ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer Royals Men's Basketball team enters the 2025 season with clear goals and high expectations. Head Coach Steven Hopkins outlined the team's objective for the year: "We want to be competitive and finish in the top 5 during the regular season and qualify for the playoffs. We feel with the roster that we have, we will be competitive this season."

Several returning players are expected to be key contributors both on and off the court. "Some of the key players returning for us this year would be Gabe Della Foresta, Jeremiah Della Foresta, Jackson Thackwray and Parker Davis. Each of these players brings leadership to hold everyone accountable. It will be great to have Jackson back as he brings tough on-ball defence and a solid voice on the floor and in the locker room." Hopkins added, "Both Gabe and Jeremiah each bring shooting, they can guard multiple positions and have really stepped up their leadership within the team. Parker brings his offensive abilities and will be one of the keys to our success this season. We are hoping he continues to grow as a leader and becomes more of a two-way player this coming season."

Hopkins is also excited about the new additions to the roster. "I'm excited about all of the guys coming in. I think that Foster Brown and the rest of the coaching staff did a great job of recruiting players that fit well into what we are trying to build here. Elijah Onah brings defensive pressure and the ability to get to the rim. Both Jack Nirula and Kaelum Connors can play multiple positions for us." 

The Royals also welcome two transfers this season. Hopkins shared, "Steven Xu is coming to us after spending last season at Lambton College. We see him helping us at the point, and Kaiden King-Stewart, a transfer from Windsor, will help bring size to our roster and put more pressure on the rim."

Compared to last year, the Royals are stronger, more athletic, and more experienced. "I think the difference from last year to this year is that we have more senior players who have been with us, and they are doing a great job of holding our standards. We are a bit more athletic, a bit bigger, allowing us to guard multiple positions."

Fans can expect a team that is aggressive on both ends of the floor. "This year, we want to be able to push the ball offensively but also pull back and execute if the transition game isn't there. We will also be more aggressive defensively."

During the offseason, the focus was on improving execution and competitiveness."This off-season, we focused on competing and executing on both ends of the floor."

One of the highlighted match-ups this season is the home opener against cross-town rivals Mohawk. "Obviously, the home opener on Friday, October 17th, is a big one as we face our cross-town rivals, Mohawk. It should be an exciting game as I know they have done a great job with their returning players and their new recruits."

Despite identifying local rivals, Hopkins ensures his team looks at each match the same. "Outside of that, we have every home game circled on our calendar. Protect the den!"

Hopkins and the Royals look to build on their early-season matches as they chase a postseason appearance. 

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