Freeds Tournament Preview

WINDSOR,ON–Yet another big pre-season event in Ontario will tip off this weekend in Windsor where The Freeds Tournament will host 16 teams from across Ontario.

The folllowing are some of the top teams and players to look out for: 

Toronto- St. Michaels

Boasts #7-ranked, Duane Notice who is being recruited by schools such as Missouri, Cincinnati and Syracuse. He was a member of the 2010 Canadian Cadet team and MVP for gold medal winning Ontario team at the national championships. They also have another D1 recruit in #10-ranked Malcolm Duvivier. He has drawn interest from school such as Boston College, Mercer and Santa Clara. 6’7 forward and #77-ranked Ryall Stroud has drawn interest from several CIS schools.  St. Mike’s is currently the NPH #2-ranked team in Canada.

Windsor- Catholic Central

Returning 10 players, including four starters from last years team. Mychal Mulder 6’5 combo guard was a first team all-city last year. He is being recruited by several D2 schools as well some D1 schools such as Duquesne and Cleveland State. Shavon Gayle is another combo guard that is being recruited by several D2 schools including Adrian College, UM Dearborn and Ferris State. Devonte Pierce and Marcus Calloo are two other players to look out for that could play at the next level. 

Windsor- Holy Names 

Returns two starters including talented guards Chance Hallas and Stefan Tosic, In addition Holy Names has Grade 12 returnees in shooter Nick Malic, and athletic Damion Smith from WECSSAA AAAA and SWOSSAA AAAA championship team.

Oakville- Holy Trinity 

A top team from the GTA that Participated in last year’s AAAA OFSAA. HT features #46-ranked Trevon McNeil a 2013 combo guard, currently averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assist per game. An excellent passer and shooter who makes good decisions with the ball in his hands; also a very good defender. McNeil is being recruited by Lakehead, McMaster and Windsor. Also, #32-ranked Nolan McKenzie a grade 12 guard, is a good outside shooter who also goes to the rim very well. He is a very good passer and excellent on the ball defender. He is being recruited by Ottawa, Lakehead and Queens.   Both Trevon and Nolan were selected all stars at the recent Pinky Lewis Tournament. Keep a look out for sniper guard Paul Bray who will knock it down from deep with efficiency.

London- H.B Beal 

A perennial power out of London. They return 2012 #56-ranked Chevan Miller-Bennett who was the London league MVP. They also return two year starting forward Malcom Brown and 2015 point guard, #20-ranked Michael Provenzano, a member of the under 15 Ontario Team who provides great leadership and scoring. 2014 #30-ranked Josh Mayorga, alternate on the under 17 Ontario team is back and he will provide great energy for the team. Moses Orozco one of the top Junior players in London has moved up and provides some extra quickness and scoring power.

Sault Ste Marie- St. Basil

Has seven of nine returning players from last year’s team that captured the OFSAA AA Antique Bronze. This year they are off to a good start winning the Tip Off Tournament in Sault Ste Marie, defeating a very good Notre Dame team from Burlington Ontario by a score of 53 to 44. St. Basil’s has three players (Mario Bruni,  Nick Palazzi, and Mitchell Mazzuca) that have been approached by College/University Coaches. This year they hope to get back to AA OFSAA and challenge for a medal.

Ajax- Pine Ridge

Among the higher echelon of teams in Ontario. The team is led by 2013 guard, #21-ranked Jamal Reynolds. He’s the leading scorer in the GTA after five games with an average of 31.8 points per game. The team also features sharp shooter Jeff Krugg and athletic small forward Allistair Cole. Both players are in their final year and are considered to be good Canadian college prospects. 

Leamington -Cardinal Carter

Have four returning starters from last year’s team who played in the WECSSAA finals. This team is led by 6’7 David Younan who was a first team All-Star and runner-up for league MVP. Other key players for the Cougars are 6’2 guard Devin Foldesi and 6’1 shooting guard Sam Elias.  

 

Other Teams:

• Windsor- Brennan
• Windsor- St Joseph
• Windsor- Assumption
• London- Mother Teresa
• Windsor- Forster
• Sarnia- St Christopher
• Sarnia- St Patrick
• Georgetown- Christ The King