The Goldring High Performance Centre was home to the 4th annual Bio Steel All-Canadian High School game. This game was comprised of the top 24 prospects throughout Canadian, including 4 NCAA Division I Commits: Luguentz Dort, Jonathan Kabongo, Daniel Sackey, and Noah Kirkwood. The game received national media coverage; as it headlined the #2 prospect in the 2018 class Luguentz Dort. Luguentz graced the audience with his presence and stellar play. It’s been no surprise that he was named the game’s MVP for the second time, leading all scores with a game-high 34 points. Next fall the Quebec native will attend Arizona State University where he will suit up for legendary Bobby Hurley Jr. Luguentz led Bio Steel Team White to a 147-131 victory.
Photo by: Benji Agebeke (@benji.agbeke)
“I remember watching Andrew when he was high school and I was really young... he was one of my favourite players and to watch him where he’s at now is real nice”
Team white dominated the hardwood all night, and at the forefront of their operation was Brock University's Coach Charles Kissi. Coach Kissi and his staff preached the importance of playing together to his squad. Team White attributes their success to their teammates and their willingness to share the ball. What made this so organic and unique was the ability for each player to recognized the advantage that they've imposed with being unselfish on the offensive end. It's very rare to witness something like this especially in an all-star game, to have the whole starting line up in double figures is great, but to have 7 out-of- 10 players' score in double figures is a reflection of their coaches! I like to witness different players utilizing their skills and creativity to contribute to the team success, and I strongly believe that Team White illustrated that on Monday night.
Photo by: Benji Agebeke (@benji.agbeke)
“We’re going to continue to develop Canadian talent going forward, and we got to continue to work together to add value”
Quebec native Quincy Guerrier led Team Red with 19 points on 8/10 shooting. His supporting efforts weren’t enough to close the gap for Team Red. Quincy also received MVP honors joining 2-time MVP Luguentz Dort; He will be a player to keep an eye out for in the near future. Three starters finished in double figures for Team Red, one sole contributor being Daniel Sackey. Daniel has a unique story that he shared this weekend, he comes from Manitoba and has a lot to prove to the naysayers. On Sunday night he was name the Bio Steel Dunk off Champion, which he used to propel him into the game Monday night where he poured in 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in 20 minutes of play. It was great to see him utilize this platform to showcase what he’s all about, not to mention developing newfound notoriety on the hardwood. Ultimately, the determining factor is this game was the cohesive effort of Team White; they were connecting on all cylinders, which provide a widening gap in the 2nd half of play. This birthed new life for Coach Kissi and his squad.
Photo by: Benji Agebeke (@benji.agbeke)
“It’s honestly a blessing to be able to win this award, it’s just a great feeling!”
The future for Canada Basketball is definitely heading in the right direction, with the emergence of its national programs we can begin to witness the dawn of a new age. Over the years Canada hasn’t been recognized as a dominant force in international play, but because of the development of it's top prospects, this has left a profound imprint on the culture of Canadian Basketball. It's a defining moment for the country as a whole and its great to see the endowment of Canada Basketball, and it will continue to leave it lasting legacy for many years to come. These crops of prospects are solely the future for our generation and shall continue to flourish at the next level, whether it's in their homeland or across the boarder. History shall repeat itself.
“Canada Basketball has been developing over the years and still scratching the surface in terms of the potential for their programs.”
Photo by: Benji Agebeke (@benji.agbeke)
Event: Bio Steel All-Canadian Classic
Special Thanks: Canada Basketball, Bio-Steel All-Canadian, Benji Agbeke (@benji Agbeke)