2005-2006 FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS
Central
Humber (13-2)
Sheridan (13-2)
George Brown (6-9)
Georgian (5-10)
Centennial (5-10)
Seneca (3-12)
East
Algonquin (16-2)
St. Lawrence K (15-3)
Durham (14-4)
Fleming P (7-11)
Loyalist (7-11)
La Cite (2-16)
Cambrian (2-16)
West
Fanshawe (11-3)
Sault (10-4)
St.Clair (10-4)
Niagara (9-5)
Mohawk (9-5)
Lambton (5-9)
Algoma (1-13)
Redeemer (1-13)
2005-2006 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Gold – Humber Hawks
Silver – Sheridan Bruins
Bronze – St. Clair Saints
CENTRAL REGION
Centennial Colts
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 5-10
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 2
The Centennial Colts are looking to rebound after a disappointing
season that saw them just miss out on making the playoffs. In his
first year as bench boss at Centennial Jamie Lewis will have only
four returning starters to his squad. Lewis’ goal this season
is to be a defensive powerhouse in the Central Region. Leading the
list of returning players is centre Milton Laidley, guard Odane
Harding and forward Ben Miller. Harding helped lead the team last
year averaging 14 PPG. This year’s edition of the Colts squad
will include a top recruit in Raseed McKenley who is expected to
have a great season in the OCAA. The Colts will look to win their
first Championship title since their repeat from 83-84.
George Brown Huskies
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 6-9
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost in Quarterfinals to St.
Clair
Championships Won: 3
Entering his first year at George Brown College, O’neil
Kamaka brings with him a wealth of basketball experience.
O’Neil also served as an assistant coach for the Ryerson
University Men’s Basketball team for six years. Last season
the Huskies sailed to a 6-9 record and a berth into the
Championships. In his first year at George Brown, Kamaka will be
leading a young team that includes eleven rookies. This
year’s freshman class might have a difficult time adjusting
to collegiate basketball and meshing as a team at the same time.
However a trio of recruits emerged as the leaders of the team as
David Jankovic, Akil Creft and Trace Simpson led the Huskies in
their regular season debut against the Georgian Grizzlies.
Georgian Grizzlies
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 5-10
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: 4th
Championships Won: 0
After moving from the East Region to the Central Region last
season, the Grizzlies handled the adversity in tough territory
playing new teams such as the tough Humber Hawks and Sheridan
Bruins very well. The Grizzlies finished the year fourth in the
region, defeated the Durham Lords in the playoffs and made it all
the way to the bronze medal round of the Championships to
eventually finish the year fourth in the Province. This season
Georgian will be counting on significant contributions from
6’5 shooting guard Tab Donaldson. The fourth year was the
league and central region scoring champion last season averaging
24.6 PPG and was named a Championship All-Star.
Humber Hawks
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 13-2
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Gold
Championships Won: 10
The 2005-2006 Humber Hawks had a phenomenal year winning the OCAA
Championships and solidifying their dominance in the league with 10
Championships in total. With a resume that includes winning
back-to-back titles in his first two years of coaching, Darrell
Glenn has experienced the sweet taste of success in his early years
as Head Coach of the Humber Hawks. This year’s Hawks team
looks to have an excellent chance for the run to continue and
defend their title.
The 2006-2007 edition of the Hawks is a young team that includes 12
second year players and four first-year newcomers. Glenn will be
looking to one of his second-year players to lead the team in the
locker team as fourth year veteran Shane Dennie has been lost to
graduation. Looking to lead the team will be a pair of guards in
the backcourt that include last season’s OCAA Championship
MVP Jose Araujo and Rookie of the Year Jonothan Tyndale. Araujo is
a solid shooter that led his team in 3’s last season dropping
32 on the year. Returning to the front court is first team all-star
Jadwey Hemmings.
With the aforementioned trio of second years the Hawks are
considered a strong contender in the Central Region. Throw in
returning centre Chris Thomson and forward Michael Cruickshank into
the mix and the Hawks have an excellent chance to pack the Hawks
Gym, where they were 13-2 last season.
