Niagara River Lions Sweep Season Series against Saskatchewan Rattlers in 90-75 Victory

July 3, 2023
Josh Kozelj

The Niagara River Lions (6-6) used the long ball to knock off the Saskatchewan Rattlers (4-8) 90-75 on the road at the SaskTel Centre. 


Following back-to-back losses earlier in the week, the River Lions racked up 13 three pointers and shot better than 50 per cent from deep to get back to .500 on the season. The victory also helped Niagara climb within one game of the second place Scarborough Shooting Stars in the eastern conference. 


Reigning CEBL MVP Khalil Ahmad recorded a team-high 20 points and 4 threes, while Edward Ekiyor racked up a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards.


“For the most part, it was good shot selection and we shot the ball well,” Niagara head coach Victor Raso said after the game. 


Although Justin Wright-Foreman, who leads the CEBL in points with 30.2 per game, provided his usual spark on offence for Saskatchewan—scoring 29 points and handing out 5 assists—he faced constant double teams and pressure all night from the Niagara defence.


TJ Lall, specifically, finished with 13 points off the bench. But Raso cited his defense as one major key that allowed Niagara to earn the victory tonight. 


“It’s crazy that Wright-Foreman had 29 [points] but he had to work for them,” Raso said. “TJ was super active all game long. He’s a good player and he’s tough as hell.” 


After losing by over 40 points to the River Lions almost exactly one month ago today, the Rattlers came out of the gate hot to avenge the blowout loss.


Wright-Foreman converted a four-point play after being fouled on a three point attempt, and Saskatchewan raced out to a 23-16 lead. 


“I tried the best I can,” Wright-Foreman said. “I know the defence is going to be keyed in on me so I tried to find holes to keep us in the game, whether it’s scoring or finding open teammates.” 


In the opening frame, Saskatchewan outrebounded Niagara 15-7 and scored 10 more points in the paint than the River Lions. However, Niagara’s ability to sink the three ball helped them stay within striking distance—as the River Lions dropped four of their 13 threes in the first quarter. 


Jermel Kennedy helped take some of the offensive load off Wright-Foreman’s shoulders in the frame by racking up seven points in the opening quarter. Kennedy finished the first half with a near double-double: 9 points and 8 rebounds. 


On the opposing side, though, Ekiyor started to flex his muscles inside. Niagara evened the rebound battle and the two teams traded leads.


In total, there were 10 lead changes in the first half, and Ekiyor finished the half with 15 points, which helped Niagara cut the Rattlers’ lead to one after the first two quarters. 


After the break, Niagara went on a 16-6 run to start the quarter. But Saskatchewan started to get hot from deep themselves in the frame. The Rattlers hit five threes in the quarter—highlighted by three by Wright-Foreman—and cut the River Lions’ lead to 66-60 by the end of the quarter. 


Michael Nuga, who made his second start of the season for Saskatchewan, chipped in with 17 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. He also recorded three three pointers on the night.


But entering the fourth, Niagara used another run—outscoring Saskatchewan 9-2 to start the quarter—and never looked back. 


Leading the game 81-70 entering target score time, Ahmad made a layup to bring Niagara within seven points of the win. And after four straight points by Ekiyor, Ahmad got the ball on the left side of the basket and made a contested three to seal the game. 


“I think now is the turning point,” Ekiyor said. “The season is coming to an end, we had a couple losses, and now we just got this win. We’re locked in, we’re focused, and we gotta keep rolling.” 


The River Lions are set to return to action on Wednesday against the Brampton Honey Badgers. Saskatchewan will look to snap their two-game losing streak on July 5 against the eastern conference-leading Ottawa BlackJacks. 


Full broadcast schedule of CEBL Games of the Week on TSN can be found here. All games will also be streamed live internationally on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, and on the CEBL Mobile app for iOS and Android devices. 


