Saskatchewan celebrated the conclusion of the 2025 high school season with the provincial championships, known as 'Hoopla,' hosted in Saskatoon. The provincial championships were organized over three weekends. The first weekend featured teams competing within their respective conferences, which were organized geographically based on school size. Two teams from each conference advanced to the regional tournament, where the 16 remaining teams were seeded and competed in a single-elimination format, with the top seeds hosting each pod. Ultimately, all the teams that emerged from the regionals gathered to compete in Hoopla.
The event was a whirlwind weekend featuring five categories (1A-5A) for boys and girls, all playing in four gyms in one city. I attended as many games as possible over the three days to witness the talent that Saskatchewan has to offer; however, with 54 total games in 3 days, I didn't see as much as I would have liked, and my evaluations reflect that. Below are my all-star teams: I created a 1st and 2nd team for the 5A boys (5A consists of eight teams at Hoopla) and a 1st team for the combined 4A and 3A boys.
Before I get into the All-Star team, here are the teams that won this weekend:
1A Girls - Preeceville 1A Boys - Porcupine Plain
2A Girls - St Brieux 2A Boys - Saskatoon Christian
3A Girls - Wynyard 3A Boys - Regina Christian
4A Girls - Harvest City 4A Boys - Moose Jaw Central
5A Girls - Leboldus 5A Boys - Holy Cross
5A All-Hoopla 1st Team
**Listed in Alphabetical order
Kian Tyson
6'6 Guard Holy Cross Class of 2026
Kian once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the top prospects in Canada for the 2026 class. His ability to score from all three levels was evident and truly impressive. He managed to contribute crucial baskets for his team, even against a strong defensive game plan designed to contain him in all three games.
I was also impressed with Kian's defensive capabilities; he excelled at getting into passing lanes, blocking shots at the rim, and securing tough rebounds in traffic. He is a remarkable player, and I will certainly miss watching him week after week.
Moe Osman
6'2 Guard Holy Cross Class of 2026
Moe took full advantage of the defensive attention drawn by Kian in the final game. He scored an impressive 32 points and was dominant throughout the night. Moe hit several crucial three-pointers and showcased his smooth finishing ability when driving to the rim. His effortless finishing skills will provide a significant asset for the fortunate coach who gets to work with him next year.
Nickolay Khivrich
6'5 Wing Walter Murray Class of 2026
Nickolay stepped up when his team needed him the most at the provincial championships. In the semifinals, he made a significant impact in the fourth quarter, hitting several crucial three-pointers and executing two impressive dunks in traffic, which helped secure their spot in the final. In the championship game, he once again elevated his performance, playing strong defense and securing important rebounds. This was undoubtedly the best Nickolay has looked all year, and college coaches should take a serious look at the film.
Raph Mutongolo
6' Guard
Holy Cross
Class of 2027
Raph broke out at Hoopla. He was already regarded as one of the top perimeter defenders in the province, and this weekend, he shot the ball with great confidence, hitting 5 3s in the semifinal win over Martin. If he continues this growth over the summer, he will be looking at a grade 12 season that should have college coaches at all levels tuning in to Holy Cross games.
Zach Hawley
6'1 Guard
Walter Murray
Class of 2027
There is not much more I can say about Zach. If you have been following me all year, you know how impressive his game is. He had a triple-double in the finals with 35 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists. He collided with a teammate in the semifinal, causing a serious cut above his eye that required stitches, but he still battled through to come up just one point shy of a second provincial championship.
5A All-Hoopla 2nd Team
Corban Andres
6'4 Wing Martin Class of 2026
Corban played with relentless energy all weekend and fulfilled his team's needs. He showcased his complete skill set and rebounded effectively. He will integrate well next year at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Grady Wilson
6'5 Wing Riffel
Class of 2026
This was my first chance to see Grday in person this year, and he did not disappoint. He stepped up on a team that was without Davin Berry. He is still unsigned and will make a great addition to a CCAA team needing a skilled wing.
Julio Ruiz de la Orden 5'10 Guard Campbell
Class of 2026
After a season filled with ups and downs, Julio stepped up for the Tartans when they needed him most. He was relentless on defense and hit crucial shots at key moments. He is a Grade 12 student who is currently uncommitted and should have opportunities in prep schools or the CCAA.
Nemo Arnold 5'10 Guard
St Joseph
Class of 2026
Nemo hit big shot after big shot all weekend. He was dialled in from 3-point range, which, combined with his speed, makes it tough to defend him. He has received interest from several CCAA schools and will grow into an incredible point guard at the next level.
Thomas Olson 6'2 Guard
Martin
Class of 2026
I was very close to having Tommy on the first team because he did everything possible to help us win against Holy Cross in the semi-finals. He has developed into a skilled point guard and has shown excellent decision-making abilities. His capability to drive to the rim and absorb contact is exceptional. I look forward to following Tommy’s career after high school, no matter where he decides to go.
3A and 4A All-Hoopla 1st Team
Chase Seaborn
6' Guard
Moose Jaw Central Class of 2026
Chase was a pivotal force in securing Central's fifth consecutive 4A provincial title. He hit big 3 after big 3 all weekend, including 2 in their overtime against Harvest City, propelling them to the final. He showed off his full repertoire in the finals, with floaters and mid range jumpers all falling.
Jayden Zelionka 6'2 Post F.W. Johnson Class of 2026
Jayden has been turning heads all season in Regina league play and continued to play at a high level at Hoopla. He is a super strong post player who creates advantages inside and finishes nicely.
Jesse Klinger
6'6 Wing
Clavet
Class of 2026
Jesse has an impressive skill set and was one to watch all weekend. On defense, he changes shots and forces teams into sets they prefer not to be in. Offensively, he is a 6'6 guard who controls the game, hitting big shots and also taking it to the rim. We will be watching him at The Academy Phoenix next year for his prep year and are excited for what opportunities lie in front of him from there.
Lei Delizo 6' Guard Moose Jaw Central Class of 2026
Lei had an MVP performance against Harvest City, scoring 34 points, including 9 3-pointers, and followed it up with another 4 in the finals.
Osaze Evbuomwan 6'1 Guard
Regina Christian Class of 2028
Osaze was named the MVP of the 3A boys' final, scoring 32 points while facing opponents who were significantly older. As a 10th-grade student, he is a player to keep an eye on in the coming years as he continues to refine his already well-rounded skills.
I had a fantastic high school season in 2024/25, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. Thank you to the many coaches who shared their scores and highlights, and to the players who always took the time to pose for pictures and say hello. While ranking players and highlighting talent can be controversial, I was proud to showcase the incredible abilities present in Saskatchewan.
I invite you to follow me on Instagram, where I will share the commitments of the Grade 12 players to colleges and prep schools. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter as I cover the summer club circuit and prepare for the 2025/26 season in Saskatchewan.