River Lions roar past Bandits in dramatic CEBL Final to win 1st-ever championship

August 12, 2024
Myles Dichter


Champions of the CEBL jungle at long last, the Niagara River Lions should sleep soundly tonight.


The River Lions beat the Vancouver Bandits in dramatic fashion, 97-95, to hoist the championship trophy on Sunday at Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium.


And yes, the team’s champagne-soaked celebration included a player rendition of The Tokens’ famous song The Lion Sleeps Tonight.


“I can’t even put it into words,” said Khalil Ahmad, who scored the CEBL Championship Final-winning basket. “This is my third summer here trying to get a chip and we finally got it done.”


But while the game ended with a celebratory howl for Niagara, the Bandits just as nearly stole the victory.


Niagara led 87-77 at the start of Target Score Time, but Vancouver slowly chipped away by winning rebound battles and watching a tired River Lions squad consistently settle for three-pointers.


Eventually, Niagara’s lead was whittled to two points at 94-92. With the River Lions in possession, Raso put the ball in the hands of two-time Clutch Player of the Year Khalil Ahmad, who drove to the net and got fouled, putting his team two free throws away from glory.


Ahmad made the first but missed the second.


“I can’t believe he missed the free throw,” head coach Victor Raso said. “I’ve never seen him miss a free throw like that, I don’t think ever. And then he just followed that up the next possession.”


In a seeming flash, Vancouver secured the rebound, came back down the court and tied the game at 95 courtesy of a Koby McEwen three-pointer — leaving both teams within a basket of the championship.


But that was as close as the Bandits would get.


Ahmad won the championship when he beat two defenders down the lane and rattled home a floater.


“That’s the biggest bucket of my life for sure. To get a chip like that on the third [season with Niagara], that’s the biggest bucket of my life. I can’t even put it into words,” Ahmad said.


Mitch Creek, who led the Bandits with 26 points, said his team put itself behind the eight-ball with a slow third quarter.


“When you put yourselves in a position to have to fight back, it’s really hard to repeatedly do that. We almost got lucky twice,” said Creek, whose Bandits survived a roller-coaster semifinal against Calgary. “Some of us might have to go to the casino and roll a few dice tonight and try to win back some of the emotions.


Creek said the Vancouver locker room was silent for 10 minutes after the game before head coach Kyle Julius said something he would not share.


“We go back to the hotel now and regroup, have a few beers, pat each other on the ass one more time and fly back to Vancouver and everyone goes on their own way,” Creek said.


One of the league’s Original Six teams, the River Lions were the model of consistency, making the playoffs in every season. The flip side of that is they soon become known as the team which couldn’t get it done when it counted most.


No longer.


“This organization has been elite in the CEBL, but we never had the validation of a championship,” head coach Victor Raso said. “We just needed this as an organization.”


While Ahmad, who scored 23 points, played hero, the River Lions’ victory was the result of a full team effort.


Omari Moore stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Aaryn Rai contributed 15 points and seven rebounds while leading the team with a plus-11 mark. Team captain Kimbal Mackenzie, the emotional leader of the team, added four points to reach 500 for his CEBL career.


In the midst of the on-court celebration, Moore almost seemed surprised at his emotions. “It means something,” he bellowed.


Rai was sure to locate his parents amid the chaos, giving them each a big hug.


But it was perhaps Montreal native Nathan Cayo, playing in front of friends and family, who made the biggest impact, leading the team with 25 points while also adding eight rebounds and four assists.


“It feels amazing. To have all my family here is a blessing. I’m just grateful,” Cayo said.


For Vancouver, which won the West with a 14-6 record, it was not the end to their season they’d envisioned when arriving in Montreal earlier this week.


League MVP Tazé Moore was held to just six points on 2-for-11 shooting. More damningly, the man who led the league with 7.3 assists per game in the regular season was held without a single helper in the one that mattered most.


Creek also chipped in 13 rebounds, while McEwen scored 20 points and big man Nick Ward added 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench.


Creek said the loss was “sad, hard and tough.”


“You do so much and if you don’t feel emotion after a loss in the championship game it means you haven’t really done the work and put in the time and effort,” he said.

“You sit with it for a little bit. You sit and watch on court. You watch them cheer and chant and carry on like a pack of idiots just like we would as Bandits. You almost enjoy watching someone else win because you know at some point you’re going to get that opportunity.”


