Announcements

Inaugural Junior Girls CNIT Division Preview

July 17, 2025

The stage is set for a historic moment in Canadian grassroots basketball: the first-ever Junior Girls Division at the NPH CNIT. From Calgary to Montreal, London to Toronto, the nation’s most promising young talent is coming together under one roof — ready to compete, make statements, and turn heads.

This division features future stars from Class of 2029 to 2032 and fearless programs that have been grinding behind the scenes for their moment.

The competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and the spotlight is on. Here’s your official scouting breakdown, team by team.

Drop Off Elite – Coaches Taj & Mariela (Montreal, QC)

Drop Off Elite enters the tournament as the pre-tournament favorite and a program firmly entrenched in the upper echelon of Montreal basketball. Known for their physicality, team defense, and top-tier development, this squad is coming off a finals run in the 2025 Showcase League and is absolutely loaded with talent. They proudly call themselves the “Most Hated” team—thriving under pressure and loving every moment in the spotlight.

Starting Five:
Grayce Alcíné, Jasmine McGuirk, Victoria Pierre, Orlane Simo, Osnia Coulibaly

Osnia Coulibaly (Class of 2029) – A dominant force in the paint with a relentless motor. Averaged 17.3 PPG and 8 RPG in the spring/summer league. Known for her rebounding, interior scoring, and physical play. Ranked as the #2 scorer in Quebec for the Class of 2029.
Orlane Simo (Class of 2029) – A strong, physical presence in the paint. A bully on the boards and inside the paint, she plays with power and toughness beyond her years.
Grayce Alcíné (Class of 2030) – A shifty, high-IQ point guard with excellent court vision and decision-making. Considered one of the best PGs in Quebec for the Class of 2030.
Elizabeth Pitt (Class of 2032) – Despite being just a 6th grader, Pitt is already drawing national attention. The younger sister of NPH alum and Canadian National Team player Jaion Pitt, she brings toughness and elite guard instincts off the bench. Dropped 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block in the 2025 Showcase League finals — playing three years up.

This team is deep, physical, and experienced — with elite prospects already making noise in national circles.

B1CE London – Coach Efrem Hasebenebi

Coach Efrem Hasebenebi has done a remarkable job building this team from the ground up, turning a group of newcomers into rising stars. B1CE London might be newer to the scene, but they’re no less dangerous.

Coach Efrem Hasebenebi says it best:
“Shoutout to NPH organizers from B1CE London for building the girls junior platform and providing opportunity for these girls like no other.”

Starting Five:
Kyla Kipfer, Jordyn Brown, Carys Linton, Kaylee Abunales, Ola Obute

Carys Linton (Class of 2031) – A knockdown shooter who led the 2025 NPH Showcase League in threes made. Cold-blooded from deep and always ready to let it fly.
Ola Obute (Class of 2030) – Brings elite athleticism and timing from her volleyball background. Leads the team in rebounds and blocks, with a high vertical and non-stop motor.
Kyla Kipfer (Class of 2031) – A long, versatile forward with polished footwork, interior touch, and rebounding instincts. Can stretch the floor or bully defenders inside.

B1CE is hungry, well-coached, and full of players making big developmental leaps. Don’t sleep on London.

Collective Elite – Coach Richard Rattan

Collective Elite may fly under the radar, but don’t let that fool you. They bring a disciplined, tough, and fundamentally sound approach to the court, anchored by a true star in Temilade Ayodele.

Starting five:
Rachel Alabi, Tiwalade Ayodele, Khloe Silva, Temilade Ayodele, Ehimwenma (Angel) Agbon

Temilade Ayodele (Class of 2031, G/F) – A poised and versatile scorer who dictates the pace of the game with confidence. Effective both as a playmaking guard and a scorer, she excels at creating for herself and teammates, reading defenses, and impacting the game defensively with timely blocks and smart help defense. Temilade’s twin sister, Tiwalade Ayodele, is also a starter on the team, adding depth and chemistry to the lineup.
Rachel Alabi (Class of 2031, G) – Sister of Kevin Alabi, currently playing Division 1 basketball at Alabama State. Rachel brings strong basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and steady ball-handling to the backcourt.

