The District 8 basketball season kicks off on Wednesday, with a couple of games --- including a very interesting matchup right off the bat in St. Mary's visiting St. David (3:30pm start). Monsignor Doyle and St. Benedict will meet in a Cambridge clash, while Rockway and Resurrection's Wednesday tilt has been postponed due to the Flames participation in "A" Volleyball.
Here's a quick run-down of the teams, in my predicted order of finish.
St. David Celtics
Last Year: D8 & CWOSSA "AAA" Champions
No Bryson? No problem. The Celtics, coached by Dave MacNeil, return a bunch of guys from last year's CWOSSA "AAA" Championship team, and they are expected to contend for the D8 title as well as the CWOSSA Crown.
Tyson Lavigne & (hopefully a healthy) Dan Hummel will lead the charge for the Celts --- keep in mind this team will be mostly comprised of guys that went undefeated in junior a couple years back.
St. David doesn't get much help from a third place junior squad, but rookie Nick Batten adds some size in the frontcourt.
St. Mary's Eagles
Last Year: D8 Finalists & CWOSSA "AAAA" Semifinalists
St. Mary's surprised a bunch of people, myself included, by managing not only to secure D8's "AAAA" CWOSSA berth, but by advancing to within one game of the OFSAA championships.
This year's squad returns some nice size in the frontcourt for coach Jason Hergott, including veteran Mike Kasunic.
The Eagles, who had arguably the second-best junior team in the region after Resurrection, will add a few solid rookies to the senior squad, incluing guard Alex Thompson, guard Isaac Lance, forward Daniel Harun and guard/forward Zak Hannah.
Resurrection Phoenix
Last Year: 3rd Place D8
Matt Kras' Phoenix get an influx of talent from their 48-2 junior "AAAA" CWOSSA championship team, but I still think they might be a year away from serious senior-level success.
Hoping to make that prediction wrong will be rookies Tyler Schneider, Andrew Mwangi, Cam Gibbs, John Moi, and Jamie Keil, to name a few. Brandon Lee will be called upon for leadership in the backcourt, while fellow fifth year veterans Mike Tyler and Matt Stocco will combine with Ryan Herron to provide some solid size in the frontcourt. It might be tough for some teams to handle, but will it be enough to get a CWOSSA berth? Time will tell.
St. Bendict Saints
Last Year: Did Not Make Playoffs
An interesting trivia question - what is the only D8 team to ever qualify for AAAA OFSAA? No, not St. Mary's or Resurrection ---- it's the St. Benedict Saints (2003).
The Saints are nowhere near OFSAA calibre this year, but they should be able to claim the 4th playoff spot in a deep D8 league.
Derrick Strickland, Tyrone Tyndale and Dane Osborne are key returnees for the Saints.
Rockway Flames
Last Year: 4th Place D8
The Flames lose Tim Minkarious, and, likely a spot in this year's D8 playoffs after a solid run over the last few years.
Veteran Zach Steckley will lead the charge for Rockway, who also add a prolific scorer from the junior ranks in Josh Klassen.
Monsignor Doyle Mustangs
Last Year: Did Not Make Playoffs
It is expected to be another long year for the Monsignor Doyle Mustangs --- but I will say that they are starting to build a program. Their junior team almost made the playoffs last year, while having a midget team as well over the last few years has further increased the number of kids playing basketball at the school. Hopefully they'll begin to see some dividends over the next couple of years.
As for their 09-10 squad, look for veterans Shane Teet, Brody Van Gestel and Corin Langille to lead the way offensively. Grade 11 rookie Tyler Declan will add some muscle up front for the 'Stangs.
Showing posts with label St. Mary's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Mary's. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Around The Horn - Friday, November 20th
Labels:
Bishop Mac,
Bluevale,
Centennial,
Galt,
Huron Heights,
Monsignor Doyle,
North Park,
PRDG,
Resurrection,
Rockway,
St. David,
St. Mary's
District 8 Sweeps "A" CWOSSA
The D8 league came away with both "A" CWOSSA titles yesterday afternoon.
In the junior league, the PRDG Chevaliers from Cambridge took the crown with a 31-22 victory over Delhi DHS. PRDG earlier defeated Waterford by a 46-41 count in the semifinals.
On the senior girls side, the Rockway Flames won yet another title with relative ease. The Flames doused Delhi 64-26 in their semifinal game, and then took down Walkerton in the final, 46-20.
The Flames now advance to the Senior Girls "A" OFSAA Championships, which take place next week in Cornwall.
St. Mary's Senior Boys Beat Bluevale, Junior Huskies beat Eagles
The St. Mary's Eagles defeated Bluevale CI in an OT thriller yesterday evening. Don't have any more details at this time, but the few exhibition games that have been played between "top tier" teams thus far have all been close. Yes, it's early, and some teams are still missing guys with fall sports going on.....but hoepfully that's a sign of parity and will lead to an exciting race for the CWOSSA crown and the OFSAA berths.