An exciting first half saw the teams trade leads throughout.


The Bandits built a five-point edge in the first quarter, only for the River Lions to roar back and go up 23-20 when the buzzer sounded on the frame.


Niagara kept it rolling early in the second and led by as many as eight, but Vancouver punched back with a 14-2 run. A late Duane Notice three-pointer sent the Bandits into halftime with a 46-44 advantage.


Notably, Tazé Moore struggled through the first 20 minutes, managing just two points and taking his frustrations out in an unsportsmanlike foul against Niagara’s Moore.


After halftime, the River Lions slowly started to take control. An 11-0 run powered them to what was then a game-high 12-point lead, and the East champions carried a 71-62 advantage into the fourth quarter.


Tension built when the clock turned off and the game began featuring plenty of stoppages for timeouts and reviews.


For a few moments, it seemed as though the Bandits would pull off the biggest Target Score Time comeback in CEBL playoff history.


Instead, the River Lions roared to their long-awaited championship.

 

- CEBL -

 

About the CEBL

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 10 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

L’Alliance de Montréal accueille à nouveau le Montréalais et ancien Joueur canadien de l’année de la LECB, Guillaume Boucard

May 1, 2026
L’Alliance de Montréal de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) a annoncé aujourd’hui le retour à la maison du Montréalais Guillaume Boucard, qui portera les couleurs de l’équipe pour la saison 2026. Boucard, qui avait déjà évolué avec l’Alliance lors de la campagne 2023–2024, revient dans sa ville natale après avoir poursuivi sa carrière professionnelle au Canada et en Europe. Lors de son précédent passage à Montréal, il s’était rapidement imposé dans un rôle de partant, notamment avec une performance de 21 points contre la Saskatchewan le 26 juillet 2024, tout en contribuant de façon constante au chapitre des points, des rebonds et du jeu défensif. Mesurant 6 pi 6 po, l’ailier vétéran cumule plus d’une décennie d’expérience au niveau professionnel. Reconnu pour sa polyvalence, Boucard a maintenu une production constante dans plusieurs facettes du jeu, affichant en carrière des moyennes d’environ 11,0 points, 5,9 rebonds et 2,3 passes décisives par match. Plus récemment, Boucard a évolué lors de la saison 2024–2025 avec le CEP Lorient en France ainsi qu’avec les River Lions de Niagara dans la LECB, où il a continué de démontrer son efficacité et sa capacité à avoir un impact des deux côtés du terrain. « Ramener Guillaume à Montréal est quelque chose de spécial pour notre organisation, a déclaré le directeur général et copropriétaire Joel Anthony. C’est un joueur qui incarne la robustesse, le leadership et le talent. Avoir un joueur local de son calibre et de son expérience représente un ajout important pour notre équipe et nos partisans. » Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Boucard a connu une brillante carrière à l’Université Carleton, où il a remporté cinq championnats nationaux consécutifs et s’est développé en tant que joueur intelligent et complet, efficace des deux côtés du terrain. Il a par la suite été nommé Joueur canadien de l’année de la LECB et sélectionné sur la première équipe d’étoiles en 2019, s’imposant comme l’un des vétérans canadiens les plus respectés de la ligue. Son retour vient renforcer l’alignement de l’Alliance tout en consolidant le lien de l’équipe avec les talents et la communauté montréalaise à l’approche de la prochaine saison de la LECB.  ### À propos de l’Alliance de Montréal L’Alliance de Montréal est une équipe professionnelle de basketball évoluant dans la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), la principale ligue estivale de basketball au Canada. L’organisation s’engage à offrir un produit de haut niveau ainsi qu’une expérience engageante aux partisans de Montréal et de partout au Québec.

