Canadian Teams Put in Work in Indiana

What a week.

7 AM to 11 PM days…in the gym evaluating Canadian talent. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

15 Canadian programs represented in Indiana with several age groups in the mix.

Three teams brought back gold to the North; CIA Bounce 16s, 13s and Brookwood Elite 14s.

CIA Bounce 16s Bring Home the Gold

Koby McEwan & Brandon Cyrus (the cousins) are the usual suspects for CIA Bounce–they brought it in typical fashion, with Nelson Kaputo out of the mix due to concussion. In the lead guards absence McEwan took on the role as designated playmaker running offense through him. Stepping up throughout the tournament was 2016 sniper Christien Gould who hit big shots from deep. Coach Danny Amponsah did a great job of keeping the team motivated and hungry defensively. Big victory for the program. On the road to the chip, this squad also took down a strong Canada Elite squad in the semi-finals.

Christian David Rising to Occasion

Fresh off MVP performance at the Toronto NPH Showcase, Christian David proved his worth on the AAU circuit with S Elite. He has been consistent every time we’ve watched him, creating for himself and others, and elevated his game when it mattered most. Throughout the tournament, he hit a game-winner, averaged over 20 points per game, including a game-high 27 points against the #1 team in the nation, in Grind Indiana, featuring at least four high major prospects. To me, David and American Chris Wilkes were the best players on the floor, however there was no answer for the mismatch problem that is Christian David. He has climbed the ladder and is now the NPH #1-ranked player in the nation for the Canadian class of 2017.

Junior Farquar – Fresh on the Scene

The Brookwood Elite 14s are going to be a serious problem on the circuit for years to come. Junior Farquar is a big reason why – the Quebec contingent reached the championship to play against another stacked Canadian team in CIA Bounce, featuring Simi Shittu and Danilo Djuricic. After evaluating Farquar over the course of the tournament it became evident that this young PG is special, due to his FEEL for the game and versatility. As a result, he has earned the #1 spot in the NPH National Player rankings for the Class of 2018. Brookwood took care of business fairly comfortably in a 69-56 Adidas Invitational title victory.

Instant Classic: U-Play VS Canada Elite

Let me start off by saying this was the game of the year!! Justin Jackson VS Nolan Narain. Canada Elite VS U-Play. But it was much more than that. Players on both teams across the board contributed making play after play in this overtime bout. HIGH intensity from the jump–U-Play held the lead for most of the game with a late run from Canada Elite to pick up the victory. Jackson shined bright in terms of assertiveness and filling the stat sheet. Marcus Ottey, Godwin Boahen, Moshe Wadley, Michael Asemota, Othneil Spence – it was a full team effort with guys stepping up for Canada Elite. On the flip side, Marquel Fraser, coming off a strong camp with Team Canada, played his best basketball, playmaking and gaining the attention of mid and high major programs. Justin Andrew displayed Jimmer Range on the catch as well as off the dribble. Nicholas Russell and Jeremiah Usiosefe were also impressive throughout the tourney for U-Play. Although there has to be one winner of the game, both programs earned major points with NCAA programs, as schools like Baylor, Illinois, Purdue, Gonzaga, Canisius among others were in attendance to catch this epic showdown.

Miles Seward – More Than a Stroke

It was great to finally see Miles Seward, a prospect I’ve been trying to track down for over a year (as he plays HS basketball in California). I had heard about his gorgeous shooting stroke which he displayed, but I was also intrigued with his smarts and off the dribble game both finishing and creating for teammates. After establishing himself as a perimeter threat, he was able to use it to his advantage, showing a well rounded game. Impressive combo guard.

Thanks to everyone for following along on our Indiana trip…between my brother Elias and I, we have learned a tonne about the Canadian classes of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

There will be adjustments made throughout the summer in terms of North Pole Hoops National Player rankings, as we continue to track the development of Canada’s TOP prospects.

As always, #GameSpeaks

Next stop…Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia!

Follow @Tariq_NPH @Elias_NPH and @NorthPoleHoops