2024-2025 MHSAA AAAA Varsity Boys Top Ten

With the Manitoba Varsity Boys AAAA Final Four coming up on Thursday night, I thought it might be time to drop who I thought were my top ten varsity boys players for the 2024-2025 season. It has been a fun and interesting year with lots of competition and great games, even so far through the first couple games of provincials. Below are the players I have listed from 1-10, along with a few honourable mentions at the bottom.

1. Magnus Carlos | 12 | G | 6’3” | Vincent Massey Collegiate

Arguably the most complete player of this entire list, having the tools on both ends to affect the game. Carlos has always been a force going towards the rim, finishing through contact or stopping up for a pull-up jumper. What he’s added to his skillset this year is a consistent three ball. It allows him to be an even more dangerous weapon on offence. He’s also a great passer and will find pockets to give guys easy buckets, whether that’s drawing defenders on a drive, or in the pick and roll. On defence, he bothers ball handlers and will jump passing lanes for steals off-ball. He is a willing rebounder on defence, which will see him fill the box score by the end of games. Carlos has shown to be the clear cut number one player in the province this season, which is why he has earned the cover photo.

2. Settimo Yugu | 11 | F | 6’8” | Kildonan East Collegiate

Yugu is your prototypical modern forward/big. He’s athletic enough to run the floor, can put the ball on the floor against defenders, and has the ability to shoot the ball from deep. He does not mind punching in a dunk with defenders in the area, so be ready when he comes down the lane off a screen or as the screener. Yugu has the length to shoot over similar size defenders, finish over them in the paint off offensive boards and be a bother on defence. He can switch onto guards on the perimeter, jump passing lanes, and block shots on drives in typical big man duties. His versatility being able to play on the perimeter or in the paint has helped his Reivers to the number one spot in the power rankings and seed in provincials.

3. Jayden Westerlund | 12 | F | 6’6” | Vincent Massey Collegiate

Westerlund is the only player on this list currently committed to play at the next level, where he will take his talents to coach Mike Raimbault and the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. He did see a role change this year, playing more of the five for the Trojans, than his typical spot on the perimeter. This did not stop Westerlund from still providing a huge impact for his team. Showing off his terrific athleticism, a drop pass away from a thunderous finish in the half court or as a rim runner. When he did get the opportunity to show off his skills on the perimeter, Westerlund can shoot the ball from three well off catch and shoots, while also being able to put it on the floor and get to the cup. He did show flashes of creation as well at times which would complete his offensive game. Westerlund is a willing rebounder on both ends of the floor. Having that perimeter player background helps him on defence, being able to be a Swiss Army knife on that end. Very intrigued to see how his skills translate to the next level.

4. Terry Ogbeide | 10 | G/F | 6’5” | Kildonan East Collegiate

The first of two Grade 10’s on this list. Ogbeide had a strong summer with team Manitoba at 15U Nationals, being named an All-Canadian. It seems to have continued into the high school season, as he has only kept that roll going for Kildonan East. The forward is a crazy athlete who is dangerous in the open floor or getting downhill, especially with his right hand. He and Yugu create a scary pick and roll duo with their differing skillsets. Ogbeide has no real issue taking on some ball handling duties and the Reivers have their better possessions when he gets more touches. That athleticism he possesses also helps him be a plus defender on the other end, and be carful with cross court passes. He’s shown improvement as a shooter and will have tons of time to keep developing that part of his game. Ogbeide is also an underrated rebounder, willing to get in there and get the offence going off a miss. Untapped potential with tons of time for him to harness it.

5. Daven Sharma | 12 | G | 6’0” | Sisler High School

Sharma is regarded as the best pure scorer in the entire province and for good reason. He has all three levels covered and has been shown that respect from teams all season. Defences have had struggles trying to contain him and he’s seen many different looks to try and get him off his game. The struggle teams find trying to guard him is what are you content giving up? Sharma can get to the bucket and finish, will stop on a dime and pull up for a quick jumper, and has no problem shooting from deep. He can do all of this off the catch or with the dribble, straight up and down or off balance. All it really takes is one or two to drop and watch out, barrage incoming. He has a high motor that just has him rolling through punches and is a competitor on defence. Sharma is also an underrated rebounder for his size and has no trouble crashing the glass for boards. My underrated pick out of this bunch and someone to make an impact at the next level somewhere.

