Carleton Captures Record Ninth CIS Championship in Thomas Scrubb Coming Out Party
OTTAWA, ON–We are spoiled as basketball enthusiasts to watch what the Carleton Ravens have done over the last decade. Dynasties are few and far between, especially at the university level where so much change is expected.
The level of excellence that the Ravens have achieved over the years may never be seen again. Naturally, after a 50-point blow out win over Lakehead , the magnitude of the moment may be lost.
The Ravens claimed their record ninth championship powered by their core group of Clinton Springer-Williams, Tyson Hinz and of course the brothers Philip and Thomas Scrubb. One of the most talented groups Dave Smart has had, and he knows it.
“I think we’ve created something special…these guys don’t want the attention, they want to give back.”
The ninth championship season for Carleton will also be remembered as Thomas Scrubb’s coming out party. Scrubb watched his brother Phil become one of the countries most famous players while he fought for playing time on a deep Ravens team just a year ago.
Fast-forward 12 months later and its Thomas that was receiving all the accolades and media attention. Going from a bench player to the team’s most important player has its benefits. OUA East Defensive player of the year, and finals MVP in both the OUA and CIS playoffs is indicative of the work the older Scrubb has put in. Philip speaks on his brother’s development.
“He’s worked really hard in the off season on his jump shot and all his skills. Last year he showed signs of being really good and this year nobody [on this team] is really surprised that he came out and did this.”
Lost in all the hoopla may be the turn around the Lakehead Thunderwolves have had since their six seniors stepped on campus five seasons ago. Four straight Nationals appearances, and the first sliver medal under Head Coach Scott Morrison.
With the recent success of the program Morrison hasn’t lost sight of the fact that they have something special in Thunder Bay. He credits the senior’s with having a lot to do with that.
“What outweighs the loss is the impact that this team has made on the school and our community. This is a very special group, I’m happy that the seniors were able to leave with a medal and the younger guys were able to experience this.”
On the other end, Coach Dave Smart has turned a Ravens program from a basketball team, to a dynasty, to the decorated powerhouse in CIS men’s basketball history. The Ravens are constantly now in the conversation to make the jump to the NCAA ranks. Seeing the Ravens program make that jump would be something that fans and Canadians as whole would certainly get behind, but the time for that move is not now.
“The NCAA games in August are great, it allows us to represent CIS basketball. I want the CIS to be represented at the level it should be. I think these kids get underrated,” Smart told NPH.
What needs to happen now is for Canada to realize what is happening here. What the Ravens have done for basketball and the CIS. The country needs to appreciate this team, this program, this coach and these players now in the moment.
CU wins a third straight championship, making it 9 in the last 11 years, writing another chapter in their storied history books.
NPH Top Performances
Carleton Ravens
Thomas Scrubb (Finals MVP)—17 points, 8 rebounds
Philip Scrubb—15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Tyson Hinz—11 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Lakehead Thunderwolves
Dwayne Harvey—10 points, 10 rebounds
