Carleton Ravens Dynasty Reigns On, 6 Straight Titles

By Mitch Robson

At one point in the CIS season there was rumblings of another team besides Carleton taking the ship for 2015-2016; perhaps Ottawa or Ryerson, who did make a run for it. Instead the dynasty continues rolling at Carleton with six straight CIS titles.

The entire Carleton starting lineup scored in double digits, as the Ravens won their sixth consecutive W.P. McGee Trophy in a 101-79 victory over the Calgary Dinos in the CIS Championship game on Sunday night.

Connor Wood and Gavin Resch combined for 40 points and 11 three pointers. Kaza Kajami-Keane had a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists, while Guillame Boucard had double-double of his own 12 points and 10 rebounds and Ryan Ejim added 12 points and six rebounds.

“It took us a while to realize who we were this year, but once we did all the guys did an unbelievable job of buying in. Game in, and game out we don’t know which guys were going to score 15, score 20 and that’s what made us dangerous.” said head coach Rob Smart Jr. on his team’s ride to the title this March.

The Ravens dominated from the opening tip, beginning the game on a 19-6 run and never letting the Dinos cut the lead to less than thirteen for the rest of the night.

Canada West Player of the Year Thomas Cooper managed to score 25 points on 8/18 from the field, but the Carleton defence completely took his supporting cast out of the game.

“They forced me to kick it a lot, you know they put the whole team in the lane to stop me. And then they just hit more open threes against us. Nobody before this season has hit 16 threes against us.” said Cooper on how the Ravens played him defensively and took control of the game.

Resch will end his CIS career with six titles, as he redshirted during the first of the current Carleton run, and won his fifth as a player tonight. Post game, Resch reflected on his collegiate career.

“It’s pretty special, this year was tough, it wasn’t as smooth sailing as previous years and we really came together as a team at the end and it feels great. Playing for Carleton is something special and you really only understand that if you’re here in the program.”