Tariq’s Tidbits – SJK Executing, Henry Carr Inclining, Nikola Djogo is a Playmaker
If St Mike’s is the #1 high school team in the country, their fellow private league member Saint John’s Kilmarnock, is right on their tracks.
I’ve said this before, but I have to once again give credit to SJK Head Coach Borko Popic, who is doing an excellent job coaching (teaching) his guys how to play the game.
When you look at the roster, you see players across the board that are calculated, make good decisions, read defenses, and of course, make shots.
Against Saltfleet, a very solid team, lead by their stud Nikola Djogo (who we’ll get to shortly), SJK pulled away in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter where they made Saltfleet’s zone defense pay from behind the arch.
SJK pulled away to beat Saltfleet 70-56, and would move forward against Thornlea (missing Jaaden Lewis) in the SOSI championship, picking up the victory 57-43.
Mike Blumel was awarded MVP, leading SJK with a game-high 26 points against Thornlea, and 20 pts on Saltfleet.
SOSI Awards
Henry Carr Inclining
- Henry Carr captured their third straight Mark Walton title
- Speaking to both Head Coach Paul Melnik and MVP Shae Brown, it was clear that the team has made strides, since November
- “We are playing for each other now, from one to fifteen, our chemistry has improved since November.” – Melnik
- Shae Brown scored 15 points to lead Henry Carr,earned MVP, despite not being a starter
- Coach Melnik stated he will continue to bring Brown off the bench, as he helps provide a spark on both ends of the floor
- Henry Carr is gelling at the mid-way point of the season, defeating a Top 10-ranked team in D’Youville.
Mark Walton Awards
1st Team All-Stars
Shamar Bailey-Decoteau (Henry Carr)
Eriq Jenkins (CCH)
Ignas Brazdeikis (Holy Trinity Oakville)
Cristien Gould (d’Youville)
Norville Clayton (d’Youville)
2nd Team All-Stars:
Jayare Calura (Brebeuf Hamilton)
Mohammed Gaafer (Cathedral Hamilton)
Malique Callao (CCH)
Chris Hankins (Holy Trinity Oakville)
Johneil Richards (West Humber)
Nikola Djogo – Playmaker
- Watching the first half of the Saltfleet game provided me with a small sample size of what Nikola Djogo is, and what he can become.
- The 6’6 lefty combo guard showed impressive playmaking ability. Djogo hit shots, attracted multiple defenders and spoonfed teammates for easy buckets.
Djogo finished with 14 poiints in the first half, including a swat, followed by a technical, where he let the opposition know he was there.- CIS Head Coaches Dave Smart (Carleton) and Amos Connolly (McMaster) were in attendance
- SJK made adjustments against Djogo in second half, putting smaller, quicker defender (Chris Thompson) on him, which proved to be effective.
- Speaking to Djogo after the game, he understands that he must be aggressive, particularly with game in the balance.
- Overall, refreshing to see a prospect like Djogo with such a skill set. In addition, Djogo is a high character, hard working individual and team player. True definition of student-athlete. Bright future ahead!
- Saltfleet, a well-coached team, look like they have the pieces to compete with anyone in the country. Outside of Djogo, they have solid guard play, and decent size to finish down low, where they often like to get the ball in isolation situations. The next big setting for this Hamilton squad will be the Silver Fox tournament in January.