Alliance Welcome Home Former CEBL Canadian Player of the Year Boucard

May 1, 2026
The Montreal Alliance of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that Montreal native Guillaume Boucard is returning home to join the team for the 2026 season. Boucard, who previously played for the Alliance during the 2023–24 campaign, returns to his hometown after continuing his professional career across Canada and Europe. During his previous stint in Montreal, he made an immediate impact in a starting role, including a 21-point performance against Saskatchewan on July 26, 2024, while contributing across the board with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. Standing at 6 foot 6, the veteran forward brings more than a decade of professional experience. Known for his versatility, Boucard has consistently produced across multiple categories, averaging approximately 11.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game throughout his career. Most recently, Boucard competed during the 2024–25 season with CEP Lorient in France and in the CEBL with the Niagara River Lions, where he continued to showcase his efficiency and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. “Bringing Guillaume back to Montreal is special for our organization,” said general manager and co-owner Joel Anthony. “He’s a player who embodies toughness, leadership, and skill. Having a hometown talent of his caliber and experience is a significant addition for our team and our fans.” Before turning professional, Boucard starred at Carleton University, where he was part of five consecutive national championship teams and developed into a high-IQ, two-way player. He later earned CEBL Canadian Player of the Year honours and First Team All-Star recognition in 2019, establishing himself as one of the league’s most respected Canadian veterans. His return strengthens the Alliance lineup while reinforcing the team’s connection to Montreal talent and community as the club prepares for the upcoming CEBL season. ### About the Montreal Alliance The Montreal Alliance is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s premier summer basketball league. The organization is committed to delivering high-level basketball and an engaging experience for fans in Montreal and across Quebec.

Calgary Surge Sign Canadian Forward Patterson For 2026 Season

May 1, 2026
The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the signing of Canadian forward, Addison Patterson, for the upcoming 2026 CEBL season. The Mississauga, Ontario, native joins the Surge for the 2025-26 season following a productive season with Eastern Michigan in NCAA DI. The 6-foot-7 forward started all his 31 games played, ranking second on the team in total points (425) and assists (81). Highlighted by a 32-point performance against Kent State. “We’re excited to welcome Addison to the Calgary Surge organization,” said Shane James, General Manager of the Calgary Surge. “His experience across top NCAA programs, combined with his size and versatility, makes him a strong addition to our roster as we continue building a competitive team for the 2026 season.” In addition to his offensive consistency this past season, Patterson put his own stamp on the defensive side of the ball, ranking first on the team in total steals (34) and third on the team in total rebounds (165). Highlighted by a career-high eight steals against Kent State. Due to his impactful season in 2025-26, Patterson was rewarded with a place on the All-Southland Second Team. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge and compete in the CEBL,” said Patterson. “Coming back to play professionally in Canada means a lot to me, and I’m ready to bring energy, versatility, and a team-first mindset every time I step on the floor. I’m looking forward to connecting with the fans and helping the Surge have a successful season.” In addition to playing in Eastern Michigan, Patterson played for Northwestern State (2023-25), Tallahassee Community College (2022-23), and the University of Oregon (2019-20). Over the course of seven years, Patterson averaged 10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 rebounds–cementing him as an all-around talented player. Prior to his collegiate career, Patterson played for Bella Vista College Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona, while also representing Canada as a part of the U18 AmeriCup and U17 World Cup in 2018 as a 16-year-old. He averaged 16.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, which helped lead Canada to a second place and fourth place finish in the tournaments. The Calgary Surge tip off their 2026 CEBL season this spring. Additional roster announcements and schedule details will be shared in the coming weeks. ### 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 CanadianElite 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 .

Experienced G League Forward Dainja Signs With Edmonton Stingers

April 30, 2026
The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the signing of G-League player Dain Dainja. Dainja spent the 2025-26 season competing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G-League, where he averaged 14.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. “I was super interested in playing in the CEBL and Edmonton for more exposure and to be able to learn from more pros and not only work on my game, but stay in game shape as well.” said Dainja. Dainja spent two years with the University of Illinois where he played a total of 71 games before moving onto the University of Memphis where he finished his collegiate career averaging 27.8 minutes, 15 points, and 7.7 rebounds. In 2025, he secured a contract with the Sioux Falls Skyforce G-League team. "Dain is a talented forward who can score and facilitate at an elite level. He is still a very young professional, and we look forward to seeing him grow and develop with us this summer. He is an explosive playmaker who will definitely make a splash in the CEBL!" said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. Dainja is set to make his CEBL debut when the Stingers open their season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on May 9th. ###

