HooptownGTA - Top Ten Teams

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HooptownGTA's 2007-2008 Pre-Season Super 16

(Released November 7, 2007)

#1 Pickering Trojans

The #1 pick on everyone's list....and why not! They return three starters, that include Devoe & Corey Joseph who both played on the Junior National team this past summer. They also gained two outstanding players, Jeuvol Myles & Dwayne Smith, who also played on the Junior National team in 2006. The combination of Devoe Joesph, Cory Joseph, and Jeuvol Myles could possibly be the best back-court in the history of Canadian high school basketball. New head coach Jim Barclay will have some big shoes to fill with legendary head coach Ron Parfitt retiring and assistant coach Chris Smalling moving onto Centennial College. Ron Parfitt left the high school basketball scene on top, winning an OFSAA gold medal last season.

Pickering Trojans - Durham Region
2006-2007 season ending games: 4A OFSAA Gold by defeating Eastern Commerce.
Coaches: Jim Barclay, David Joseph, Mike Gordensky
Returning starters:

Devoe Joseph, Gr.12, 6'2" SG (picture on left)

Cory Joseph, Gr.11, 6'2" PG (picture in middle)

Justin Wiltshire, Gr.12, 6'5" F

Others returning: Jonathan Tull, Clayon Bennett, Jedohn McPherson, Ricardo Chueng

Top newcomers: Dwayne Smith 6'6" (picture on right), F, Jeuvol Myles 6', PG, Jameel Williamson, Liban Hassan

Key losses: Haruona Mutombo (Western Carolina University), Brandon Thomas-James (Lethbridge), Sephton Spence (Lethbridge)

#2 Eastern Commerce Saints

The Saints went marching back into familiar territory last season by medaling at 4A OFSAA, after not even qualifying for OFSAA in 2006. This year's squad is headed by Junior National team member, point guard Keaton Cole who recently committed to Western Carolina. They also have star players; Tyler Murray (committed to Wagner), Alex Hill (committed to Cornell), and highly recruited Alwayne Bigby who also played on the Junior National team. Like #1 Pickering, the Saints will also have to go through head coaching changes. Roy Rana, who won 4 straight gold medals and a silver medal at 4A OFSAA, has retired from high school basketball to concentrate on his new position as Director of Basketball Development with Basketball Ontario. Last year's assistants Kevin Jeffers & Trevor Bullen will take over the coaching duties in 2007.

Eastern Commerce Saints - Toronto South

2006-2007 season ending games: 4A OFSAA silver medalist losing to Pickering. Toronto South Champs by defeating Oakwood.

Coaches: Kevin Jeffers and Trevor Bullen

Starters returning:

Keaton Cole, 5'9", PG (picture on left)

Alwayne Bigby, 6'5", G/F (picture on right)

Tyler Murray, 6'4", G

Others returning:

JP Kambola, 6'9", C

Alex Hill, 6'4", G

Marvin Binney, 6'1", PG

Wayne Bridge, 6'3", G

Kendall Campbell, 6'0", G

Top newcomers:

Jerome Brown, 6'3" G/F (transfer/Central Tech)

Matthieu Johnson, 6'0", G

Brandon Sam-Hinton, 6'0", G

Key players lost: Chretien Lukusa (Binghamton), James Clark (Concordia), Nick Cooke (RMC), Juleous Grant (John Innes Prep), Adrian Tomlinson (West Hill)

#3 Mother Teresa Titans

Two seasons ago Mother Teresa won an OFSAA gold medal and it looks like they will be back in the hunt again to capture another gold. Four starters are back including 6'9" Maurice Walker a Junior National team member.

