BlackJacks Bolster Backcourt with Harmon Signing

The Niagara River Lions announced today the return of 6-foot-7 Canadian forward Elijah Lufile for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A key member of Niagara’s rotation since 2024, Lufile brings strength, energy and rebounding acumen back to the River Lions. Lufile last played for the Nadim Souaid Academy in Lebanon’s Division A averaging 31.8 minutes, 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 9 games. “We are thrilled to have Elijah returning for 2026. Above all else, he is a winner, through and through. Coming off of 3 championships in a row, Elijah continues to develop his game and improve,” said Kimbal Mackenzie, in his first official signing since taking over as Head Coach and General Manager. “Aside from his obvious and impressive rebounding prowess, Elijah provides us with interior scoring, excellent defense, and mobility from the 5 spot which is rare. Elijah has become a staple in our culture over the last few seasons. He brings a charisma, attitude and sense of humor that we highly value!” During the 2025 CEBL campaign, Lufile played a key role averaging 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game over 25 appearances. His steady production and physicality were instrumental in securing the team’s second consecutive Championship, highlighted by a season-high 15 rebounds in the championship game. The title marked Lufile’s third CEBL crown, having first won in 2023 with the Scarborough Shooting Stars and repeating in 2024 with the Niagara River Lions. Lufile’s path to professional basketball includes a decorated collegiate career, starting with a redshirt season at Lamar Community College, a standout year at Midland College, where he posted 10 double‑doubles, and finishing at Oral Roberts University, where in his senior season he averaged 7.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting over 70 percent from the field. Lufile began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League for the 2022-23 season and eventually made his CEBL debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) that same year. He went on to play nine games with the Calgary Surge b efore closing the 2023 season with the Scarborough Shooting Stars . Internationally, Lufile played for Finland’s Joensuun Kataja Basket in the Korisliiga, averaging 12.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 2023-2024 season acting as a pivotal part of the team's success. “I consider myself extremely blessed to be back in CEBL for my fourth year and to run-it back with Niagara. My previous years with the team have been really fun with the guys and the amazing supporting fans” said Lufile, “This year I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more new fans, more seats filled, and another ring added to the collection”. ### About the Niagara River Lions The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose.

Fox brings NBA experience and three G League titles to his name 

Des matchs d’envergure seront présentés à la télévision de CBC et l’intégralité de la saison sera disponible en direct sur CBC Gem et sur la chaîne YouTube de CBC Sports

Marquee games will air on CBC TV, with full-season streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that they have signed the 2025 CEBL All-Canadian and former Edmonton Stingers standout Keon Ambrose-Hylton. Ambrose-Hylton made a strong showing in his first professional campaign in 2025 with the Edmonton Stingers, recording 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, in 23 games as a full-time starter. He finished the season ranked second in the CEBL in field goal percentage at 64.5 percent (min. 100 shot attempts), ranked fourth in two-point field goals made (133), and tied for fourth in total rebounds (182). “I’m really looking forward to returning to the CEBL and joining the Honey Badgers,” said Ambrose-Hylton. “I think I align very well with this organization’s values and plans for 2026. I can’t wait to get to the city and be a part of the new era of Honey Badgers basketball.” Ambrose-Hylton is currently finishing up his season with Kortrijk in Belgium, where as a starter he is averaging 11.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 23.1 minutes across 18 games. So far he has posted double-figure scoring outings in 12 games, including a three-game stretch where he averaged 19.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals while shooting 79.3 percent from the field. “We are extremely excited to welcome Keon to the Honey Badger family this season,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operation Jermaine Anderson. “Keon is a talented, fundamentally-sound, high energy player who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. He will play a pivotal role in helping to ensure that we’re in a position to compete for the ultimate goal.” Ambrose-Hylton graduated from Southern Methodist University after playing three of his five collegiate seasons there. However, he played his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide. In 2024, he ranked fourth in the AAC in two-point field goal percentage, converting on 66.2 percent of his attempts from inside the arc. The same season he posted a collegiate career-high 19 points on 9-for-9 shooting in a win versus East Texas A&M. “Keon is an elite two-way talent and an even better human being,” said Honey Badgers Assistant General Manager John Ross. “His skillset and energy will be a key part of our championship run. We are thrilled to add him as a foundational piece to the roster.” Ambrose-Hylton was born and raised in Toronto before joining the International Sports Academy in Willoughby, Ohio for his high school career. He earned First Team All-Conference honours in his senior year and was ranked the number two overall player by North Pole Hoops in Canada’s 2020 class. The Brampton Honey Badgers will begin their season with two home games on Friday, May 15 and Sunday, May 17 versus the Ottawa BlackJacks and Calgary Surge, respectively. ###  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 Montréal Alliance announced today that Canadian forward Kevin Osawe will return for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, bringing back a proven contributor who has elevated his game since his last stint in Montréal. During the 2025 CEBL season, Osawe started all 23 games, averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 25 minutes per contest, while shooting an impressive 87.8% from the free-throw line. He ranked third on the team in rebounds per game and earned Most Improved Player honours as voted by fans, reflecting the steady progress he showed throughout the year. Following that campaign, the Brampton, Ontario native took another step forward overseas. Competing in one of Germany's professional divisions, Osawe averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 52.1% from the field across 18 appearances. He also maintained a consistent presence on the glass in Serbia’s KLS league the previous season, posting 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, leading his team in total rebounds. Across his last two international stops, Osawe has averaged 7.8 rebounds per game, reinforcing his identity as a reliable interior presence and consistent competitor. “Kevin represents stability for our organization,” said Joel Anthony, General Manager and Co-Owner of the Montréal Alliance. “He understands our culture, competes for every possession, and continues to improve each season. His ability to impact the game physically and efficiently makes him a key piece for us moving forward.” “I’ve grown a lot over the past two years,” said Osawe. “Coming back to Montreal feels right. I’m confident in my game and ready to help this group take the next step.” Osawe’s return not only adds production to the lineup but also reinforces the Alliance’s commitment to developing Canadian talent and building continuity within the organization as preparations for the 2026 season continue. The upcoming season will include 12 home contests at the Verdun Auditorium and a new league-wide playoff format culminating in a best-of-three CEBL Final. The Alliance will open their home schedule on May 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. For ticket information, visit BASKETMTL.ca . ###

