After an extensive pre-season, Redeemer's Basketball programs are ready to hit the court for the 2018-2019 OCAA season. With opening weekend just two days away, Redeemer is eager to kickstart their campaign as they finalize preparations for their first league match. The Royals will travel to the Niagara Knights in Welland, Ontario on Friday night. Tip-off is set for 6pm.
The Royals completed their busy pre-season on the weekend. The Men's team found themselves on the winning end of 97-94 win over NCAA Division III program York College Spartans on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Royals dropped two weekend matches, both to NCAA Division III schools. On Saturday, Redeemer fell to the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets 86-67. Then, on Monday night, the Royals were on the losing end of a 94-56 loss against the St. Vincent Bearcats.
Last season, the Knights and Royals split the season series. Redeemer's men's team swept Niagara while the Lady Knights returned the favor to Redeemer's women's team.
Friday night will also be the first time that Redeemer's men's team returns to Niagara College since last year's OCAA Men's Basketball Championship. While the Royals will return to Welland with a sense of accomplishment from having qualified for the Championship event, the team will also look to erase some memories of losing their semi-final match to the Humber Hawks.
Changes abound for both squads heading into Friday's game. The following are the additions and key departures for each team.
Women's Basketball
Additions
Guard - Julia Pavlik - Waterloo Warriors Transfer
Guard - Alex Webb - Waterdown District High School
Forward - Lucy Brinkman - Redeemer Christian High School
Guard - Alyssa Zilney - Eastview Secondary School
Key Departures
Jessica Bosma - Transfer to Trinity Western University
Shania Graham - Transfer to St. FX
Men's Basketball
Additions
Guard -
Lynden Lightbourne - Doris Johnson Senior High
Guard -
Woods Brown - Saltfleet District High School
Forward -
Peyton Grim - Langley Christian High School
Forward -
Armeen Fazelipour - St. Roberts High School
Forward -
Adam Pavlik - Home School
Forward -
Owen Reitsma - St. Anne's High School
Key Departures
Rayvon Higdon - Graduated
Zach Angus - Finished Eligibility
After narrowly missing out on the Provincial Championships in back-to-back seasons, Redeemer's Women's Basketball team faces a number of changes in 2018-19. The Royals will look to compensate for the departures of Bosma and Graham but the team's new coaching staff will push their team to remain competitive all season and compete for a playoff spot.
After a dominating 19-1 season for the Men's program in 2017-2018, the Royals will be in tough to replicate the same success heading into this year. With a number of additions for the upcoming season and a strong core of returning players, the Royals will remain a playoff contender despite the loss of 3x All-Canadian
Rayvon Higdon.
Friday night's match will be the first official league game for the new women's basketball coaching staff. Led by first-year Head Coach,
Jesse VanHouwelingen, and assistants Patrick Iavarone and Madison Behr, the Royals will be searching for the first win for the new staff.
On the men's side,
Jamie Girolametto and his staff will return for their 7th year. The Royals are coming off of their most successful season in program history with a record of 19-1 and a West Division title.
Date: Friday October 19th, 2018
Event: Redeemer Royals vs Niagara Knights
Location: Welland Athletic Centre, Niagara College
Time: Doubleheader starting at 6pm
Website:
Niagara Knights
Livestream:
Watch Live
