Ottawa BlackJacks clinch playoff berth with 88-79 win over Scarborough Shooting Stars

July 15, 2023
Zulfi Sheikh

The Ottawa BlackJacks (12-5) extended their franchise-best win streak to eight games as they took down the Scarborough Shooting Stars (7-7) in an 88-79 victory on Friday night.


It was Jackson Rowe who led the way with 26 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, as Ottawa became the first team in the CEBL this season to clinch a playoff berth. He ended the contest shooting over 50 per cent from the field and from distance on route to his season-high scoring night. 


The forward was joined by the duo of Deng Adel and Kadre Gray as the only other BlackJacks’ players to hit double figures as the trio accounted for 70 per cent of the team’s offensive output in the game. The MVP candidate Adel nearly tallied a triple-double with his 19 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Gray added 17 points as well.


On the other side it was the Walker and Walker pairing of Kyree and David that did most of Scarborough’s scoring on the night. Kyree dropped 16 points on 7-10 shooting, while David added 11 points and five rebounds. Cat Barber struggled for the second game in a row as the team’s leading scorer notched just 10 points on 36 per cent shooting from the field.


Ottawa entered the night as the league’s best three-point shooting team (39.4 per cent), and throughout the first quarter of this contest they proved why. The squad knocked down four triples on a 57 per cent clip, as they held on to a slim 21-20 lead going into the second. In their 93-82 win back in May, the team knocked down 17 threes on 60 per cent, and looked like they were well on their way to replicating that performance and outcome.


Rowe led the way for the BlackJacks as he scored nine points in the frame, going 2-2 from distance along the way.


The forward’s hot shooting night didn’t stop there as he knocked down two more triples in the first four minutes of the second quarter, to make it 15 points at the 7:01 mark, outpacing his 14.7 points per game before the game had even reached halftime. The Toronto, Ontario, native kept the momentum going the rest of the frame as he finished the second with a game-high 20 points – tying his season-high for a full game – on a red-hot 77 per cent shooting from the field and 71 per cent from distance.


“It felt good, so I kept shooting,” said Rowe post-game. “I wasn’t forcing anything…we’re known as a ball movement team, and I was just open.”


His stellar play led an 8-0 run by Ottawa that had them up eight points for a majority of the quarter before Gray ended the half by driving to the basket and dropping in a layup. The lead guard’s buzzer-beating basket gave the BlackJacks the biggest lead of the game so far, putting them up 45-36 at halftime. 


Things continued going Ottawa’s way as the two squads came out of their locker rooms, as the BlackJacks went on a 7-0 run in less than a minute of play to extend their lead to a game-high 13 points.


With the game starting to slip away from Scarborough, they finally found an answer to their struggles in the final moments of the third quarter.  Surprisingly, it wasn’t the usual suspects like Barber or Kassius Robertson, instead it was rookie David Walker that willed the Shooting Stars back into the contest.


The second pick in round two of the 2023 CEBL U SPORTS Draft for Scarborough scored seven of his 11 points on the night in the third quarter, helping the squad cut their deficit down to just four points. Unfortunately for fans at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, the Shooting Stars gave two points right back as they let Maxime Boursiquot drop in a wide-open layup to end the frame, keeping them down 65-59 heading to the fourth.


Scarborough looked determined to come out with their second win against Ottawa this season and avoid dropping back to an even record as they came out firing to start the fourth. It was Walker who led the way in that front, Kyree Walker that is. The other Walker followed his namesake as he took over and scored five points in quick succession to help the Shooting Stars cut the lead down to as little as one point. 


However, the trio of Adel, Rowe, and Gray collectively responded as they scored 12 of Ottawa’s 14 points as the BlackJacks held a 79-75 lead heading into Target Score Time. 


Most fans remember the last time these two teams went head-to-head, Scarborough erased an eight-point deficit in Target Score Time before Thomas Kennedy picked off Adel and broke away for the game-winning dunk. However, without Kennedy in this one – as he’s currently with team Canada at Global Jam – the BlackJacks knew it was their time to capitalize and exact some revenge.


“When they had that game-winner…that hurt us,” said Rowe on his team’s mindset coming into the game. “We felt it in our hearts, and we wanted to come out here and show that we remembered that, and we did a good job of showing that.”


Kyree Walker tried to fill in for Kennedy as he scored five more points – making it 10 in the fourth – cutting the lead back down to a possession. However, Scarborough couldn’t find the defensive stops necessary to complete the comeback as Ottawa’s two main candidates for CEBL hardware Adel and Gray put an end to the contest. 


An inability to get stops plagued the Shooting Stars all night as they allowed the league’s most efficient offense to finish the game shooting 52 per cent from the field and 44 per cent from distance.


The duo of Adel and Gray scored the BlackJacks final seven points, with Gray hitting the game-winning basket by way of a baseline fadeaway jumper, 88-79 the final.

 

Ottawa’s reward for their eighth consecutive win is an extended rest, as they now get six days before returning to take on the second-seeded Niagara River Lions on July 20. 


Meanwhile, Scarborough won’t get nearly as much time to regroup from their second loss in a row, as they host those same River Lions on Sunday.


