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Titans Shine at U17 Tournament

Published by Gilbert Muako on June 10, 2009

Titans Shine at U17 Tournament

Oshawa, Ontario-Last week, 52 teams in four division levels were in Oshawa, Ontario looking to claim the 08-09, under 17 OBA Championship. As usual, this Ontario basketball event was well organized as Kelly Lafontaine was the event supervisor (for this location) at the Division 1 main site. Lafontaine did a great job making sure everyone competed hard while showing respect for other players. There was a solid crowd soaking in the weekends’ action as the teams didn’t disappoint (neither did the standout talents on these teams). The home town team, Whitby Saints, who where ranked last place coming into this weekends events, shocked their opponents by making it to the bronze medal game but lost a 67-58 game to YAAACE. It was an intense championship game as the Brampton Warriors fought a tough battle but lost to the talented Advantage Titans’ team. The final score was 77-66 for the Titans. Brian Rouse finished with 23pts for the Warriors. Kurtis Ethier had 23pts and Ranier Croft added 20 for the Titans.

STANDOUTS
All these student athletes are listed as the 2011 class due to ontario’s 5th year elegibility and also some of the players are rumoured to be attending prep schools in the states this September, where they would have to perform as juniors all over again.

Kurtis Ethier bringing up the ball--Photo Credit: Big Shot Images

Kurtis Ethier-6’1″-PG (2011)- Advantage Titans
kurtis Ethier is not the explosive, speedy-type of point guard but he is extremely quick with the ball. Kurtis has great reaction when defenders reach for the steal. He amazed the crowd as he left defenders frozen with his slick moves as he often uses the in-between the leg crossover when creating. Ethier is good both in the open and the half court set; he hits the open man with smooth and crisp passes in either situation. Kurtis is an excellent shooter behind the arc and is fundamentally sound. Before starting a move, he’ll use the fake pass or pump fake to keep defenders off ballance, then drives to the mid-range area for a jump shot. He’s a decent defender although he sometimes settles for the behind the back poke when beaten. Ethier is a talented player you will definitely hear more of in the near future.

Kevin Thomas-6’8″-SF/PF (2011)- Advantage Titans
Thomas is an incredibly talented lefty with a long, wiry frame. He’s capable of grabbing a rebound and pushing the ball coast-to-coast on a fast break. Thomas can drain the mid-range shot or even extend to the 3-point line which will be lethal if he becomes consistent with it. On the defensive end, Thomas’ speed, quickness, and long arms gives him the versatility to guard 1-4 positions. It’s evident that he will need to add some weight for strength around the basket but he really should increase his aggression in the game as he can look passive at times. Overall Thomas has great potential.

Theon Reefer doing damage at U17 Tournament--Photo Credit: Big Shot Images

Theon Reefer-6’5″-SF (2011)- Advantage Titans
Reefer is super-athletic, has tremendous speed, and excellent leaping ability. He excels at running the fast break and finishing with thunderous dunks. Reefer has made improvement on dribbling and shooting and looks a bit more comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter now than he did three months ago. He plays with a lot of energy and is aggressive on both the offensive and defensive boards. With an improving perimeter game to go with his athleticism, Reefer could become a top notch talent.

Stefan Nastic-6’11″-C (2011)- Toronto Five-O
This center has good basketball IQ and a great feel for the game. He can rebound, lead the break and make good decisions. Nastic is a very unselfish player as he’ll give it up to the open man when double teamed in the post. Stefan also runs the floor well, has good foot movement, and a soft touch around the basket. He’s a decent shot blocker as he usually stands taller than his opponents, but he should learn to use his height advantage to his benefit more as a threat and show more agression and hunger throughout the course of a game.

Quinn Henderson-6’3″-SG (2011)- U-Play Basketball
Henderson plays with a high amount of energy and is a great competitor. He is a deadly outside shooter and he lives and dies by it. Henderson stays on the arc and, when heated, he’ll drain shot after shot after shot. He’s the perfect guy for players who like to drive in, soak in the defence, and kick out to or use in a zone defence as he has a high percentage chance of hitting that shot. Henderson struggles though when forced to put the ball on the floor especially when going left. He will be a good addition for college teams looking for an outside shooter.

Brian Rouse-6’3″-SG (2011)- Brampton Warriors #2
Rouse is a slasher with crafty moves and is able to score the ball from different angles while attacking the hoop. He attracts contact on penetrations and piles up his points at the free throw line. Rouse sometimes forces the issue and gets called for the offensive foul. He will be a much better player when he improves outside shooting as he is reluctant to shoot even when left completely open.

Kadar Marshall of YAACE driving the lane--Photo Credit: Big Shot Images

Kadar Marshall-6’2″-pg (2011)- YAAACE
A talented point guard with good speed and quickness. Marshall is a good passer and likes scoring in the mid-range area. He needs to improve his strength and 3-point shooting.

Honorouble Mentions

Rainier Croft-6’5″-PF (2011)- Advantage Titans
A big bodied forward that abuses his opponents on the inside. His shooting doesn’t look pretty but he finds a way to hit the short open jumper.

Courtney Dawkins-5’10″-PG (2011)- Advantage Titans
Dawkins is a true competitor, a tough on the ball defender, and runs the point guard position really well. Dawkins drives the lane and performs his floater but needs work on his shooting.

Stefan Cvrkalj-6’4″-SG (2011) Toronto Five-O
A solid shooting guard that has a well-rounded, fundamentally sound game. He can hit the three, has a good mid-range jumper, and attacks the basket well. On the defensive end of the floor, he is a solid defender. All around, a very good shooting guard with the basic fundamentals of the game down to a science.
Kadeem Thompson-5’10″-SG (2011) YAAACE
A lefy that can hit from behind the arc with his feet set and also takes it strong to the hole. An interesting aspect of his game is that he still manages to score although his mid-range game is non-existant; his shot selection alternates between shooting from behind the arc or taking it straight to the basket. Sometimes, however, this leads him to questionable shot selection on the court.

-CROWNscout-

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