Seneca Sting
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 3-12
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 4
The Seneca Sting is looking to rebound from a disappointing season
last year with a new attitude in 06-07. Seneca was 3-12 in the
regular season and finished at the bottom of the Central Region
standings. The Sting will be looking to move up the OCAA standings
and become a more competitive team in their Central Region this
season. To do this, the Sting need to come up with a more
consistent offensive attack that saw them score the lowest total
points in the Central Region at 1035 points in the season.
Sheridan Bruins
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 13-2
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Silver
Championships Won: 8
Head Coach Jim Flack enters his 14th season guiding the Bruins with
an impressive 159-37 record in OCAA play and a 367-138 mark in
overall competition. The Bruins have medaled at the National or
Provincial Championships an incredible 14 times in 14 years. In 13
years, they have only missed the Ontario Final Four once, back in
1997. Last year the Bruins finished second in the OCAA then earned
a bye to the Nationals after hosting the Championship and went on
to pick up silver, this time on the National stage.
With team leading 218-point scorer Maurice Smith (14.53 PPG) back
this season to lead the Bruins, their chances of a repeat
appearance at Provincials looks solid. Returning editions from last
year to assist Smith in the backcourt are Sean Douglas and
three-point threat Andrew Motta. The Bruins will be counting on
significant contributions from 6’7” centre Duane Mark.
The big-man gives the Bruins some muscle in the paint and a
sufficient rebounding presence.
This year’s incoming class includes guard Sheldon Sinclair
and forward Jemeel Brown who should get the most minutes out of the
new rookies.
EAST REGION
Algonquin Thunder
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 16-2
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost in Quarterfinals to Georgian
Championships Won: 2
The Thunder Men's Basketball Team finished the 2005-06 season 1st
in the OCAA East Region with a regular season record of 16-2,
earning a berth to the OCAA Championships and eventually losing in
the quarterfinals. Algonquin's BJ Charles was named the OCAA Player
of the Year averaging 17.2 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per
game.
With BJ Charles and a slew of other starters lost to graduation,
the Thunder will take on a new look this year. Head Coach Trevor
Costello hopes that once the team gels they’ll be a fast
exciting team capable of going deep into the playoffs. But if
Costello is to earn his second OCAA title, replacing OCAA Player of
the Year BJ Charles, along with 2005 league all-stars Chris Holwell
and Emmanuel Beauicacant should be at the top of his to-do list.
The trio accounted for over 56% of the Thunder scoring last
season.
If there is a positive to take away from the roster turnover, it is
the golden opportunity afforded to second years Keville Ollivierre
at centre and Taj Forde at guard to move from rookies learning
their ranks to making their mark in the East Region. Ollivierre is
a strong presence in the paint for the Thunder and will lead their
rebounding and shot blocking efforts. Also look for third year Mo
Haggar who averaged 3.06 PPG last season to help the Thunder in the
backcourt.
Costello hopes that adding a potential league scoring champion in
first year Ahmed Eman at guard will help offset the loss of several
starters from season. Eman has recorded a stellar start to the
season and his averaging 33 PPG so far. Other editions to the
recruiting class this year are forwards Brent Wannekes and
Davidsonn Sanelus.
Cambrian Golden Shield
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 2-16
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
Coming off their return into OCAA the Cambrian Golden Shield
men’s basketball team will look to improve their standing in
the competitive East Region. Under the guidance of coach Brad Hann
and five returning players the team looks forward to the challenges
of the upcoming season.
Leading the list of returning players is power forward Jerome
Bailey. Bailey will be expected to contribute both offensively and
defensively for the Golden Shield as well as provide valuable team
leadership for a young program. Hann’s incoming class
includes Mitch Mallette who has one year playing experience from
Sault College and will play a key role this year as the teams point
guard. The Golden Shield are already off to a great start after
winning their first four games of the season.
La Cite Coyotes
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 2-16
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
The La Cite Coyotes will be looking to bounce back from a
disappointing 2005-2006 last place finish in the East Region in
which they failed to qualify for the post season. This year the
Coyotes may have another tough year, only returning three players
from last season. Returning from last year are forward Ladislas
Bushiri, forward Charles Rochefort and guard Ernest Fassou-Malo.