6. Daniel Rom | 10 | G | 6’2” | Dakota Collegiate

The second Grade 10 player on this list, and the second that’ll be in action in the final four at the University of Manitoba. Rom has really come into his own down the stretch of the season with big performances and draining huge shots for the Lancers. He is a sharpshooter first who has deep range and can get his shot off no problem against defenders. He can do so running off of screens or has shown signs of being able to create off the dribble. Rom has sneaky athleticism and can lift off and throw one down or simply finish through or around defenders at times. He is capable of getting hot on offence and has the ability to take over parts of games, quarters, or even halves. With that athleticism he is also a threat to jump passing lanes and head the other way for an easy two. Rom is a willing rebounder on both ends and crashes the glass. With his full emergence late in the season, he will be a key piece for the Lancers on Thursday night.

7. Paul Ogweno | 12 | G | 6’3” | College Jeanne Sauve

Ogweno has that jack of all trades skillset which helped the Olympiens into provincials. He is a good athlete who loves to play physical at both ends of the floor. He is fantastic getting downhill towards the bucket and finishing in multiple different ways. He has a solid mid range game that can’t go unnoticed, as well as a three ball that’s been better than expected. His ability to distribute the ball is underrated, as more than willing to make the right play. Ogweno can be the primary ball handler, or be off the ball and ready to make a play. He’s shown some good IQ when cutting off the ball for easy layups. On defence, he is a “right in your grill” defender that is trying to bother you, make you uncomfortable to make mistakes. He can pick your pocket cleanly or has the tendency to jump lanes. Overall, I have been a fan of his full court, two way game and curious to see what comes next for him.

8. Liam Jaro | 11 | G | 5’11” | Miles Macdonell Collegiate

Jaro is one of the best true point guards in the province, being able to create his own shot, while also being a very solid distributor. His biggest weapon is his parking lot range from deep, where he has no problem letting it fly if he’s left even slightly open. He draws so much attention from defenders that it opens up options for others. His vision is really good, being able to make the right pass with the right angle and get the ball to teammates for easy buckets. Ball pressure never seems too daunting to him, as his handle is very solid. Jaro is also a decent finisher at the rim, even at his size. He competes hard on both ends and will pick pockets from time to time and jumps lanes. Intrigued to see how his senior season goes for the Buckeyes, with still some headway to get better.

9. Noah Macalalad | 12 | G | 5’11” | Maples Collegiate

Another true point guard on this list that has had some big performances this season. Macalalad is a quick, twitchy guard that has range from three and good vision. His three ball is his calling card on offence, with deep range and a lightning fast release. He has no problem getting it up against defenders, or making a quick move to the bucket to pull up, or go all the way. Macalalad’s finishing is also good at the rim for someone his size, slithering around defenders to create angles with the glass. That quick release also translates to his ability to get up and go in transition with speed, while also having good abilities with the ball in his hands. His passing ability is also underrated, being able to find open teammates. That speed also helps him jump lanes for passes and be a plus defender. I have no doubt that with his skillset and shooting ability that Macalalad finds a home at the next level.

10. Joaquin Ong | 11 | G | 6’0” | St. Paul’s High School

Rounding out this list is a combo guard that has no problem filling up the basket on offence. Ong is a scoring guard who relies on his jumper to put points up. Great mid range game that he can get to no matter what and can shoot it from deep. He does a decent amount of his damage in transition, where he can use his speed to create for himself or others. He has speed is seen in his ability to get his jumper off, as well as that handle of his that helps him get open. Very good in the pick and roll as well, taking what comes to him, whether that be making the right pass or shooting himself. Ong has been on my radar for quite a while, and I’m interested to see if he climbs my list in his senior year next season.

Honourable Mentions

These weren’t the only players that made an impression this season, below are my picks for players that deserve some recognition for their overall play this season. Some had impressive senior years, and others are players I am hoping to see take that leap to an even greater level next season.

Binyi Li, 12, G, 6’0”, Oak Park High School

Keetan Itana, 12, G, 6’2”, Glenlawn Collegiate

Istvan Reid, 11, F, 6’9”, Grant Park High School

Naod Baliho, 11, G, 6’3”, J.H. Bruns Collegiate

Andrey Yamborko, 11, G/F, 6’4”, Maples Collegiate

Bruno Van Bewer, 11, G, 6’5”, College Jeanne Sauve

Even though I have dropped this top ten list, the season is not over just yet. On Thursday night, we will see the Kildonan East Reivers take on the Sisler Spartans at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, on the University of Manitoba campus. That one tips off at 6 p.m. central time. Following that game, the second Final Four matchup will take place between the Vincent Massey Trojans and the Dakota Lancers. That one goes at 8 p.m. central. The provincial final will be on Monday, March 24th at 8 p.m. central. All games will be streamed on LRSDTV, which is free on YouTube.