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Below is the complete list of confirmed postsecondary commitments from across the NPA and WNPA as of May 2026.

• Aleks Popovic — Edge School — University of Saskatchewan — NPA
• Alex Newson — King’s Christian Collegiate — Albany Great Danes — WNPA
• Amaya Robinson — Royal Crown — Duquesne Dukes — WNPA
• Andy Gemao — Royal Crown — Penn State University — NPA
• Anthony Ponga — Fort Erie International Academy — Cal State Fullerton — NPA
• Arianna Turla — Niagara Prep — Florida Gulf Coast Eagles — WNPA
• Ava Bluhm — Royal Crown — Le Moyne College — WNPA
• Burak Kurucay — Polaris Prep — York University — NPA
• Caleb Zhu — Royal Crown — Elon University — NPA
• Callum Smith — Ridley College — Albany — NPA
• Chris Kouame — Tri-City Prep — Queens (NC) — NPA
• CJ Nelson — St. Jude’s Academy — St. Francis Xavier University — NPA
• Coen Hall — Polaris Prep — Queens University — NPA
• Damian Runjaic — Tri-City Prep — Lakehead University — NPA
• Danyelle London — FEIA — University of Illinois Chicago — WNPA
• Daunte Jones — Hodan Prep — Laurentian University — NPA
• Eli Jolin — Fort Erie International Academy — Santa Clara University — NPA
• Ella Plummer — CODE Basketball — University of Regina — WNPA
• Emmanuelle Broude — CODE Basketball — Wofford Terriers — WNPA
• Emma Dongelmans — King’s Christian Collegiate — Montana Grizzlies — WNPA
• Eunicia Salgado — Royal Crown — Boston College Eagles — WNPA
• Gabby Morash — King’s Christian Collegiate — High Point Panthers — WNPA
• Harry Shellhammer — Tri-City Prep — Campbell University — NPA
• Ian McBride — Hodan Prep — Simon Fraser University — NPA
• Isaiah Olunloyo — Brampton City Prep — University of New Brunswick — NPA
• Jack Noonan — Polaris Prep — Laurentian University — NPA
• Jordyn Wheeler — Niagara Prep — Stanford Cardinal — WNPA
• Kadie Anderson — Edge — University of Lethbridge — WNPA
• Kaylen Sta. Maria — Niagara Prep — Rice Owls — WNPA
• Keira Winquist — Edge — University of Alberta — WNPA
• Kemar Grant — St. Jude’s Academy — Stonehill — NPA
• Kenan Gilao — King Heights Academy — Marshall University — NPA
• Kian Tyson — Edge School — Lake Superior State — NPA
• Kyle Dorsey — St. Jude’s Academy — St. Francis Xavier University — NPA
• Kylee North Peigan — Notre Dame — St. Mary’s — WNPA
• Kylie Sooley — Niagara Prep — UMass Minutewomen — WNPA
• Luke Hartman — Polaris Prep — University of Prince Edward Island — NPA
• Malachi Richmond — Edge School — Eastern Washington University — NPA
• Mansley Dorneval — CSJV — Salem University — NPA
• Matt Loucks — St. Jude’s Academy — Western University — NPA
• Maya Francisco — Notre Dame — Algoma University — WNPA
• Mya Regier — Notre Dame — University of British Columbia — WNPA
• Naomi Stavast — EDGE — St. Mary’s University — WNPA
• Nina Visnjevac — FEIA — American University Eagles — WNPA
• Olivia Plummer — CODE Basketball — University of Regina — WNPA
• Otis Onink — St. Jude’s Academy — MacEwan University — NPA
• Promis N’Landu — Fort Erie International Academy — George Washington University — NPA
• Riley Collinson — King’s Christian — Bishop’s University — WNPA
• Sami Uraz — Crestwood — Queens University — NPA
• Severyn Ferrara Horne — Notre Dame — Mount St. Mary’s University — WNPA
• Soreya Yilmaz — Niagara Prep — Saint Peter’s Peacocks — WNPA
• Stefan Susic — Polaris Prep — Navarro College — NPA
• Tianyue Li — Fort Erie International Academy — Western University — NPA
• Toro Olaye — St. Jude’s Academy — University of Guelph — NPA
• Yohana Fami — Royal Crown — St. John’s Red Storm — WNPA
• Yasmin Kells — Edge — University of Calgary — WNPA
• Yousaf Ahmad — King Heights Academy — St. Louis University — NPA
• Zach Hawley — Edge School — Brock University — NPA
• Zach White — Rothesay Netherwood School — University of New Brunswick — NPA