Fans in Ottawa will hope the team can turn things around this
season as a new crop of rookies have joined the team. First-year
Centre Louis-Phillippe Gauthier will be a solid presence in the
paint while guards Steve Tshituka and Pascal Belony will help the
backcourt. If the Coyotes hope to be improve in 06-07 they must
tighten up their defense as they allowed the second most points
scored on them in the league last season (1328).
Durham Lords
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 14-4
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost in Playoff Crossover Game to
Georgian
Championships Won: 1
Durham Head Coach Peter Gordon will enter his 9th season at the
helm of the Lords Men’s Basketball program with high
expectations and high hopes of continuing the program’s in
its annual contender status. The team has reason to be optimistic
with a strong returning class that recorded a 20-win season last
year and a 2nd straight play-off berth. The Lords are used to being
in contention historically in the OCAA and recorded their most
impressive run from 1993 to 1998 where the team registered 5
straight 20 win seasons, 3 Championship medals, and Ontario
Championship and a National Championship title in 1997.
The 2006-2007 edition of the team returns seven players from last
year’s squad. At the guard position, OCAA League All-Star
Anthony Batchelor is back. Also returning are veterans Dave George
and Micheal Savage whom are two quality players that can score and
play good defense. Coming off the bench will be Stallone Sylvester
and Vick Warya. Look for third-year sensation Anthony Batchelor to
have another great year along with Dave George and Micheal Savage.
The men’s basketball team has added an additional coach to
the coaching staff, Matt Markovic. Markovic played three years at
Durham and looks to use his leadership and experience with the
2006-07 Lords team.
“Anthony Batchelor will look to build on his sensational
seasons, as he led the Lords in all offensive statistics two years
in a row,” commented Coach Gordon. “The 2005-06 OCAA
League All-Star has all the potential to become a CCAA All-Canadian
this year.”
Fleming Knights
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 7-11
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
The Fleming Knights Men’s Basketball Program has been getting
closer and closer over the last few years to getting into the post
season. The Knights have yet to win a Men’s Basketball title
but are gaining strides in the East Region and getting closer to a
playoff berth. This season the Knights will need to improve their
average that saw them score 1297 points and allow in 1300 last
season for a negative three +/- average. This year the Knights look
promising again and will try and carry over the momentum from their
seven game winning season last year.
Head Coach Bill Crowdis will be looking to mesh a team together
that includes eleven rookies. Watch out for rookie forward Norman
Hamilton to make some noise in the East Region after averaging
14.00 PPG in four games already this season. Returning to the court
to lead the team will be second year Neil O’Sullivan who
averaged 22.9 PPG last season and led the league in three-pointers
last year with 63 in total on the year.
Loyalist Lancers
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 7-11
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
In his first year manning the sidelines at Loyalist, head coach
Darrell McGrath isn’t completely in un-chartered waters after
working four years alongside the bench as the assistant coach to
the team. This year’s edition of the Lancers squad is smaller
than in the past as a result of losing 6’7” centre Owen
White and 6’6” centre Derek Webb who were the top two
Lancer scorers last season.
This year the Lancers will look to run an up-tempo style of play
relying on returning point guard Andrew DaCosta to lead the new
fast pace game. DaCosta registered for 10.2 PPG last season and
with the loss of the top scorers he will need to step up his play
this season. Helping in the backcourt with the new offence will be
returning guard Ben Micah. Meanwhile returning forward Brad Mickie
will play an important role this season. A couple of newcoming
forward’s Josh McAlphine and Andrew Soloman are expected to
make an immediate impact.
St. Lawrence Vikings
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 15-3
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost to Niagara in Crossover
Playoff
Championships Won: 0
A successful 2005-06 season saw the Vikings finish 2nd in the East
Division of the OCAA with a 15-3 League and 20-13 overall record.
