By Isabella Disley
Among the nearly 700 games played on Ottawa basketball courts during three Ontario Cup tournaments this season, it was the very last game at Carleton University’s Ravens Nest that will likely be remembered the most.
For the group of Ottawa South players who triumphed in the U19 boys’ final after overcoming multiple player ejections and a 20-point deficit, it’s certainly a moment they’ve been cherishing all summer long.
Entering as the sixth seeds in Division 1, each match became more intense as these underdogs embarked on their impressive journey of upsets.
First, they defeated second-ranked Timmins Selects 86-58, then overcame #3 Eurostep with a score of 59-47 and wrapped up pool play by beating #7 London 72-63 to secure their spot in the championship match.
The final showdown was a clash of unbeaten teams, with back-to-back provincial champions Durham/Kawartha aiming for a triple crown.
The game was fiercely competitive and filled with tension due to several ejections. When one South player got tossed in the first half, it seemed like their title hopes might slip away as they found themselves trailing by almost 20 points at halftime.
However, Ottawa South turned things around dramatically after halftime, tying up the score by the fourth quarter. As pressure mounted, so did the excitement from fans, players and coaches alike. A Durham/Kawartha player and then their head coach were both ejected late in the game over disagreements regarding officiating.
As those who had been ejected stood near doorways at Ravens Nest, it all came down to those final minutes to see who would take home the trophy. In the end, Ottawa South held strong defensively and won 72-68.
Samuel Ola. Photo: Isabella Disley
“It feels really good, just knowing that all the hours that we put in as a team finally paid off,” emphasized Samuel Ola, who began playing basketball in Grade 6 after being inspired by a school project about Stephen Curry. “Obviously, we’re down a bit at the start, but we fought, we got back in, and it just feels really good to come out with a win.”
The joy was amplified by having family members, friends and former teammates and coaches cheering them on from the stands.
“They all get to come out, watch us play and it just feels good that we’re able to come out with the win,” added Ola. He looks forward to creating more memories at Ravens Nest as he prepares to begin his studies at Carleton University where he plans to tryout for its famous men’s basketball team.
Ethan Webb expressed there couldn’t be a better way to conclude his youth basketball journey than celebrating this championship alongside his close-knit teammates. Ethan Webb. Photo: Isabella Disley
“For years we’ve chased this kind of dream. We put in lots of work this year as a team. We spent hours in the gym at different tournaments and late nights. There are definitely lots of sacrifices between everyone on our team but it paid off in the end,” reflected Webb who shifted his focus from soccer to basketball five years ago. “I’m happy to say I get to play with all these guys; they’re great guys; wouldn’t switch them out for anyone else. I wouldn’t choose anyone else to be my teammates.”
David Kelly (centre). Photo: Isabella Disley
Captain David Kelly agreed that there’s a “great bond” among team members.
“It’s a great group of guys; we’re all more family than teammates out there so it makes playing together much more enjoyable,” he noted.
Head coach Jack Dotten cherished building new memories through basketball this season. Having switched between playing for Ottawa South and BGC Thunderbolts since he was 14 years old, this was Dotten’s first year leading a club team after coaching high school for two years.
“When we found out we were playing here in D1 I probably texted or emailed about 50 people trying to get them out,” laughed Dotten who returned to Ottawa South because of how well he knows these players and how long they’ve played together.
“I think one of our biggest strengths is that everyone is close,” he continued. “Regardless of how down we get or how tough things become we’re able to stick together; we’re brothers fighting through it.” Coach Jack Dotten. Photo: Isabella Disley
From being an athlete himself to now coaching others means everything about basketball for Dotten.
“I live breathe and sweat for every single one of these guys; basketball has been such an important part of my life,” he said while emphasizing how sports help create bonds throughout communities. “I think it’s vital for youth whether it’s basketball or any other sports stay clear from trouble while coming together as brothers.”
“You can have guys who are polar opposites socially but they connect through basketball; it’s such an important part of my life – everyone’s lives.”
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ONL-X Takes Home Bronze While North Pole Hoops Captures Gold
Ottawa Next Level-X Basketball Team. Photo: @shayoksummershowcase Instagram Ottawa South emerged victorious against 40 other U19 teams competing during Ontario Cup play this season! The top eight ranked club teams across Ontario battled it out at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre during Championships tournament. Ottawa Next Level-X earned bronze medals during provincials but later climbed higher up on podiums capturing North Pole Hoops Showcase spring/summer league title. Read More: Lowertown Basketball Player Starts Season With Months-long Hospital Stay Finishes With Championship & MVP Award <pAt The Ontario U17 Boys’ Championships ONL-X Finished Fourth While The Ottawa Shooting Stars Came In Sixth. <pAdditionally Ottowa Hosted A Total Of Seventy-three U17 Boys Teams Competing For Ontario Cup During The Same Weekend At The End Of May.Source link