With additional commitments expected throughout the spring and summer signing periods, the NPA and WNPA pipelines continue to grow at an impressive rate. These commitments are a reflection of the work being done by student-athletes, coaches, families, and member programs across both leagues, while also showcasing the increasing reputation of Canadian prep basketball on the national and international stage.

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One of those players is Victoria Surrett, a 5’7” guard from CÉGEP Montmorency D2 in the Class of 2026.

Surrett has emerged as one of Quebec’s most intriguing under-the-radar guards this season, helping lead Montmorency to a dominant 13–2 campaign while steadily evolving into one of the team’s most reliable offensive engines and floor leaders.

The numbers tell part of the story:

• 14.0 PPG
• 3.4 APG
• 3.3 SPG
• First-Team All Conference
• 17.7 PPG during provincial play

Her impact was amplified during the provincial championship run, where she elevated her level of play against some of the toughest competition in Quebec. Surrett averaged 17.7 points per game during provincial play, showcasing her ability to perform when the stakes were highest and helping lead Montmorency to a provincial bronze medal finish.

Throughout the tournament, she consistently stepped up as a primary scoring option while also taking on major ball-handling and leadership responsibilities. Whether it was creating offense late in possessions, controlling tempo, or making winning plays on both ends of the floor, Surrett proved she could impact games beyond just scoring.

But beyond the stats, it’s the way she’s producing that stands out.

Surrett is an explosive 3-level scorer capable of creating offense at all areas of the floor. Whether it’s knocking down perimeter shots, attacking downhill off the bounce, or making plays in the mid-range, she plays with confidence and composure well beyond her years.

Her late-season surge has been fueled by improved decision-making, poise under pressure, and an ability to control tempo as a true floor general. She’s become the connective piece behind Montmorency’s success — balancing scoring aggression with playmaking responsibility while impacting the game defensively at a high level with 3.3 steals per game.

What also separates Surrett is the passion and competitiveness she brings every time she steps on the floor. She competes with an edge, plays with emotion, and consistently brings energy that impacts both her teammates and the overall pace of the game. Her willingness to embrace big moments and compete on every possession has become a major part of Montmorency’s identity this season.

What makes her rise even more impressive is the work behind it.

Head Coach Melissa Dalembert, a 2010 graduate of University of South Florida who also played professionally in Europe, spoke on Surrett’s growth throughout the season:

“Victoria stayed patient, trusted the process, and never stopped working. The level she’s playing at now is a direct result of that commitment.”

Assistant Coach Yohanny Dalembert, a 2017 graduate of James Madison University and former professional athlete, echoed that sentiment:

“Victoria’s put thousands of hours into the game. When you teach the game to the youth, it’s not a matter of ‘if it’s going to click’, but a matter of ‘when’. And this past season, it has clicked on all cylinders!”

Here at North Pole Hoops, one of our biggest priorities is shining a light on talented players across Canada who deserve more recognition and exposure. The game is filled with hidden gems whose stories often go untold, and Victoria Surrett is another example of the high-level talent continuing to emerge from Quebec.

As Canadian basketball continues to grow, Quebec remains one of the country’s deepest untapped talent pools — and Victoria Surrett is proving she belongs in the conversation.

The production is rising. The confidence is growing. And the breakout may only be getting started.

#elevatingcanadianwomensbasketball

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Quebec continues to strengthen its footprint on the national stage.

North Pole Hoops is proud to announce that Lennoxville Prep will officially join the National Preparatory Association (NPA) for the 2026-27 season, adding another high-performance program to Canada’s premier prep basketball platform.

