ANCASTER, ON - The revamped Redeemer Royals Men's Basketball team open their 2026-27 campaign across the escarpment at the Mohawk Mountaineers on Wednesday, October 21 at 8:00pm.  

Newly appointed Head Coach Howard Nañes has set the standard for the Royals, saying that he wants the team "to be known as a team that is built different" and be "a team that relentlessly competes and glorifies God on and off the court." 

And built different it is. The Royals have just six returning members, the other eleven suiting up in the red and navy for the first time. 

"Newcomers now make up a majority of the team," said Nañes. "We have a great balance of incoming freshman and transfers who I think will be able to make an immediate impact." 

The integration of Nañes system should add an exciting complexion to the gelling of the team. Nañes says fans should expect a "fun and exciting up-tempo style of play." 

Of the returning Royals this season, Nañes emphasized the importance of Cole Arnold, Parker Davis, and Jeremiah Della Foresta by naming the three of them as captains.  They are "expected to play key roles on and off the court this upcoming season," Nañes explained. 

Davis led the Royals in scoring last season, averaging 25.4 PTs/G and scoring 330 PTs over the course of the season. His 938 career points are just 62 shy of the 1000 PT milestone, something that only five Royals have done in the history of the men's basketball program. He would need a very doable 282 PTs this season to tie Rayvon Higdon for the most points in Royals history at 1220. 

Thomaz Barbosa is also among the returning Royals this season. He was second on the team in scoring, averaging 9.7 PTs/G and scoring 174 PTs total. 

Nañes takes much pride in representing Redeemer, knowing it is the only faith-based program in the OCAA. "It is a great responsibility to be a 'city on a hill,' and I hold that responsibility with reverence," said Nañes, referring to Matthew 5:14-16. 

The new-look Royals are looking to improve upon their 9th place finish in the OCAA West Division last season.  

And just in case you need more convincing about the eagerness surrounding this squad, when asked why fans should be fired up about this year's edition of Royals men's basketball, Nañes responded; "Royals fans should be excited about this team because I'm excited, and I rarely get excited about things."