“We’re going to bring a lot of energy” said Kyree Walker on what his team’s going to need to come out with a win against Niagara. “That’s the biggest thing…we’re going to get guys locked in and ready to come back and play Sunday.”


All games are available on TSN+ and CEBL + powered by BetVictor. Recap written by Zulfi Sheikh (@zulfi_sheikh).


A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 71 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball. The CEBL season runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us (@cebleague) on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

Saskatchewan Announces Basketball Operations Update

January 13, 2026
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has notified General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Barry Rawlyk that his contract will not be renewed following the conclusion of the 2025 season. During his seven seasons with the franchise, Barry brought a deep familiarity with Canadian basketball and long-standing relationships across the province that supported the club’s operations and player development. He also served as the Lead Assistant Coach during the franchise's 2019 Championship season. The organization wishes Barry and his family well as he moves on from the team and appreciates his willingness to support a smooth transition. The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has already begun recruitment for a new General Manager. A new era of basketball in Saskatoon will be unveiled soon. ### About the Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club (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 team 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 www.therattlers.ca .

Cowan Joins CEBL as Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships

January 13, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Rob Cowan to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships. Rob brings more than 20 years of experience across the Canadian sports industry. Most recently at Rugby Canada, he led national partnership sales, account management, and commercial strategy across the organization’s flagship programs and events. With a background spanning partnerships, data & analytics, live events, and digital marketing, Rob brings a well-rounded, modern perspective on how brands create value in sport today - and where the partnership landscape is heading next. Welcome to the CEBL, Rob!

Bilamu Agrees to Terms with Sea Bears

January 8, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with forward Nathan Bilamu for the upcoming season. Bilamu (6-5; born August 7, 2000 in Hamilton, ON) returns to Winnipeg after a productive 2025 season with the Sea Bears in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). In his rookie professional season with Winnipeg, he appeared in 20 games and averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, showing consistent effort and earning increased playing time as the season progressed. “We are excited to have Nate back as he builds on what he started here," said Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Raimbault. "Last summer he brought a tremendous commitment to the team, specifically a passion for winning that showed in his effort and willingness to do whatever it took to help this group.” Before joining Winnipeg, Bilamu enjoyed a standout university career at Lakehead University, where he emerged as a versatile two-way player. In his senior season (2024-25), Bilamu averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was named an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) First-Team All-Star and a U-SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian. Following his time in the CEBL, Bilamu continued his professional career overseas with Esgueira Basket in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol. Through early 2025-26 international competition, he has been a key rotation player, averaging around 12.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while logging significant minutes. The season ticket member renewal deadline is January 15, 2026. Fans can renew or purchase new season tickets at https://www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .

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Three-Time MVP Xavier Moon Agrees to Terms with Sea Bears

December 11, 2025
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with point guard Xavier Moon for the 2026 season. Moon (6-2; Morehead State; born January 2, 1995, in Goodwater, AL) is a three-time Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Player of the Year and brings elite scoring, playmaking ability, and professional experience from international leagues, the CEBL, and the NBA. The Goodwater, Alabama native played two seasons at Northwest Florida State College, helping the program win the National Junior College Championship. He later transferred to Morehead State, where he played two seasons and averaged 16.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in his senior year, earning First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honours. "I believe adding Xavier to our organization brings tremendous value both on and off the court. He’s a proven winner and someone who has shown he can excel in this league and at the NBA level,” said Winnipeg Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He’s a true professional who understands the importance of our community and our fans, and we’re confident the impact he makes off the court will be just as significant as what he brings on it." Moon has spent time overseas, in North American pro leagues, and across multiple seasons in the CEBL. In 2021, he averaged a league-leading 23.1 points per game on his way to a third straight Player of the Year award and All-CEBL First Team recognition. That season included a 39-point performance, which stood as the CEBL single-game scoring record at the time. 2026 season tickets are now on sale starting at just $27 per game and can be purchased at www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .

Ross Joins Honey Badgers as Assistant General Manager

December 9, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are excited to announce John Ross as assistant general manager. John has spent the better part of the past two decades working in basketball, highlighted by over 14 years with the Portland Trail Blazers and more recently as an assistant coach with the Western Conference Champion Calgary Surge in 2025. With Portland, John worked as a video coordinator with both the coaching and scouting staff. He played a pivotal role in the organization's 2009-2011 stretch of playoff appearances, and also their rebuild starting with the draft acquisitions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. This backcourt duo was the catalyst for eight consecutive playoff appearances between 2014-2021, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2019. “Basketball is one of my deepest passions, and I am very grateful to be able to continue my career in this game with the Honey Badgers,” said Ross. “I could not be more excited to work alongside Al [Whitley] and Jermaine [Anderson] to help put together a team that will not only excel on the court, but also in the Peel and Brampton community.” Since moving on from the Trail Blazers in 2022, John has expanded his work experience to both coaching, and teaching. As an assistant coach with the Calgary Surge in 2025, he helped lift the Surge to their second finals appearance in franchise history, after posting a 17-7 record on the season. In terms of teaching, John founded an organization called GET IN THE GAME 101, an educational resource designed to assist young adults in answering the question “What do I do to get a job in the NBA?”. Here, John provides his insights into what it takes to move your career into the biggest stage that basketball has to offer. You can follow his substack here to read more. Beyond basketball, John is a humanitarian, serving at-risk children for over a decade in Zimbabwe and making multiple visits to Ukraine to support refugee relief. “John’s high-level experience, combined with his understanding of what it means to help others, fits with what we are looking for in our organization,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are excited to have John assist in leading our basketball operations staff going forward and are confident that he is going to help us in promoting selflessness and winning.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### 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 .