Located in Lennoxville, Quebec, Lennoxville Prep has quickly built a reputation as one of the country’s top post-grad basketball academies. The program is centered on preparing student-athletes for the university level through elite training, strong competition, and a development-first culture. Operating within a university environment, Lennoxville Prep offers athletes a unique pathway that blends basketball growth with academic opportunity.

Leading the program is Matt McLean, one of Canada’s rising coaching figures and the 2026 U SPORTS Coach of the Year. A former Bishop’s University standout and 2015 RSEQ All-Star, McLean has helped establish a championship standard both as a player and coach. His experience, leadership, and track record of athlete development make him one of the most respected young minds in Canadian basketball.

Joining McLean is a strong staff committed to helping athletes maximize their potential. Head Coach Dj Ngom brings experience from Bishop’s University and the professional ranks with the Montreal Alliance, while Assistant & Movement Coach Lyph adds a holistic performance approach shaped by both basketball and football environments. Assistant Coach Julien Martin contributes key expertise in skill development, talent identification, and championship-level coaching experience.

Lennoxville Prep has also developed athletes who have advanced to the next level, reinforcing the program’s commitment to exposure and placement. The academy emphasizes helping each player find the right fit academically and athletically while competing against top programs across Canada and the United States.

With Lennoxville Prep entering the NPA, Quebec adds another serious contender to an already growing basketball landscape. Their addition strengthens the league’s eastern presence while creating more opportunities for athletes to compete, develop, and gain national exposure.

The future of prep basketball in Quebec continues to rise — and Lennoxville Prep is ready to make its mark.

The post Lennoxville Prep Joins the NPA for the 2026-27 Season appeared first on North Pole Hoops.

Prestigious Quebec institution brings elite girls basketball pathway to Canada’s premier prep platform

The WNPA continues its national growth with the addition of Bishop’s College School (BCS), one of Canada’s most historic and respected academic institutions, for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Located in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Bishop’s College School has built a reputation for combining academic excellence, leadership development, and high-performance athletics for nearly two centuries. Founded in 1836, BCS now brings that tradition into the national girls basketball landscape through its Elite Girls Basketball Program and participation in the WNPA.  

The addition marks an important milestone for the WNPA, expanding the league’s footprint deeper into Eastern Canada while creating new opportunities for elite athletes in Quebec to compete on a national stage.

A Premier Boarding School Basketball Environment

BCS offers a unique student-athlete model that blends academics, structure, and player development. Their program features:

• Two hardwood courts
• Strength & conditioning facility
• Competitive Canadian and U.S. game schedule
• College / university prep guidance
• Individual growth plans
• Nutrition-focused dining hall
• Boarding school advantage
• Community-centered campus  

For aspiring athletes seeking the complete student-athlete experience, Bishop’s College School offers one of the most unique pathways in Canada.

Leadership Built for Growth

The basketball program is led by Steve Cassivi, Director of Basketball Programs, who brings more than two decades of coaching and student-athlete development experience across Quebec’s collegiate and university landscape.

Cassivi is recognized for building strong cultures centered on relationships, accountability, and long-term development. Throughout his career, athletes under his leadership have advanced to U SPORTS, NCAA, and professional opportunities. 

I’m excited to join the WNPA because it represents the highest level of girls prep basketball in Canada. The exposure it provides—especially for athletes coming out of Québec—is unmatched, and it creates real pathways to the next level. More than anything, I believe in the vision of the WNPA: building a competitive, nationally recognized platform that elevates the game and gives our players the opportunities they deserve.

Quebec Continues to Build on the National Stage

The addition of Bishop’s College School represents more than just a new team—it reflects the continued rise of girls basketball across Canada.

With elite programs emerging in every province, the WNPA platform continues to connect high-level competition, exposure, and national visibility.

Quebec has already made its mark, and with BCS entering the fold, its presence on the national stage continues to grow.

Welcome to the NPH Ecosystem

Bishop’s College School joins a growing list of high-performance programs committed to raising the standard of prep basketball in Canada.

The WNPA proudly welcomes BCS for the 2026-27 season.

The post BISHOP’S COLLEGE SCHOOL JOINS THE WNPA FOR 2026-27 SEASON appeared first on North Pole Hoops.

