Holland Hurricanes swingman Jace Colley was named CCAA player of the year. The 2nd-year swingman led the Hurricanes to a perfect 21-0 record and first-place finish in the ACAA regular season standings, and subsequently their seventh consecutive postseason conference title. “Jace is the player everyone looks up to for leadership and he exerts an undeniably strong presence in the games,” said David Munro, CCAA VP Programs. “He plays his best when the pressure is on and that helps elevate those around him to raise their game.” He finished second in the league in scoring with 23.4 ppg and field goal percentage (.613), while averaging 8.0 rpg (leading the conference with 134 defensive boards). He also notched 22 blocks, 77 assists and 27 steals. “Jace combines leadership, ability and desire to best exemplify what it takes to be an outstanding student-athlete,” said Holland athletic director Albert Roche. The other nominees for the award Harry Fayle of the VIU Mariners (PACWEST), Ryan McLaren of the Concordia Thunder (ACAC), Van Hutchinson Jr. of the Niagara Knights (OCAA) and Karim Mane of the Vanier Cheetahs (RSEQ).
Vanier’s Andrew Hertzog (a lawyer by trade) was named CCAA coach of the year. Hertzog guided the Cheetahs to a 16-0 record and first-overall finish in the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec final regular standings, and subsequently, the RSEQ postseason crown. “Andrew has been coaching at a high level for a long time and he has produced many outstanding players through the years,” said David Munro, CCAA VP Programs. “This was a tremendous season for Hertzog and Vanier; going undefeated in a very competitive RSEQ is a significant feat.” Vanier athletics coordinator Mai-Anh Nguyen said “it’s always incredible to have a coach like Andrew, who puts so much time and passion into his program and his players. We are grateful for his 30-plus years of service as a head coach and are extremely proud and happy that he is the RSEQ and CCAA Coach of the Year.” The other nominees for the award were Joe Enevoldson of Douglas (PACWEST); Reagan Wood of Concordia (ACAC); Jay McNeilly of Seneca (OCAA); and Josh Whitty of Holland (ACAA).
Joining Colley as CCAA All-Canadians were (all were first-team all-conference selections): …………………………………………………… Harry Fayle (Vancouver Island). The second-year guard was the PACWEST player of the year after leading the Mariners to a 16-2 record and first-place finish in regular season standings, and subsequently, the postseason conference title and the CCAA national crown. He averaged 19.6 ppg and 4.7 apg. …………………………………………………… Denver Sparks-Guest (Capilano). The fifth-year forward led the PACWEST in scoring (25.8 ppg), while also averaging 9.1 rpg and 1.8 spg. He helped the Blues to an 11-7 record and third-place finish in the conference in the regular season standings. …………………………………………………… Ryan McLaren (Concordia). The fifth-year forward and management major led the Thunder to a 20-4 record and first-place finish in the ACAC North Division regular season standings. The ACAC Player of the Year also ranked third in the conference with 23.3 ppg, and averaged 6.0 rpg. Concordia athletic director Joel Mrak said “Ryan is a rare talent from a quiet leader in the men’s basketball program at Concordia. He is calm, composed, and leads by example every time he steps onto the basketball court. While he has had a stellar 5-year career at CUE, he has worked extra hard to make his teammates better and ensure that they are making valuable contributions to the team in order to achieve their goals.” …………………………………………………… John Smith (SAIT). The fourth-year guard led the Trojans to a 20-1 record and first-place finish in the ACAC South Division regular season standings, and subsequently, their third consecutive postseason crown. He ranked 2nd in ACAC scoring (23.9 ppg) and was among the conference leaders with 91 assists and 33 steals, which setting an ACAC record with 92 treys. …………………………………………………… Van Hutchinson Jr. (Niagara). The fourth-year guard was the OCAA Player of the Year after leading the conference in assists (138, for a 7.0 apg) and steals (56, for a 2.8 apg), while finishing 2nd in rebounding (258, for a 12.9 rpg). He ranked third in the league in scoring (25.1 ppg) and helped lead the Knights to a 15-5 record and third-place finish in the OCAA West Division regular season standings. …………………………………………………… Brandon Halliburton (Durham). The third-year guard led OCAA East Division scoring (22.1 ppg). He also notched 93 rebounds, 61 assists and 17 steals. After a 4-5 start to the season, the Lords finished with an overall record of 14-6 and third-place finish in the regular season standings. …………………………………………………… Elie Karojo (Montmorency). The third-year forward led the Nomades to a 13-3 record and second-place finish in the RSEQ regular season standings. He ranked second in the conference with 9.8 rpg, while averaging 18.9 ppg, 2.3 spg and 1.3 bpg. …………………………………………………… Karim Mane (Vanier). The second-year point guard was the RSEQ Player of the Year after leading the Cheetahs to a 16-0 record and first-overall finish in the conference regular season standings. He led the Vaniers in scoring with 15.4 ppg, while averaging 6.9 rpg. …………………………………………………… Roosevelt Whyley (Holland). The fifth-year forward helped lead the Hurricanes to a 21-0 record in the ACAA regular season standings, and subsequently, the conference’s postseason crown. He led the conference in shooting (.691), finished 2nd in rebounding (10.1 rpg) and third in scoring (21.4 ppg).