The StarPhoenix high school basketball team-by-team insights

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The Saskatoon high school basketball regular season will wrap up Wednesday.

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The Championship League playoffs actually tip off on Tuesday  with semifinals Thursday and the city championship to be played on Tuesday, March 11.

Premiere League quarter-finals will be played Friday, March 7 with semifinals on Wednesday, March 12. The Premiere League boys and girls city championships will be held at Bedford Road Collegiate on Saturday, March 15.

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The Saskatchewan high school basketball season will wrap up with Hoopla, the provincial championships March 20-22 in Saskatoon.

The StarPhoenix presents its high school basketball team snapshots, with information provided by all coaches who chose to participate.

Aden Bowman Bears

Head coach: Davis Humbert

Players to watch

• Liam Crowter — Grade 12, Guard. A long and athletic guard who is dangerous attacking the rim or from beyond the arc.

Previous results

“Lost overtime quarter-final to Bethlehem to finish 6th.”

Expectations for this season

“Top-5 in the city.”

Bedford Road Redhawks

Head coach: Eric Fahie

Players to watch

• Jett “Engine” Sampson — Grade 12, Forward. A constant presence for the Redhawks. At 6’3 but with a good handle he can be seen putting pressure on the rim with his relentless drives.
• Charles Poochay — Grade 12, Guard – Has grown to be a lockdown defender who always leaves it all on the court.
• Teerth Patel — Grade 12, Forward. A high motor athlete who cleans the glass on both ends of the court.

Previous results

“Won the championship division city title (awarded to us for highest seed, game not played due to strike action).”

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Expectations for this season

“The Bedford Road Redhawks were excited to have the Championship League kick off again in January. Bedford knows the competition will be tough this year but is excited to defend last year’s title.”

Bethlehem Stars

Head coach: Bojan Nikolov

Players to watch

• Grade 12 — Osaze Oseghale, Maurice Aranda, Leeyan Gonzales.
• Grade 11 — Spencer Kenney, Sowka Tombe.
• Grade 10 — Alexus Martin.

Previous results

“Top-4 in the city.”

Expectations for this season

“The Stars expect to compete everyday in practice and competition with the goal of competing with the best teams in the city at the end of the season.”

Bishop Mahoney Saints

Head coach: Tyler Sharp

Players to watch

• Jacob Smithen — Grade 12, Guard. Three-year starter who is a great leader for the team.
• Jackson Andrews — Grade 12, Guard. Strong defender and leader for the team.
• Owen Cook — Grade 10, Guard. Strong shooter and ball handler.

Previous results

“Played in Premiere League last year — lost in the quarter-finals.”

Expectations for this season

“Striving to get better every day and hope to be playing our best ball come March.”

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Centennial Chargers

Head coach: Brad Schoenfeld

Players to watch

• Ben Tay — Grade 11, Guard. Can be a lock down defender and a streaky scorer.
• Chase Maslin — Grade 12, Guard. Slasher to the rim and strong offensive rebounder.

Previous results

“Finished 4th in the Premier League.”

Expectations for this season

“With this year’s young team, we can have great games and mediocre performances. I think we can complete with most teams when we come to play hard.”

E.D. Feehan Trojans

Head coach: Sam Dunphy

Players to watch

• Jayce Byhette — Grade 12, Shooting Guard/ Small Forward. Athletic slasher who has the ability to flip a game.
• John Gumapos — Grade 12, Point Guard. Court general, great leader, finisher, and decision maker.
• Buddy Favel — Grade 12, Small Forward. Long and athletic good shooter who can create something out of nothing.
• Tyrin Swiftwolfe — Grade 12, Centre. Big, strong and athletic with great feet.

Previous results

“Lost in the first round of Championship League Playoffs to Valour Academy.”

Expectations for this season

“Experienced team looking to compete and see success in the Championship League.”

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Evan Hardy Souls

Head coach: Zach Moehler

Players to watch

• Didier Kambare — Grade 12, Wing. Brings unmatched athleticism, a passion for the game, and the reliability every team needs.
• Sam Brimacombe — Grade 12, Post. A true leader on the team, willing to do the tough work in the paint that’s vital to our success. He brings grit, leadership, and an infectious enthusiasm for the game.
• Will Morton — Grade 12, Point Guard. Brings steady ball handling, smart decision making, and the relentless drive that every coach hopes to see in a senior.

Previous results

“We hope to improve upon our results from last year.”

Expectations for this season

“This season, our focus is on achieving success both on and off the court. On the court, we’re striving to put ourselves in a position to win the Championship League. Off the court, we aim to grow as students by staying committed to our academics, supporting each other, and demonstrating discipline and responsibility. With hard work and dedication, we believe this will be a season to remember — both in the classroom and in competition.”

