OSBA Pre-Season Preview: TRC Academy (Men)

TRC Academy is coming off an impressive 2016-17 season, where they were one of four teams in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) to finish with a winning percentage above .500. They also managed to tie for first place in the regular season with Orangeville Prep. Both teams had an impressive record of 18 regular season wins and only two losses. In addition to TRC’s successful regular season, they made a deep playoff push that landed them a chance to compete for the OSBA championship against Orangeville Prep in a down-to-the-wire final. Although TRC came up three points short after missing a potential game-winning three-point shot, the future of their program is promising.

Even though TRC has more than 80 percent of their roster returning this year, they had a busy off-season adding key pieces to help them claim what they believe was theirs from last season. The Wolfpack looks ready to contend for an OSBA championship in back-to-back years. Notable high-level commits to their program include: 7’0 F/C Liam Courtney (Chaminade, St. Louis), who will provide leadership on and off the court and stretch the court with shooting ability but also bang down low. 6’7 SF Lorenzo Downey (Nova Scotia) who already holds the label as an absolute beast physically. He will also be looked to both handle the ball and defend multiple positions. 6’8 F Ben Shoveller (Ottawa) an extremely skilled forward who can pass, shoot, and post up. And lastly another Ottawa native, 6’0 rookie PG Darius DeAveiro, who was a U15 Team Ontario point guard with loads of talent and potential.

Aside from the busy offseason the Wolfpack has had stacking their roster with loads of both size, length and potential for years to come, they are returning almost their entire roster who all know what it takes to play for an OSBA Championship as well as win a great deal of games in the regular season. TRC Academy will be without 6’9 Forward Eliel Nsoseme, who began his freshman season at Cincinnati University. With that being said, the Wolfpack welcomes back seven key returning players they will rely on heavily this upcoming season. Notable returnees include:

• Class of 2018 – (6’9) F Adong Makuoi:  Has pro potential because of his size, length and how he finishes above the rim. A defensive nightmare for opposing teams. Numerous NCAA D1 offers

• Class of 2018 – (6’0) PG Antoine Vernon:  “A top PG in his class. A true floor general who is fearless. A gymrat who can score in bunches but makes sure the team eats before he does," says Coach T. Vernon. Numerous NCAA D1 Offers

• Class of 2018 – (6’7) SF Deon Ejim: “A matchup issue for anyone playing against him. He can shoot it from deep, but can also be a bully down low on the block. An elite rebounder who has numerous NCAA D1 offers” says Coach T. Vernon

• Class of 2018 – (6’3) G Steven Levnaic: A fearless guard who is everywhere. Can finish above the rim and is lethal from the 3point line. He is an elite teammate who will do whatever he has to do for the team to win.

• Class of 2018 – (6’9) F Matt Grace:  A true Stretch forward. High IQ player who shoots the ball at an elite level. “Could have the most skilled back to the basket game in the league" says Coach Vernon.  Numerous NCAA Division 1 offers

• Class of 2019 – (6’2) PG Avan Nava:  “Arguably the best shooter in the country. Has playmaking ability and is an absolute gym rat. He is fearless and plays with a huge chip on his shoulder” says Coach Vernon

• Class of 2019 – (6’6) SG Adam Francolini:  Perfect measurements for a shooting guard. Adam is lethal from behind the arc and in the midrange. He is a great rebounder for his position and size and has the ability to create for others.

Look out for TRC Academy this upcoming season. The Wolfpack will definitely be looking to pick up where they left off last year, and compete for a championship that they came up three points short of last season.