The pressure is heavier.

And every possession means more.

The WNPA Playoffs are here—and everything that happened in the regular season?

That was just the setup.

Now it’s about who delivers when it matters most.

This is where stars take over.
Where matchups become moments.
Where reputations are built—or broken.

Every team has earned their place.

But only one will leave with it all.

This isn’t just playoff basketball.

This is where the game changes.

(5) CODE Sports Academy vs (8) Sacred Heart

This matchup is physical from the jump.

And it starts inside.

Emmanuelle Broude (6’1 F, Class of 2026) anchors CODE with size, strength, and control in the paint. She owns the glass, protects the rim, and gives CODE a presence that shapes every possession.

But Sacred Heart brings someone ready for that battle.

Chloe Kengne (5’11 F, Class of 2028)—the leading rebounder in the WNPA (11.3 RPG)—plays bigger than her size and brings relentless energy on the glass.

This isn’t a mismatch.

It’s a fight.

Then comes the perimeter.

Sacred Heart brings the Bowen sisters:

• Sierra Bowen (6’1 PG, Class of 2028) — a big guard who can score at all three levels and control stretches of the game
• Annabelle Bowen (6’0 G, Class of 2030) — young, confident, and already producing in big moments

They don’t just play together.

They feed off each other.

CODE counters with a backcourt duo that brings pressure and toughness.

• Olivia Plummer (5’8 G, Class of 2026)
• Ella Plummer (5’7 PG, Class of 2026) — averaging nearly 3 steals per game, constantly disrupting passing lanes and creating transition opportunities

Together, they bring defense, energy, and shot-making that balances Broude’s interior presence.

So what decides it?

• Broude vs Kengne → control of the glass
• Plummer sisters → defensive pressure
• Bowen sisters → scoring bursts

This isn’t your typical 5 vs 8.

This is a game that could go down to the wire.

(4) King’s Christian vs (9) Notre Dame

King’s Christian is built on control.

And it starts with Gaby Morash (5’6 PG, Class of 2026)—the league leader in assists at 7.8 per game.

She controls tempo, reads defenses, and keeps everything organized.

She engineers the game.

Behind her is one of the most impactful interior defenders in the league:

Emma Dongelmans (6’5 F/C, Class of 2026) — leading the WNPA in blocks at 3.0 per game, altering everything around the rim.

On the perimeter, Alex Newson (5’9 G, Class of 2026) provides scoring and spacing that stretches defenses.

And what makes this group even more dangerous?

All three are ranked Top 10 in the NPH Class of 2026 Rankings.

Notre Dame is newer—but dangerous.

In just their second year, they’ve shown they can compete.

Mya Regier (5’6 PG, Class of 2026, UNBC commit) brings poise and control, while
Severyn Ferrara-Horne (5’11 G, Class of 2026) adds perimeter scoring and shot-making.

With Head Coach Marc Ffrench leading the group, they stay disciplined and prepared.

King’s will be tough to take down.

But Notre Dame is learning fast.

And in a playoff setting like this—an upset isn’t out of the question.

(6) St. Jude’s vs (7) Edge School

This one feels like a feature game.

A cross-country matchup between experience and structure.

Start with St. Jude’s.

Silvana Maldonado (5’8 G, Class of 2026) is one of the top performers in the WNPA.

• 14.3 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 2.8 SPG

She impacts every part of the game—scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Alongside her, Miriam Henriques (5’7 G, Class of 2027) brings stability, spacing, and experience.

Edge School comes in from Calgary with discipline and execution.

• Sadie Secord (6’0 SG, Class of 2027) — one of the most dangerous scorers in the league
• Kadie Anderson (5’7 G, Class of 2026) — calm, controlled, and a steady presence

Last matchup?

14 points and 4 steals for Anderson.

She controlled both ends.

Add in Chloe Wondrasek (5’3 PG, Class of 2029)—fearless, energetic, and disruptive—and Edge brings balance across the board.

This game comes down to matchups.

• Maldonado’s impact vs Edge’s balance
• Senior experience vs structured execution

This one has everything to be the best game of the first round.

