Ryerson Rams Victorious at National Invitational in Bjorn Michaelsen’s Arrival!
NPH Top Performers
Ryerson
- Jordon Gauthier– 20 points, 6 rebounds
- Jahmal Jones– 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists (Tournament All-Star)
- Bjorn Michaelsen– 15 points, 5 rebounds (Tournament MVP)
Laval
- Thibaud Dezutter- 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists (7/13 FG)
- Christian Trottier– 18 points (Tounament All-star)
- Xavier Baribeau– 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
- Boris Hadzimuratovic- 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
TORONTO,ON–After an injury-plagued first semester, the Ryerson Rams are looking to turn the corner in the new year as they end off 2011 with a big tournament win, while going 3-0 at the Ryerson National Invitational!
On the regular season, the Rams are currently 3-5, however looked like a brand new team with sophomore Bjorn Michaelsen back in the line up from inujury (broken hand).
“I think we’re playing better as a unit, it’s great to have Bjorn back to have the inside presence; a shot blocker, he’s just the heart of our defense,” explained star point guard, Jahmal Jones.
The Rams met a very solid Laval team out of Quebec in the tournament championship. The marquee matchups included the PG battle between Jahmal Jones & Laval’s Xavier Baribeau along with Bjorn Michaelsen vs Boris Hadzimuratovic.
After being up by as many as 23 points, Laval climbed back and had a chance to send the game to over time, yet came up short 87-84.
“I think it really shows us how good we can be,” Jones explained, with respect to the team’s potential.
The rams played with fluidity and a new-found confidence. It seemed as if they were growing as a team right before our eyes. The combination of Jones & Michaelsen led the way for the Rams all tournament.
Jones averaged 18 PPG, 5 RPG, 5 APG and 4 SPG, while Michaelsen posted averages of 17 PPG and 8 RPG.
Big Boris (Hadzimuratovic) was expected to have a great game after coming off a 21 point, 15 rebound performance against big fella Andrew Wasik and UofT in the semi-final game.
However, Hadzimuratovic struggled to find his rhythym but still ended up with 14 & 7. The star freshman is going to have an extremely successful CIS career and definitely boosted his player stock over the tournament.
Jordon Gauthier also had himself a very good tournament and led the Rams in scoring in two of three games, including 20 points in the championships.
If you look at the roster, and analyze each player’s production for the Rams, it becomes evident that while they are banged up, Ryerson could be a potent team!
Add in the fact that their top recruits freshman Aaron Best, Nem Stankovic and Greg Osawe have yet to suit up in a regular season game due to injury, and the future looks bright.
Star point guard, Jahmal Jones spoke to NPH after the game regarding the factors of becoming a consistent high-level team and his duties as a leader.
“I gotta stay positive and not let my emotions get the best of me. I have to hold myself and others accountable and we will get the best out of each other, that’s all that matters.”
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MVP:
Bjorn Michaelsen (Ryerson)
All-Stars:
Jahmal Jones (Ryerson)
Christian Trottier (Laval)
Boris Hadzimuratovic (Laval)
L.J. Sutton (Walsh)
Alex Hill (Toronto)
