lions break through.
Devon Gallivan, G, SJAM
Have to give him the nod based upon his "Mr. Clutch" status of performing in big games. Hit for 20+ against Resurrection, and came through this past week against WCI with two free-throws as time expired for the win.
Justin Hardy, G/F, SJAM
After seeing significant minutes last year (albeit in a limited season for the 'Landers), he's accepted his new role as a leader for the team. Good all-around player who is especially noted for his shooting ability and active hands on defense; isn't afraid to take a charge either.
Adam Piazza, F, WCI
A 6'5"ish wing forward with a long wingspan will certainly create some issues at the junior level. A constant "double-double" (points + rebounds) threat in every game.
Ali Rashid, G, Resurrection
Fearless PG who is arguably one of the quickest in CWOSSA with the ball in his hands in transition. Good distributor but an improved shooter & scorer for the Phoenix as evidenced by a couple of 20+ efforts, most recently this past week against St. Mary's.