Top Seeds & Championship Contenders

(1) Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA)

FEIA has set the tone all season.

And it starts with Amelia Sow (6’1 PG, Class of 2027).

• 19.8 PPG (2nd in league)
• Top 5 in assists

At 6’1, she plays like a guard with size—creating, scoring, and controlling the game.

Then there’s Portia Reisen (5’9 G/F, Class of 2028).

The #1 ranked player in the NPH Class of 2028 Rankings.

• 2nd in steals
• 2nd in 3PM (24)

She impacts both ends and plays with confidence beyond her years.

And Camille Pangonis (5’11 G/F, Class of 2026)

• 21 made threes

She can flip a game quickly with her shooting.

FEIA brings size, skill, and control.

They don’t just win. They overwhelm.

(2) Royal Crown

The defending WNPA champions.

Fresh off an OSBA title.

And led by one of the most impactful guards in the league:

Chance Berry (5’10 G, Class of 2027)

• 19.1 PPG (3rd)
• 5.7 APG (2nd)

She controls everything.

This is her team.

Inside:

Eunicia Salgado (6’2 F, Class of 2026, Boston College commit) — 3rd in rebounds

And Emerald Nnani (6’3 F, Class of 2027)
(Offers: Providence, Stony Brook)

• Top 5 in blocks
• Top 10 in rebounds

Royal Crown brings size, experience, and momentum.

They’ve done it before—and they know how to win.

(3) Niagara Prep

This is a team built on firepower.

Jordyn Wheeler (6’0 G/F, Class of 2026, Stanford commit)

• 21.8 PPG (1st in league)

A three-level scorer who can take over games.

Kaylen Sta. Maria (5’8 G, Class of 2026, Rice commit)

• Top 5 in scoring
• 1st in 3PM (27)
• 5.3 APG (Top 3)

She does everything.

Both are ranked Top 6 in the NPH Class of 2026 Rankings.

With depth from Kylie Sooley (6’3 F, Class of 2026) and
Arianna Turla (6’0 G/F, Class of 2026)

Niagara keeps pressure on teams the entire game.

They don’t slow down. They keep coming.

Closing

This is it.

No more rankings.
No more projections.

Just matchups.
Just moments.
Just winners and losers.

The stage is set.

The players are ready.

And now—

it’s about who shows up.

Because in this league…

In this moment…

In these playoffs—

only one team finishes on top.

Who’s taking the crown? 

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But every so often, a player flips that script — earning everything the hard way and building credibility through performance rather than promotion.

Maya Foz is that player.

And yet, despite a résumé that continues to grow at the NCAA Division I level, she remains one of the most overlooked Canadian athletes in the women’s game.

Built in Montréal, Not Manufactured in the Spotlight

Long before the Missouri Valley Conference knew her name, Foz’s basketball foundation was being shaped in Montréal.

Raised in a basketball family — with both parents coaching, her father involved at the U SPORTS level, and an uncle who played Division I at Yale — she grew up around the game. But her path was never built on early hype.

She started playing at Sun Youth for fun, often joining practices with older girls while her parents coached. Competing against stronger, more mature players forced her to process the game quickly.

Soon after, she began playing inner-city basketball with Page, running primarily with boys until the age of 12. That environment instilled the toughness and edge that now defines her. The “dog mentality” wasn’t manufactured — it was earned.

She later competed alongside players such as Lisa Tesson and Sara Tiabasu, athletes who modeled elite competitiveness daily. Those experiences quietly raised her internal standard long before college scouts were paying attention.

The Move That Changed Her Trajectory

During the COVID pandemic, Foz relocated to the Greater Toronto Area — a turning point in her development.

She began working within the B1CE program, where coaches Sherlon Chance, Sean Johnson, Jason Fowler, and Mel Veljovic quickly noticed something different.

It wasn’t just skill.

It was fight.

Those around the program recognized early that Foz possessed a rare basketball IQ. She saw defenses in layers. She anticipated rotations. She dissected coverages beyond her years.

The only challenge was learning to lead vocally when others didn’t immediately see what she saw.

