ANCASTER, ON - Redeemer Men's Basketball signs four recruits for the 2025-2026 campaign. Kai Schatz, Elijah Onah, Steven Xu and Kaelum Connors are set to join the Royals this fall. Coach Hopkins has bolstered the growing Royals program with four recruits with diverse skill sets.

Schatz, a center, comes from Eden High School and has also played for the Pelham Panthers. During his high school career, he earned several accolades, including participating in the High School All-Star Classic in 2025 (Hamilton) and being named a First Team All-Star at the St.Catharines Standard Tournament for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Additionally, he was recognized as a Welland Tribune First Team All-Star in 2024.

Schatz expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Royals, mentioning, "Being surrounded by a Christian community, players and coaches, [offers] opportunities to glorify God through my basketball abilities."

Elijah Onah, a Point Guard, is joining the Redeemer Royals Men's Basketball team. Previously, Elijah was a standout player at Assumption Catholic Secondary School and West United Prep Academy.

Elijah's impressive list of accolades includes being named an HCAA All-Star and a National Summer Classic All-Star. He earned the MVP title at the TOG and was a key contributor to the NPH D1 Bronze medalist team. His achievements also include being a TBL Champion and a member of the Canadian Hoop Circuit All-Offensive First Team, as well as securing a Silver Medalist position. Additionally, Elijah was part of the Springfield Basketball Summer Tipoff Championship team.

Steven Xu is the third recruit for the Men's Basketball program. Xu played for Windsor United and attended Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor, ON. He is transferring from Lambton College.

Xu expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Royals, stating, "The thing that excites me the most is being a part of a family of like-minded believers."

Kaelum Connors, a Point Guard, comes from Halifax, Nova Scotia, having attended Streetsville Secondary School and competed with Extra Step (AAU) as well as JCM Prep.

In addition to his athletic excellence, Connors brings a strong foundation of faith to his new team. He stated, "My faith will be the foundation of my time at Redeemer as a student-athlete, guiding how I compete, learn, and build relationships. I believe that my abilities and opportunities are gifts from God, and I want to use them to honour Him through hard work and humility both on and off the court. My goal is to lead by example, encourage my teammates, and help create a Christ-centred environment where we support one another in both our athletic and spiritual growth."

The Royals are excited to welcome Kai, Elijah, Steven and Kaelum to the Redeemer Royals Men's Basketball program.

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