Godwin Boahen Taking Game to New Heights + UAA Canada Elite Break Down
During the first NCAA live period of the spring, I had the opportunity to explore the city of New Orleans and track the Canada Elite program in the Under Armour Association, gaining insight on both U17 and U16 rosters.
Godwin Boahen, a 2016 PG that we have been high on for years, has taken his game to new heights with added strength and mass, while maintaining his agility and speed.
Simply put, he is a gamer. Regardless of the level of competition he plays against, you can expect Boahen to bring his A-game.
“I was very impressed with my starting PG. He’s in great shape with a much improved body. He’s the glue that makes everything stick for this squad,” Canada Elite U17 Head Coach Jordan McFarlane told North Pole Hoops.
Through 4 games, Boahen is averaging 10.3 points (#38 in UAA), 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2 steals (#7 in UAA).
As a team, the Canada Elite 17s went 3-1 on the weekend.
“For a team that had no practice or prep time, we came together well enough to grind our way through the first UA Session,” said McFarlane.
“This speaks to how talented this group of young men are. Still, we haven’t even scratched the surface with this group.”
UNLV commit Justin Jackson is leading the way, averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds but will have to step up even further in order to lead this Canada Elite team to the #1 spot–which they are fully capable of being. In other words, Jackson must put his foot on the gas and keep it there, because he has the talent and the ability to dominate games like few can. Every game, every possession.
Marcus Ottey is second on the team in scoring at 10.4 PPG, however it’s on the defensive end where he needs to turn it up, as he has the potential to be LOCK DOWN on the perimeter.
Speaking of defense, Moshe Wadley stepped up and was a plus every time he touched the floor. Wadley averaged 5 points, 3.5 rebounds, but you couldn’t measure his effort. He must continue to develop, remain sharp and be ready for Louisville in session #2.
Canada Elite 16s Go 2-2: Jordan Henry, Liam Courtney Pick up Virginia Tech Offer
The Canada Elite 17’s went 2-2 in session #1, while Jordan Henry and Liam Courtney picked up their first NCAA offers from Virginia Tech (ACC).
Henry currently leads the entire league in assists at 5.2, along with 13.5 points, second to Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
“As a team we lead the league in scoring despite only shooting 29% from three,” said Shane James, Head Coach of Canada Elite U16.
The team has no shortage of fire power; Josip Vrankic, Shae Linton-Brown, Sean Miller-Moore, Liam Courtney, Mattia Colangelo, Devonte Case and even the young pup 2020 Cashius McNeilly are all capable producers.
“I thought that we shared the ball well but have to cut down turnovers. Defensively, we have to rebound better as a team on both the O glass and D glass. Our big guys have to play more aggressive and keep the opposition of the glass,” continued James.
The team was without two key pieces in 6’9 Petar Basta and 6’6 Emmanuel Akot, who will be up to full strength by next month.
As the AAU season progresses, you could expect this team to gel, with roles defined.
There wasn’t a team that I saw in the UA circuit that Canada Elite couldn’t match up with
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jordan Henry combine for one of the top back courts in North America and will continue to lead the way.