Transition is the theme of the 2006-07 version of the Men's
Basketball team at St. Lawrence College as four of last
year’s starters are not back this season. Coach Barry Smith
enters his 13th season at St. Lawrence College as the 2005-06 East
Coach of the Year award and a bevy of new recruits.
2006-07 brings a team consisting of 4 returning players and 10
recruits that is guard heavy. Smith plans to employ an aggressive
up-tempo style both offensively and defensively to create pace at
both ends. Ryan Cato represents the only starter returning and big
things are expected from this 3rd year guard that averaged 6 PPG
last season. A top shooter and finisher with outstanding
athleticism, Cato will need to step it up at both ends this year
for the team to succeed.
Josh Brennan, Duane Howard and Sean Maingot also are back from last
year and they all hope to continue the foundations for success they
started last year. There is reason for excitement about the
recruits with the arrival of 3 top newcomers, transfers Kern Lewis
and Milton Holness and 6' 10" freshman Mathieu Riendeau.
WEST REGION
Algoma Thunderbirds
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 1-13
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
Algoma University College is entering their fifth season of Men's
Basketball in the OCAA West Region. The Thunderbirds have a number
of things to be excited about this year especially the recruitment
of 04-05 OCAA Coach of the Year, Thomas Cory.
Cory is moving across town after being with the Sault Cougars for
the last four years. Over the past four seasons under Cory’s
leadership the Cougars posted a 34-16 record, and captured the West
Division title in 2005. Coach Cory was awarded the West Division
Coach of the Year for his efforts in 2005. He looks forward to
continuing his basketball successes as the new head coach of the
Algoma University Thunderbirds.
This season the Thunderbirds are hoping to improve from their last
place finish in the West Region last year, climb the standings and
become a basketball presence in the Sault and in the OCAA. Looking
to lead the Thunderbirds on the scoreboard this season will be a
trio of balanced scorers. In his rookie year Patrick Murray is
already making a name for himself leading his team to a 2-2 record
this year, the guard is averaging 13.3 PPG. The Thunderbirds will
look for some leadership and offense numbers from second years
Andrew Turgeon and Jarrell Hogan.
Fanshawe Falcons
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 11-3
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost in Quarterfinals to Humber
Championships Won: 5
Head Coach Glen Johnston enters his 29th year at the helm of the
Fanshawe Falcon Men’s Basketball program this season. After a
disappointing 2-point loss in last year’s Championship
quarterfinal round, the Falcons have tasted defeat and will be a
stronger team this year because of it. The Falcons return a stellar
cast of characters including Pat Sewell a third-year guard who
turned in one of the finest all-round seasons last year averaging
18.3 PPG. The first-team all-star lead his team and was second from
three point range netting 51-trey’s in total. The Falcons
also bring an experienced presence in the paint in senior forward
and second team all-star Adrian Pytka. Pytaka averaged 14.4 PPG
last season and was an efficient rebounder for the team.
This year’s Falcon squad have already had an excellent start
to the season that included an impressive victory over the Western
Mustangs in exhibition action 62-61. The team open the year ranked
number one in Ontario.
Lambton Lions
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 5-9
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
The Lambton Lions men’s basketball program is looking to get
back to Championship form that saw them qualify for the last time
in 2002-2003. If the program looks to improve their record this
season they will need to develop their second half clutch play that
saw them lose four games last year by five or less points.
The 2006-2007 edition of the team has the luxury of returning a
trio of last year’s top scorers. Watch for last year’s
Lion top scorers forward Cole Webster (12.2 PPG), guard Chad
Peirrera (13.64 PPG) and JJ Keck (10.62 PPG) to continue their
solid play this season. JJ Keck also gives the Lions a threat from
the three-point line after leading his team last year with 25
treys. Newcoming forward Spence Laurie is expected to make an
immediate impact for the Lions.
Mohawk Mountaineers
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 9-5
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 4
The Mohawk Mountaineers took some important steps last season as
they continue to reshape their program. The team secured bench boss
Brian Jonker and under his guidance they finished the year with
their best record since 2000-2001. This year Jonker and his
Mountaineers are looking to run a fast pace game aiming to average
100 points per game.
