The inaugural Raptors Invitational Tournament took place this past weekend, from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26. Competing over the three days were 16 teams-eight men’s and eight women’s-representing 10 different universities from all around Ontario. The tournament was established by the Toronto Raptors Basketball Development program to encourage and promote the skills and ability of Ontario’s university and college basketball programs. This year, Sprite signed on as the central sponsor of the weekend, and was eager to support the players and coaches.
The Varsity Blues men’s team was seeded eighth and began the tournament against number-one ranked McMaster University. Held at Humber College’s Athletic Centre on Friday, the game ended in a loss for the Blues with a score of 91-56. McMaster went on to win the tournament, beating York in the final 62-54.
In their next match-up, the Blues managed to dominate their city rival, the fifth-seed Ryerson Rams. The win, 64-53, counted in the consolation round for U of T.
The Blues Dayo Baiyewu played especially well, putting 26 points up on the scoreboard in 29 minutes. Fifth-year Jonathon Taweel also had an outstanding game, grabbing 15 rebounds and netting 12 points.
The Blues, led by interim head coach Sherwyn Benn, lost all five of their starters in the off-season, but are looking forward to returning this season with a young group of talented players.
The women’s team, ranked fifth going into the tournament, was on fire all weekend. They started the Raptors Invitational against fourth-seed Brock at the Ryerson Athletic Centre. Thanks to a solid performance by the entire team, the game ended in favour of the Blues, 70-62.
“The team opened up a strong second half, and maintained their composure and strength in the last four minutes of the game,” commented head coach Michele Belanger after the win. Fourth-year guard Vanessa Nobrega was named player of the game.
Next came the championship semi-finals against McMaster University. Facing Mac, the top team in Ontario, the Blues really stepped up their play. Kaila MacAlpine supplied a total of 22 points in 22 minutes, while teammates Nikki Doucet and Jennifer Coens scored 12 and 10 points respectively.
Once again, when the buzzer sounded the end of the game, the Varsity Blues came out with a win and a score of 65-56.
On Sunday evening, the Blues took on the number-two ranked York Lions at the Air Canada Centre in the women’s championship game. The team played hard, opening the game up with Jennifer Coens snagging the first rebound and scoring the first basket.
The game was close all the way through, and in the last half the York Lions came on strong with a defense that proved too much for the Blues. The final score of 68-63 went in favour of York.
Nevertheless, the Blues played an outstanding game with extraordinary performances from the whole team. First-years Christine Cho and Amanda Van Leeuwen provided great energy on and off the bench, while standouts Nikki Doucet, Kaila MacAlpine and Brilynn Ferguson scored a combined total of 32 points. Guard Vanessa Nobrega was named to the tournament’s all-star team.
The Varsity Blues performed well throughout the whole tournament, keeping their heads up and improving on their defense. They are looking forward to the rest of the season, hoping to win the OUA Championship and make it to nationals.
The men’s and women’s first regular season home games are Nov. 14 against Laurier, at 8 and 6pm respectively.
