“What to Expect?” NPH Girls D1 Division
The NPH D1 Girls Division is set to showcase some of the top talent in the country, with programs bringing a mix of championship pedigree, international prospects, and emerging young stars. The NPH platform has become a proving ground where players sharpen their skills against elite competition, and teams battle for provincial and national recognition.
Fans can expect a season filled with fast-paced play, defensive intensity, and standout individual performances as every program looks to make its mark. From teams with recent provincial titles to rising squads loaded with talent, the D1 Girls Division promises to deliver high-level basketball and compelling storylines all year long.
The NPH D1 Girls division consists of a 10 game season +2 guaranteed playoff games. NPH will provide Media Marketing and tracked live stats to provide information to our NCAA Compliant scouting service. This will help provide exposure and maximize scholarship opportunities. “We at NPH are dedicated to Elevating Canadian Women’s Basketball, and focusing on getting these girls the best exposure and scholarship opportunities they deserve”. – Quoted by NPH Director of Women’s Basketball Development, Mike Mekhail.
Team Preview: Fort Erie Academy – Girls D1 Open Division
Led by respected coach Handel Kipp, the Fort Erie Academy Girls D1 Open Division team enters the new NPH season as one of the early favorites, anchored by a talented trio of international prospects who bring skill, size, and versatility to the floor. With strong leadership on the sidelines and a roster that blends talent and balance, Fort Erie is poised to make a serious run at the top of the division.
Key Players
Bowie Li – 5’6 PG | Class of 2030 | China
One of the premier young guards from China, Li arrives with poise and playmaking ability beyond her years. She controls the pace of the game, distributes the ball effectively, and provides leadership at the point guard spot.
Guta Gorini – 6’2 F | Class of 2028 | Brazil
A versatile forward who commands the paint, Gorini brings physicality and toughness inside. She rebounds, defends, and finishes around the basket, while also showing flashes of skill that make her a difficult matchup on both ends of the floor.
Paula Diaz – 6’0 G | Class of 2026 | Spain
A skilled guard with excellent size, Diaz has the tools to impact games in multiple ways. She can score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and create for her teammates, making her one of the division’s most intriguing prospects.
Looking Ahead
With Li’s leadership at the point, Gorini’s strength inside, and Diaz’s versatility on the perimeter, Fort Erie Academy has the pieces to be a serious contender. This group has the talent, discipline, and balance to be one of the teams to beat this season.
Team Preview: NDL – Girls D1 Open Division
Fresh off a Provincial Championship two seasons ago, the The NDL Predateurs (College Notre Dame de Lourdes) continue to show their competitiveness at a high level. This squad is known for playing balanced basketball — capable of executing on both ends of the floor, with discipline, effort, and teamwork driving their success.
Key Players
Bailey Gagnon-Philips – Guard, 5’7”, Grade 11
The offensive spark of the team, Bailey has a natural feel for scoring the basketball. She’s a strong outside shooter with sharp instincts, capable of creating shots for herself and spacing the floor for teammates. Her consistency on the perimeter makes her a reliable threat in any matchup.
2023–24 stats: 15.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG
Loreleï Rey – F/C, 6’2”, Grade 11
A developing post presence, Loreleï brings length, rebounding ability, and defensive size to the lineup. She has excellent instincts on the boards, alters shots in the paint, and is steadily adding a midrange touch to her offensive arsenal. With continued growth, she has the tools to become a dominant interior player.
2023–24 stats: 3.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG
Sohane-Béatrice Sedena – Guard/Wing, 5’8”, Grade 10
The defensive heartbeat of the team, Sohane-Béatrice sets the tone with her high motor and relentless energy. Quick, fast, and disruptive, she thrives on pressuring opponents and forcing mistakes. Offensively, she is becoming more confident attacking the basket and improving as a shooter. A strong communicator and leader, she’s a key piece on both ends.
2023–24 stats: 10.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG
Looking Ahead
After building on their championship foundation, the NDL Girls are poised for another strong campaign. With a balanced roster, dependable scorers, and defensive grit, this team is more than capable of making noise both in Quebec and across Canada.
Team Preview: Southwest Academy – Girls D1 Junior Division
The NPH Girls D1 Jr. Division just got a whole lot more exciting. After a two-year break from prep competition, Southwest Academy is back—and they’re not coming quietly. With a revamped structure, fresh leadership, and a roster stacked with size, skill, and swagger, Southwest is positioning itself as one of the most intriguing young teams in the league this season.
President Rob Angione has assembled a powerful support system to fuel the program’s return. Leading the charge on the sidelines is Chris Bogart, a decorated head coach with a proven record of success. He’s joined by former Canadian National Team member and NCAA All-American Karalyn Church, along with Western University Athletic Director Christine Stapleton, giving the program both credibility and stability as it reenters the D1 stage.
