Next Up: Grade 8 NPHShowcase League Top Standouts

Grade 8 North Pole Hoops Showcase: Canada’s Rising Game-Changers

Basketball at the Grade 8 level is more than just numbers—it’s about instinct, energy, and influence. The North Pole Hoops Showcase revealed a generation of athletes who not only dominate stat sheets but also control tempo, create opportunities, and shape momentum. From scoring bursts to defensive disruptions, these players demonstrate a high level of basketball IQ and poise beyond their years.

This feature highlights the top performers in six statistical categories: Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks, and 3-Pointers Made. Each profile dives into how these athletes impact the game, their decision-making, and how they elevate the performance of their teammates. Their influence extends well beyond points and rebounds—they define the flow of the game.

NPH SHOWCASE LEAGUE GRADE 8 – 2025/2026 SEASON

CATEORY	LEADER	STAT
POINTS PER GAME	Eli Hibbert	18.2 PPG
	Joshua Spaulding	18.0 PPG
	Keenan Clarke	17.3 PPG
	Thomas Harvey	14.0 PPG
	Carter Kells	13.7 PPG
REBOUNDS PER GAME	Thomas Harvey	11.2 RPG
	Evan Brosseau	10.0 RPG
	Jory Hamilton	7.0 RPG
	David Aliyu	6.0 RPG
	Kasha Mudude	5.5 RPG
ASSISTS PER GAME	Kasha Mudude	2.5 SPG
	Johnny Lipambala	2.3 SPG
	Blake Lipsit	2.3 SPG
	Reiyann Grapilon	2.0 SPG
	Nathaniel Martyn	2.0 SPG
STEALS PER GAME	Noah Gayle	3.8 SPG
	Trey Alleyne	3.0 SPG
	Carter Kells	2.7 SPG
	Noah Maturana	2.7 SPG
	Luka Sasso	2.5 SPG
BLOCKS PER GAME	Thomas Harvey	1.0 BPG
	Joel Iwuchukwu	1.0 BPG
	Jevaunte Gayle	0.7 BPG
	Alek Markovik	0.7 BPG
	Noah Gayle	0.7 BPG
3PM (TOTAL)	Gabriel Madden	12 3PM
	Matthew Younan	10 3PM
	Logan Vago	7 3PM
	Joshua Mason	7 3PM
	Felix Charron	6 3PM

 

 

POINTS PER GAME

1. Eli Hibbert — 18.2 PPG (Grassroots Niagara)

Eli demonstrates a remarkable ability to control the rhythm of the game through his scoring instincts. He reads defensive tendencies and times his attacks with precision, allowing him to create opportunities in both transition and half-court sets. Off the ball, he navigates spacing intelligently, pulling defenders away and creating openings for teammates. His decision-making under pressure ensures that possessions are optimized, and he balances aggression with efficient shot selection, keeping the offense flowing.

Beyond scoring, Eli’s impact on momentum and pace is significant. He adjusts his style depending on the situation, pushing the tempo when energy is needed or methodically breaking down defenses when control is required. His anticipation on both ends, coupled with his ability to apply pressure without overcommitting, makes him a dual-threat capable of shaping possessions and energizing the team at key moments.

2. Joshua Spaulding — 18.0 PPG (Dropoff Elite)

Joshua imposes pressure on opponents with a dynamic and aggressive offensive approach. He consistently identifies gaps in the defense, creating opportunities not only for himself but also for teammates. His ability to drive with intent opens passing lanes and draws fouls, while his footwork and timing allow him to capitalize on high-percentage scoring chances. Joshua’s intelligence in reading defensive rotations enhances the efficiency of each possession.

In addition to scoring, Joshua impacts the overall pace and momentum of the game. His assertiveness elevates the intensity of every possession, forcing opponents to react and adapt. He pairs physical tools with sharp decision-making, stretching defenses and influencing team spacing. His poise under pressure and understanding of rhythm make him a reliable offensive driver who can dictate the flow of a game.

3. Keenan Clarke — 17.3 PPG (K9 Elite White)

Keenan blends refined scoring skills with exceptional court awareness. He balances aggression and efficiency, consistently generating high-quality scoring chances without forcing plays. His movement, positioning, and timing pressure defenders and open up the floor, creating a balanced and fluid offense. Keenan’s calm, measured style ensures that his team maintains control, even in high-pressure situations.

His influence extends beyond raw scoring. Keenan anticipates defensive reactions, allowing him to create windows for teammates and control tempo during pivotal moments. On both ends of the court, his intelligence manifests in positioning, decision-making, and subtle shifts in pace. He demonstrates maturity in managing possessions and reading the flow of the game, marking him as a key floor general and scorer.