Mother Teresa Titans - TDCAA
2006-2007 record: 30-11

2006-2007 season ending games: Lost second round game at 4A OFSAA to St. Thomas More (Hamilton). Lost to Henry Carr in the TDCAA finals.
Coaches: Richard Gallacher and Renval Gonsalves
Starters returning:

Ashton Khan, Gr.11, 6'1" PG (picture on left)

Akeem Isaac, Gr.11, 6'1" PG

Romane Lawrence, Gr.12, 6'1", Off Guard

Maurice Walker, Gr.11, 6'9", Forward (picture on right)

Others returning:

Onnex Blackwood, Gr.12, 6'2", Off guard

Norbert Torres, Gr.12, 6'5", Forward

Top newcomers: Ancil Martin Gr.11, 6'4", Wing

Ryan Augustine, Gr.11, 6'2", Off guard

Jermaine Lightbody, Gr.11, 6'4", Forward

Kadeem Knott, Gr.11, 5'10", PG

Key players lost: Ryan Walker, Gael Kanza, Alex Mallari

#4 Henry Carr Crusaders

Normally you wouldn't expect to see a team that has lost four starters from last year's OFSAA bronze medal team, be ranked so high. However, this year's squad returns some veteran leadership, newcomer Tramar Sutherland, and a superb Junior class that includes; PG Josh Ogden, SG Justin Bakuteka, SF Nathaniel Elliott and SF Jahmal Grennan. Senior PG Rodel Grenaway is the only starter back, but has the leadership skills to mold this team into form. Coach Melnik had a 4th place finish at 4A OFSAA in 2006, and a bronze medal in 2007. Could this be the season where he captures the gold?!

Henry Carr Crusaders - TDCAA

2006-2007 record: 47-3
2006-2007 season ending games: Won the TDCAA Championship by defeating Mother Teresa. Lost in the OFSAA 4A semi-finals 58-57 to the 4A OFSAA champs Pickering; defeated Sir John A. McDonald for the Bronze Medal.

Coaches: Paul Melnik, John Petrushchak, Mike Falloon, Devon Thompson

Starters returning: Rodel Grenaway, Gr.12r, 6'1", PG (picture on right)

Others returning:

Daniel Falloon, Gr.12r, 6', PG

Sean Giscombe, Gr.12, 6'2", SG

Antwon Allwood, Gr.12, 6'2", SG;

Tristan Watson, 6'4", SF

Top newcomers:

Josh Ogden, Gr.11, 5'10", PG

Samuel Ampong, Gr.12r, 5'9", SG

Chris Muir, Gr.12r, 6'6", PF

Mark Gibson, Gr.12r, 6'5", SF/PF

Tramar Sutherland, Gr.12r, 6'3", SG/SF (picture on left)

Key players lost: Yonas Berhe, Dominique Brown, Ricky Dunkley, Amen Osayande, and Curtis Trotter

#5 Father Goetz Gators

The Gators return four starters from last year's Peel championship team. David Tyndale & Andrew Nicholson might be the best inside-out combination in Peel, and Andrew Nicholson might be the best big man in the GTA.

Father Goetz Gators - Peel Central
2006-2007 record: 38-4
2006-2007 season ending games: Won league title by defeating d'Youville. Lost in quarter-final of 4A OFSAA to Sir John A. MacDonald.
Coaches: Ray Kulig and Amir Morgan
Starters returning:

David Tyndale, Gr.12, 5'10", PG
Andrew Nicholson, Gr.12, 6'10", C

Robert Hanson, Gr.12, 6'1", F

Cory Cooper, Gr.12, 6'1",G

Others returning:

Allan Anderson, Gr.12, 5'10", G
Joseph Tubbs, Gr.12, 6'4", F
Karim Khalil, Gr.12, 6'3", F

Top newcomers:

Mike Murray, Gr.12, 6'4", C/F

Cory Collingwood, Gr.12, 5'10", G
Ulysses Mendoza, Gr.11, 5'8", G

Key players lost: Rieko Ruach, Henoc Muamba

#6 Campion Bears

Campion Bears - Peel Central

2006-2007 record: 25-10

2006-2007 season ending games: Lost to Father Goetz 64-62 in quarter-finals of Peel.

