National Champions until proven otherwise. 

Canada Topflight Academy, The reigning NPA National Champions have announced player commitments of multiple high level players for the 2017-2018 season.

CTA Head coach, Tony House acknowledges he lost a key piece to their team but is confident with the returning players and the new additions.

“We bring back 4 starters from last year but we will really miss Manel Ayol. He brought a lot of good things to our team, very consistent at both ends of the floor especially defensively but this is why we brought in some key recruits,” said House.

Alston Harris

“Harris is one of the top point guards in Ottawa at the high school level from St. Patrick’s Catholic School.”

“He is a consummate floor general, lightning quick and helps our overall depth at guard,” said House.

The 5’10 PG comes with a winning mentality to the CTA program having led U17 Ottawa Elite to a silver medal and a final four appearance at the U19 level in the Canada Youth Basketball League (CYBL).

Atik Gilao

“Gilao brings experience to our team having won an AAA OFSAA championship as well as playing on a competitive club circuit. He will help also shore up our inside presence,” said House.

The long 6’9 forward from Brampton, ON makes the move over from St. Mike’s where he poured in 20 points in the AAA OFSAA gold medal game. 

Gilao made two clutch free throws to give his team the lead with one second remaining.

Amara Ba

“Ba is an amazing athlete who played for the prestigious Sun Youth organization and can play the 2 to 5,” said House.

With the talent loaded Montreal region, it is no surprise Ba is making the move “across the street” to join the national champs.

Ba is a 6’7 “gifted athlete” from Montreal, QC that will be a force on both ends of the floor.

Jevon Wescarth

“Wescarth is an Ottawa high school All-Star elite level shooter that can be an impact player for us,” said House.  

Wescarth showed out at the Toronto NPH Showcase Upperclassmen game in June where he scored a game high 24 points including knocking down four three-balls. The 6’6 sniper from Ottawa, ON can play the 2 or 3.

Even with all this top talent added to the CTA program, House understands it’s always difficult defending a title.

“You wear the target on your back every game, everyone wants what you have. You need to be on the top of your game while everyone is trying to knock you off. The NPA has added some quality programs and with that comes quality coaches who will prepare their teams so you need to be ready,” said House.

With theses additions, CTA has expanded their depth and experience with the expectation that every man on the roster is a threat.

Young and Ready

Enoch Kalambay is a 2021 6’4 shooting guard that uses his length and athleticism to be a nightmare to contain in transition and a menace on defence.

Ankit Choudhary is a 2020 6’1 point guard from Richmond Hill, ON with a great offensive game and can score in bunches. He has extensive break down moves and can also create for his teammates.

Choudhary popped up on the NPH radar during Signature League and 2017 Canadian National Invitational Tournament (CNIT).

The level of competition and anticipation continues to rise in the NPA as the second season is just around the corner.

The defending champs have loaded up, and look ready to defend the title.

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The NPA, launched November 2016 is coming off a successful inaugural year, making Canadian basketball history and crowning the first ever high school national champion, as Ottawa’s Canada Topflight Academy claimed the title.

Entering its second season, the National Preparatory Association has expanded from nine teams to thirteen. Stay tuned on www.NPACanada.com for the full National schedule coming soon. 

Follow @NPACanada on Twitter and Instagram for the latest!