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 71 percent of its 2022 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Nine players have moved from the CEBL into the NBA following a CEBL season, and 28 CEBL players attended NBA G League training camps during October. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

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Ottawa Re-Signs Veteran Jackson

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Le Montréalais Barthelemy se joint à l’Alliance de Montréal

February 2, 2026
L'Alliance de Montréal vient de réaliser une signature majeure pour la franchise, annonçant aujourd’hui que le meneur dynamique Keeshawn Barthelemy, natif de Montréal, rejoindra l'équipe pour la saison 2026 de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB). Fort d’une expérience NCAA, internationale et professionnelle, Barthelemy revient dans sa ville natale pour entamer un nouveau chapitre de sa carrière. « Keeshawn est un joueur de grande qualité humaine, qui apporte calme, compétitivité et une excellente lecture du jeu », a déclaré Joel Anthony, directeur général et copropriétaire de l’Alliance. « Il a évolué à un très haut niveau, il a continué de progresser comme professionnel, et le fait d’accueillir un joueur montréalais de retour à la maison avec cette expérience est très significatif pour notre organisation. Nous croyons qu’il correspond parfaitement à ce que nous construisons. » Le meneur de 6 pi 1 po et 180 livres arrive à Montréal après un passage remarqué avec Proteas EKA AEL, dans la Division A chypriote, lors de la saison 2025-2026. En 10 matchs professionnels, Barthelemy a maintenu des moyennes de 13,8 points, 3,0 passes décisives, 2,8 rebonds et 1,1 interception par rencontre, se classant au troisième rang de son équipe pour les points marqués, tout en assumant un rôle clé comme meneur de jeu et en offrant une contribution constante des deux côtés du terrain. Son impact s’est fait sentir tout au long de la saison, notamment grâce à plusieurs performances à deux chiffres, dont une sortie de 27 points contre Morphou. Âgé de 25 ans, Barthelemy a connu un parcours universitaire remarquable dans la NCAA, amorçant sa carrière à l’Université du Colorado avant de la conclure à l’Université de l’Oregon. En cinq saisons, il a disputé 140 matchs, obtenant plusieurs départs et s’imposant comme un marqueur fiable et un meneur capable d'orchestrer l'attaque. Lors de sa dernière saison universitaire à Oregon (2024-2025), Barthelemy a inscrit 10,0 points par match, tout en maintenant un taux de réussite de 41,4 % derrière l’arc. Son efficacité offensive et aux lancers francs le classaient parmi les meilleurs de sa conférence. Barthelemy apporte également une précieuse expérience internationale, ayant représenté Équipe Canada sur plusieurs scènes, notamment lors de la Coupe du monde FIBA U17 en 2018 ainsi qu’au tournoi Global Jam en 2022. « Revenir à Montréal pour jouer au niveau professionnel, c’est quelque chose dont j’ai toujours rêvé », a confié Barthelemy. « C’est ici que tout a commencé pour moi, et pouvoir porter le chandail de l’Alliance devant ma famille, mes amis et les partisans, c’est vraiment spécial. J’ai très hâte à la nouvelle saison, à ce que l’équipe est en train de bâtir, et je suis prêt à me mettre au travail. » Cette signature représente un moment marquant pour l’Alliance, qui ramène à la maison un joueur montréalais dont le parcours l’a mené des gymnases locaux à la NCAA, puis au basketball professionnel à l’étranger. Tout au long de sa carrière, Barthelemy est demeuré profondément lié à la ville qui l’a formé, représentant fièrement le Québec et le Canada sur les scènes nationale et internationale. Son retour renforce l’engagement de l’Alliance à bâtir une équipe qui reflète à la fois le talent et l’identité de Montréal, alors que l’organisation poursuit sa progression en vue de la saison 2026. La prochaine saison comptera 12 matchs à domicile pour l’Alliance à l'Auditorium de Verdun, en plus d’un nouveau format de séries éliminatoires à l’échelle de la ligue, qui culminera avec une finale de la LECB deux de trois. L’Alliance disputera son match d’ouverture à domicile le 15 mai, face aux Shooting Stars de Scarborough. Pour plus d’information sur les forfaits de billets disponibles, visitez BASKETMTL.ca. ###