Coaches: Greg Spagnoli and Danney Hamilton

Starters returning:

Kareem Malcolm, Gr.12r, 6'O", PG
Brandon Ennis, Gr.12r, 6'3", F
Ante Cosic, Gr.12r, 6'6", F
Josh Lewin, Gr.12r, 5'10", PG
Shane Felix, Gr.12, 5'7", G

Others returning:

Jeffrey Kwayke, 13, 5'7, G
Lawrence Adjei-Okyere, 12, 6'3"

Top newcomers:

Byron Trench, Gr.12, 6'7", C
Jayden McDonald, Gr.11, 5'8", PG
Jordan Clennon, Gr.11, 5'7", G
Tychon Carter, Gr.11, 6'1", F
Martelle Francis, Gr.12, 6'0", F

Key players lost: Grandy Glaze (grade 10 prep school in Maryland)

#7 Oakwood Barons

The Barons won the silver medal last season in the tough Toronto South division. It looks like this year's team should start to make a move back to the upper rankings of the GTA. They return three starters and a great crop of Junior players that won the Toronto South last season.

Oakwood Barons - Toronto South
2006-2007 record: 23-10
2006-2007 season ending games: Silver Medal in the South Region. Lost to Emery in the 4a Qualifiers.

Coaches: A. Miller, D. Taylor, B. Samsa, and N. Clarke

Starters returning:

Daniel Allan, Gr.12, Forward, 6’4"

Kenneth Buchanan, Gr.12, Point Guard, 6’1"

Jamie Asefa, Gr.11, Forward, 6’4"

Others returning:

Jonathan Reynolds, Gr.12, Guard, 6'

Bruno Silvestrin, Gr.12, Forward, 6’5"

Evon Dore-Jones, Gr.12, Guard, 5’10"

Top newcomer's:

Julian Clarke, Gr.10, Point Guard, 6’2"

Micheal Ranger, Gr.11, Forward, 6’3"
Jermaine Bernard, Gr.11, Point Guard, 6’

Tevin Manherz-Dennis, Gr.11, Forward, 6’3"

Kevin Achamapong, Gr.11, Guard, 6’

Hakim Shak-adan, Gr.11, Guard, 6’

Shavaugh James, Gr.12, Forward, 6’3

Key players lost: Lynden Drayton-Barron and Antonio Blass.

#8 West Hill Warriors

West Hill Warriors - Toronto East

2006-2007 season ending games: Toronto East champs. Lost in to Eastern Commerce and Emery in the 4A OFSAA Qualifiers.

Coaches: Wayne Dawkins

Starters returning: Dane Smith, Shae Shephard, Sean Monplaisir, Taylor Johnston

Others returning: Jordan Stirling, Calamar Morgan, Ashton Smith

Top newcomers: Alex Arthur (Sacred Heart), Adrian Tomlinson

Key players lost: Kyle Johnson (Univ. Long Island)

#9 d'Youville Panthers

Even though they do not return any starters, this year's young talented team will still make a lot of noise. Strong Juniors moving up.

d'Youville Panthers - Peel North
2006-2007 record: 34-9
2006-2007 season ending games: Lost 2nd round OFSAA to Henry Carr 50-49
Coaches: Carlo Zoffranieri & Rob Buchanan
Starters returning: None
Others returning:

Warren Ward 6'6" F

Kemeish Edwards 6'3" G

Akeem Gardner 6'5" F

Kamran Alvi 5'10" PG

Denis Oppong 6'3" G

Jose Garcia 5'8" G

Top newcomers: Darryl Hall, RJ Stephens, Jabs Newby, Manny Sahota, Peter Boateng, Jamal Newman, Rainier Croft
Key players lost: Yunell Clayton (Bishops - Football), Tony Duran (Fleming College - Basketball) Jeffrey Asirifi & Gibson Eduful (Humber College - JV Basketball), Tristan Thompson (St. Benedict's Prep)

#10 Emery Eagles

You can always expect a Coach Maydo team to play hard nose, tough defence, and this year will be no exception. Jerome Guthrie is one of the top players in the GTA, and can score from anywhere on the court. With the help of Kadeem Francis and a very talented group of Juniors, Emery will once again win the Toronto North and compete for a berth to go to OFSAA.

