The Carleton Ravens and Windsor Lancers have won the CIS Final 8 Championship. Carleton was victorious against the Ottawa Gee-Gees by a score of 93-46 and Windsor defeated the McGill Martlets, 60-47. Both teams have now won the CIS Championship for five consecutive years.

“Congratulation to CIS Champions, Carleton and Windsor,” said Executive Director, Michele O’Keefe. “The CIS Final 8 was a fantastic showcasing of Canadian basketball talent. It was a pleasure to see many of our national team members being a part of this thrilling weekend. A tournament like this is very beneficial for our coaches as it prepares them for the various events and tournaments they will participate in during the summer.”

This year’s men’s Final 8 in Toronto (at Mattamy Athletic Centre) became a full-week’s event with the Ryerson University Basketball Forum. Junior Men’s National Team and Ryerson Head Coach, Roy Rana put together many influential basketball figures from around North America to discuss various aspects of basketball on Monday, March 6.  Roy Rana’s Rams finished 3rd in the tournament.

For the Women’s tournament, at Laval University, former National Team coach and Laval head coach, Linda Marquis announced that her retirement would begin following the tournament. After 12 years as a National Team coach from 1997-2009, and 31 years as Laval head coach, Marquis retires with over 500 CIS victories. Linda Marquis and the Rouge Et ‘Or finished in 8th place.

Other national team coaches who participated in the CIS Final 8 were:

• Senior Men’s National Team assistant coach, Dave Smart – Carleton University (Champion)
• Development  Women’s National Team assistant coach, Ryan Thorne – McGill University (2ndplace)
• Senior Women’s National Team head coach, Lisa Thomaidis - University of Saskatchewan (4th place)
• Junior Women’s National Team assistant coach, Scott Edwards – University of Alberta (5thplace)
• Cadette Women’s National Team head coach, Carly Clarke – Ryerson University (6th place)

Men’s national team athletes, Thomas and Philip Scrubb played their final games as university athletes under Coach Dave Smart. Philip Scrubb scored 28 points to go along with 10 assists and 3 rebounds in the championship game and Thomas Scrubb scored 20 points together with 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Both brothers were named Tournament MVPs.

Women’s national team athlete, Korissa Williams also played her final games in the CIS for the Windsor Lancers. Williams was named Tournament MVP and scored 21 points with 14 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals in the championship game.

This was the first time that Ryerson University had the privilege of hosting the CIS Final 8 and the fourth time for Laval University after hosting it in 1986, 1990 and 1995.

About Canada Basketball:

Canada Basketball is a private, not-for-profit corporation committed to excellence in leading the growth of the game domestically and in pursuing medal performances on the international stage.

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