Trinity Western Product Vandenberg Signs With Vancouver

April 30, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed Trinity Western University (TWU) product Jack Vandenberg to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A six-foot tall guard from Vancouver, Vandenberg earned an invitation to the inaugural Bandits University Combine. 40 local student-athletes competed against each other, developing their game against B.C.’s top young talent and with the help of Bandits coaching staff. The club hosted the combine to identify players who can make an impact in training camp and potentially sign to its roster for the upcoming 2026 season. “Jack Vandenberg is one of the premier shooters in Canada. He proved it again at our combine, where he stood out for his elite space and shot-making,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “Having coached him in the gym, I know he’s tough, a leader on his university team, and a player who is going to help push our culture forward.” Julius stressed the importance of Vandenberg’s ability to space the floor in training camp, which begins on Tuesday, May 5. “We are excited to add his toughness and sharpshooting as we gear up for camp,” he continued. In his junior year at TWU during the 2025-26 season, Vandenberg led his team with 15.8 points-per-game while also averaging 3.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 20 games with 19 starts. He led the Canada West conference in three-pointers made, finishing with 75 makes on 175 attempts. Vandenberg shot .429 per cent from beyond the arc, ranking 4th in the conference. Prior to his time with the Spartans, Vandenberg attended Montreal’s Concordia University in the 2022-23 season. An alumnus of St. George’s School in Vancouver, he earned Second Team All-Star honours at the 2022 BC 4A Boys Basketball Provincial Championship where he helped lead his school to a top 10 finish in his senior year. Fans will get their first chance to watch the Bandits’ new-look roster in a charitable preseason game on Saturday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre when the club faces the Sikh Warriors from ESPN’s The Basketball Tournament. 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.

Winnipeg Sea Bears Invite Local Talents Mensah and Watts to Training Camp

April 30, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has extended training camp invitations to two local players: Elijah Mensah of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen and Daren Watts of the University of Manitoba Bisons. Training camp runs April 30 to May 2, 2026. Mensah, a 6'7" senior forward with the Wesmen, grew up in Winnipeg and attended Miles Macdonell Collegiate. In the 2025–26 Canada West season, he averaged 11.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 24.4 minutes per game, posting a season-high 21 points against the Regina Cougars and a season-high 11 rebounds against Manitoba. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join training camp and I’m looking forward to learning and competing in an environment with elite talent,” said Mensah. Watts, a 6’4” fifth-year guard with the Bisons, grew up in Winnipeg, and is a product of Miles Macdonell Collegiate. In the 2025–26 season, he averaged 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in 31.3 minutes, posting a season-high 25 points against MacEwan and a season-high 12 rebounds against Regina. Watts was named a Canada West Second Team All-Star. ###

Canadian Guard Mané Join Saskatoon Mamba

April 30, 2026
The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed Canadian-Senegalese and former Orlando Magic guard, Karim Mané, for the upcoming 2026 CEBL season. The Saint-Hubert, Quebec, native returns to the CEBL for his second season, where he previously established himself as having a key role with the Calgary Surge, averaging 16.7 minutes and 3.7 points per game in 2025. “Karim is a versatile guard who brings energy, toughness, and a strong understanding of the game,” said Head Coach Isaiah Fox. “His journey through the NBA, G League, and international play has shaped him into a well-rounded competitor.” During the 2025-25 offseason, Mané competed internationally with the Rouen Métropole Basket in France and joined the Senegal National Team throughout the year, where he continued to develop as a professional. Over the course of his time with the Senegal National Team, Mané averaged 5.7 points and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 30 percent from the field, helping the team win bronze at the FIBA AfroBasket tournament. Prior to his time internationally, Mané spent three seasons with several NBA G-League teams, while also having stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic in the NBA. Additionally, Mané represented Team Canada in 2019 at the U19 World Cup, averaging 24 minutes, 11.7 points, and 3.1 assists per game–displaying his high level of play on the world stage. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Mamba and be part of this new chapter in Saskatoon,” said Mané. “I’ve grown a lot over the past year playing internationally and representing Senegal, and I’m ready to bring that experience back to the CEBL.” Fans can expect Mané to bring high-flying capability and physical play to the 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 .