Holy Cross Crusaders

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Head coach: Josh Rutten

Players to watch

• Kian Tyson — Grade 12, 6’7″, Forward. Excellent scorer on all three levels, uses length to block shots and rebound the ball.
• Moe Osman — Grade 12, 6’2″, Guard. Smooth and shifty scorer, excellent passer that looks to get teammates involved.
• Goloom Bein — Grade 12, 6’0″, Guard. Good decision maker and steady shooter, continues to improve his handle and scoring.
• Raphael Mutungolo — Grade 11, 6’1″, Guard. Pesky defender and loves to run in transition, sees the court well and improving as a scorer.

Previous results

“City silver medalists and provincial bronze.”

Expectations for this season

“We have seven new players on our team this year. Our goal is to continue to improve throughout the season and be in the city and provincial mix come March.”

Marion Graham Falcons

Head coach: Addison Dewar

Players to watch

• Jacob Olszynski — Grade 12, Centre. A force down low at 6″6, he uses his length to protect the rim and finish in traffic. He is the anchor of the defence.
• Deklen Mitchell — Grade 11, Guard. A crafty guard with great ball skills, is a strong facilitator on offence and can create his own shot. He is also a pesky on-ball defender.

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Previous results

“7th place in the Premiere League.”

Expectations for this season

“The Marion Graham Falcons expect to compete in the Premiere League this season. They have started the season strong with winning the C4 Charity Classic.”

Mount Royal Mustangs

Head coach: J.J. Del Castillo

Players to watch

• Jennessy Del Castillo — Grade 11, Captain.

Previous results

“Last place.”

Expectations for this season

“To compete, not last place.”

Saskatoon Christian School Royals

Head coach: Jon Thiessen

Players to watch

• Nolan Vanderkooi — Grade 12, Power Forward. Triple-Double threat every game.
• Isaiah Rushton — Grade 12, Shooting Guard. Can hit 3s from anywhere.
• Henry Ajoboru — Grade 10, Small Forward. Great mid-range shot and great rebounder.

Previous results

“2A provincial silver medalists.”

Expectations for this season

“Hoopla final-4.”

St. Joseph Guardians

Head coach: Paul Hansen

Players to watch

• Nemo Arnold — Grade 12, Guard. Captain and leader on and off the floor. He’s a dynamic playmaker and lights-out shooter.
• Demi Akinmoyero — Grade 12, Forward. A long and athletic wing. A threat on both ends of the floor.
• Raphael Ewejobi — Grade 12, Centre. The engine that drives the team. He’s the defensive anchor and a serious offensive threat.
• Owen Popowich — Grade 12, Centre. A true stretch-five. He’s both a defensive force under the basket and a dangerous 3-point shooter.

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Previous results

“3rd in Saskatoon.”

Expectations for this season

“Contend for a city championship and make a run at Hoopla.”

Tommy Douglas Tigers

Head coach: Patrick Green

Players to watch

• Daniel Moore, Jarett Papp, Jack Lensen, Nebil Aden.

Previous results

“5-1 in the Championship League.”

Expectations for this season

“The Tigers look to continue their growth as a team after a successful season last year was cut short before playoffs by teacher sanctions. The Tigers return five players from last year’s team and will look for leadership from Daniel Moore, Jack Lensen, and Jarett Papp to keep the team focused and competitive. Newcomers, Nebil Aden and Hachem Aljneid add to the Tigers with their competitiveness and youth. The rest of the team is rounded out by an athletic group that contributes to the team in a variety of ways. The Tigers look to be competitive in the Championship League for the remainder of the season.

Valour Academy

Head coach: Dave Reynolds

Players to watch

• Joaquin Perez — Grade 11, Guard. Can get red hot from deep and knock down jumpers consistently. He has a non-stop motor and is the heartbeat of the team.
• Dauda Yashen — Grade 12, Guard. A defensive powerhouse, with the ability to guard 1 through 5. He has a nice touch around the rim on offense, but his lockdown defense ability is what truly shines.

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Previous results

“Made it to Championship League semifinals. Games were canceled due to sanctions. Won 1A provincials.

Expectations for this season

“To be competitive in the championship division of city league, and to make it to Hoopla in 1A.”

Walter Murray Marauders

Head coach: Scott Hawley

Players to watch

• Zach Hawley — Grade 11. One of the top players in the country. An explosive scorer and dynamic playmaker. An excellent rebounder and defender who makes his teammates better. The ultimate winner.
• Faisal Mahadhi — Grade 12, Guard. A highly skilled guard who can do everything. Great playmaker, excellent scorer, and a versatile defender who can guard 1-5. One of the elite players in the province.
• Isak Larsen — Grade 11, Guard. Outstanding defender and knockdown shooter. Excellent secondary playmaker.

