Bandits Beat BlackJacks in Record-Setting Shootout
August 10, 2025
Alex Lough
With both teams having their playoff seeding locked in coming into the game, the Vancouver Bandits and Ottawa BlackJacks didn’t have much to play for other than giving the fans a show.
That’s precisely what they did.
The Bandits set a CEBL scoring record since the introduction of Target Time, and the teams combined for the second-highest scoring CEBL game ever when Vancouver downed Ottawa 130-112.
Mitch Creek and Tyrese Samuel led the way for the road team, with Creek scoring a game-high 36 points while Samuel added 33 to go with 17 rebounds. Shamar Givance scored a CEBL career-high 22 points along with eight assists, while Kyle Mangas and Zach Copeland both had 12.
“We have a group of guys that are super competitive,” Bandits head coach Kyle Julius said of his team. “We have a drill that we practice that nobody wants to do, but as soon as they start doing it, they start competing and talking trash and getting after it. So, we said that’s what today was: today was going to be that drill. As soon as that ball was tipped, they just competed. For me, I told them I’m proud to work with them. They’re a competitive group; they’re a great group of guys. To them, I don’t think there’s any game in the world that wouldn’t mean anything. They want to play and compete.”
Both teams came out setting the pace immediately.
Vancouver built up a 21-9 lead before Ottawa stormed back with a 13-5 run of their own to cut the deficit to four. The squads would continue trading baskets – each seemingly unable to stop the other – until the Bandits took a 73-62 lead into halftime. That score by the Bandits is the second highest halftime total in the CEBL’s history, trailing only the then-Guelph Nighthawks record of 75 in 2019.
It seemed that no matter what the BlackJacks would do, the Bandits would find a way to get the ball into either Creek or Samuel’s hand and get a basket. While the home team never went away, often cutting the lead down to single digits throughout the entirety of the contest, those two players made sure the outcome was never in question.
“Tyrese is an incredible kid. Probably one of the more coachable players I’ve ever had,” Julius said. “He wants to get better, his work ethic is incredible. I think he’ll play in the NBA and I think it will be sooner rather than later. I’m proud that he chose to come play with us and work with us. He leads by example. The guys love him. When he’s out there playing like he did tonight, we’ll be tough to beat.
“Mitch is by far and away the best player and leader that I’ve ever had,” he added. “He’s amazing. His game, the way he treats his teammates, the way he respects the process, the way he takes care of himself … he cares about his teammates. I don’t know what’s better, his personality or his game. He’s an exceptional player, teammate and person.”
“It would be really easy for me to sit here and talk about how we didn’t play defense, but understanding the game and the season that we’ve had … Today was more about getting through the game and staying healthy, giving some other people more opportunities,” BlackJacks head coach Dave DeAveiro said. “Would I had liked to see us play better defense? Of course. I thought we did a really good job of offensive shooting. But there’s different things you can take away from this game; Justin (Ndjock-Tadjore)’s growth, Alvin (Icyogere) getting an opportunity, giving some guys a little bit more of a run than we normally would.”
Ndjock-Tadjore had a coming out game in the regular season finale, tying for the team lead in points with 19. Javonte Smart was the other player to reach the mark. Deng Adel had 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Keevan Veinot had 15 points, and team captain Tyrell Tate had 13.
“It’s been a roller coaster of a season,” said Adel, whose driving layup early in the third quarter saw him become the tenth player in CEBL history to reach the 1,000-point plateau. “Obviously starting 2-6 is tough, but we kind of have this thing in Ottawa where we get to the midway point of the season, guys just start ramping up, start playing better ball as a team. The support has been amazing all year, so that’s helped us lock in. There’s something about the halfway point that we just collectively come together.”
Both teams now head into the postseason unsure of who their first matchup will be. The Bandits will host the winner of the Calgary Surge and Edmonton Stinger matchup in Langley, while the BlackJacks will play the winner of the Montreal Alliance and Scarborough Shooting Stars game in Gatineau.
“We won’t know who we’re playing until Thursday night. So, making sure that over the next level while we get beter, we get healthy,” DeAveiro said. “That’s the first thing. Then we get into practices and work on things that we can do better as a group, focusing on us. The good thing is we’ve seen each other those teams two, three, four times. It’s not about the surprises. It’s just a few minor adjustments here and there.”
Box Score
https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600680
Up next for both teams
The Ottawa BlackJacks and Vancouver Bandits have both secured a spot in their respective Conference Semifinals and will host their first playoff games on August 16. The BlackJacks will await the winner of the Montreal Alliance and Scarborough Shooting Stars matchup, while the Bandits will face the winner of the game between the Edmonton Stingers and Calgary Surge, both on August 14.
