Girls Junior Showcase Division – Session 1 Top Performers
The NPH Girls Junior Showcase Division tipped off its 2025–2026 season with an impressive display of next-generation Canadian talent. Week 1 featured standout performances from guards, forwards, and two-way playmakers who set the tone for the year ahead. From poised floor generals to defensive anchors, these rising stars showcased skill, IQ, and maturity beyond their years.
Reine-Marie Luke – Guard | Royal Crown (Class of 2030)
Averages: 15.7 PPG | 64.7 FG% | 4.3 REB | 4.0 AST | 4.3 STL
The top overall performer of Week 1, Luke was in complete control from start to finish. Her efficiency, decision-making, and defensive awareness separated her from the pack. She led Royal Crown to a flawless weekend while impacting every statistical category — scoring, distributing, and defending with maturity beyond her years. Luke’s all-around play has quickly cemented her as one of the premier young guards in the nation.
Ariah Lu-Etienne – Guard | Royal Crown (Class of 2029)
Averages: 11.7 PPG | 58.3 FG% | 40.0 3PT% | 2.7 STL
Lu-Etienne delivered a poised and efficient showing for Royal Crown. Her ability to score at all three levels while maintaining composure in big moments made her an offensive stabilizer for her team. Shooting nearly 60 percent from the field and over 70 percent from the line, she showcased the skill, efficiency, and confidence that project her as one of the most polished guards in the country — and a leader among Canada’s 2029 class.
Jazmine Allen – Forward | North York Lions (Class of 2030)
Averages: 10.5 PPG | 50.0 FG% | 5.5 REB | 2.5 STL
Allen made her mark as one of the most physical and productive forwards of the weekend. She controlled the glass, finished through contact, and provided consistent interior scoring. Her 50 percent shooting and strong rebounding presence anchored the Lions on both ends, while her defensive activity added another layer to her overall impact.
Justice Ntata Norman – Guard/Forward | North York Lions (Class of 2031)
Averages: 9.5 PPG | 4.5 REB | 5.5 STL
Norman’s energy and defensive motor were unmatched. Averaging over five steals per game, she was a constant disruptor, applying pressure full-court and generating turnovers that shifted momentum. Her ability to set the tone defensively while contributing offensively makes her one of the most complete two-way players in the division — especially impressive for a member of the Class of 2031 playing up against older competition.
Nahlayjah Johnson-Downey – Point Guard | HoopHer (Class of 2030)
Averages: 9.3 PPG | 4.0 STL | 3.0 REB
Johnson-Downey stood out for her relentless intensity and leadership at the point guard spot. Her defensive tenacity and ability to attack the rim defined Hoop Her’s competitive spirit. Averaging nearly 10 points per game and 4 steals, she brought toughness, consistency, and the type of fearless play coaches love to build around.
Raphaelle Chapda Nana – Forward | Dragons de Gatineau (Class of 2030)
Stat Line vs Royal Crown: 15 PTS | 62.5 FG% | 5 REB | 5-5 FT
Chapda Nanaession made a major impression for Dragons de Gatineau (9) in her team’s matchup against powerhouse Royal Crown. Finishing with 15 points on 62.5% shooting while going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, she displayed poise, physicality, and confidence against elite competition. Her blend of inside strength and soft touch around the rim gave Gatineau a needed scoring boost, while her rebounding and composure under pressure proved she’s ready for a breakout season in the Junior Showcase.
Stat Leaders – Week 1 Standouts
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Avg. | Reine Marie Luke – 15.7 | Ariah Lu-Etienne – 11.7 | Jazmine Allen – 10.5 |
| Rebounds Avg. | Tehillah Bonney – 7.0 | Jazmine Allen – 5.5 | Kayla Mgbakor – 5.3 |
| Assists Avg. | Reine Marie Luke – 4.0 | Tehillah Bonney – 3.7 | Zara Chahal – 2.7 |
| Steals Avg. | Justice Ntata Norman – 5.5 | Kayla Mgbakor – 5.0 | Reine Marie Luke – 4.3 |
| Blocks Avg. | Maddison DeFreitas – 2.0 | Kayla Mgbakor – 1.3 | Nimrat Sundhu – 1.0 |
Stat Leaders Summary
The Week 1 stat sheet tells the story of balance, effort, and all-around excellence — with several players separating themselves across multiple categories.
Leading the charge was Reine-Marie Luke, who not only topped the division in scoring (15.7 PPG) but also led all players in assists (4.0 APG) — the mark of a true floor general. Her ability to create for others and score efficiently solidified her as the offensive anchor of Royal Crown.
On the defensive end, Justice Ntata Norman stood above the rest, averaging 5.5 steals per game to lead the entire division. Her defensive instincts and ability to apply full-court pressure were game-changing, turning defense into offense throughout the weekend. She recorded 9 steals in a single game this past weekend. Justice proving that she is a lock-down defender.
Despite standing at just 5’5”, Tehillah Bonney made a major statement by leading the league in rebounds (7.0 per game) while also ranking second in assists (3.7) — a testament to her toughness, work ethic, and court awareness.
Maddison DeFreitas anchored the paint for Hamilton Transformation Academy, finishing as the division’s leader in blocks (2.0 per game). Her timing and presence around the rim set the tone defensively for her team.
Meanwhile, Kayla Mgbakor of HoopHer continues to prove she’s one of the most versatile defenders in the division — ranking second in both steals (5.0) and blocks (1.3). Her length, athleticism, and timing allow her to guard multiple positions and impact the game without needing high shot volume. Kayla had an astonishing 10 steals in her game against the Dragons.
Together, these five — Luke, Norman, Bonney, DeFreitas, and Mgbakor — dominated the statistical categories and showcased the foundation of what’s shaping up to be an elite group of rising Canadian prospects.
Final Takeaway
Week 1 of the Girls Junior Showcase Division highlighted the incredible depth of young Canadian basketball talent. From Luke’s all-around leadership and Lu-Etienne’s polish to Norman’s defensive brilliance, Allen’s interior strength, Johnson-Downey’s grit, and Chapda Nanaession’s breakout showing — these athletes are shaping the future of Canadian basketball.
The bar has been set high early, and if Week 1 is any indication, the Girls Junior Showcase Division is going to deliver an unforgettable season.
