OSBA PRE-SEASON PREVIEW: Thornlea S.S

Thornlea S.S had an up and down season in the OSBA last year and managed to finish in the middle of the pack. With a 9-13 record the team placed seventh and earned a play-in game to the playoffs where they defeated Vaughan Prep 120-90. Riding high after their wildcard win, they came up short in the quarterfinals against TRC Academy 80-66. With a new season approaching and an almost brand-new team, the Thunder hope to maintain their winning ways.

Despite the loss of seven players entering the 2017-18 season, the future still looks bright for the program due to their talented young core. The Thunder part ways with notable mentions who aim to leave a lasting mark in University or College:

(6’5 G) Sean Miller-Moore - Moberly Area CC (Junior College)

(6’3 G) Dorrel Etionsa Atkinson - Seneca College

(6’1 G) Jonathan Kitenge - Fanshawe

(6’3 G) Jordan Brathwaite - Dalhousie University

(6’9 F) Scott Hitchon - Canisus College

(6’2 G) Dean Andrade - Western University

(6’5 G) Grant Audu - University of British Columbia (UBC)

Despite losing more than half of their key contributors, Thornlea enters this upcoming season with young returnees and new recruits who are set to have big years. One notable returnee who Thornlea will depend on to carry the load on both ends of the floor is class of 2020 (6’4 G) Cashius McNeilly. Cashius is already considered an NBA prospect and was a huge contributor averaging 14.4 points on Canada’s U16 team which won silver in the FIBA Americas this past summer. Cashius also added to his impressive basketball resume this summer by being selected and attending the Under Armour All-American Camp (only 80 players across the country were invited).

The program was able to acquire talented class of 2018 Manitoba native (5’9 G) Daniel Sackey. Daniel comes to the OSBA via 22 Feet Academy in South Carolina and join the Thunder for this upcoming season. The 5’9 point guard is arguably the fastest Canadian point guard in the past decade and will add major firepower to the team’s backcourt.

Look out for Thornlea as they appear ready to compete this season with their new young and talented roster. The future looks bright for the Thunder.