FREDERICTON, NB (August 10, 2019) - The 2019 15U & 17U Boy's National Championships concluded this evening in Fredericton, New Brunswick with Quebec earning both the 15U and the 17U championship title over. The 15U Quebec team defeated Ontario with a score of 88-78, while the 17U Quebec team defeated Ontario 84-77. With these victories, Quebec has had a complete sweep of this year’s 15U & 17U National Championships Men’s and Women’s divisions, earning four gold medals.

15U Boy's National Championship

In the 15U tournament, we also saw team Ontario take on team Quebec. The game was played at an extremely fast pace, and throughout the first quarter, Ontario and Quebec were essentially trading bucket for bucket. At the close of the first quarter, we saw Quebec lead 19-17, with both teams playing at a high level especially on the fast break. Earlier in this tournament, we saw Ontario blow out Quebec, with this in mind it seemed as though Quebec came out with something to prove with this heightened defensive intensity.

Although Ontario kept the game close, they were never able to build a lead, as every time they cut into the deficit, Quebec immediately answered back. While only playing 25 minutes, Aurel Karl Ntahindurwa of Team Quebec had a game-high 25 points, shooting 58%, while their All-Star Christian Payawal struggled shooting 20% on the night. Even when your best players are in a slump, the best teams are able to find a way to get it done. While the defence was strong for both teams, it came down to shooting, and Quebec finished the game shooting 40% versus Ontario’s 35% which was the difference.

Meanwhile, in the 15U tournament, Alberta was able to cap off their tournament with a blowout victory over Nova Scotia winning 67-54. This game felt lopsided for a vast majority of the game, as Alberta started with the lead, and never gave it up. With two players scoring in double figures, Alberta dominated this game and took home bronze in the 15U tournament.

15U MVP - FREUD-ANSLEY ST. FELIX  #11 - QUEBEC

17U Boy's National Championship

With the dominance Quebec had shown over the course of the week, it was no surprise when Quebec led Ontario 29-14 at the end of the first quarter. Though in the second quarter, Ontario came out fierce and played with a sense of urgency. Ontario was able to hold Quebec to 11 points in the 2nd, while putting up 25 points, closing the second with Quebec up by just one, 40-39.

The end of this game was riddled with emotion as with 32 seconds remaining on the clock and Quebec leading by 3, Quebec inbounded the ball leading to a deflexion from Ontario’s Kyle Duke, in a scramble for Ontario to get the ball, Kyle Duke was called for an unsportsmanlike foul, providing Quebec two free throws and possession of the ball. The game ultimately closed out with free throws and Quebec taking home the gold 84-77.

While the gold medal games were nothing short of outstanding, this was consistent with the outcome of the bronze medal game as well in the 17U tournament. After trailing almost the entire game, New Brunswick had a resurgence, as they went on a 17-2 run in the third quarter, where they never looked back. 1st Team All-Star Norm Burry was a major part in this comeback victory as he dropped 32 points while adding 13 rebounds and 7 assists. In a near triple-double performance, Norm helped lead New Brunswick to a bronze medal, with an 84-77 point win.

17U MVP - BENEDICT MATHURIN #6 - QUEBEC

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15U MEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP POOLS

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15U MEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

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17U MEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP POOLS

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17U MEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE