AAU

12U CNIT Rankings + Schedule Released!

July 3, 2016

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The 2016 Canadian National Invitational Tournament (CNIT) is coming to Niagara Falls, Ontario July 6-10, with the U12-U14 (Grade 7-9) action taking place July 6-8 and the older group U15-U17 (Grade 10-12) taking the floor July 8-10 during the NCAA LIVE period.

The official 12U rankings are complete, and have been compiled based on the following–overall team resume (Wins, losses), fire power (top prospects), and first hand team evaluation.

DOWNLOAD CNIT Full Schedule 17U-12U

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CNIT 12U teams have been ranked 1-8, but there can only be ONE to rise above and claim the title. With the rankings released, it gives the basketball community an opportunity to get familiar with the 2016 field, however there is still business to take care of in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

In other words —->>> #GameSpeaks

DC United (Durham, ON)
Grassroots Canada Gold (Toronto, ON)
Team Breakdown (Brampton, ON)
Stags Elite Spartans (Windsor, ON)
Blessed Sacrament (Hamilton, ON)
Pelham Panthers (Pelham, ON)
Mississauga Monarchs (Mississauga, ON)
Milton Stags (Milton, ON)

DOWNLOAD CNIT Full Schedule 17U-12U

DC United

As arguably the strongest team in the division, DC United earned their number one ranking. They won the CYBL championship for their age group after they were able to claim the showdown victory through a 67-55 win over the Motion Marksmen. They had a great playoff run, and previous to this season’s CYBL run, according to coach Nkosi Adams, had gone a perfect 100-0. A fast paced team with stifling guard play, they will be the team to beat.

Grassroots Canada Gold

Grassroots Gold and coach Nathan Ferguson are looking to add a national championship to their roster after acquiring a provincial one at the OBAs. With impressive victories over team Breakdown and Vaughan basketball in the finals, Grassroots Gold have a strong case for a finals appearance.

Team Breakdown

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Coach Lloyd Dixon and his team have always been competitive and close to the finish line, but ultimately have not been able to get over the hump. Their great season at PTR last year went sour after losing in the finals to Motion Marksmen on buzzer beating lay-up. With some new additions, however, and added chemistry this could finally be the tournament where they shine.

Stag Elite Spartans

A relative dark horse in the division, Stag Elite Spartans are coming out of Windsor Ontario and are ready to play. They will bring their brand of basketball in the form of physicality, looking to make a name for themselves along with their program come next week.

Blessed Sacrament

Hamilton’s very own Blessed Sacrament and coach Ryan Craven are looking to add to their solid season so far. OBA division two competitors, Blessed have added a few pieces to a squad that could surprise teams out of the gate.

Pelham Panthers

Representing the Niagara region, the Pelham Panthers will bring some of the best talent in the region that there is too offer to the CNIT. Coaches Mike Hurley and Brian Bleich have constructed a competitive team that made a good run in the OBA’s second division this past year.

Mississauga Monarchs

The Monarchs have gone through a reconstruction on the team’s roster, and look to have boatloads of talent heading to the CNIT. With only so much time to practice it will be interesting to see where the team stands in cohesion. Needless to say, if they are running on all cylinders, watch out for this group of guys.

Milton Stags

Milton showing at the CNIT last year at every age division was solid. Their grade 7’s team last year made it to the semi finals, eventually losing in an instant classic to WNYE. It will be interesting to see what the region brings to the table this year, as they have some big shoes to fill.