Cody John, Koby McEwan Shine in Wasatch Homecoming, Marcus Ottey Dunk Champ!
Cody John ended day one of the Bill Crothers invitational with a bang, exploding for a career-high 37 points in his Canadian homecoming, en route to a 93-82 victory over St Benedict’s. John’s output matches Jarryn Skeete’s (University of Buffalo) career-high during his tenure with the Utah-based program.
Back court partner Koby McEwan had 26 points in the win and has recently picked up an NCAA offer from New Mexico State. Those that have been following along, already know about the appreciation I have for McEwan’s game–the definition of competitor. Other programs that have been recruiting McEwan are Oregon, Oklahoma and Ole Miss.
The match up between Wasatch and St Benedict’s featured 11 Canadian prospects, as these two American programs field the most representation from the North.
Highly regarded Trevon Duval lead St Bens with 24 points. As for the Canucks–Tyrell Gumbs-Frater (15), Daniel Cummings (14), Kamar McKnight (9). Marcus Ottey (6), Kevin Hamlet (4) as Bens Coach Mark Taylor fittingly started an all-Canadian line up, illustrating the appreciation he has for his players’ homecoming.
On the flipside, Wasatch head coach Geno Morgan discussed the importance of his players siezing the moment, while maintaining poise, “We talked to the kids about being home and the excitement that comes with it, but also staying in character…don’t try to be someone you’re not.”
Cody John, one of the top combo guards in the nation, certainly took advantage of his opportunity to play in front of family and friends. The 6’2 senior took over the game, particularly in the fourth, as he and Tyrell Gumbs-Frater battled, both nailing back-to-back triples in crunch time to fuel the crowd.
It was a jam-packed house at Bill Crothers, which set up an intense playing environment.
Travelling for the players is a norm, as Wasatch has been on the road all season, having played their first 19 games away.
“The kids being back in Canada was really huge, they wanted to play well…the vibe was good, we had strong support kind of like a home game,” Morgan told North Pole Hoops.
John is being recruited by Weber State, Montana, Niagara, Colorado, Southern Utah, and Iona.
Josip Vrankic (Toronto, ON) and Shamiel Stevenson (Oakville, ON) also had strong games, contributing 14 points apiece.
NPH Top Performers
- Elijah Green (Bill Crothers) – 25 points
- Jamal Murray (Orangeville Prep) – 20 points
- Tyrell Lewin (Bill Crothers) – 18 points
- Jacques Lukusa (Bill Crothers) -15 points
- Narcisse Kalamba (Thetford) – 15 points
Marcus Ottey dunk champion
Marcus Ottey displayed his world class athleticism and won the slam dunk contest that also featured Tyrell Gumbs-Frater, Jamal Murray, Alex Petronis, D’Andre Bernard and Narcisse Kalamba. This dunk off was fittingly judge by Toronto bball legends Martin Keane, Phil Dixon and Gary Durtant.