4. Thomas Harvey — 14.0 PPG (Dragons De Gatineau)

Thomas dominates the paint with his physicality and smart positioning. He controls interior space, opens perimeter lanes, and dictates defensive attention. His scoring is efficient and high-percentage, derived from timing, footwork, and basketball IQ. Thomas reads the defense effectively, selecting the right moments to attack while maintaining team structure.

Thomas also drives tempo and momentum through his presence. He stabilizes possessions near the basket, generates second-chance opportunities, and adapts to the flow of the game. His awareness in pick-and-roll situations, interior spacing, and ability to create mismatches showcases a well-rounded offensive presence. He shapes both offensive and defensive possessions, making him a key player in controlling the court.

5. Carter Kells — 13.7 PPG (TC Soldiers)

Carter’s impact stems from movement and activity off the ball. He consistently finds space, forcing defensive adjustments and generating scoring opportunities. His efficiency is supported by intelligent reads, timing, and footwork, ensuring the offense maintains balance and rhythm.

Beyond scoring, Carter contributes to tempo and transition play. His energy on both ends of the court pressures opponents and supports fast breaks. Carter’s ability to anticipate movements, maintain spacing, and execute in high-pressure moments allows him to influence game flow and control the pace effectively.

REBOUNDS PER GAME

1. Thomas Harvey — 11.2 RPG (Dragons De Gatineau)

Thomas exerts dominance through relentless rebounding, shaping possession control and pace. He attacks the boards with authority, preventing second-chance opportunities for opponents while generating extra possessions for his team. His timing, positioning, and strength allow him to secure rebounds in traffic and under pressure.

His impact on momentum is equally significant. Thomas energizes teammates, deters aggressive offense, and anchors defensive possessions. His awareness of spacing and trajectory allows him to transition rebounds into scoring opportunities, demonstrating a mix of physicality, timing, and basketball intelligence.

2. Evan Brosseau — 10.0 RPG (Dropoff Elite)

Evan exhibits persistence, anticipation, and timing in rebounding. He positions himself strategically to read ball trajectory and maximize opportunities, controlling both defensive and offensive boards. His ability to secure rebounds directly affects possessions, influencing pace and transition opportunities.

Evan’s energy on the glass impacts psychological momentum. He energizes teammates with consistent effort and makes it difficult for opponents to generate second-chance points. His presence on the boards reflects both physical skill and strategic awareness, shaping game dynamics beyond mere statistics.

3. Jory Hamilton — 7.0 RPG (Grassroots Niagara)

Jory’s impact comes from active pursuit and board awareness. He anticipates bounces, contests loose balls, and secures rebounds in contested situations. This effort generates additional possessions, giving his team repeated chances to score and control the flow of the game.

His rebounding also stabilizes the team defensively. By consistently securing key boards, Jory allows his team to reset possessions and manage tempo. His effort, timing, and strategic positioning make him a player who shapes game rhythm through board control.

4. David Aliyu — 6.0 RPG (Ottawa Elite)

David exerts influence through disciplined rebounding and positioning. He times his jumps and anticipates ball trajectory, securing possessions that limit opponents’ opportunities. His control over boards contributes to both defensive stability and offensive structure.

David’s approach instills confidence and steadiness in team possessions. By protecting rebounds and maintaining situational awareness, he ensures that his team retains control, demonstrating a balance of mental acuity and physical effort that affects overall game management.

5. Kasha Mudude — 5.5 RPG (Ottawa Elite)

Kasha demonstrates versatility in attacking the boards. He identifies possession opportunities, secures loose balls, and converts defensive rebounds into immediate offensive chances. His activity on the glass helps dictate pace and transition scoring opportunities.

Beyond raw rebounding, Kasha energizes teammates and shifts momentum. His anticipation and effort create possession advantages and maintain high-intensity gameplay. His basketball intelligence allows him to influence the flow of the game through both effort and positioning.

 

ASSISTS PER GAME

1. Kasha Mudude — 2.5 APG (Ottawa Elite)

Kasha demonstrates exceptional court vision and the ability to anticipate the movement of teammates and defenders. His passing is both precise and timely, allowing him to create scoring opportunities in transition and in structured half-court sets. He reads defenses effectively, exploiting gaps and rotations, which helps maintain the fluidity of the offense.

Beyond passing, Kasha impacts team tempo and spacing. His decisions influence how possessions unfold, creating rhythm and momentum. By consistently involving teammates and reading the floor, he elevates the performance of those around him, demonstrating a high basketball IQ that extends beyond raw numbers.