Previous results

“Undefeated season – BRIT champions, city champions, provincial champions, Totem Classic champions.”

Expectations for this season

“This is a younger team than last year, with five returning players and seven first-year players. We expect to grow and develop into a championship team over the course of the season. Our goals are to win BRIT, LIT, as well as a city and provincial championship.”

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Aden Bowman Bears

Head coach: David Earl

Players to watch

• Janaya Sand — Grade 12, Guard. A versatile player who can play any of the five positions on the floor. The Bears are fortunate to have a player with her experience and leadership capabilities.
• Zelene Zehtab-Jadid — Grade 11, Guard. A dynamic guard who is aggressive on both ends of the floor. Bears will rely on her work ethic to set the standard for the rest of the group.
• Bridgit Milne — Grade 11, Forward. Her energy and work ethic set the standard for the team. She is a relentless rebounder and can always be counted on to win any loose ball battle.

Previous results

“Lost quarter-final in Premiere League to Centennial.”

Expectations for this season

“The 2024-25 Bears are an exceptionally young team. Our goals are to play and practice with great energy and enthusiasm, to improve daily, and to rely on our defense to create opportunities on offence.”

Bedford Road Redhawks

Head coach: Sarah Lyons & Hayley Neault

Players to watch

• Alaina Reid — Grade 12, Guard. Truly a marvel to watch. She’s a powerful guard who can deliver on both ends of the floor in a big way. She’s hard to forget once you’ve watched her.
• Enaya Khan — Grade 12, Guard. A savvy play maker and defender who can finish with ease from anywhere on the floor.
• Ava Farkas — Grade 12, Forward. A true competitor who can always be counted on to make big defensive stops and run the floor.
• Namroop Salooja — Grade 10, Guard. A high-energy competitor who brings intensity and leadership to every aspect of this sport.
• Ayesha Khan — Grade 10, Forward. Has a unique ability to create for herself and finish from anywhere on the floor.

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Previous results

“We finished 4th in the Championship League.”

Expectations for this season

“The team has been working hard to get where we are today. This year, we are playing teams we haven’t competed against in years. No matter the outcome of games, we are confident that our team will compete with and leave an impact on anyone that comes our way.”

Bethlehem Stars

Head coach: Dominic Gursky

Players to watch

• Anne Besong — Grade 10, Forward. An up-and-coming star having already made her imprint on the team and city as a Grade 10. She has a unique combination of size and athleticism that makes her a threat on the wing and in the post. After high school, Anne has high aspirations to play post secondary basketball at the USPORT level.
• Annia Dimaguila — Grade 9, Guard. A strong ballhandler who has great court vision and looks to get her teammates involved whenever she can. She also plays with tenacity on the defensive end of the court.

Previous results

“Finished 8th in the city. Lost in a playoff game to Walter Murray.”

Expectations for this season

“Make a deep playoff run.”

Bishop Mahoney Saints

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Head coach: Keely Vickaryous

Players to watch

• AJ Milnthorp (Guard) and Rayna DeRosier (Forward). These Grade 12s have had consistently solid games for the Saints this season.
• Kim Leonie Hablitzel — Grade 10. This rookie has been improving in the paint each game out.
• Kathryn Loopkey — Grade 11. Rookie has added a stability at the guard position.

Previous results

“Finished 6th overall, eventually losing out in the quarter-final.”

Expectations for this season

“On any given night different players have stepped up for the Saints which makes them fun to watch this year. The Saints have had a great 4-0 start to the season and have had solid performances in tournaments in North Battleford and Humbolt. The team hopes to advance to the Premier League where by March they hope to improve upon last year’s finish and be in the mix for a good playoff position.”

Centennial Chargers

Head coach: Maddy Humbert

Players to watch

• Maya Haggerty — Grade 12, Guard. Dynamic point guard with the versatility to play and defend any position on the court. She is is able to push the ball in transition and create scoring opportunities for herself and others.
• Elyse Wagner — Grade 11, Post. An aggressive presence on both ends of the court, can be relied on to set great screens, finish through contact and rebound the ball.
• Paige Mirtle — Grade 11, Guard. A tenacious defender and a reliable scorer from anywhere on the court.

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Previous results

“Won quarter-final game. Semifinal was cancelled due to sanctions.”

Expectations for this season

“This is a group of hard-working athletes that are dedicated to improve. With a strong core of returning players and a group of impactful newcomers, the team showed significant progress in the first half of the season. They will have competitive games in the Premier League and hope to make Hoopla this year.”