Montreal’s Barthelemy Joins Hometown Alliance

February 2, 2026
The Montréal Alliance has made a key signing for the franchise, announcing today that dynamic guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, a Montréal native with NCAA, international, and professional experience, has signed with the team for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. “Keeshawn is a high-character player who brings poise, competitiveness, and a strong feel for the game,” said Joel Anthony, General Manager and co-owner of the Alliance. “He’s played at a high level, he’s continued to grow as a professional, and having a Montreal-born player return home with that experience means a lot to this organization. We believe he’ll be a great fit for what we’re building.” The 6'1", 180-pound guard brings professional experience after most recently competing with Proteas EKA AEL in the Cyprus Division A, where he made an immediate impact during the 2025–26 season. In 10 professional games, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, ranking third on the team in scoring while serving as a primary ball handler and reliable two-way contributor. His impact was evident throughout the season, scoring in double figures on multiple occasions, highlighted by a 27-point performance against Morphou. The 25-year-old guard built an impressive collegiate career in the NCAA, beginning at the University of Colorado before finishing at the University of Oregon. Across five seasons, he appeared in 140 games, earning multiple starting roles and developing into a consistent perimeter scorer and playmaker. In his final collegiate season at Oregon (2024–25), Barthelemy averaged 10.0 points per game while shooting 41.4% from three-point range, ranking among the conference leaders in efficiency and free throw percentage. Barthelemy also brings valuable international experience, having represented Team Canada on multiple occasions, including at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2022 Global Jam Tournament. “Coming back to Montreal to play professionally is something I’ve dreamed about,” said Barthelemy. “This city is where everything started for me, and to put on an Alliance jersey in front of my family, friends, and the fans is really special. I’m excited for the new season, excited for what this team is building, and ready to get to work.” This signing marks a significant milestone for the Alliance, bringing home a Montréal native whose journey has taken him from local gyms to the NCAA and the professional ranks overseas. Throughout his career, Barthelemy has remained connected to the city that shaped him, proudly representing Québec and Canada on the national and international stage. His return reinforces the Alliance's commitment to building a team that reflects both the talent and the identity of Montréal as the organization builds toward the 2026 season. The upcoming season will include 12 home contests for the Alliance at the Verdun Auditorium and a new league-wide playoff format that culminates in a best-of-three CEBL Final. The Alliance will play its home opener on May 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. For more information on available ticket packages, visit BASKETMTL.ca. ###

Oduro Returns to Brampton for a Fifth Season with the Honey Badgers

February 2, 2026
Prince Oduro returns for his fifth season as the Honey Badgers’ all-time leader in games, rebounds and blocks.

Niagara’s Raso, CEBL’s Winningest Coach and General Manager, Steps Down

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Veteran Guard Osborne, Sea Bears Agree to Terms

January 28, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with guard Isiah Osborne for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Osborne, a 6’5” guard from Windsor, Ontario, brings a wealth of professional experience to Winnipeg. Across 49 career CEBL games, Osborne has averaged 25.1 minutes, 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, between the Edmonton Stingers, Montréal Alliance, and Ottawa BlackJacks. “Isiah’s background as a dynamic offensive player and his athletic capabilities made him an ideal fit for our system,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He brings positional size and versatility at both ends of the floor and has the ability to impact winning in a variety of ways.” “I’ve hit big shots in this league, but nothing comes without hard work and teammates who make winning possible,” said Osborne. “That’s why I’m excited to come to Winnipeg. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m coming in ready to grind.” Osborne is currently competing with Energa Kotwica Kołobrzeg in Poland. Prior to turning professional, Osborne appeared in 23 NCAA games with the University of Texas at El Paso. He then spent two seasons at Carleton University (2018–2020), where he played 43 U SPORTS games and helped lead the Ravens to back-to-back U SPORTS national championships. Osborne earned All-Star honours in both seasons and was named U SPORTS Championship MVP in 2020. Osborne has played professionally in Canada with the Stingers, Surge, and Alliance, as well as internationally in Finland (Kouvot), Greece (Maroussi), Latvia (Rīgas Zeļļi), Lithuania (Prienų and Gargždų), and Romania with CSM Corona Brașov of the Rome DivA league. Season tickets for the 2026 Winnipeg Sea Bears season are on sale now and can be purchased online 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.

Davidson Joins CEBL as Chief Operating Officer

January 27, 2026
Welcome to the Canadian Elite Basketball League, Shannon Davidson. Davidson brings decades of leadership and strategic integration across the sport and corporate worlds. Her wide-ranging experience strengthens our ability to execute, scale, and lead with purpose.

Saskatchewan Announces Coaching Staff Update

January 26, 2026
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has notified Head Coach Eric Magdanz that his contract will not be renewed following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Associate Head Coach Steve Burrows will also not be returning due to family reasons. Burrows spent two years with the franchise and Magdanz four – three as Lead Assistant Coach and in 2025 he was promoted to Head Coach. The team finished with a 7-17 record and did not qualify for the playoffs for the third straight season. The organization is grateful for the contributions of both Eric and Steve and their families. Their passion for player development and growing the game of basketball throughout Saskatchewan has our deepest admiration. The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has already begun recruitment for a new Head Coach. A new era of basketball in Saskatoon will be unveiled on February 4th, 2026.  ### 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 .