Over the past few weeks, teams have prepared by holding training camps, practices and exhibition games in their own gymnasiums.
The Alouettes have 12 players registered with the senior and junior teams, and have nine at the cadet level. They have, among others, four athletes who stand out on the field: Zakaria Adoum-Ahmat, Angelo Kalonji, Aurel Kamagate and Noah Sabourin.
The Sabers and Apollos each have ten players on their rosters. Hanmer players to watch are: Lucas Brisson, Leland Daviau, Rylan Donnelly, Nico Girard, Alexandre Montpellier and Simon Riutta.
The Eagles have more like eight.
Le Voyageur spoke with the coaches and managers of each club: Hassan Azzi from Jeunesse-Nord, Karyne Labonté from Ste-Marie, Denis Lessard from Hanmer and Martin Nadeau from Notre-Dame.
How has the team prepared for the season?
H. Azzi: The team participated in a physical and technical training program in preparation for the basketball season. Given that many students have part-time jobs after school, we have adapted our strategies to offer lunchtime practices in addition to after-school practices. Athletes therefore have more flexibility to perfect their sporting skills while maintaining a balanced personal schedule.
K. Labonté: The team prepared with a focus on each player’s commitment to giving 100%, being present and working together as a unit. We also held pre-practical meetings to discuss the strategies and systems we will be using. Additionally, videos were shared with players to help familiarize them with different gaming systems before training sessions.
D. Lessard: We have been practicing two to three times a week since November. We review concepts and practice executing new defensive and offensive strategies.
Mr. Nadeau: This year at Notre-Dame College, we were able to have three basketball teams. Our three teams place a lot of emphasis on physical fitness, skill development, communication and team spirit. The teams have had several exhibition games and now the regular season.
What are the expectations and challenges for the club?
H. Azzi: Our expectations for this season are to have fun. We hope to reach the championship finals because our players are motivated. The main challenges for the team are the small number of players, recruiting new players, and creating more opportunities where all players are available for practices to increase team synergy on the field.
K. Labonté: The main expectations for this season are that players are fully engaged, present at every practice, and work as a team. The main challenge we face at senior level is time management and the various player involvements. Many athletes are involved in other sports, such as the Cubs AAA team, the Lions AA team, or the Thunder community basketball team. Some players have after-school jobs and must juggle homework. Another challenge is the availability of our gymnasium. Players only have access to half of the field due to space restrictions. To practice on a full field, we have to travel, either very early in the morning or during the weekend. However, the opening of a second gymnasium should improve our scheduling flexibility and allow practices in a full-sized gymnasium. We have about three to five hours of practice per week.
D. Lessard: We are going to be competitive. In addition to the league, we participate in three tournaments. We hope to develop our athletes, our new players as well as those returning to us, throughout the season. It’s nice because most played for me in 7th and 8th grade, so we can really explore and build on basic concepts they learned.
Mr. Nadeau: Obviously expectations are always high, but for the junior team, it’s winning the Sudbury District Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SDASA) championship. For the junior team, it’s going to the Northern Ontario School Athletic Association regional competition. For the senior team, to win the AAESS championship of the second division.
