OSBA Season in Review – 6 Teams Battle for Canadian Basketball Prep Championship
In a lot of ways, history will be made in Canadian basketball this week, as six teams will battle for the first ever prep championship, otherwise known as the OSBA title.
Bill Crothers and BTB Prep will face off in game 1, 7PM at Crothers.
“The OSBA has done an outstanding job running this league. I am very excited to be a part of the growth of prep basketball in this country,” explained Crothers Head Coach Charles Hantoumakos.
BTB Head Coach Adeel Sahibzada chimed in, “The opportunity to participate in the OSBA has been instrumental for the development of our players due to the competitiveness and talent that is apparent.”
The OSBA playoffs and championships will be Livestreamed all week, right here on NorthPoleHoops.com!
Meet the six teams battling for the title.
Orangeville Prep
OSBA Record: 11-1
Loaded with talent from 2016-2018, lead behind the heart of this team in Eugene Omoruyi, and breakout performer Ignas Bradzeikis. This team has all the ingredients to take the first ever OSBA title–size, PG play, scoring and capable defenders. Went undefeated until suffering first OSBA loss to Athlete Institute. Finished the season at 11-1 tied for first.
Athlete Institute
OSBA Record: 11-1
A.I has the biggest mismatch problem in amateur basketball on their roster in 7’1 Thon Maker, however this team picked up their victory over Orangeville with Thon in foul trouble–it was UMBC commit Cole Long that stepped up with a game-high 32 points, and younger brother Matur Maker with 20+ of his own.
Hill Academy
OSBA Record: 8-4
Hill has the star power to match up with anyone in this league, with Justin Jackson, Godwin Boahen and Marquel Fraser as their three-headed monster, but do they have the depth? The emergence of 2018 big man Brandon John could serve well against the top opposition (Thon Maker or Kalif Young) but first a feisty Henry Carr team stands in the way.
Bill Crothers
OSBA Record: 4-8
BCSS is lead by 2018 lead guard Stefan Smith, who has been one of the best producers this year and Crothers will go as far as he takes them. The team has been banged up throughout the season but are coming together at the right time. This is a team in a building phase, with talented youth on the roster, but that doesn’t mean that you could count them out.
BTB Prep
OSBA Record: 3-9
BTB will scrap their way the entire game. They will compete every possession and have been in tight games all season. But can they finally get over the hump? BTB is lead by Dakelle Brooks and Cordell Veira.
Henry Carr
OSBA Record: 2-10
The Crusaders are battle tested. Shamar Bailey leads the way along with Shae Linton-Brown, John Akende and pretty much everybody on the team has the ability get hot. FHC has the depth and playing style to pull some upsets, but they will have to bring their A game.