In junior action, Huron Heights dumped St. Mary's --- is this a sign that Huron is up this year or that Mary's is down? Time will tell.
Forest Heights Senior Boys off to Hamilton
The Senior FHCI Trojans will be making a visit to Hamilton this weekend to participate in the Parkside Senior Boys Tournament.
The 8 team tournament is as follows:
(Today - Nov 20th)
10am - St. Mary's (Hamilton) vs Parkside
11:30am - Forest Hts vs Holy Trinity (Oakville)
1pm - Cathedral vs Westdale
2:30pm - St. Christopher's (Sarnia) vs Nelson
....needless to say, a tough draw for the Trojans. The Titans of Holy Trinity are one of the better teams in the Golden Horseshoe, so it will be a tough one to win. That said, it's nice to see them challenging themselves against high-calibre competition in an early season tourney after not being selected for the Heinbuch.
D10, D8 Schedules Start Next Week
The D10 league schedule is set for tip-off next week, with a key game almost right off the bat on Wednesday, November 25th. The Centennial Spartans will travel down the Hanlon to battle the Bishop Macdonell Celtics in a battle of two teams that many predict will battle for the league crown.
The D8 schedule has 3 games on Wednesday the 25th as well --- Resurrection @ Rockway, St. Mary's @ St. David (in a key early season Senior match-up), and a Cambridge clash between St. Bendict and Monsignor Doyle.
The D8 league came away with both "A" CWOSSA titles yesterday afternoon.
In the junior league, the PRDG Chevaliers from Cambridge took the crown with a 31-22 victory over Delhi DHS. PRDG earlier defeated Waterford by a 46-41 count in the semifinals.
On the senior girls side, the Rockway Flames won yet another title with relative ease. The Flames doused Delhi 64-26 in their semifinal game, and then took down Walkerton in the final, 46-20.
The Flames now advance to the Senior Girls "A" OFSAA Championships, which take place next week in Cornwall.
St. Mary's Senior Boys Beat Bluevale, Junior Huskies beat Eagles
The St. Mary's Eagles defeated Bluevale CI in an OT thriller yesterday evening. Don't have any more details at this time, but the few exhibition games that have been played between "top tier" teams thus far have all been close. Yes, it's early, and some teams are still missing guys with fall sports going on.....but hoepfully that's a sign of parity and will lead to an exciting race for the CWOSSA crown and the OFSAA berths.
In junior action, Huron Heights dumped St. Mary's --- is this a sign that Huron is up this year or that Mary's is down? Time will tell.
Forest Heights Senior Boys off to Hamilton
The Senior FHCI Trojans will be making a visit to Hamilton this weekend to participate in the Parkside Senior Boys Tournament.
The 8 team tournament is as follows:
(Today - Nov 20th)
10am - St. Mary's (Hamilton) vs Parkside
11:30am - Forest Hts vs Holy Trinity (Oakville)
1pm - Cathedral vs Westdale
2:30pm - St. Christopher's (Sarnia) vs Nelson
....needless to say, a tough draw for the Trojans. The Titans of Holy Trinity are one of the better teams in the Golden Horseshoe, so it will be a tough one to win. That said, it's nice to see them challenging themselves against high-calibre competition in an early season tourney after not being selected for the Heinbuch.
D10, D8 Schedules Start Next Week
The D10 league schedule is set for tip-off next week, with a key game almost right off the bat on Wednesday, November 25th. The Centennial Spartans will travel down the Hanlon to battle the Bishop Macdonell Celtics in a battle of two teams that many predict will battle for the league crown.
The D8 schedule has 3 games on Wednesday the 25th as well --- Resurrection @ Rockway, St. Mary's @ St. David (in a key early season Senior match-up), and a Cambridge clash between St. Bendict and Monsignor Doyle.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
CWOSSA "AAAA" Senior Girls Preview
Labels:
Centennial,
JF Ross,
SJAM,
St. John's,
St. Mary's,
WCI
Pool A
Waterloo CI Vikings (WCSSAA #1)
The Vikings will have little time to reflect on their heartbreaking loss to KCI in the WCSSAA finals, as the CWOSSA "AAAA" tournament kicks off on Friday.
The Vikes have any number of players that can go off for double figures, including Shelby Kurt, Carly Tithecott, and Lindsay Taylor. Bria Dietrich brings up the defensive intensity on that side of the ball for the Vikes.
I look for WCI to secure yet another OFSAA "AAAA" spot with a trip to the finals.
Centennial CVI Spartans (D10 #2)
The Spartans, who did not participate at the CWOSSA "AAAA" championships last season, will be making a return trip to the big dance.
Centennial finished 3rd overall in the D10 league (10-4), thanks in part to strong play from Laura Brown, who was the Spartans' leading scorer in every regular season game this season but one --- tallying a 16.0 PPG average. Grade 10 rookie Charlotte Clarke, has impressed playing up at the senior level and provides some added front court depth. Chloe Korol is also a key contributor.