Next CEBL action
Playoff action kicks off in the CEBL as the Scarborough Shooting Stars host the Montreal Alliance in their first-round matchup, live on TSN, CEBL+ and TSN+. For the full 2025 CEBL schedule and up-to-date results, please visit cebl.ca/games.
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The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that they have signed Montreal-native and University of Southern Mississippi alum Tegra Izay. Izay will be making his professional debut with the Honey Badgers this season after a six-year collegiate career spanning through the University of Southern Mississippi, Harcum Community College, and La Salle University. “The addition of Tegra gives us size and another physical presence,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “He’s eager to start his professional career, and his work ethic and approach to the game align with our culture. We’re excited to welcome him to the Honey Badger family.” Most recently with the Golden Eagles, the seven-footer recorded two or more blocks in eight games and shot 59.5 percent from the field on the season while studying as a graduate student. In 2022, Izay transferred to Harcum Community College in JUCO where he averaged 8.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He recorded seven double-doubles on the season, putting up some monster statlines including 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting, eight rebounds, and three blocks December 17 vs. Cape Fear Community College and 13 points, 13 rebounds, and eight blocks November 1 vs. CCBC Catonsville, to name a few. “Tegra brings a relentless motor, toughness, and a team-first approach that aligns with everything we value,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “He impacts the game on both ends - defending, rebounding, screening and making winning plays that don’t always show up in the box score. We’re excited about his growth and the edge he adds to our group." After Izay’s freshman season with La Salle University, he was awarded Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honour Roll, which recognizes student-athletes who achieved a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca .
The Saskatoon Mamba are proud to announce the return of franchise all-time leading scorer Devonté Bandoo, marking a highly anticipated homecoming for one of the most accomplished and respected players in team history. Bandoo, who previously starred with the franchise during its time as the Saskatchewan Rattlers, re-enters the organization as a cornerstone player and proven leader. His return signals a significant step forward for the Mamba as the team builds toward a competitive 2026 season. “Devonté represents everything we value as an organization — skill, leadership, and professionalism,” said Isaiah Fox, Head Coach of the Saskatoon Mamba. “Bringing him back to Saskatoon is not only a major addition on the court, but also a meaningful moment for the fans and community.” A native of Ontario, Canada, Bandoo developed his game at Finney High School and Westview Centennial before emerging as a standout at Hutchinson Community College. He later continued his success at Baylor University, where he earned Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2020 while competing at one of the top programs in NCAA basketball. Since turning professional, Bandoo has built an impressive resume across multiple levels of the game. In the Canadian Elite Basketball League, he has consistently performed at a high level, including averaging 16.3 points per game on 46.8% shooting and an elite 46% from three-point range during the 2024/25 season with Saskatchewan Rattlers. Across multiple seasons with the franchise, Bandoo has regularly hovered around the 16–17 points per game mark, while contributing across the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and defensive intensity. Widely regarded as one of the league’s most consistent and high-level performers, Bandoo is known for his elite perimeter shooting, basketball IQ, and ability to lead both on and off the court. As the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, his impact on the organization is already firmly established. “I’m thrilled to be back in Saskatchewan under the new organization! I’m looking forward to this next chapter and excited to bring home a championship.” said Bandoo. Fans can expect Bandoo to play a central role as the Mamba usher in a new era of basketball in Saskatoon, blending established excellence with a renewed vision for the future. ### About the Saskatoon Mamba The Saskatoon Mamba (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The Mamba are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit saskatoonmamba.ca .
The Vancouver Bandits have announced that former Indiana Hoosier and NBA G League champion Miller Kopp has signed with the club for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A 6-foot-7 forward from Houston, Tex., Kopp is currently a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA G League affiliate, Cleveland Charge where he is averaging 11.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals through 25.5 minutes per game. Before joining the Charge, Kopp played two seasons with the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League affiliate of the NBA’s Thunder, where he captured an NBA G League championship during the 2023-24 season. “I am excited to compete in front of amazing fans and impact winning in all areas,” said Kopp on joining the Bandits. Prior to turning pro, Kopp graduated from Indiana University where he helped lead the Hoosiers to back-to-back NCAA March Madness appearances. During his tenure from 2021 to 2023, he averaged 6.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks while starting in all 61 games played.He originally began his collegiate career at Northwestern University where he played three seasons for the Wildcats from 2018 to 2021. Internationally, Kopp represented the United States at the 2025 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers appearing in games against the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.