Emery Eagles - Toronto North
2006-2007 Record:
2006-2007 Season Ending Games: Lost in overtime in 4A OFSAA quarter-final game to Eastern Commerce. Lost in City finals to Eastern Commerce. Won Toronto North Region.
Coaches: Bob Maydo & Justin Antonio

Starters returning:

Jerome Guthrie, Gr.12, 6'2" (picture on left)

Kadeem Francis Grade 12 6'1" (picture on right)

Others returning:

Keigel Campbell, Gr.12, 6’1”

Dwyane Brown, Gr.12, 5’11”
Deneil Williams, Gr.12, 6’1”

Top newcomers:

Anthoney Ottley, Gr.11, 6’4”

Michael Obeng, Gr.11, 5’8”
Kadeem Clarke, Gr.11, 6’1”
Nathan Wright, Gr.11, 5’10”
Malcolm Mensah, Gr.11, 6’4”

Key players lost: Jason Blackwood, Carlylye Francis, Dane Baugh

#11 Ascension Eagles

This is a scary team at #11 and could/should be in the Top 10. This year's squad will have 10 Gr.12r players on its roster. The Eagles also bring in top newcomers Vik Sehgal (trans from d'Youville) and Tristan Barrett (trans from St. Thomas Aquinas). The Peel playoffs will be the most competitive playoffs in the Province, competing only with the City of Toronto.

Ascension Eagles - Peel North
Coaches: Frank Muia and Terry Kalino
2006-2007 record: 23-6
Season ending: Lost Peel Semi-finals to Father Goetz in OT

Starters returning:

Andre Dicks, Guard, Gr.12r, 5'6"
David Basiw, Guard, Gr.12r, 5'11"

Mats Moy, Centre, Gr.12r, 6' 4"
Dorel Sutherland, Forward, Gr.12r, 6'3"

Others returning:

Chris Boreland, Guard, Gr.12r, 5'6"

Kareem Ellis, Guard, Gr.12r, 6'0"
Jamaal Foster, Forward, Gr.12, 6' 2"
Indebir Gill, Forward, Gr.12r, 6' 3"
Randy Smith, Forward, Gr.12r, 6'2"
Joseph Turner, Guard, Gr.12r, 5'10"

Top newcomers:

Vik Sehgal, Guard, Gr.12, 5'10" (d'Youville)

Tristan Barrett, Forward, Gr.12, 5'11' (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Calvin Chevannes, Forward, Gr.12, 6'0" (TL Kennedy)

Key players lost: Freddy Appiah-Appiah and Jamie Glasgow

#12 Martingrove Bears

Martingrove Bears - Toronto West
Coaches: Shawn Gray
Returning players:

Matthew Wright, 6'0", PG, Gr.11
Daine Clarke, 5'10", G, Gr.12
Michael Acheampong, 6'2", G, Gr.12
Colin MacLeod, 6'6", C, Gr.11
Stevan Manojlovic, 6'4", F, Gr.11

Others returning:

Mohamed Osman, 6'5", C, Gr.12

Ilyas Duale, 6'0, Gr.12

Top newcomers:

Troy Mcdonald, 6'3", PF, Gr.11
JJ Williams, 5'10", PG, Gr.11
Aman Dhillon, 6'2" SF, Gr.11
Kwame Obeng, 6'0, G, Gr.12

Key players lost: Evans Otchere (H.B.Beal Secondary )

#13 Northern Red Knights

Northern will have 7 players above 6'4". They will be led by point guard Michael Farine and shooting guard Nemanja Mitrovic who has committed to Univ. of Portland. This team might start off slow due to a number of athletes still playing on the undefeated Northern football team. This team will be in the hunt in the tough Toronto South division.

Northern Red Knights - Toronto South
2006-2007 record: 20-12
2006-2007 season ending games: Lost to Eastern Commerce in Toronto South semi-final.
Coaches: Ehoud Farine

Starters returning:

Michael Farine, Gr.12r, 6'1", PG

Elliot Beutel, Gr.12r, 6'5", forward

Nemanja Mitrovic, Gr.12, 6'5", SG

Daniel Silverstein, Gr.12, 6'5", forward (picture right)

Others returning:

Jamal Mullins, Gr.12r, 5'10", guard

Jeff Aylen, Gr.12, 5'10"