E.D. Feehan Troys

Head coach: Aaliyah Spratt

Players to watch

• Jhanna Tuerca — Grade 12. Has been an outstanding leader for the team this season. She handles the ball with confidence and demonstrates leadership as she helps to run a well-rounded offence.
• Livy Page (Grade 11) and Izzy Bryksa (Grade 12). A force to face down low in the paint. Their rebounding and defence has been noteworthy.
• Sofiia Maiier — Grade 12. Has demonstrated exceptional speed and persistence on defence. Her coachability and motivation has been incredible for the team as a whole.

Previous results

“Lost in the Championship quarter-final.”

Expectations for this season

“Continue to develop fundamentals as a team and demonstrate a positive desire to compete at their highest ability.”

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Evan Hardy Souls

Head coach: Marissa Glanville

Players to watch

• Cameron Keays — Grade 12, Guard. A true leader off and on the court, she brings a fierce competitive spirit to every game, and is an essential playmaker for the Souls.
• Sloane Heath — Grade 12, Post. Known for her strength and determination under the basket. She dominates the boards with her rebounding ability and inspires her teammates with her positive attitude and energy, making her a key contributor to the team’s success.

Previous results

“Last season, the Evan Hardy senior girls battled hard but fell short in the Premier quarter-finals.”

Expectations for this season

“This year, with a young and determined team, we’re focused on growth and development. We have the opportunity to participate in four tournaments across Saskatchewan and look forward to many competitive matchups. With a positive, young, and energetic team we are excited for the 2024-2025 basketball season. Go Souls!”

Holy Cross Crusaders

Head coach: Janaya Brown

Players to watch

• Taylor Randall — Grade 12, Point Guard. A player to watch for a multitude of reasons. Her versatility makes her a formidable force on both ends of the court — whether it’s sinking shots, driving to the basket, defending, or racking up steals. However, it’s not just her athletic ability that sets her apart; it’s her unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and natural leadership. As a Grade 12 student, she not only excels individually but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the team, leading by example and inspiring her teammates for years to come.

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Previous results

“Second in cities.”

Expectations for this season

“To continue developing as a team.”

Mount Royal Mustangs

Head coach: Tyler Epp

Players to watch

• Navaira Imtiaz — Grade 11, Guard. Elite level quickness, Dynamic two-way player.
• Felicity Arthur Bediako — Grade 11, Guard/ Forward. Excellent all-around athlete, dynamic defender and rebounder.

Previous results

“0-8 in senior girls Championship League.”

Expectations for this season

“Continued improvement from the 2023/24 campaign. We have a young team and are excited for the future.”

Saskatoon Christian School Royals

Head coach: McKenna Bueckert

Players to watch

• Jerzie Kotelnikoff — Grade 12, Centre. Scores points inside, rebounding leader, strong defensively.
• Talia Seib — Grade 12, Shooting Guard. Can hit 3-pointers and steals leader.
• Erin Neinhuis — Grade 11, Power Forward. Aggressive, strong, gets majority of points.

Previous results

“Regionals.”

Expectations for this season

“Regionals or Hoopla.”

St. Joseph Guardians

Head coach: Tiegen Derksen

Players to watch

• Sienna Kellins — Grade 12, Guard. A strong leader on both ends of the floor, she is an excellent decision maker and a crafty scorer.
• Skylar Lalonde — Grade 12, Centre. A determined scorer who consistently expands her offensive skill set while relentlessly protecting the rim on defence.
• Micah Pritchard — Grade 12, Centre. A tenacious rebounder and strong screener, she makes excellent decisions with the basketball, particularly in the key.
• Viv LaBelle — Grade 11, Guard. A versatile two-way player, with the ability to score in various ways and a unyielding full-court defender.

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Previous results

“Top 5.”

Expectations for this season

“With many returning players, we are excited to build on last year’s momentum. Our goal is to improve each day, and we are hopeful to earn a spot at Hoopla.”

Tommy Douglas Tigers

Head coach: Riley Derksen

Players to watch

• Rosy Romero — Grade 11, Guard. Returning player who has strong ball handling and scoring capabilities.
• Salma Hashim — Grade 12, Guard. Returning player who is a good ball handler and shooter.
• Sydney Pyakutch — Grade 12, Forward. Returning player who is a great rebounder.

Previous results

“First place in league standings in the Championship League.”

Expectations for this season

“We expect to be competitive in the Championship League.”

Walter Murray Marauders

Head coach: Katie Farmer

Players to watch

• Ryan Deutscher — Grade 10, Guard. Strong returning player who leads on the court with her athleticism and skill.
• Juliette Smith — Grade 10, Guard. Great defender and one of the quickest people on the floor.
• Sydney Deibert — Grade 11, Guard. Strong Leader who has been on the team since Grade 9. Our team will look to her on and off the floor.

Previous results

“City champions.”

Expectations for this season

“Hoping to be city champs again!”

drice@postmedia.com

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