Since it's expansion to the current format, a K-W area team has never won the Heinbuch Tournament. It's also been since 1999 that a CWOSSA team raised the banner (Brantford Assumption).
That's not to say that there haven't been opportunities, or close calls (KCI in the mid-00s, St. Mary's last year are the most recent). Of course, it also shows the depth and talent of the field attracted to the area to participate.
This year, there's again 16 teams from all over the province, including 8 from the CWOSSA region.
Here are my thoughts on each of the CWOSSA teams:
Grand River: The Renegades get a tough draw, opening with St. Mary's and then having to play either Bishop Mac or St. Thomas More, two teams that have looked impressive to this point in the season. We'll see if they can possibly spring an upset on St. Mary's in their early morning game, if the Eagles sleepwalk through it. Prediction: Consolation Division
St. Mary's: Last year's finalists will have a revamped roster as we all know, but there's a lot of talent and depth, which can certainly be a key factor in such a tournament. From a CWOSSA perspective, hoping that they can play Bishop Mac in the second round as I have both of those teams projected in my "top 4" to start the season. Prediction: Gold Division
Bishop Mac: I think the Celtics will win one of their first two games -- just not sure in which order. I think they have the talent (veteran roster with 3 players who started playing senior in grade 10) to make some noise and possibly take a divisional championship. Prediction: Silver Division
WCI: The Vikes feature a team that was CWOSSA finalists at the junior level two years ago, now with a year of senior play under their belt. MacNab are certainly favourites against WCI in their opener, but they do have a shot against (most likely) Sarnia Northern in their second game. Prediction: Consolation Division.
St. Benedict: The Saints have already seen some tournament action against tough teams, having gone to the GTA where they hung with perennial powerhouse from Halton, Oakville Holy Trinity. Tough draw being in the same division as MacNab, but they should win one of their first two. Prediction: Silver Division
SJAM: Last year's CWOSSA champs return four starters, and the overwhelming majority of their scoring offense. Led by Nedim Hodzic, who should make an all-star team here, the 'Landers might be CWOSSA's best chance at ending their drought. Prediction: Gold Division
North Park: Winners of the "Brantford Tip-Off", the Trojans draw SJAM (like last year) in the opening round. Playing in one of the deeper foursomes, it might be tough for the Trojans to eke out a victory. Prediction: Consolation Division
KCI: The Raiders get defending champs Oakwood in the first round -- and then either J. Clarke Richardson or HB Beal in their second game, so they're certainly underdogs, although the Raiders often prefer it that way. Prediction: Consolation Division
Good luck to all teams this weekend, particularly our CWOSSA representatives!
No comments:
Post a Comment