L’Alliance de Montréal a annoncé aujourd’hui que l’ailier canadien Kevin Osawe sera de retour pour la saison 2026 de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), ramenant dans l’alignement un joueur éprouvé qui a élevé son niveau de jeu depuis son dernier passage à Montréal. Lors de la saison 2025 de la LECB, Osawe a amorcé les 23 matchs de l’équipe, maintenant des moyennes de 9,3 points et 5,5 rebonds en 25 minutes par rencontre, tout en affichant un impressionnant taux de réussite de 87,8 % aux lancers francs. Il s’est classé au troisième rang de l’équipe pour les rebonds par match et a reçu le titre de Joueur s’étant le plus amélioré, décerné par le vote des partisans, soulignant la progression constante qu’il a démontrée tout au long de la saison. À la suite de cette campagne, le natif de Brampton, en Ontario, a poursuivi son développement à l’étranger. Évoluant dans l’une des divisions professionnelles en Allemagne, Osawe a enregistré des moyennes de 17,2 points et 7,8 rebonds par match, tout en présentant un pourcentage d’efficacité de 52,1 % du terrain en 18 rencontres. La saison précédente, il avait également maintenu une présence constante au rebond dans la ligue serbe KLS, affichant 12,2 points et 7,8 rebonds par match, menant son équipe au chapitre des rebonds totaux. Lors de ses deux plus récents passages à l’international, Osawe a maintenu une moyenne de 7,8 rebonds par rencontre, consolidant sa réputation de présence fiable à l’intérieur et de compétiteur constant. « Kevin représente la stabilité pour notre organisation », a déclaré Joel Anthony, directeur général et copropriétaire de l’Alliance de Montréal. « Il comprend notre culture, il compétitionne à chaque possession et il continue de progresser d’une saison à l’autre. Sa capacité d’influencer le match physiquement et efficacement fait de lui une pièce importante pour la suite des choses. » « J’ai énormément progressé au cours des deux dernières années », a ajouté Osawe. « Revenir à Montréal est une décision naturelle pour moi. Je suis confiant dans mon jeu et prêt à aider ce groupe à franchir une autre étape. » Le retour d’Osawe ne se limite pas à l’ajout de production sur le terrain : il témoigne également de l’engagement de l’Alliance envers le développement des talents canadiens et la continuité au sein de l’organisation, alors que les préparatifs pour la saison 2026 se poursuivent. La prochaine saison comprendra 12 matchs à domicile à l’Auditorium de Verdun, en plus d’un nouveau format de séries éliminatoires à l’échelle de la ligue, culminant avec une finale de la LECB disputée deux de trois. L’Alliance disputera son match d’ouverture à domicile le 15 mai face aux Shooting Stars de Scarborough. Pour obtenir de l’information sur les forfaits de billets, visitez BASKETMTL.ca . ###