2. Johnny Lipambala — 2.3 APG (Ottawa Elite)

Johnny’s playmaking stems from his awareness and ability to predict defensive movements. He delivers passes that maximize efficiency and reduce wasted possessions, often creating opportunities in tight spaces. His timing and vision allow him to orchestrate offense with poise and intelligence.

He also impacts overall game flow through decision-making. Johnny balances assertiveness with patience, ensuring that possessions are optimized while controlling pace. His ability to anticipate openings energizes the team and disrupts defensive schemes, making him a reliable facilitator on both ends.

3. Blake Lipsit — 2.3 APG (TC Soldiers)

Blake excels in distributing the ball under pressure. He identifies mismatches and spaces to create high-percentage scoring chances for teammates. His passing demonstrates both creativity and tactical understanding, often influencing the outcome of possessions through intelligent choices.

Blake’s influence extends to momentum and tempo. By orchestrating transitions and half-court setups, he controls the rhythm of play. His ability to balance vision, timing, and decision-making ensures that his team maintains offensive cohesion and maximizes scoring opportunities.

4. Reiyann Grapilon — 2.0 APG (CKATT Basketball)

Reiyann combines anticipation with precision, consistently finding teammates in optimal positions. His awareness of court spacing and player tendencies allows him to dictate the flow of possessions and create opportunities where none initially appear.

Beyond assists, Reiyann’s decision-making shapes the pace of the game. He balances urgency and patience, controlling momentum and helping his team maintain offensive efficiency. His intelligent passing makes him a catalyst in both scoring and overall team execution.

5. Nathaniel Martyn — 2.0 APG (Dragons De Gatineau)

Nathaniel demonstrates composure and timing in his distribution, often finding teammates before defenses can react. His understanding of spacing and rotations enhances offensive effectiveness, allowing possessions to unfold with maximum efficiency.

Nathaniel also impacts pace and floor balance. His awareness helps maintain tempo, dictate transitions, and involve teammates effectively. By controlling flow and generating opportunities through smart passing, he elevates the collective performance of the team.

STEALS PER GAME

1. Noah Gayle — 3.8 SPG (PDM Basketball)

Noah exerts influence through relentless defensive pressure. His anticipation and ability to read opponents’ intentions allow him to disrupt possessions consistently. By forcing turnovers, he creates scoring opportunities and alters the rhythm of the game in his team’s favor.

Noah’s defensive presence energizes teammates and instills caution in opponents. His activity on the ball forces quick decisions, often leading to mistakes. Beyond raw steals, he shapes possessions, influences tempo, and demonstrates a defensive intelligence that elevates the entire team.

2. Trey Alleyne — 3.0 SPG (Dropoff Elite)

Trey’s defensive acumen comes from anticipation and instinct. He positions himself strategically to intercept passes and pressure ball-handlers, creating transition opportunities. His timing and awareness allow him to disrupt offensive flow and generate momentum for his team.

His impact extends to team energy and morale. Trey’s defensive efforts ignite possessions, force adjustments, and establish a physical and psychological presence. By combining anticipation, timing, and activity, he consistently shapes the flow of games from the defensive end.

3. Carter Kells — 2.7 SPG (TC Soldiers)

Carter demonstrates smart defensive positioning and quick hands, allowing him to create turnovers and disrupt offensive schemes. He reads passing lanes and anticipates movements, generating opportunities in transition.

Carter also influences pace and team energy. His ability to force mistakes energizes teammates and pressures opponents into rushed possessions. His defensive instincts impact both tangible and intangible aspects of the game, shaping rhythm and control.

4. Noah Maturana — 2.7 SPG (TC Soldiers)

Noah excels in creating defensive opportunities through anticipation and agility. He pressures ball-handlers, reads passing lanes, and generates steals that shift momentum and pace.

His influence extends beyond individual plays. Noah’s activity encourages teammates to maintain defensive intensity, controlling game rhythm and flow. His combination of effort, timing, and intelligence makes him a reliable defensive catalyst.

5. Luka Sasso — 2.5 SPG (Dropoff Elite)

Luka impacts possessions through smart anticipation and quick reactions. He disrupts offensive sets by reading movements, applying pressure, and intercepting passes, generating scoring chances.

Beyond individual steals, Luka shapes team energy and pace. His defensive presence forces opponents into mistakes, energizes teammates, and maintains control over game flow. His basketball intelligence on defense influences momentum consistently.