A Roster Built for the Future
What makes Southwest stand out in the NPH Girls D1 Jr. Division isn’t just their talent—it’s their youth. This is a team brimming with future stars, already showing flashes of dominance and hungry to prove themselves against the nation’s best.
Key Players to Watch:
Taya Willemsen – 6’5 C | Class of 2029 | Sarnia
Willemsen is a rare inside-out talent who changes the game on both ends of the floor. At 6’5, she can protect the rim, score around the basket with a soft touch, and step out to knock down threes. She’s also proven herself on the provincial stage as a member of Team Ontario’s U15 Girls squad, showcasing her ability to thrive against top competition. With her rebounding and passing sparking transition opportunities, she provides Southwest with a true anchor in the paint.
Harper Klassen – 5’9 PG | Class of 2030 | London
Klassen is a rare prospect who checks every box. She’s a three-level scorer with elite vision, making her a nightmare for defenses to contain. Her ability to rebound, push the tempo, defend in the full court and set the tone for her team already makes her one of the brightest young guards in her class.
Molly Butler – 5’9 PG | Class of 2030 | London
The “Swiss army knife” of the roster, Butler can do it all. Her motor, versatility, and competitive edge make her the glue that holds Southwest together. Whether she’s running point, defending multiple positions, or crashing the boards, Butler embodies the toughness and energy this program is built on.
Looking Ahead
The NPH Girls D1 Jr Division is stacked with powerhouse programs and elite talent, but Southwest’s return adds another layer of intrigue. They’re young, hungry, and unafraid of the spotlight—exactly the type of team that can shake up the standings and pull off statement wins.
With a dynamic guard core, elite size in the frontcourt, and a coaching staff dedicated to developing high-performance athletes, Southwest Academy is more than just a returning program—they’re a team on a mission. Expect them to grow stronger with every game and quickly become one of the most exciting storylines in the NPH Girls D1 Jr Division this season.
Team Preview: Royal Crown – Girls D1 Division
Royal Crown School enters the D1 Girls season as one of Canada’s premier destinations for elite basketball development. Built on a foundation of discipline, skill, and relentless competitiveness, the program continues to raise the bar for the next generation of Canadian talent. This year’s roster is a perfect reflection of that standard — young, fearless, and already competing with the poise of veterans.
Led by Head Coach Lee Anna Osei, Royal Crown brings a mix of nationally ranked underclass stars and proven upperclass leaders. With speed, versatility, and high basketball IQ across the board, the team is positioned to make an immediate impact while laying the groundwork for future national dominance.
Key Prospects
Ailey Marshall | Guard | Class of 2026
One of the top scoring guards in the country, Ailey finished as a Top 3 scorer in the WNPA last season. She brings smooth shooting mechanics, deep range, and the ability to create offense at all three levels. As both a vocal leader and go-to scorer, Ailey sets the tone for Royal Crown on and off the floor.
Reine Marie Luke | Guard/Wing | Class of 2029
The top-ranked 8th grader in Canada, Reine has already built a reputation as a phenom. She earned MVP honours at the Ontario U15 Provincials as a Grade 7 player, proving her ability to dominate older competition. With elite footwork, vision, and poise, she enters the senior level ready to make an immediate impact.
Abigel Solomon | Guard/Forward | Class of 2028
At 6’0, Abigel is a versatile guard-forward hybrid with the ability to score inside and out. Her length and athleticism make her an elite defender who can guard multiple positions, while her rebounding and two-way playstyle make her a cornerstone for Royal Crown’s future.
Shekinah Bonney | Point Guard | Class of 2028
The first-ever 2025 Jr. Girls Showcase MVP, Shekinah has already stamped her name in Canadian basketball history. Known for her elite ball-handling skills, she controls the game with speed, creativity, and flair. Combined with her relentless full-court defense, Shekinah is a two-way force capable of breaking down defenders on offense and locking them up on defense. Her quickness, toughness, and playmaking set the tone for Royal Crown.
Outlook
Royal Crown’s roster is young but fearless, built around players who already compete like veterans on the national stage. With Ailey’s scoring, Reine’s poise, Abigel’s versatility, and Shekinah’s electrifying skill set, this team has the pieces to contend immediately while continuing to develop future stars. Under the leadership of Coach Lee Anna Osei, Royal Crown isn’t just building for the future — they’re proving they belong now.
