As we prepare for the high school sports season in Saskatchewan, which begins in mid-November, I would like to offer coaches and fans a preview of the players who are poised to make a significant impact in their final year. This preview will include assessments of their skills, the competitive level at which I believe they can excel, and any interest they have received from colleges or programs.
Last year's graduating class saw four players advance to USport, nine to the ACAC, and two to prep programs.
Please note for coaches: all of these players will be completing Grade 12 this year. However, most of them were born in 2007, making them eligible for a prep year, which is why they are designated as 2026 on their prospect cards.
Kian is a 6'6" shooting guard/small forward with exceptional skills. He possesses excellent ball-handling abilities and can shoot effectively from long range. Moreover, he is a high-motor athlete who finishes strongly around the rim and excels in rim protection. He had an impressive summer with Genesis in Calgary, AB, during the EYCL, which attracted significant interest from NCAA coaches.
Genesis founder and head coach Eddie Richardson informed us that 'Kian had a fantastic summer with our Genesis AAU program in the Nike Champions League (EYCL). His development was apparent when he first came to training camp, as he matured from his training with coach Sean Tyson and Greenwave United.
After our first Nike session, coaches started to notice Kian's ability to guard the one-to-four and his shot-making ability. He also had a few highlight plays that showcased his athleticism to the league.
Davin is a classic post player who excels in the paint. His 6'8" frame is hard to move, and he possesses a well-rounded game to match. He can effectively seal off opponents to execute his drop step, and he also has a solid jump shot. On the defensive end, he uses his size to great advantage, and his quick feet help him maintain his position.
While Davin is an elite prospect, he has informed me that he has several USport football offers and that is the direction he is looking to go, this may be our last chance to watch him on the basketball floor and he is worth the watch.
Faisal is a joy to watch play basketball; he has one of the best motors I have ever seen and seems to enjoy every moment on the court. The first thing that stands out about Faisal is his defense. Despite being just 6'2", he can guard all five positions, sometimes even within the same possession. There is no challenge he won't take on.
This summer, I had the opportunity to watch Faisal closely and evaluate his offensive game. When given the chance to be the lead guard, he flourishes and runs the team smoothly. Like his defense, he is unselfish and often makes the right play. However, if you leave him open, he will make you pay with his shooting ability, which extends well beyond the three-point line.
Faisal should be able to compete at the USport level next year and vie for minutes as a freshman. He has received interest from schools on both sides of the border.
Cher is an explosive 6'6" athlete who has demonstrated the ability to drive to the rim and finish strong. He draws fouls at a high rate and is a willing passer. Cher prefers to finish with his left hand but shoots with his right, showcasing a versatile skill set.
He is a solid defender, excelling not only at protecting the rim but also capable of guarding players on the perimeter. Cher thrives in transition and possesses a high motor, making him an intriguing prospect. He has received interest from USport programs and would be a valuable addition to the team that recruits him.
Moe is an athlete with a high basketball IQ. He can score from all three levels and has a strong understanding of the game. Throughout the summer, I have been impressed by his offensive skill set and his ability to read situations and respond accordingly. He is also an effective defender, getting into passing lanes and using his long reach to create disruptions.
Moe has attracted interest from several USport programs, and I believe he has the potential to compete for playing time early in his post-secondary career.
Mukungu is a tall and athletic wing player with impressive skills. He has demonstrated the ability to score from all three levels of the court and boasts a very nice shooting technique. Defensively, he can guard positions one through four and could potentially play in the paint with increased strength.
Mukungu would be a valuable addition to any USport team looking to develop a player with significant potential. He has already attracted interest from several USport programs.
Jesse is an exceptionally skilled 6'6" wing player. He has the ability to handle the ball, improve his teammates' performance, finish plays off the bounce, and shoot from long range. At times, he demonstrates effectiveness as a defender in the paint and is capable of rebounding well.
Jesse could be a strong long-term fit for a USport program looking to develop his talents, and he has garnered interest from several schools. If a CCAA program were to recruit him, he would be able to step in and play the 3 or 4 position immediately, providing valuable size to a team in need.
Tommy is a strong, athletic guard who can easily drive to the rim and finish strong. He is tenacious in getting into the paint, often drawing fouls against defenders. Additionally, he possesses a solid jump shot that keeps defenses honest. With all the skills necessary to compete at the next level, Tommy is an excellent addition for a team looking to strengthen their guard depth. He is a dedicated worker who competes fiercely and can make a significant impact on games.
Osaze has made significant strides in his game and is a prospect to watch this high school season. He spent his summer training with YXE Elite and UPrep from Vancouver. Unfortunately, he sustained an arm injury and was unable to compete in the summer league. Standing at 6'8", he presents an imposing defensive presence, and his elite athleticism enables him to block nearly every shot. He excels at finishing off the dribble and is effective from the high post.
Osaze would be an excellent addition to a USport program and has attracted interest from several schools on both sides of the border. He has the potential to make an immediate impact wherever he ends up, provided he continues to work hard.
Eston is an outstanding shooter, as demonstrated at the nationals this summer. He is physically well-prepared to take on the challenges of post-secondary basketball and is expected to excel as a defender at the next level. In addition to his shooting abilities, he is also a selfless passer, showing patience while waiting for ball reversals to create quality open shots.
Eston would be a valuable asset to any program in need of strong shooting, whether in U Sports or CCAA.
Nickolay is a talented player who demonstrated his impressive shooting skills this summer, achieving a high shooting percentage. This season, he will showcase his complete game as part of Walter Murray, my top team in Saskatchewan. He is expected to contribute by rebounding, guarding post players, and handling many of the tough tasks on the court.
Nickolay would be a great fit for any program in need of a forward who can stretch the floor. As he continues to develop his skills under Coach Hawley this season, I expect his reputation to grow, drawing serious interest from USport teams.
Honorable Mentions:
Demi Akinmoyero (6'5 WIng St Joseph Saskatoon, SK)
Raphael Ewejobi (6'5 Wing St Joseph Saskatoon, SK)
Chase Seaborn (6' Guard Central High School Moose Jaw, SK)
Daniel Moore (5'10 Guard Tommy Douglas Saskatoon,SK)
Treyson Perras (6' Guard Campbell Regina, SK)
D'Kin Crowe (5'10 Guard Scott Regina, SK)
Tarun Rathur (5'9 Guard Johnson Regina, SK)
Grady Wilson (6'5 Wing Riffel Regina, SK)
Nathan Matebekane (6'5 Post Luther Regina, SK)
Julio Ruiz (5'10 Guard Campbell Regina,SK)
Goloom Bein (6' Guard Holy Cross Saskatoon, SK)
Corbin Andres (6'4 Wing Martin Regina, SK)
Nemo Arnold (5'10 Guard St Joseph Saskatoon, SK)
Kylan Wol-Harden (5'11 Guard O'Neill Regina, SK)
Tyson Korol (6'3 Wing Yorkton Regional Yorkton, SK)