Under Coach Richard Rattan, this well-rounded squad recently claimed the Gold Medal at the 2025 SBA Lady Blues U14 A/AA Tournament, proving they can perform and deliver when it matters most.

Collective Elite is a team to watch — their balance, discipline, and star power make them a formidable contender.

North York Lions – Coach Terence Phillips

The North York Lions are loaded with upside and led by a pair of young stars who are already producing at an elite level. Under Coach Terence Phillips, this team blends size, skill, and explosiveness.

Coach Terence Phillips says it best:
“CNIT stands by their mission to provide athletes from across the nation with exposure opportunities. The lions have a long history with NPH, and we are happy to be a part of this prestige event”

Starting Five:
Abigail Villanueva, Jasmine Allen, Mackayla Phillips, Justice Ntata-Norman, Fallon Rhodes

Jasmine Allen (Class of 2030, 5’11) – Younger sister of Gregory Simmons Allen, she’s a transition nightmare who finishes with strength around the rim. A member of the Canada Junior Academy and OBL All-Star, Allen’s court vision and scoring touch are years ahead of her class.
Abigail Villanueva (Class of 2029, 5’4 PG) – High-IQ floor general who shines in pick-and-roll. A crafty scorer with great balance and a pure shooting stroke. Also plays for Kings Academy.

Expect the Lions to push the pace, use their size, and put pressure on teams in transition.

Rise Basketball – Coach Kelvin Dela Peña (Calgary, AB)

Representing Calgary, Rise Basketball enters the CNIT with national circuit experience and high-level training. Under Coach Kelvin Dela Peña, this squad brings physicality, discipline, and firepower from all five positions.

Starting Five:
Daniella Awada, Alek Nhial, Avery St. Domingo, Kaia Wells, Agam Dhaliwal

Agam Dhaliwal (Class of 2030, 5’11 SG) – A high-volume scorer and Top-30 selection in Alberta. Uses her size to get buckets from the perimeter and mid-range.
Daniella Awada (Class of 2030, 5’5 PG) – Pure point guard with high basketball IQ. Makes the right reads, controls pace, and brings vocal leadership.
Kaia Wells (5’11 SF) – A positionless forward who can rebound, defend, and run the floor. Brings a two-way presence and plays with poise.

Rise is deep, physical, and experienced — a legitimate contender in the hunt for the title.

Eurostep – Coach Michael Magnaye

Eurostep comes into the CNIT with a solid mix of scoring, on-ball defense, and leadership. Their core plays unselfish basketball and brings a focused mindset on both ends of the floor.

Coach Michael Magnaye says it best:
“Ready to Rise! Eurostep girls basketball is building a bold new generation of athletes in our U13-15 girls rep program. From skill development to elite competition, we’re shaping confident ballers who play hard, dream big, and rep loud. The future of the game starts here.”

Starting Five:
Aleann Grant, Angela Carpio, Riya Noronha, Kia Fernandes, Kataleya Jreish

Aleann Grant (Class of 2030, G) – An aggressive guard who lives in the paint. Known for her ability to get to the rim at will, draw fouls, and get to the line.
Kataleya Jreish (Class of 2030, SG/F) – One of the top defenders in her class. She’s a true lockdown perimeter stopper with great anticipation, lateral quickness, and intensity. Sets the tone defensively for her squad.

With physical guards and a no-nonsense approach, Eurostep is a tough matchup for anyone in the field.

Final Word

The inaugural Junior Girls CNIT is more than just a new division — it’s a statement. A showcase of Canada’s next wave of women’s basketball talent, from Class of 2029 standouts to 2032 phenoms playing up against older competition.

Whether it’s national stars in the making or grassroots programs making their mark, this is the future of the game — and the future is already here.

Welcome to CNIT. Let the battles begin.