Nik’s Notes – CAIS, Heinbuch, NJC Standouts

One of the positives of netting almost 460 km in about four days is the first hand experience that is received from watching the growth of Canadian basketball.

And, for now, the cheap gas prices (really hope I do not jinx this).

This past week I was privileged to watch some amazing performances that from now (and moving forward) will be outlined in this segment.

Here is who and what stuck out to me this week

CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools)

• Ashbury College took home the Championship at the CAIS tournament at Ridley. Ottawa NPH Showcase MVP 2021 6’2 Isaiah Pemberton, and U15 Quebec provincial team member 2022 6’5 Luke Hunger had great showings
• Crescent made the finals as coach Ari Hunter has the boys playing extremely well including versatile lefty 2021 6’4 Sebastian Campbell and developing wing 2022 6’3 Tega Ajise.
• Ridley’s 2021 6’9 Kiano Heath was also a new name and face that has recently started playing basketball after having a background in rugby,

35th Annual Heinbuch

• Cardinal Newman’s 2020 sniper Nick Rakas showed off his scoring touch with a 23 point performance in his teams victory over St. Mary’s.
• St Benedict’s 2020 6’2 Ben Mascarenhas had a very consistent shooting stroke all weekend scoring a team high 20 points in a victory over Oakwood. Mascarenhas also claimed 1st Team All-Star. 
• 2021 6’5 Trent Johnson has many high level tools with his length, athleticism and motor. Johnson put up a team high 17 in a win against Timmins and also claimed 2nd Team All-Star. 
• North Parks 2020 Judah Stewart was a top prospect at the tournament with a range of tools that can translate to the next level. North Park won the championship as Stewart claimed 1st Team All-Star. 
• Eastwood’s 2020 6’4 Ladera Ujullu Obang went for a tournament high 34 points in a win over St. Mary’s good for a 1st team All-Star.
• 2022 6’2 Josiah Davis put up four team high scoring performances including 18,34,18, and 32.
• 2023 6’3 freshmen Jahsemar Olembe looked comfortable with his pick and roll and in between game.
• 2021 6’2 Ardell Scott Jackson played well for Kennedy out of Windsor as his handle, motor and high flying athleticism positioned him as a 2nd Team All-Star. 

Junior National Circuit

• Michael Power SS had a strong showing and made a name for themselves. 2022 Owen Osabuohien was a stand out for the school out of Etobicoke.
• Crestwood’s 2023 and 2024 Elijah Fisher and Mikkel Tynes were very good. 2023 Kailon Nicholls proved to be one of the best shooters this weekend.
• CTA’s 2023 Daniel Muila was a beast all weekend long and has shown good progression with his jumper. 2023 Nathan Christopher was also in discussion for top shooter of the weekend.
• Thornlea had a ton of talent with so many dynamic guards including 2023 Vasean Allette and Preston Gayle who were terrific for the Thunder. 2022 Leonard Miller was also a ture standout with his athleticism and aggression.
• The Pineridge Pumas were one of the most balanced teams at the NJC with multiple double digit scorers and contributors. 2022 Elijah Mahi, Darius Morris, Mike Lamourie JR, Da’Sean James and Jahson Tomlinson put in double digit efforts throughout the weekend. 2023 Max Voorpool was also a knock down shooter.
• Xaiver HS had really good performances from 2021 Ethan Dela Cruz, 2023 Keyshawn Rose and Jeziyah Excell. 2023 Anthony Wrzeszcz came in as one of the most improved players with his shooting touch and passing.
• 2022 DJ Jackson was the most dominant scorer throughout the first weekend. He averaged 40 PPG and had a record setting 57 point performance in a 98-95 victory over Father Henery Carr. Jackson also picked up his first NCAA Division One offer from Stony Brook.