TEAM PREVIEW: ST. JUDE’S – NPH D1 JUNIOR DIVISION
St. Jude’s enters the inaugural NPH D1 Junior Division with something special—the Ifeh Effect. Powered by sisters Amber and Zara Ifeh, this young team combines athleticism, size, and energy to create one of the most exciting rosters in the league. Under the leadership of Coach Amanda Ly, whose energy and attention to detail set the tone, St. Jude’s is primed to make a statement in Year 1 of D1 Junior.
The Ifeh sisters bring a rare blend of rim protection, rebounding dominance, and interior scoring, making them a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor. But St. Jude’s isn’t just about size—they’re backed by versatile wings and a dynamic point guard in Madeline Munn, who stretches the floor with her shooting and controls the tempo with her leadership.
Together, this group embodies the spirit of the Ifeh Effect—high energy, high pressure, and a relentless drive to win.
Key Players
Amber Ifeh – 6’2 Forward | Class of 2027 | Vaughan, ON
An athletic forward with polished footwork and soft finishing touch. Amber’s length and timing make her an elite shot blocker, while her ability to defend multiple positions elevates her impact on the floor.
Zara Ifeh – 6’0 Forward | Class of 2030 | Vaughan, ON
A versatile forward who can defend 1 through 5. Zara thrives attacking the paint, finishing with either hand, and running the floor. She’s a relentless rebounder and tone-setter for the team’s energy.
Madeline Munn – Point Guard | Class of 2030 | Brampton, ON
The engine of St. Jude’s, Madeline is a crafty ball-handler and lethal three-point shooter. Her leadership, quickness, and ability to create plays on both ends make her the perfect complement to the Ifeh sisters.
Looking Ahead
With the Ifeh Effect leading the charge, St. Jude’s is positioned to be one of the breakout programs of the first-ever NPH D1 Junior season. Their blend of size, speed, and skill ensures they’ll be one of the most talked-about teams in the league’s new era.
JCM – Girls D1 Senior Open Preview
James Cardinal McGuigan (JCM) enters the 2025–26 D1 Senior Open season as a program that could catch teams off guard. With a combination of frontcourt size, dynamic guard play, and gritty competitiveness, they have the profile of a sleeper team capable of making noise and upsetting established contenders. JCM may not carry the same spotlight as some bigger names, but their balanced core and steady progression make them a dangerous matchup for anyone.
Key Players
Cynthia Okoawo | 6’0 | Power Forward / Center | Class of 2026
Cynthia is the interior anchor for JCM. At 6 feet and playing in the Class of 2026, she brings both size and growing skill to the frontcourt. While she can operate as a traditional post player, Cynthia’s versatility allows her to step out and face up or slide to the four spot depending on matchups. She’s already captured local attention — in fact, she was named Athlete of the Week by CityNews, recognized for her leadership and production for JCM.
On both ends of the floor, Cynthia excels in rebounding, rim protection, and finishing in the paint. As she continues to refine her footwork, touch, and passing out of the post, she will be one of JCM’s foundational pieces.
Jersey Waito | 5’6 | Point Guard / Shooting Guard | Class of 2027
Don’t let her size fool you — Jersey is a lightning-quick guard with scoring instincts and a nose for the foul line. She’s a strong shooter off the catch, but her real strength lies in her ability to break down defenders, attack gaps in the defense, and draw fouls. Her aggressiveness and craftiness make her a constant threat to go all the way to the rim or convert in the midrange game.
Jersey’s dual role (PG/SG) gives JCM flexibility in guard rotations, as she can initiate offense, play off the ball, or float as a scoring weapon. Her aptitude for getting to the free throw line adds another dimension to her impact — she doesn’t wait for open looks; she forces the defense to make mistakes.
Bea Banate | 5’8 | Point Guard / Shooting Guard | Class of 2026
Bea is a strong, high-energy guard who thrives in pressure moments. As a 5’8 guard in the Class of 2026, she combines physical strength with guard instincts — able to absorb contact, finish through traffic, shoot off the dribble and make tough reads. She’s a defender who takes pride in on-ball pressure and disrupting passing lanes, and offensively, she can slide between point guard and off-guard roles.
Her balanced skillset means she can distribute, score, or defend tough matchups — making her a Swiss Army knife in JCM’s backcourt.
Outlook
JCM’s nucleus — Cynthia in the post, Jersey handling and attacking, and Bea anchoring guard depth — gives them a balanced, multi-dimensional core. Their strengths lie in:
• Frontcourt presence and rebounding via Cynthia
• Guard playmaking, scoring, and aggression in Jersey
• Defensive tenacity and versatility from Bea
With Coach Prince Dankyi’s knowledge and playing experience guiding the program, JCM has the tools to develop into a true sleeper in the Girls D1 Senior Open division. They bring the kind of roster that can grow quickly, compete with anyone, and emerge as one of the most intriguing teams to watch this season.