St. Mary's HS Eagles (D8 #1)
Like the Vikings, the Eagles are coming away from a heartbreaking final loss, theirs coming to St. David in the D8 championship game (37-35).
Like last year where they went winless, the Eagles will face an uphill battle in pool play. Guard Naomi Lance and Amanda Proulx will have to be at the top of their game for the Eagles to advance out of pool play.
Pool B
JF Ross Royals (D10 #1)
The Ross Royals, runners up to Bishop Mac in the D10 league might actually be the heavy underdogs in the "B" pool despite their successful season to date.
Grade 12 forward Gemma Bullard, who also actually played overseas for England's U-18 team this summer (scoring 15 points in a game against Finland), will have to have a better performance than in the D10 finals, where Bishop Mac keyed on her and held her to 3 points.
Stephanie Monroe, Vanessa Martini, and Mackenzie Merkeley will all be counted on for solid contributions this weekend.
St. John's College Eagles (D5 #1)
The Eagles, who played at the "AAA" level last season, have made the jump up to Quad-A with ease. It goes without saying that they are the favourites entering this tournament, after some impressive wins over some Ontario powerhouses (including WCI) ---- they have a current record of 37-0 on the season.
Kelly Van Leeuwen and Andrea Polischuk lead a balanced attack for the Green and White.
SJAM Highlanders (WCSSAA #2)
The Highlanders might be able to make some noise in this tournament, and I'll predict them to claim the 2nd spot in "B" pool over the Ross Royals.
Jordan Tomas is a prolific scorer, while Krista Van Slingerland is a consistent second option for the Highlanders. Rochelle Thiel adds depth for SJAM.
Pool Predictions
"A"
Waterloo CI 2-0
Centennial CVI 1-1
St. Mary's 0-2
"B"
St. John's 2-0
SJAM 1-1
JF Ross 0-2
Semifinals
WCI over SJAM
St. John's over Centennial
Final
St. John's over WCI
Waterloo CI Vikings (WCSSAA #1)
The Vikings will have little time to reflect on their heartbreaking loss to KCI in the WCSSAA finals, as the CWOSSA "AAAA" tournament kicks off on Friday.
The Vikes have any number of players that can go off for double figures, including Shelby Kurt, Carly Tithecott, and Lindsay Taylor. Bria Dietrich brings up the defensive intensity on that side of the ball for the Vikes.
I look for WCI to secure yet another OFSAA "AAAA" spot with a trip to the finals.
Centennial CVI Spartans (D10 #2)
The Spartans, who did not participate at the CWOSSA "AAAA" championships last season, will be making a return trip to the big dance.
Centennial finished 3rd overall in the D10 league (10-4), thanks in part to strong play from Laura Brown, who was the Spartans' leading scorer in every regular season game this season but one --- tallying a 16.0 PPG average. Grade 10 rookie Charlotte Clarke, has impressed playing up at the senior level and provides some added front court depth. Chloe Korol is also a key contributor.
St. Mary's HS Eagles (D8 #1)
Like the Vikings, the Eagles are coming away from a heartbreaking final loss, theirs coming to St. David in the D8 championship game (37-35).
Like last year where they went winless, the Eagles will face an uphill battle in pool play. Guard Naomi Lance and Amanda Proulx will have to be at the top of their game for the Eagles to advance out of pool play.
Pool B
JF Ross Royals (D10 #1)
The Ross Royals, runners up to Bishop Mac in the D10 league might actually be the heavy underdogs in the "B" pool despite their successful season to date.
Grade 12 forward Gemma Bullard, who also actually played overseas for England's U-18 team this summer (scoring 15 points in a game against Finland), will have to have a better performance than in the D10 finals, where Bishop Mac keyed on her and held her to 3 points.
Stephanie Monroe, Vanessa Martini, and Mackenzie Merkeley will all be counted on for solid contributions this weekend.
St. John's College Eagles (D5 #1)
The Eagles, who played at the "AAA" level last season, have made the jump up to Quad-A with ease. It goes without saying that they are the favourites entering this tournament, after some impressive wins over some Ontario powerhouses (including WCI) ---- they have a current record of 37-0 on the season.
Kelly Van Leeuwen and Andrea Polischuk lead a balanced attack for the Green and White.
SJAM Highlanders (WCSSAA #2)
The Highlanders might be able to make some noise in this tournament, and I'll predict them to claim the 2nd spot in "B" pool over the Ross Royals.
Jordan Tomas is a prolific scorer, while Krista Van Slingerland is a consistent second option for the Highlanders. Rochelle Thiel adds depth for SJAM.
Pool Predictions
"A"
Waterloo CI 2-0
Centennial CVI 1-1
St. Mary's 0-2
"B"
St. John's 2-0
SJAM 1-1
JF Ross 0-2
Semifinals
WCI over SJAM
St. John's over Centennial
Final
St. John's over WCI
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