One practice became pivotal.

Coach Handel Kipp pulled her aside and delivered a message that shaped her leadership trajectory:

“If you don’t use your voice, I’m not going to get mad at them — I’m going to get mad at you.”

She was only 14 years old, playing up against older athletes. That moment forced her to grow from thinker to communicator — from observer to leader.

Competing Against the Best

As her development accelerated, Foz began showcasing her abilities on larger stages.

She competed in the WNPA circuit, Grind Session competition, and elite tournament events, consistently facing ESPN-ranked prospects and nationally recognized talent.

The environment didn’t intimidate her.

If anything, it revealed her true identity as a competitor.

Game after game, regardless of the opponent’s ranking, reputation, or physical advantage, Foz never backed down. Whether matched against bigger guards or highly touted recruits, she approached each matchup with the same mindset — compete, outwork, and find a way to win.

Her mentality quickly became one of her defining traits.

Hype never mattered to her.
The game did.

And that edge separated her.

A Player Who Didn’t “Pass the Eye Test”

When Coach Handel Kipp recruited Maya Foz to Fort Erie International Academy, he believed her game would translate at the prep level despite some evaluators still focusing on physical development.

At the time, Foz was still growing into her body. She didn’t always “pass the eye test” for recruiters who prioritized size or physical maturity. But those who truly understood the game saw something different.

Inside the building, even coaches outside of the girls program recognized her potential.

Charles Hantoumakos — who was the boys coach at Fort Erie International Academy at the time and is now an assistant coach at Pacific — immediately noticed her instincts and competitiveness.

“Maya wasn’t finishing baskets because of strength at the time, but that kid is smart and tough as nails,” Hantoumakos said. “Once she got stronger, with her IQ, work ethic, and tenacity, she was going to be very successful.”

That projection is unfolding in real time.

Immediate Impact at Bradley

Foz has quietly assembled one of the most productive freshman campaigns in the country.

Through her first collegiate season at Bradley, she is averaging 14.4 points per game in just 25.6 minutes, starting every contest and establishing herself as one of the team’s primary scoring options. She is shooting an efficient 46.1% from the field, adding 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Defensively, she leads the team in steals — proving her impact extends well beyond scoring.

Most impressively, she has scored in double figures in 22 consecutive games, a level of week-to-week reliability that is rare for a first-year guard adjusting to Division I basketball.

Nationally, she ranks 11th in the country among all freshmen in scoring, placing her production alongside players who entered college with far more recruiting hype and visibility.

This hasn’t been a gradual adjustment.

This has been immediate impact.

Bradley Head Coach Kate Popovec believes that competitive edge is what separates Foz.

“She has a dog mentality,” Popovec said. “Maya hates to lose more than she likes to win.”

That mindset has quickly made her one of the most trusted young players in the program.

When the Moment Called, She Delivered

Against Murray State, Foz erupted for 30 points — showcasing the full offensive package: perimeter shot-making, mid-range control, and the ability to dictate tempo.

Earlier in the season, she stepped onto the floor against SEC competition at Missouri and displayed the same composure.

Different opponent. Same production.

Her consistency has earned her Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week honors 8× — a remarkable mark of sustained excellence that reflects her ability to impact games week after week.

That dominance was ultimately recognized across the league, as Foz was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, officially cementing one of the most productive and impactful rookie seasons in the conference.

Recognition From Those Who Saw It Early

Mike Mekhail, Director of Women’s Basketball Development and Women’s National Scout, recalls his first evaluation of Maya Foz.

“When I first saw Maya playing in the WNPA, my jaw dropped. I thought she would have been heavily recruited. She was scoring at all three levels, making high-level reads, taking charges, and guarding the opposing team’s best player every night. She was a dog on the court — but the nicest kid off it.”

Learning more about her background only reinforced the evaluation.

“Then I found out she came from a basketball family, and her sister was already playing Division I at Wagner, finishing Top 5 nationally among freshmen in steals and leading her conference in that category. Some kids are wired differently — and that explained a lot.”

But another detail about her work ethic stood out even more.