Aaron Rusciolelli, Gr.12, 6'3", guard

Gordon Roedger, Gr.12r, 6'5", forward

Top newcomers: Rob McCulloch, Gr.12r, 6'5' forward; Michael Livingston Gr.12, 6"4", forward; Peter Forte Gr.11, 6'2", guard
Key players lost: Yannick Walcott, Andrew Day, Scott McDonald, Jehu Telfair

#14 Silverthorn Spartans

Silverthorn Spartans - Toronto West
2006-2007 record: 28-15
2006-2007 season ending games: Lost to Jeffreys at the buzzer in 3A semi-final qualifier.
Coaches: Jonathan Smith, Brian Huntley, Art Rutledge
Starters returning:

Filip Subotic, Gr.12, 5"11" guard

Jonathan Pierre, Gr.12, 6"2" guard

Emmanuel Otchere, Gr.12, 5"11" guard

Others returning: Justin Topp, Aleksej Djolkic, Eric Donatelli, Igor Kororlija, Mark Mariano, Rafi Sultani
Top newcomers: Fedja Kuljanin, Joel Goss, Jon Goss, Daniel Pinnock, Ibrahim Elmi
Key players lost: Borko Brusin, Khaled Deeb, Jamie Goss, Khaleel Siddiqui

#15 Central Commerce

Return a lot of players from last year's squad that came second in the regular season in Toronto South.

Central Commerce - Toronto South

2006-2007 record: 22-4

2006-2007 season ending games: Lost to Oakwood in the semi's in Toronto South playoffs. Lost to Runnymede in 2A OFSAA qualifier

Coaches: Larry Laughlin

Returning players: Darnell Walters 6', Gamachu Ibrahim 6'3", Abdi Mohammed 6'6, Jamal Paisley 6'1", Patrick Kalala 6'
Key players lost: Petey Antunes (John Innes Prep) and Billy Kabongo

#16 Pine Ridge Pumas

This the most talented group of players that Coach Nekkers has had in his last 7 years coaching at Pine Ridge. Top scorer Kurt Alexander will lead this team. Coach Craig Andrews joins the coaching staff. Coach Andrews won OFSAA with O'Neill (Oshawa) in 1992, and his shooting guard happened to be current Pine Ridge head coach Cameron Nekkers. Could the two work their magic again and upset league rival #1 Pickering!

Pine Ridge Pumas - Durham Region

2006-2007 record: 28-4
Coaches: Cameron Nekkers, Jason McKenzie, Brian Natola, Craig Andrews, Clayton Conway

Starters returning:

Kurt Alexander, Gr.12, point guard, 5'10" (picture right)
R.J. Allen, Gr.12, wing player, 6'4"
Jermaine Duke, Gr.12, forward, 6'5"

Others returning:

Janoi Wright, Gr.12 point Guard, 5'9"
Dan Coelo, Gr.12, forward, 6'3"
Triston Traverse, Gr.12, guard, 6'

Top newcomers:

Isaha Swaby, Gr.11, wing player, 6'3"
Cee Jay Williams, Gr.11, guard, 6'1"
Dimitri Sanderson, Gr.12, forward, 6'4"

Key players lost: Jordan Webb

Other teams to watch:

Assumption (Burl): Four starters are back with some key additions

Jeffery's:

Newtonbrook:

Runnymede: Returning most of their players including four starters; Galen Enlow, Ross Smith, Tafarie Wilmot, and Jameel Campbell. Lost Tramar Sutherland to Henry Carr. This team should make it into the Top 16 throughout the season, and will be competing for the Toronto West championships.

Sacred Heart: Even though they lost Dan Bannister, Malcolm Ramsey, and Alex Arthur... they still return Scott Laws, Ben Garvin, and Lucas Rooney. Will be battling for the York championships.

Thornlea: Malcolm Ramsay will lead this team and have them in the hunt for a York Region championship.

Vaughan: One of the top favorites in York with four returning starters; Mitchell Wiggins, Nick Wiggins, Josh Collins, and Kareem Frederick.

I will like to thanks all the coaches and my other sources for their contributions in helping with this list. I will also like to give special thanks to Barry Hayes from http://www.hooplife.ca/
Good luck to all the teams in the GTA.

Please email info@hooptowngta.com for any missing info., errors, or comments.