BLOCKS PER GAME

1. Thomas Harvey — 1.0 BPG (Dragons De Gatineau)

Thomas controls the interior with timing, awareness, and physical presence. His shot-blocking ability deters opponents from attacking the paint, creating safer defensive spacing and shaping offensive decisions.

Thomas’ impact extends to game tempo and morale. By protecting the rim, he energizes teammates and influences opponent strategies. His presence anchors defensive possessions, making him a critical factor in controlling the flow of the game.

2. Joel Iwuchukwu — 1.0 BPG (Grassroots Niagara)

Joel’s defensive impact comes from anticipation, timing, and verticality. He challenges shots effectively, altering opponent decisions and reducing high-percentage scoring attempts.

Beyond the rim protection, Joel influences pace and momentum. His ability to intimidate drives and protect paint zones energizes teammates and forces opponents into lower-efficiency possessions, shaping overall game flow.

3. Jevaunte Gayle — 0.7 BPG (K9 Elite White)

Jevaunte combines timing and positioning to affect shot attempts around the basket. His presence influences defensive spacing, discouraging contested drives and forcing lower-percentage shots.

His impact extends to team confidence and possession management. Jevaunte’s activity in protecting the rim energizes teammates, shifts momentum, and supports defensive cohesion, making him a valuable floor presence.

4. Alex Markovic — 0.7 BPG (Grassroots Niagara)

Alex demonstrates awareness and anticipation in defending the paint. His ability to block or alter shots affects opponent decision-making and protects high-value scoring areas.

Beyond individual blocks, Alex influences team energy and defensive structure. His presence shapes possessions, enforces spacing discipline, and creates opportunities for transition offense, contributing to overall game control.

5. Noah Gayle — 0.7 BPG (PDM Basketball)

Noah leverages timing and verticality to impact opponent shots. He creates deterrence in the paint while contributing to defensive stability and rhythm.

Noah also affects momentum and team confidence. By protecting key scoring zones, he elevates defensive energy and shapes opponent strategies, highlighting a well-rounded defensive influence.

3-POINTERS MADE (TOTAL)

1. Gabriel Madden — 12 3PM (Tru Balance)

Gabriel excels with range and precision, stretching defenses and opening driving lanes. His ability to knock down shots consistently shapes spacing and offensive flow, forcing defensive adjustments.

Beyond scoring, Gabriel impacts pace and strategic decision-making. Opponents must account for his threat, creating opportunities for teammates. His timing, shot selection, and consistency make him a key perimeter influencer.

2. Matthew Younan — 10 3PM (Tru Balance)

Matthew’s shooting creates floor spacing and offensive flexibility. His ability to convert from deep pressures defenses, opening lanes and creating mismatches for others.

Matthew also influences tempo and possession decisions. By spacing the floor and hitting shots at critical moments, he controls offensive rhythm and shifts momentum, providing a reliable scoring outlet.

3. Logan Vago — 7 3PM (Grassroots Niagara)

Logan’s range and accuracy impact floor spacing and defensive rotations. His threat from deep forces opponents to extend coverage, creating opportunities for drives and cuts.

Beyond scoring, Logan affects team pacing and offensive structure. His consistent shooting creates rhythm, pressures defenses, and opens high-quality opportunities for teammates, shaping offensive flow.

4. Joshua Mason — 7 3PM (Ottawa Elite)

Joshua leverages long-range accuracy to open space and influence possession management. His shot selection ensures high-efficiency output while stretching defenses and creating openings for teammates.

He also impacts tempo and decision-making. By providing a reliable perimeter threat, Joshua alters defensive rotations and contributes to overall offensive rhythm, making him a key floor spacer.

5. Felix Charron — 6 3PM (Dragons De Gatineau)

Felix’s perimeter shooting extends defenses and creates driving opportunities for teammates. His accuracy and timing shift floor spacing, forcing strategic adjustments from opponents.

Felix also shapes momentum and pacing. By hitting critical shots, he energizes the team, forces defenders to react, and maintains offensive flow, highlighting his influence beyond raw numbers.

 

The Grade 8 North Pole Hoops Showcase highlighted a new generation of basketball talent defined not just by stats, but by basketball IQ, energy, and influence on every possession. These athletes demonstrate scoring ability, defensive instincts, playmaking vision, and strategic awareness well beyond their years.

From controlling tempo to energizing teammates, these players embody the kind of global impact coaches and scouts look for in future stars. The showcase reaffirmed that the next wave of Canadian basketball talent is not only skilled but also intelligent, poised, and ready to shape games in every way possible. This group of young athletes is laying the foundation for a bright and promising future.