Les BlackJacks d'Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui que l’équipe a conclu une entente avec l’ailier Justin Ndjock-Tadjoré en vue de la saison 2026. Il effectue un retour avec les BlackJacks pour une troisième campagne, après avoir été sélectionné par Ottawa lors des deux derniers repêchages de la CEBL. Il s’agira de sa première saison sous contrat standard, plutôt que sous contrat de joueur en développement. Originaire de Gatineau (Québec), Ndjock-Tadjoré dispute présentement sa première saison avec BK Ogre, dans la Estonian-Latvian Basketball League. Il occupe présentement le deuxième rang de l’équipe aux rebonds (7,8), aux blocs (0,8) et aux vols de ballon (0,8) par match, en plus de se classer quatrième pour les minutes jouées (27,9 par match) et quatrième au chapitre des points (13,2 par match). Lors de la saison 2025 de la CEBL, l’ailier de 6 pi 7 po a maintenu des moyennes de 4,3 points et 2,3 rebonds en 15 matchs de saison régulière. Il a notamment signé un sommet personnel dans la CEBL avec 19 points le 10 août contre Vancouver. « Annoncer Justin aujourd’hui représente un moment dont nous sommes très fiers comme organisation. Ça souligne notre engagement envers le développement des joueurs — prendre un talent local d’élite issu du niveau U SPORTS et l’aider à faire le saut vers le basketball professionnel », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks d’Ottawa, James Derouin. « Après une solide première saison outremer, Justin revient à la maison en joueur plus expérimenté et polyvalent. Ses atouts physiques et son intensité sont exactement ce dont nous aurons besoin cet été, et nous avons hâte de le voir franchir une autre étape importante dans sa carrière chez nous. » Diplômé de l’Université d’Ottawa, il a aidé les Gee-Gees à remporter une médaille de bronze U SPORTS lors de chacune de ses deux saisons avec l’équipe. Il s’est joint au programme après un transfert de St. Bonaventure University (NCAA), où il a disputé 13 matchs en deux saisons avec les Bonnies. Ottawa lancera sa saison à The Arena à la Place TD, le mardi 12 mai à 19 h 30, face aux champions en titre de la Conférence de l’Ouest, le Calgary Surge. Des forfaits de billets flexibles et des expériences de groupe sont actuellement en vente en visitant theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/tickets , ou rendez-vous sur theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/season-seat-memberships pour vous joindre à nous lors de tous les matchs à domicile de la saison 2026. ### À propos des BlackJacks d'Ottawa Première franchise d'expansion de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), les BlackJacks d’Ottawa sont une équipe professionnelle masculine de basketball qui évolue à l'Aréna de la Place TD. Le club est engagé envers l’excellence tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors, et vise à inspirer la fierté communautaire, à encourager le développement de la relève et à offrir une expérience inégalée à ses partisans. Pour plus d'informations, visitez le site theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca .

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the club has signed forward Justin Ndjock-Tadjoré ahead of the 2026 season. He returns to the BlackJacks for his third campaign with the club after previously being selected by Ottawa in each of the last two CEBL Drafts. This will be Ndjock-Tadjoré's first season under a standard player contract as opposed to a developmental contract. A native of Gatineau, Que., Ndjock-Tadjoré is currently participating in his first season for BK Ogre of the Estonian-Latvian Basketball League where he currently ranks second on the team in rebounds (7.8), blocks (0.8) and steals (0.8) per-game, fourth in minutes (27.9 mpg) and fourth in scoring (13.2 ppg) The 2025 CEBL season saw the 6'7" forward average 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15 regular season games. The year was highlighted by a CEBL career-high 19 points on Aug. 10 vs. Vancouver. “Announcing Justin today is a proud moment for our program. It highlights the commitment to the development player process – taking elite local talent from the U SPORTS level and helping them bridge the gap to the professional game," said Ottawa BlackJacks general manager, James Derouin. “After finishing a strong first year overseas, Justin returns home as a more seasoned, versatile player. His physical tools and high motor are exactly what we need this summer and we're eager to see him take the next big step in his career with us.” A graduate of the University of Ottawa, he helped the Gee-Gees to a U SPORTS bronze medal in each of his two seasons with the team. He joined the club after transferring from St. Bonaventure University (NCAA) where he appeared 13 times for the Bonnies across two campaigns. Ottawa opens the season at The Arena at TD Place on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. against the defending Western Conference champion, Calgary Surge. Flexible ticket packages and group experiences are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets or visit theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships to become a 2026 season seat member. ### About the Ottawa BlackJacks The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca .