VAUGHAN, ON–MacNab Secondary is officially on the map.

Entering the Vaughan Classic, the team out of Hamilton, Ontario was already given NPH #3 Rank in the Nation based off their star studded roster.

Many people disagreed, and many still do. But one thing is for sure…MacNab is among the cream of the crop as Dwayne Washington’s squad defeated a tough Edmund Campion team 57-48 en route to the Vaughan Classic championship!

Campion was lead by Kedar Wright’s 18 points, who continues to earn respect and has increased consistency; among the upper echelon of top combo guards in the country.

Francis Kiapway earned MVP honours in the process, who seems to be turning the corner in his development and maturing as a player. Kiapway was double teamed and denied the ball throughout the first three quarters as Campion knew he could score in bunches.

“I just stayed in the corner and let my teammates do what they have to do. They were playing me box and one so I didn’t really have to score, we have a lot of scorers on this team from 1-15.”

Kiapway was big time in the fourth quarter, saving his best for last. The 6’2 scoring guard nailed multiple three pointers, including a step back jumper, created plays for teammates and was simply clutch! Expect him to rise through the NPH Rankings. The most interesting and entertaining attribute to his game is his flare; he has the killer instinct we so often talk about, a trait that is rare to come by.

After making a shot, Kiapway put his finger on his mouth  to silence the crowd, “That was to all the Campion fans yelling about their big three,” he said.

“We just worked hard, coach Washington made me work hard…in the beginning I was hard-headed but I’m definitely maturing,” continued Kiapway.

“We know he’s our best player and he is coming along….he’s very easy to coach,” Washington explained after the game.

“This tournament win is big because we are the first team to win it in six years that isn’t Vaughan.”

However, the Hamilton contingent isn’t a one man show…far from that. Nick Burke, O.J Watson, Sheldon McIntosh, Matt Trpcic, Adam Vuong and the list goes on.

Burke lead MacNab in scoring with 17 points and did a good job of getting to the rim. Watson showed his slashing abiilties in the first half scoring on drive, Trpcic also acted as a playmaker while Vuong played tough and took charges.

Sheldon McIntosh threw down a two-hand jam that he was pretty happy about! It may have been his first ever in-game dunk. Either way, I didn’t know he was that athletic; he certainly has the length.

6’9 Nolan Narain will be back in action this month!

Every player on the roster competes hard…not that they have a choice as Coach Washington’s intensity from the bench spills over on the floor.

“Thats how I practice and that’s how i teach. I tell them, when I’m yelling at you I’m yelling at the player, not the person. So that’s why my kids never get down, no attitude,” said Washington.

“They feed of that, they love it  and it’s working so we’re not going to change it.”

Vaughan Classic Awards

MVP – Francis Kiapway (Sir Allan MacNab)

Tournament All-Stars
Sheldon McIntosh (Sir Allan MacNab)
Kedar Wright (Campion)
David Aromolaran (Campion)
Nicholas Morris (Crescent)
Jawara Pedican (Vaughan)