Matthew Nelsons, Tyler Delevante Shining – Signature Wrap Up
With the Signature league’s grade 9-12 division kicking off this weekend, there were tons of high-level competitions all across the board. In the grade 9 division the Vaughan Panthers fell to UPlay (2023) 72-69 in a thrilling OT game.
Grade 9 Division
The Vaughan Panthers jumped out in front behind C/O 2022 Noah Ngamba and Steven Angenent solid play in the first half. Ngamaba put up 10 points of his 31 points, while Angenent potted 9 of his 11, helping Vaughan to a 31 – 17 lead.
In the second half, it was UPlay’s C/O 2023 Jahsemar Olembe, and Vytas Nausedas who carried the workload.
Besides the offensive skill set that Olembe put in (18 points), he showed his ability to be a two way player doing a good defensive job on Ngamaba. Despite Noah still getting to the 30 point mark, Olembe’s compete and indimitation levels where high and he didn’t back down.
Vytas Nausedas had a team high 19 points scoring in a variety of ways including two threes, four free throws and 8 points at the basket.
Grade 10 Division
Going into the grade 10 division, Project Excellence and Grassroots basketball duked it out in what was truly the game of the weekend, regardless of age division.
In this hotly contested match-up, Grassroot’s Kevonne Marshall missed a potential game tying three-point basket at the buzzer leading to the 83-80 victory for Project Excellence.
C/O 2021 Marlon Lestin had an eye opening game, as this big man was able to make two three pointers, hit a hand full of mid range jumpers and finished inside en route to his 21 points.
C/O 2021 Rowan Steele was also impressive for Project excellence as he hit a three, and had a nice one handed slam dunk finish for his 13 points.
For Grassroots, C/O 2021 Matthew Nelsons was definitely the stand out, as the 6’6 wing went for 21 points, including 2 threes and some thunderous dunks.
C/O 2021 Humraj Grewal and Kevonne Marshall pitched in with 15 a piece, as Grewal hit 5 threes, and Marshall had his usual floor game doing a little bit of everything.
Grade 11 Division
In the grade 11 division, there wasn’t a particular game that stood out, it was actually a particular player in C/O 2021 Tyler Delevante (UPlay).
With his back-to-back thirty pieces, Delevante showed that he is a legit scoring machine, especially running down hill and attacking defenders.
This UPlay team has a ton of weapons, and looks very dangerous although all players are playing one year up.
C/O 2020 Mark Taylor (Team 519) and Justus Salomn (Monarchs) looked to be in the conversation as the best two way players in this signature division as their high energy, and motor were eye opening.
C/O 2021 Jahlil Scott (Keyhoops) was making his case for the best shooter in the division and his class with a mixed bag of spot up and off the dribble jumpers.
Grade 12 Division
In a high pace back and fourth affair, UPlay eventually was able to pull away from Wolverines Elite taking the contest 91-71.
C/O 2020 Paris Shand led UPlay with 19 points, nailing 3 triples and playing good interior defense. Taryn Todd and Kenny Ngassoue rounded out the attack with 17 and 16 respectively.
C/O 2018 and UBC commit Lincoln Rosebush from Waterloo Elite scored a game high 22 points, and showing off his inside/outside play. Rosebush nailed three threes, two midrange jumpers, and got to the free-throw line five times.
C/O 2019 Thomas Chilton has the poster of the weekend with wicked slam against Ottawa Next Level. Chilton is a 6’6 left wing playing with the Monarchs in the signature league.
For full standings and results click here.