The Calgary Surge announced today the signing of Calgary native Caelum Swanton-Rodger, bringing a hometown presence, size, defensive strength, and high-level collegiate experience to the club’s roster ahead of the upcoming season. Swanton-Rodger joins the Surge following a breakout 2024–25 campaign with the Monarchs, where he established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the Sun Belt Conference. The 6-foot-8 forward started 33 of 34 games and ranked second on his team in rebounding with 167 total boards (4.9 per game). He also finished second in the conference in both total blocks (61) and blocks per game (1.79), showcasing his elite rim protection. “Caelum is an impactful two-way player who really anchored things defensively at the collegiate level,” said Shane James, General Manager. “He competes at a high level, protects the rim, and rebounds the ball effectively. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Canada and into the Surge family.” In addition to his defensive impact, Swanton-Rodger contributed offensively with 187 points (5.5 per game), 37 assists, and 11 steals while shooting an efficient 56.9 percent from the field. He recorded six double-digit scoring performances, highlighted by an 18-point, 10-rebound effort against Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship. He also posted a career-best seven blocks in a dominant performance versus Texas State. “As a kid from Calgary it has always been a dream of mine to be able to play the game I love with my friends and family there to support me. With that said, I am incredibly proud and excited to announce that I will be coming home to join the Calgary Surge!” said Swanton-Rodger “ “Thanks to the support of my coaches, friends, family, and the city of Calgary, I’ve been able to turn this dream into reality. I can’t wait to put on a show for you.” A Calgary native, Swanton-Rodger developed locally through Edge School and UPlay Canada, earning recognition as one of the country’s top young prospects. He represented Canada at the national team level and was named MVP of the 2022 Genesis Classic. During his prep career, he averaged 21.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game, demonstrating his all-around impact on both ends of the floor. Swanton-Rodger’s signing not only reinforces the Surge’s commitment to developing Canadian talent, but also highlights the organization’s pride in elevating homegrown Calgary athletes while building a competitive roster for the upcoming season. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that operates the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and REAL Studios. The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over three seasons, the Surge have made three straight CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023 and 2025, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 6500 deserving kids and families to their games for free. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca .
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that they have signed Hamilton-native and University of South Florida alum Joshua Omojafo. Omojafo is entering the CEBL for his first professional campaign after a highly successful four-year collegiate career at the University of South Florida, Robert Morris University, and Gannon University. Omojafo has been a winner through his whole career. As a starter with three different teams over the last three seasons, Omojafo has played a large part in bringing each one a conference championship. Most recently with the South Florida Bulls, he averaged 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds en route to an American Conference championship and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012 (fifth time in program history), where they nearly upset Louisville in the first round. “Josh is a proven winner at the collegiate level,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “His toughness, along with his willingness to defend and rebound, will be a valuable asset to our team. More importantly, Josh is eager to learn and develop as a professional, and we’re looking forward to supporting him throughout that process. We’re excited to welcome him to the Honey Badger family.” Omojafo is a versatile scorer, but where he stands out the most is drawing fouls. In his senior season, he ranked fifth in the American Conference in free throws made (151), second as a junior in the Horizon League Conference (127) with Robert Morris, and first in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) as a sophomore (244). “Josh brings a level of toughness, versatility, and competitive spirit that aligns with exactly who we want to be,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “He impacts the game on both ends - defending multiple positions, playing with physicality, and consistently making winning plays. We’re excited about the edge, professionalism, and presence Josh Omojafo adds to our group and how he elevates the standard of our program every day.” Before transferring to Robert Morris University in 2024, Omojafo spent his first two seasons of college basketball in Division II with Gannon University. He quickly made his impact felt, ranking second in the conference in scoring as a sophomore while leading the Golden Knights to a PSAC championship. Individually as a sophomore, Omojafo also landed on the All-PSAC West Division First Team and NABC Division II All-America Team. Omojafo joins the Honey Badgers roster as the eighth addition ahead of the 2026 season, joining five other Canadians, 2025 CEBL MVP Finalist Sean East II, and 2025 CEBL Defensive Player of the Year Jameer Nelson Jr. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca .
