CEBL NEWS ARTICLES

The Niagara River Lions are proud to announce that President Michelle Biskup has been named the 2025 St. Catharines Sportsperson of the Year, a prestigious civic honour recognizing outstanding contributions to sport and community in the City of St. Catharines. She will be honoured at a ceremony on Monday March 9th at St. Catharines city hall. Presented annually by the City of St. Catharines, the Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, achievement, and service in sport while contributing positively to the community. The award celebrates not only competitive success, but also long-term commitment to the growth and development of sport at the local level. Biskup’s recognition marks a historic milestone for sport in St. Catharines, as both individual sport honours presented by the City, Sportsperson of the Year and Athlete of the Year, were awarded to women, with the Athlete of the Year honour presented to Madalyn Weinert. The achievement highlights the growing impact and leadership of women across all levels of sport in the community. A decade-long member of the River Lions organization, Biskup has been a driving force behind the team’s growth and stability since its earliest days. She first joined the franchise during its National Basketball League of Canada (NBL) era, remaining with the team through its transition into the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) in 2019. Now entering her 11th season with the organization, Biskup served as Vice President for four years before being appointed President in late 2024. She has been part of the River Lions’ back-to-back championship seasons in 2024 and 2025 and remains a driving force behind the franchise’s continued success and regional growth. Throughout her tenure, Biskup has played an integral role in shaping the River Lions’ culture, overseeing business operations, strengthening community partnerships, and helping establish the team as a cornerstone of professional sport in Niagara. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to grow its presence across the region while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement, accessibility, and excellence both on and off the court. "Being named Sportsperson of the Year is an incredible honor,” said Biskup. “It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and support from our team, fans, and community. I hope this recognition inspires others to chase their goals, push their limits, and make a positive impact both on and off the court." Biskup joins a notable list of River Lions leaders to receive the honour. Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso was named St. Catharines Sportsperson of the Year in 2024 and River Lions owner Richard Petko earned the honours in 2016, further underscoring the organization’s ongoing impact within the local sports community. 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. ###

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed guard Justin Harmon for the 2026 season. The 6-foot-4 guard from Chicago, Illinois joins Ottawa while currently competing in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. During the 2025-26 campaign, Harmon is averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three-point range across 37 appearances. The Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla, who also serves as an assistant video coordinator with the Utah Jazz, has had the opportunity to closely follow Harmon’s development within the organization’s G League system. "Being able to have someone on the floor like Justin Harmon is important. He fights for every possession. He is a great competitor on defence and he has a drive to impact the game on offense. His passion impacts winning." said Mazzulla. Harmon began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 30 games and averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists while gaining experience in the NBA’s primary development league. Before turning professional, Harmon concluded his collegiate career at the University of Illinois during the 2023-24 season. Appearing in 38 games for the Fighting Illini, he averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting over 91 percent from the free throw line. Prior to Illinois, Harmon spent two seasons at Utah Valley where he emerged as one of the Western Athletic Conference’s top guards. During the 2022-23 season he averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while helping lead the Wolverines to a WAC regular season championship and a run to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament. Harmon began his collegiate career at Barton Community College in Kansas where he earned first-team all-conference honours while averaging 16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists during the 2020-21 season. Born August 30, 2001, Harmon attended Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago where he helped lead the program to a Chicago Public League championship during his senior season. Flexible ticket packages are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets . BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 613-294-1133. ###

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 

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 . ###

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 .