A trio that accounted for nearly three-quarters of the team’s
scoring a year ago return to a Mountaineer team that features a
little of everything as it seeks to bring home its first OCAA title
in over 35 years. Leading the list of returning players is fourth
year guard Panyin Kyei who led his team and was second in scoring
in the West Region last season averaging 22.1 PPG. Rounding out the
list of returning threats are guards Igor Trbojevic and Nick Gaspic
who averaged 17.0 PPG and 14.3 PPG respectively last season. Gaspic
is an outstanding long-range bomber who finished the year in the
top 10 of OCAA 3-point scorers with 35 treys.
Vying for spots in the Mountaineer rotation will be a trio of
freshman that include guard Matt Bruyn, centre Ray Downey and
forward Zivojin Tolmac.
Niagara Knights
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 9-5
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost in Quarterfinal to Sheridan
Championships Won: 0
The Niagara Knights have at least nine good reasons, as in the
number of rookie players, to believe they’ll be able to make
a fresh start this season and hopefully return to the
Championships. Knights Head Coach Ralph Nero believes his young
team has a chance to make another run at the post season after
losing in the quarterfinals of the championships last season. The
Knights lost 05-06 OCAA All-Star Anderson St. Valle and Team MVP
Mike Muir but hope their youth movement will help them return to
the top of the West Region Standings. Among the nine new recruits
look for guard Anthony McAleese to become a standout freshman in
the West Region this year. In his OCAA debut, McAleese led his team
to victory scoring 21-points including nine points from the
three-point line.
Redeemer Royals
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 1-13
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: DNQ
Championships Won: 0
The Redeemer Royals went through a tough 2005-2006 season as they
went 1-13 in the regular season. Fans in Ancaster will hope the
team turns things around this season as a new crop of rookies joins
the team. Seven year Head Coach Dwayne Washington is focused on
integrating eight new freshmen and building team work and chemistry
this season. Leading the list of returning players will be fourth
year forward Nick Bokma who averaged 14.4 PPG last season and third
year guard Adam Deweger who averaged 12.5 PPG in 05-06. Bokma also
showed his ability to shoot the three last year as he led his team
with 14-treys. Coach Washington will look for two freshman to help
make an immediate impact as Colin Bayley will see some time as the
floor leader at the point and Joel Sjarda will assume his role in
the front court as a power forward.
St. Clair Saints
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 10-4
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Bronze
Championships Won: 1
With four out of five starters returning from last year’s
bronze medal championship team, head coach Rick Muldoon is
extremely optimistic about his team's chances of making a run for
the gold.
"In my 11 years as coach I've never had the luxury of this
happening”, he said of the four returning starters. “We
got a taste of success last year and I expect us to be in
contention for either a gold or silver this year."
However, before the Saints can reach the Final Four, they're going
to have to get through a tough West Division and their recent
run-in with injury problems isn't the way Coach Muldoon envisioned
the start to his team's season. Three out of the Saints five
projected starters are out with injuries including shooting guard
and team catalyst Leng Yeang, who is out four to five weeks with a
broken wrist. All injuries aside, the Saints have the make-up to be
a very good team and Muldoon expects break out seasons from guards
Andrew Hall and Greg Richards. Not only are the Saints a quicker
and more experienced team than last year---they're a surprisingly
younger one as well, with guys who can step in and play different
positions on the floor.
Sault Cougars
2005-2006 Regular Season Record: 10-4
2005-2006 Post Season Finish: Lost to George Brown in Cross Over
Playoff
Championships Won: 0
In his first year manning the sidelines at Sault College, head
coach Willie Greco is faced with starting from scratch this season.
Greco has certainly undertaken a youth movement, as the Cougars
return no players from last season and look to rebuild their
basketball program this year. Entering the season as the only
player with collegiate experience on the team is guard Chris
Muncaster who played for the Cougars from 2001-2003. Greco’s
incoming class features Rick Lister from North Bay, a 6’1
forward with talent from 3-point range that is expected to lead the
Cougars in minutes and output on the scoreboard.