Grassroots Canada Wins The adidas Super 64 Showcase Event

Grassroots Canada has accomplished something that no other AAU team from Canada has done; and that is to win one of the major AAU showcase events in the USA.  Grassroots Canada, comprised of mainly GTA born players, won the adidas Super 64 showcase event in Las Vegas by defeating the Compton Magic 88-79 in double overtime.  Jason Calliste, who attended Pope John Paul II in Scarborough, and now attends Mount Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina, scored a game-high 29 points.  Junior Cadougan scored 22 points, and tournament MVP Tristan Thompson finished with 19 points.  This event has received major media coverage across the USA and several major sporting sites have written articles about this event showcasing our GTA athletes and shining the spotlight on Canadian basketball.  [More articles]. 

The team picture and Tristan Thompson receiving his MVP award are courtesy of adidas Super 64.

"This is the biggest win for Canadian basketball in amateur history - A major tournament, with all the top-ranked teams," Russell said. "It's huge for our program, for our country. People were saying Canada is still behind and we're not as developed as the Americans. With the U.S. pounding us last night in the exhibition game, we're starting from young, to get our guys experience of Americanized basketball, so when these guys get to that level, we're not going to let that happen."

CK Media presents, The 2008 Canadian Flight Games, which will feature Canadian high school players vs. Canadian high school players who play in the States.  This will be your last chance to see our graduating seniors before they head off to university, and to watch our Canadian players who play in the States.  The Flight Games event will also feature; Serve Em' Up Dance competition, King Of The Rim dunk competition, and several musical and dance performances.  Click here for more information and team rosters.  You will need Adobe Reader to view the flyer.   

Rob Gagliardi (NEDA) from Whitby, went 5-7 from the field, 5-9 from 3pt land, 8-8 from the line, 3 steals, 2 boards, and finished with 33 points.  Gagliardi and the Canadian team defeated Uruguay 76-56, and are now 2-0 at the FIBA Americas Under 18 tournament, and are one step closer to qualifying for the 2009 Under 19 World Championship held in New Zealand.  Mangisto Arop (NEDA), followed up game one's double-double with another double-double vs. Uruguay, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds.  Canada will play the host team Argentina on July 15th.

Tristan Thompson (former d'Youville HS, and now playing for St. Benedict's HS in New Jersey), posted a double-double with 19 points & 14 rebounds, to help Canada defeat Mexico 78-65 at the FIBA Americas Under 18 tournament held in Argentina.  Mangisto Arop from Alberta, also posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.  Other GTA players include Rob Gagliardi (NEDA) and Maurice Walker (Mother Teresa).  Canada faces Uruguay on July 15th. 

Picture of Tristan Thompson from the Scout.com.

Two of Canada's top young point guards, Junior Cadougan and Myck Kabongo, both stood out at the Rebook All-American Camp that was held at Philadelphia University from July 8-10.  The former Eastern Commerce guards, and current Grassroots AAU team members, both left Eastern Commerce to play high school basketball in the States.  Cadougan who recently made a verbal commitment to Marquette, attends Christian Life Center Academy in Texas.  Kabongo plays for powerhouse St. Benedict's in New Jersey.  

From ESPN:

Point guard Junior Cadougan (6'0, 190) from Toronto, Ontario, (Committed Marquette) is as good as advertised. He was terrific at getting to the rim off high ball screens and finishing through contact. Also, he showed the ability to read the defense by making the right decision whether that is shooting the jumper if his defender goes under the screen or finding the open man when his penetration is cut off. Cadougan is excellent at being the coach on the floor as he directs his teammates constantly. He is faster with the ball than without and escapes defenders in transition for layups. Has a good midrange game but must be a more consistent 3-point shooter -- although he is accurate enough to always keep the defense honest. He needs to improve his conditioning -- he looked a little heavy. Cadougan has battled a foot injury that noticeably slowed him from being as explosive with the ball during Tuesday's games. That being said, he was still very impressive.  Picture from Andrew Shurtleff for ESPN.com

Myck Kabongo, PG (6-0, 165)
2011, Toronto/St. Benedict's (N.J.)

Kabongo understands time and score situations well for a young player and is great at making a scoring play after the original play breaks down. He will be great at end of clock situations in college. On defense Kabongo was one of the few players I saw get into a stance. He puts excellent pressure on the ball and has great anticipation on or off the ball. Kabongo is rail thin and must get stronger to deal with physical guards.

Congratulations to all the GTA League & Runner-up champions.

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Advantage Basketball Camps

Jane and Finch Tournament

Planning on playing NCAA basketball.  Roy Rana has put together an Academic Checklist.

Recent NCAA Signings:

William Caesar (Milliken Mills) to Temple, Justin Dennis (Mother Teresa) to Cal. St. Bakersfield, Takima Keane (NEDA) to Cleveland State.  More NCAA Signings.

National Women's Team:

Tamara and Alisha Tatham (former Chinguacousy HS) will suit up for the women's National team this summer.  Vanessa Kabongo (former Eastern Commerce HS) will play on the Development team.

Pickering Trojans

4A OFSAA Champs

Eastern Commerce Saints

3A OFSAA Champs