Mekhail later learned that while many athletes spend their vacations resting, Foz spent much of hers in the gym. She trained daily at David Ann Athletic Centre, working on her game with trainer Jeremy Alleyne, while also focusing on strength and physical development with Sly Walters at Ternion Fitness.

The schedule wasn’t occasional workouts.

It was daily.

That commitment confirmed what many around her already believed.

Foz isn’t just talented.

She’s a gym rat.

Basketball isn’t new to her.

It’s in her wiring.

Built for Programs That Rise, Not Just Programs That Hype

Foz’s success also reflects the culture being built at Bradley under Head Coach Kate Popovec.

Now in her fourth season, Popovec has Bradley finishing 4th in the Missouri Valley Conference, one of the program’s strongest seasons in recent years — a climb rooted in development, accountability, and belief.

Programs don’t rise in leagues like the MVC through noise.

They rise through teaching, retention, and players who buy into structure.

Foz fits that blueprint perfectly — a freshman entrusted with major minutes because she understands the game, competes defensively, and embraces responsibility.

Production Always Wins

Maya Foz’s freshman season is a reminder that recognition doesn’t always arrive on schedule. But performance eventually becomes too loud to ignore.

The numbers confirm it.
The defense reinforces it.
The accolades validate it.

8× Freshman of the Week.
Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year.
11th in the nation in freshman scoring.

And she’s only getting started.

For Canadian basketball fans who have followed her journey, the breakout is no surprise.

At some point, the question will shift from “Why isn’t she being talked about?” to “How did we overlook her in the first place?”

Until then, she’ll keep doing what she has always done — working, competing, and letting production speak louder than promotion.

The post Overlooked No More: Canada’s Maya Foz Named Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year appeared first on North Pole Hoops.

Southwest Academy secured the NPH D1 Junior Girls Championship, while B1CE London captured the NPH D1 Senior Girls Championship, giving London programs a clean sweep of the NPH D1 divisions during one of the most competitive weekends of the season.

The NPH D1 platform continues to represent the highest level of competition within the North Pole Hoops ecosystem, bringing together elite prep programs from across the country. Championship weekend once again showcased the depth, talent, and high-level execution that defines the NPH brand of basketball.

Both championship matchups featured very different storylines—one a dramatic comeback victory against an undefeated opponent, the other a dominant second-half takeover—but each performance highlighted the level of competition that makes NPH D1 basketball one of the premier platforms in Canada.

Southwest Academy Mounts Second-Half Comeback to Capture the NPH D1 Junior Championship

The NPH D1 Junior Girls Championship produced one of the most exciting games of the weekend as Southwest Academy battled past Royal Crown School 68–65, handing Royal Crown their first loss of the season and securing the NPH D1 Junior title.

Royal Crown entered the championship undefeated and carried that confidence into the first half, executing efficiently on the offensive end while applying pressure defensively. Their disciplined play allowed them to control the tempo early and build momentum, eventually taking an eight-point lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, however, Southwest Academy made the adjustments that would ultimately change the game.

Increasing their defensive pressure and tightening their rotations, Southwest began disrupting Royal Crown’s offensive rhythm. The defensive intensity sparked transition opportunities and allowed Southwest to slowly chip away at the deficit. Possession by possession, the momentum began to shift.

By the late stages of the third quarter and into the fourth, Southwest had fully settled into their rhythm. Their ability to generate key stops while converting on critical offensive possessions allowed them to take control of the game when it mattered most.

Leading the way was Taya Willemsen, the 6’5 center from the Class of 2029, who delivered a dominant performance in the championship game. Willemsen finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends of the floor and providing Southwest with a consistent interior scoring presence.

Her ability to protect the rim, secure rebounds, and impact the game defensively played a major role in Southwest’s second-half comeback. Willemsen’s presence around the basket limited second-chance opportunities for Royal Crown while helping stabilize Southwest’s defense during critical moments of the game.

For her dominant two-way performance, Willemsen was named the NPH D1 Junior Championship MVP, capping off an outstanding showing that powered Southwest Academy to the title.

