I watched alot of ball last season (juniors and seniors), so I thought I'll start up a little preseason Top 10, JUST FOR FUN.
I'm no expert, just an observer. So if you disagree please join the discussion and state your own Top 10 or your opinions. I also asked alot of questions, so if you have answers please share them.
It looks like alot of transfers to the U.S.A. this season, so I hope to see alot of young players in Grades 10 and 11 doing damage at the senior level. All those strong junior teams from last year, could move up and have strong senior teams.
As usual all the elite ball programs will have strong teams and coaching. So the Top 5 should be no surprise.
Teams to watch -
Emery, Martingrove, JC Richardson, Campion, Xavier, Dunbarton, Martingrove, George Harvey, BCSS, Sandalwood, Vaughn Road, Northern, Milliken, Loyola, St. Michaels, CW Jefferys, Newtonbrook, St Teresa, West Hill, Pine Ridge, Goetz, Runneymede, Ascension...any more I forgot?
TOP 10
10. Laurier - Is Daniel Mullings returning? He could be the difernce-maker. I know this school beat a stacked West Hill team Twice last season. If Mulings returns they should be able to control the East (West Hill lost their big 3 players and their coach). Could have a solid season, I don't know who will challenge them in the East.
9. Pope John paul- Very good junior team moving up to seniors to join guard/forward Negus Webster Chan. Many of those juniors play rep on the same Scarborough Blues team, so they have that chemistry going. They should have a good season.
8. Notre Dame Ajax - Similar to Pope, another solid junior team moving up to Seniors including sharp-shooting guard Dane Williams and 6`6 forward Musa. Last year they had the most stacked junior team I've seen in awhile, so we'll see how those same players do at the senior level.
7. Oakwood - A few Oakwood players were on team Ontario U15 including Isiah Watkins and shooter Filip Music. Will they move up to seniors to join Team Ontario U17 guard Julian Clarke? Had a tough end to last season, so they should be looking to bounce back.
6. D'Youville - I admit I don't know too much about the PEEL teams so I'm not sure who will be the Top-dog. D'Youville, Goetz, Campion, Xavier,Sandalwood, BCSS? Any ideas? D'Youville has a solid program and they been in the Top 10 all last season, so I'll put them here at #6. But I do need some input to help rank the PEEL schools.
5. Vaughn - They lost guard Josh Collings to University but their junior team is stacked every year. Grade 10's like guards Henry Tan, Djinyl Walker and Troy Knight could move up to seniors and play immediately. Lets all hope we get to see 6'5 wing Andrew Wiggins play at least one high-school season in Toronto, hes been ready to play seniors for awhile. You'll be seeing all kind of NCAA scouts at GTA tournaments to see this young baller if he stays.
4. Eastern Commerce - Lose Coach Roy Rana to Ryerson University, but Coaches Jefferes and Bullen should be able to handle this elite program just fine. However there are Big question marks on this roster. Loss of Alwayne to Northwestern University, Marvin Binney to prep (or juco?), Jerome Brown also to the U.S., Wayne Bridge to graduation. Who's really left? I assume they have talent coming up from juniors. Regardless I just can't see this school dropping out of the Top 5 so we leave them here for now.
3. Mother Teresa - Serious losses of Big Mo Walker and PG Ashton Khan to prep schools in the States. But Coach Gallager should have his remaining seniors, including U17 Team Ontario forward Jon Alexander ready (he has those crazy hops). Ritchie could be ready to show what he can do with more minutes this yer. This school always play hungry and aggressive. Just like ND and Pope, another strong junior program could send a few Grade 10s and 11s up to seniors ready to play immediatly.
2. Pickering - This school year after year has the depth to run with any team in the province. Is Troy Joseph returning? How about 6'8 forward Kevin Thomas?Because he could have a huge season if hes back. 6'6 Grade 10 wing/forward Mikyle Mcntosh is the Real-deal. He should move up to seniors so keep an eye him. This school will definitely make alot of noise as usual. But be careful to follow all the rules this year Pickering, OFSAA will be watching.
1. Henry Carr - They'll miss PG Josh Ogden but Coach Melniks squad still has plenty of athleticism, talent and depth. The grade 10 junior team went Undefeated last season. That means their young guns will bring guts and team chemistry up from juniors. Speedy guard Shaqiulle Woodcock and should be ready to play right away. Is Theon Reefer returning? Can FHC dethrone Mother Teresa in the TDCAA? Maybe, Maybe not...Thats why we play the games.