Team Alberta: The Dark Horse
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TORONTO,ON–While the buzz during nationals is hovering over Team Ontario and their talented squad, followed by Quebec & British Columbia…Alberta stands in the dark, waiting to earn their respect among the countries’ elite.
“We want to turn some heads…for me, our ultimate goal is to medal,” explained assistant coach Nathan Ruff.
With the current talent on the U17 Alberta roster, they just may be able to reach their goal. If they are to medal, it would be their first since 2008 in Charlottetown where Alberta captured silver.
“One thing that we’ve talked about is that we will write our own story. Just because someone else has their own thoughts, it doesn’t mean that’s what it’s going to be,” Professed Head Coach, Mike Stevens.”
While much hasn’t been said about this particular team, they boast a roster that includes 6’5 guard Jasdeep Gill, a cadet National team tryout invitee, who certainly left his mark on the national radar.
In addition, when scanning the roster, it becomes apparent that not many teams possess the overall size to match up against AB.
Other personnel on the team with size include: 6’8 Deiter Posein, 6’7 Joe Sykes, 6’6 Dallas Karch, 6’6 Wyatt Cole, 6’5 Jordan Whyte and 6’5 Lyndon Annets.
What was most impressive about the team was their execution. They ran their sets and were structured on the offensive end. However, defence may be in question as they allowed 85 points in a 106-85 victory over New Brunswick.
Team Alberta will face Ontario in a marquee matchup tonight at 8:15PM Eastern Time at Humber College. In this case, defence must be addressed if they expect to compete against the elite Ontario squad.
“It will be a great test for us to find out where we are. Win or lose, we’re going to get a good sense of where we stand, and hopefully write a chapter that everyone wants to read about,” said Stevens.
Assistant Ben Julius told NPH, “We want to put Alberta on the map and we want to make a name for ourselves. We have the team to do it. We really want to shake it up!”
Tonight’s bout against Ontario will be the ultimate measuring stick. Stay tuned!