River Lions Re-Sign American Guard Hollis

April 30, 2026
The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’6 American guard Curtis Hollis for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Hollis is currently playing in Riga, Latvia with the VEF Riga putting up an average performance of 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 15 games. Hollis started the 2025 campaign with the Vancouver Bandits, and joined the River Lions in late July for the final playoff push. In four games, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds and shot 43.8 from beyond the arc, cementing himself as a key contributor during both the Eastern Conference Final and Championship Game. “We are excited to have Curtis back in Niagara! Curtis has extensive CEBL experience and has proved that he impacts winning in many ways.” Said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “ His ability to score the ball stands out, but Curtis is a team first player who wants to win.” An Arlington, Texas native, Hollis also saw action during the 2024 CEBL season with both the Vancouver Bandits and Montreal Alliance, where he averaged 17 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. Hollis played overseas during the 2024-25 season with Helsinki Seagulls in Finland’s Korisliiga, posting averages of 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 27.6 minutes in 38 games played. His global career also includes stops in South Africa, the Dominican Republic, the Central African Republic, Germany and NBA G League training camp invites with the Detroit Pistons’ affiliate, Motor City Cruise (2022), and Golden State Warriors’ affiliate, Santa Cruz Warriors (2021). Hollis played post-secondary basketball at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he helped lead the Blue Dragons to a Round of 16 appearance at the 2018 NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. In his lone collegiate season, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 34 games. “I’m happy to be back for another summer with the Niagara River Lions,” said Hollis. “Since the season ended last summer I knew that I wanted to come back for another one. I’m ready to get in front of our great fans, do what the team needs me to do and play a bigger role this summer to help bring a three-peat. I’m excited to be coached by Kimbal; we have a strong relationship and I know he will be an amazing coach just like he was a player. I’m excited about this team and I can’t wait to be back around some familiar faces this season.” ### 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. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.

NBA-Experienced Guard Powell Joins Scarborough

April 29, 2026
The Scarborough Shooting Stars announced today the signing of guard Myles Powell for the 2026 season. Powell, a 6’2 guard from Trenton, brings elite scoring ability, veteran leadership, and high-level professional experience to Scarborough’s backcourt. Known for his toughness, shot-making, and ability to perform in clutch moments, Powell adds proven offensive firepower and championship-level competitiveness to the Shooting Stars roster. Powell joins the Shooting Stars with professional experience in the NBA, NBA G League, international leagues and recently CBA, where he has continued to showcase his scoring talent against top competition. Throughout his professional career, Powell has built a reputation as a dynamic guard capable of creating offence, stretching the floor, and leading from the backcourt. His combination of experience and production makes him a significant addition as Scarborough prepares for the 2026 season. Powell completed a historic collegiate career with the Seton Hall Pirates, where he became one of the most accomplished players in program history and one of the premier guards in college basketball. During the 2019–20 season, Powell earned Big East Player of the Year and Consensus First-Team All-American recognition after averaging 21.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He led Seton Hall to a share of the Big East Conference regular season title and established himself as one of the nation’s most feared scorers. Across four collegiate seasons, Powell scored more than 2,200 career points and consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, cementing his legacy as one of Seton Hall’s all-time greats. Following college, Powell continued his professional career through the NBA G League and overseas opportunities, gaining valuable experience against elite competition. His time at the professional level has further strengthened his all-around game and veteran presence. Powell’s ability to score at all three levels, create offence late in games, and lead with confidence makes him a major addition to Scarborough’s lineup. His experience, competitiveness, and proven production give the Shooting Stars another difference-maker capable of impacting winning immediately. With Powell joining the roster, Scarborough continues to build a talented and experienced group ready to compete for a championship in the 2026 CEBL season. ###

Canadian Jack Signs First Pro Contract with Stingers

April 29, 2026
The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the signing of Canadian forward Isaac Jack. Jack spent the 2025-26 season competing for the University of the Pacific Tigers, where he started in all 33 games. Jack averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. “I’ve always wanted to play in the CEBL since I learned about it. The idea of being able to play in my home country with my friends and family watching is something special. Also Edmonton showed interest in me for quite some time and has continued to since then. Lastly the relationship between head coach Jordan Baker and my college coach Dave Smart. Dave has had nothing but great things to say about coach Baker reassuring my belief in this organization.” said Jack. The six-foot-eleven forward has spent four seasons competing in the NCAA, beginning at Buffalo where he averaged 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. After moving on to play with the Dayton Flyers, he spent two seasons there averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. Concluding his collegiate career at the University of the Pacific, Jack averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.4 blocks. "Isaac had an excellent senior season at Pacific, and we are looking forward to seeing him make the jump to the professional level with us this summer. His size, physicality, and soft touch around the basket will allow him to make an impact with our team from day one." said Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. Jack is set to make his CEBL debut when the stingers open their season at home against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on May 9th. 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). ###