Vingt étudiants-athlètes de U SPORTS ont signé avec des clubs de la LECB, représentant trois conférences et quatorze établissements postsecondaires
Twenty U SPORTS student-athletes have been signed to CEBL clubs representing three conferences and fourteen post-secondary institutions
The Calgary Surge are excited to announce the return of fan favourite and three-time CEBL All-Canadian Sean “Rugzy” Miller-Moore for his fourth season with the team. Miller-Moore continues to establish himself as one of Canada’s premier basketball talents, bringing elite athleticism, scoring ability, and veteran experience back to the Surge lineup. His return follows an impressive international season with ALM Évreux in France, where he averaged 17.4 points per game during the 2025–26 season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic Canadian professionals competing abroad. “Rugzy has been a key part of our team since day one,” said Shane James, General Manager of the Calgary Surge. “His energy, passion, and love for the game light up the court, and his connection with our fans is something special. We couldn’t be more excited to have him back for another season.” A native of Brampton, Ontario, Miller-Moore first made his mark at Thornlea Secondary School before continuing his development at Moberly Area Community College, Oregon State University, and Grand Canyon University. During the 2025 CEBL season, Miller-Moore delivered another standout season for Calgary, averaging 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 24 regular season and playoff games, helping lead the Surge to their third straight Championship Weekend appearance (2023–2025), and establishing himself as one of the faces of the franchise. “Being part of the growth in Calgary from day one means a lot. The standard has always been winning and with our fans behind us every night, it’s only right we bring a championship home.I want to be a part of that” said Miller-Moore. Now entering his fourth season, Miller-Moore returns with valuable international experience, continued growth, and a clear focus on bringing a championship to Calgary. Fans are in for another season of high-flying highlights and unmatched energy from Miller-Moore. Don’t miss the action—single-game tickets for the Calgary Surge’s “ OVERDRIVE ” season are now available to the general public. Visit calgarysurge.ca/single-game-tickets for more details. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that operates the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and REAL Studios. The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over three seasons, the Surge have made three straight CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023 and 2025, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 6500 deserving kids and families to their games for free. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca .
Edmonton, AB- The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the re-signing of American forward Nick Hornsby. Having started for the Stingers in every game over the past two seasons, Hornsby has racked up more rebounds, assists, and minutes than any other Stingers player in that span, and ranks second in scoring. “I’m very excited to be back in Edmonton for another summer,” said Hornsby. “I can’t wait to get back in front of the best fans in the CEBL and get some wins!” During the 2025 season, the 6’7” forward averaged 12.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Across the league, he ranked 1st in total rebounds and 3rd in total assists, making him the only player in the CEBL to rank in the top 10 in both categories. Hornsby posted 5 double-doubles including a season high 15 rebounds paired with 16 points on July 11th vs Scarborough while narrowly missing posting multiple triple-doubles on multiple occasions. Back for his fourth CEBL campaign in Edmonton, Hornsby made an immediate impact putting up a career high 22 points in only his third game with the Stingers in 2023, the first of his 44 double-digit scoring efforts over the next three seasons. "Nick is a huge part of the Edmonton Stingers organization and we are very glad to have him back for his fourth season with the team. His impact extends far beyond the box score, and his leadership role has grown year over year. He and his family are wonderful ambassadors for both the club and the city, and I am proud to welcome our captain back for another summer” said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. The long-time pro competed for Hangtuah Jakarta in the Indonesian Basketball League after the 2025 CEBL season, averaging 23.6 points, 12.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 14 games for the club. It was his most recent of his nine professional seasons, having played five seasons in the German ProA and ProB leagues and two in the Israel Basketball Premier League. Prior to turning professional, the Irvine, CA native played four seasons for Sacramento State, tallying 659 NCAA Division I points in 89 games. He graduated from the program ranked third in all-time rebounds. Hornsby will be finishing his season with Hangtuah Jakarta in Indonesia before returning to the Stingers in June. The Stingers will return to the Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Calgary Surge in their home opener. Tickets are available for as low as $20 per seat and can be purchased online or by contacting the Stingers head office via email ([email protected]) or phone (1-87STINGERS). ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to September in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets across the country. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.
The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed 6-foot-9 forward Dominic Parolin to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Hailing from Coquitlam, B.C., this marks Parolin’s first professional basketball contract after recently completing a six-year NCAA DI career with stints at Boise State University and Lehigh University. After redshirting during the 2024-25 season, Parolin appeared in 32 games for the Boise State Broncos in 2025-26 where he suited up in 32 games with averages of 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.5 blocks in 17.0 minutes per game. Prior to Boise State, Parolin played four seasons with the Lehigh Mountain Hawks where he was named Third Team All-Patriot League in 2024. “We are all excited about working with Dominic. He has had a tremendous college career and has a very high ceiling as a professional player,” said Bandits head coach and general manager, Kyle Julius. “Dominic plays with big time toughness, has great size and a versatile game as a power forward. Being a B.C. kid, we are thrilled that he is back home playing for us in front of friends and family.” An alumnus of Centennial Secondary in Coquitlam, B.C., Parolin captained the Centaurs’ senior boys team to a fifth-place finish at the 2020 BC 4A Boys Basketball Provincial Championship, while also earning First Team All-Star honours at the tournament. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.