B1CE London Breaks the Game Open in the Second Half to Capture the NPH D1 Senior Championship

The NPH D1 Senior Girls Championship saw B1CE London deliver a commanding second-half performance, defeating Royal Crown School 84–44 to secure the NPH D1 Senior title.

Despite the final margin, the game remained competitive throughout the first half. Royal Crown, competing short-handed, battled with determination and managed to keep the game within reach early on. B1CE London held a 10-point advantage at halftime, but the contest still felt within striking distance.

That changed quickly once the third quarter began.

B1CE London opened the second half with a surge of energy and intensity, applying defensive pressure that forced turnovers and disrupted Royal Crown’s offensive flow. Those defensive stops quickly translated into fast-break opportunities as B1CE pushed the tempo and capitalized in transition.

The result was a 33–6 third-quarter run, a decisive stretch that completely shifted the momentum and created an insurmountable lead.

At the center of the performance was Livy Martin, the Class of 2026 5’8 shooting guard, who delivered one of the most dominant individual performances of the entire NPH championship weekend.

Martin finished the game with an incredible stat line of 30 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, impacting nearly every aspect of the game.

Her scoring consistently put pressure on the defense, while her relentless work on the glass helped B1CE London control possessions throughout the contest. Martin also showcased strong playmaking ability, creating scoring opportunities for teammates while maintaining the offensive flow.

Her all-around performance earned her NPH D1 Senior Championship MVP honors, highlighting a dominant performance that played a major role in B1CE London pulling away in the second half and securing the championship.

London Programs Continue to Raise the Standard on the NPH Stage

With both the NPH D1 Junior and NPH D1 Senior championships captured by London-based programs, the weekend served as another reminder of the strength and depth of girls basketball talent developing in the region.

Programs like Southwest Academy and B1CE London continue to produce high-level athletes capable of competing on the biggest stages within Canadian prep basketball.

From Southwest Academy’s resilience in overcoming an undefeated opponent to B1CE London’s explosive second-half performance in the senior final, Championship Sunday at North Pole Hoops showcased exactly what the NPH D1 divisions are built for: elite competition, high-level development, and a national platform for the next generation of talent.

And if this weekend proved anything, it’s that the London basketball pipeline continues to grow stronger—while the NPH stage remains where top programs rise to the occasion.

The post NPH D1 Girls Championship Weekend: London Programs Sweep the Junior & Senior Titles appeared first on North Pole Hoops.

Lantzville, BC (Vancouver Island) Aspengrove School is proud to announce that its High Performance Basketball program has officially joined North Pole Hoops (NPH) and the National Preparatory Association (NPA) becoming British Columbia’s first official Prep Basketball program.

Set on a 40-acre campus in Lantzville (Nanaimo), Aspengrove School is a leading independent school known for academic excellence, strong character education, and a commitment to the arts and athletics. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the school’s continued growth as a center of excellence for high-achieving student-athletes.

Through its membership in NPH, Aspengrove will compete within Canada’s premier basketball development pathway, offering student-athletes elite competition, national exposure, and a structured environment that balances rigorous academics with high-performance sport.

Central to the program’s strength is its exceptional coaching staff. Aspengrove’s High Performance Basketball program is led by outstanding coaches Matt Kuzminski, Scott Marr, and Chris Marsh, experienced leaders committed to developing student-athletes not only as competitors, but as disciplined, resilient and principled young adults. Their combined experience, mentorship, and dedication position Aspengrove to compete at the highest level while remaining grounded in the school’s core values.

“Aspengrove’s mission is to help individuals realize their potential,” said Dr. Gary Kern, Head of School. “Joining Canada’s leading basketball community aligns fully with our commitment to excellence; in the classroom, in character, and in competition.”

The launch of BC’s first Prep Basketball program reinforces Aspengrove’s vision to elevate opportunities for students while strengthening the province’s presence in elite Canadian basketball.

Follow Aspengrove High Performance Basketball

@aspengroveschool
@aspengrovehighperformance
@aspengrovehp_basketball

The post Aspengrove School Launches BC’s First Prep Basketball Program with North Pole Hoops and The National Preparatory Association (NPA) appeared first on North Pole Hoops.