OTTAWA, ON–The Carleton Ravens won a tournament over the weekend, and Phil Scrubb was named MVP.

Reading the sentence above may sound like a broken record if you’ve been following the Carleton basketball program over the years…and there have been zero signs showing that the repitition will come to an end. The CIS defending champs went 3-0 over the weekend, finishing on top at the House-Laughton tournament.

The Ravens looked more precise than ever in their execution on both ends of the floor. Defensively, it’s as if the team is moving on a string, all in one sequence, stifling their opposition.

CU defeated a strong Victoria Vikes team 82-62, who battled for the majority of the game, but was pounced on early in the first quarter.

Offensively, “the big four” shot with extreme efficiency, much to Dave Smart’s liking.

Between the Scrubb brothers, Tyson Hinz and Clinton Springer-Williams, they shot a combined 54% from the field (30/56) and 50% (11/22) from behind the arch.

Joe Raso was in attendance at House-Laughton, analyzing the game as a spectator and father (son Victor Raso on Carleton). Raso is a former Head Coach at McMaster with 18 years of coaching experience at the CIS level, holding a career record of 440-192.

Throughout the tournament, we discussed various players and teams, and Raso said that Springer-Williams can be the best defender in the country if he wants to.

Springer-Williams possesses the physical tools, and is now bringing the tenacity on the defensive end.

“I’m just trying to get better on defense, focus on different angles, especially with little quick guards, I try to use my length,” Springer-Williams told NPH.

The 6’4 guard from London is also keying in on becoming a better playmaker.

“I was here the whole summer working with the coaching staff…I want to get my teammates more shots rather than them just getting me shots, I want to return the favour,”Springer-Williams continued.

As for Phil Scrubb, NPH #1-ranked Canadian university player continues to improve. The 6’3 point guard from Vancouver seems to have increased his speed and creativity off the dribble as he can now beat defenders off the first step with confidence, or freeze the opposition on a pull up jumper.

“Phil is a great player, he can really really shoot it, and he’s a great passer as well, he’s improved a hell of a lot. I think he’s the best player in the country for sure…just a monster.”

What level do you think he can play at when he’s done university?

“Whatever he chooses.”

As for the present, Scrubb and the Carleton Ravens will continue stacking.

 

NPH Top Performers

Carleton

• Phil Scrubb – 24 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals (8/12 FG, 3/4 3P, 5/5 FT)
• Clinton Springer-Williams – 20 points, 4 rebounds (8/17 FG, 4/8 3P)
• Tyson Hinz – 19 points, 8 rebounds (8/16 FG, 3/6 3P)
• Thomas Scrubb – 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals

Victoria

• Marcus Tibbs – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
• Terrell Evans – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
• Chris McLaughlin – 14 points, 8 rebounds

 House-Laughton Tournament All-Stars

• Mike Andrews (Bishops)
• Dwayne Harvey (Lakehead)
• Marcus Tibbs (Victoria)
• Chris McLaughlin (Victoria)
• Tyson Hinz (Carleton)