Honey Badgers Announce Saud Juman as Club’s President

December 3, 2025
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Bandits President Dylan Kular Honoured at B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Awards

December 3, 2025
Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular has been named a recipient of a 2025 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Award, announced by the Government of B.C. on Tuesday. The annual awards celebrate people and organizations that demonstrate leadership in promoting multiculturalism, anti-racism and intercultural understanding. Nearly 50 people and organizations were nominated for 2025 awards, recognizing contributions to building inclusive communities. In addition to Kular, three people and one organization are also receiving the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for their exceptional efforts to fight racism and promote inclusion in British Columbia. “These award recipients exemplify the values of inclusion and respect that strengthen our province,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Their leadership and creativity are inspiring. I am proud to honour their exceptional efforts to break down barriers, foster inclusion and build stronger, more equitable communities across British Columbia.” Kular was named a recipient of the “Breaking Barriers” award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities. “It is an honour to receive this recognition from the Government of B.C . This award truly reflects the collective efforts of our entire organization,” said Kular. “Our team ownership group provides the leadership that empowers our organization to build and foster meaningful change. The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are committed to continue breaking barriers and connecting communities across B.C. through the sport of basketball.” Under Kular’s leadership in 2025, which saw him earn CEBL Executive of the Year honours for a league-record third time, the Vancouver Bandits led efforts in building inclusive communities through sports and partnerships with Indigenous organizations and diverse populations across the province. Through partnerships and initiatives through the Bandits Community Foundation , such as the Indigenous Basketball Collective , in collaboration with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC) and the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Kular and the Bandits worked to address systemic barriers and foster meaningful engagement, particularly for individuals with intersecting identities and those in remote areas. “Advancing anti-racism and intercultural trust requires courage, collaboration and commitment,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “These honourees demonstrate all three values through their actions every day. Their efforts to break down barriers and amplify marginalized voices are making a real difference in schools, workplaces and communities across B.C. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and inspired by the positive change they continue to drive.” The B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards are part of the government’s broader efforts to counter hate and racism by celebrating and empowering local, community-based advocates. Since launching in 2008, more than 60 individuals and organizations have been honoured. Other initiatives include: an anti-hate community support fund that supports marginalized and at-risk groups with funding for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network that connects communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants, which provide funding to support projects that tackle racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding throughout the province the Racist Incident Helpline, which partners with local organizations to connect people who have experienced racism with resources to help them heal

Montreal Appoints Nicolas Lesage as Chief Operations Officer

November 26, 2025
The Montreal Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicolas Lesage as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the professional Montreal-based team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in professional sports, sponsorship, media, and major event operations, Lesage joins the organization at a pivotal time in its development. In his role as COO, Lesage will oversee day-to-day operations and help guide the Alliance’s strategic direction, strengthening the club’s internal structure and supporting the continued growth of professional basketball in Montreal. “I’m very happy to return to the sports world with an organization that’s rising fast,” said Nicolas Lesage. “Sports have always been part of my professional DNA, and I’m excited to help the Alliance establish its place in Montreal’s sports landscape.” A Proven Leader in Sports, Media, and Entertainment Over the course of his career, Lesage has held key leadership roles within major sports and cultural organizations, including the Montreal Alouettes, RDS/Bell Media, Groupe Juste pour rire (Groupe CH), Productions Podium, as well as communications and marketing roles at Cossette and Carat – Créativité Média, where he gained extensive experience in media strategy and integrated advertising solutions. His expertise includes building and integrating strategic and financial frameworks, directing sponsorship portfolios, developing operational infrastructures, and leading brand transformation initiatives. Among his notable achievements are the redevelopment of the Alouettes’ visual identity and the implementation of a sponsorship and marketing framework at Centre 21.02. A Shared Vision for the Future “Nicolas’s experience in professional sports, along with his expertise in sponsorships and media sales, made him the obvious choice for this role,” said Mark Weightman, Governor of the Montreal Alliance. “The success of our previous collaborations will allow us to be effective quickly, and I look forward to working with him again.” Lesage added “Mark and I share a clear vision for the future of the organization, and with strong support from ownership, I believe we can achieve our goals and have a meaningful impact on the community.” About Nicolas Lesage A respected leader in the Canadian sports and entertainment industry, Nicolas Lesage specializes in commercial strategy, partnership development, and operational leadership. He supports organizations through his consulting practice, NLPS, and has been actively involved in various community initiatives over the years, including the Montreal Alouettes Foundation, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie, and minor league baseball (LBAVR). ###