BlackJacks win fifth straight and edge Rattlers 89-88

The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed 6-foot-9 forward Dominic Parolin to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Hailing from Coquitlam, B.C., this marks Parolin’s first professional basketball contract after recently completing a six-year NCAA DI career with stints at Boise State University and Lehigh University. After redshirting during the 2024-25 season, Parolin appeared in 32 games for the Boise State Broncos in 2025-26 where he suited up in 32 games with averages of 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.5 blocks in 17.0 minutes per game. Prior to Boise State, Parolin played four seasons with the Lehigh Mountain Hawks where he was named Third Team All-Patriot League in 2024. “We are all excited about working with Dominic. He has had a tremendous college career and has a very high ceiling as a professional player,” said Bandits head coach and general manager, Kyle Julius. “Dominic plays with big time toughness, has great size and a versatile game as a power forward. Being a B.C. kid, we are thrilled that he is back home playing for us in front of friends and family.” An alumnus of Centennial Secondary in Coquitlam, B.C., Parolin captained the Centaurs’ senior boys team to a fifth-place finish at the 2020 BC 4A Boys Basketball Provincial Championship, while also earning First Team All-Star honours at the tournament. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.

The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of 6’4 American guard Khalil Ahmad for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Widely regarded as the most decorated player in CEBL history, Ahmad returns to Niagara following back-to-back championship runs for his fifth season with the team after playing an instrumental role in the team's success averaging 19.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals during the 2025 campaign. Ahmad most recently competed in Israel with Maccabi Rishon Lezion of the Israel Basketball Super League (Israel BSL), where he continued to showcase his elite scoring ability and two-way impact, putting up an average performance of 15.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 21 games. “We are ecstatic about Khalil being back for season 5. He is the best player and closer in the league, and I’m excited to coach him” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie, “On top of his elite basketball ability, we are excited to have Khalil around because of what he brings to our culture. “Lil” (Khalil) is super competitive, and his win first mentality rubs off on those around him.” Since joining the River Lions in 2022, Ahmad has amassed an unmatched list of accolades including CEBL Player of the Year (2022), Defensive Player of the Year (2023), two-time Clutch Player of the Year (2022, 2023), three-time First Team All-CEBL selection (2022-2024), Scoring Champion (2022), Steals Leader (2023) and Finals MVP (2024). In 2025 Ahmad added another chapter to his legacy, leading the River Lions to a second consecutive championship while earning his second straight Finals MVP, while also being named to the Second All-CEBL Team. Dubbed “The Lion King” or “Mr. Clutch,” Ahmad scored the game-winning shot in 2024 to secure the franchise’s first championship, and followed it up in 2025 with his fifth consecutive playoff game-winner to clinch the team’s second. In addition to the CEBL, Ahmad has built an impressive international resume with stops in Iceland, Denmark, Belgium, and Italy, including a championship with BC Oostende in the BNXT League. A product of Cal State Fullerton, Ahmad averaged 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.6 steals during his collegiate career. His accolades include Big West Freshman of the Year (2016), two-time All-Big West Second Team (2018, 2019), and multiple Player of the Week honours. Ahmad is ready to return to Niagara and continue building on what has become one of the most storied careers in league history. “I'm excited to be back in Niagara for a fifth year with the team. Niagara feels like a second home to me and I can't wait to chase a third ring with the best team in the league” said Ahmad. ### About the Niagara River Lions: The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.

Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé jeudi avoir signé l’ailier Alex Fudge en vue de la saison 2026. Fudge, un ailier de six pieds neuf originaire de Jacksonville, en Floride, se joint à Ottawa alors qu’il évolue présentement dans la NBA G League avec le Skyforce de Sioux Falls. En 26 matchs cette saison, le joueur de 22 ans maintient des moyennes de 6,9 points, 3,3 rebonds et 0,7 passe, tout en affichant un taux d’efficacité de 58,1 % au tir. « Alex amène une étincelle à notre équipe. Il est très polyvalent et peut influencer le match de plusieurs façons. Il va être important pour nos partisans avec ses dunks spectaculaires et sa capacité à provoquer des arrêts en défensive », a déclaré l’entraîneur-chef des BlackJacks, Justin Mazzulla. Fudge a amorcé sa carrière professionnelle après ne pas avoir été repêché lors du repêchage de la NBA en 2024. Lors de la saison 2024–2025, il a évolué avec les Lakers de South Bay dans la NBA G League, disputant neuf matchs et affichant des moyennes de 3,0 points et 2,8 rebonds. Il a également vu beaucoup de temps de jeu dans la G League lors de la saison 2023–2024 avec les Legends du Texas et South Bay, combinant des moyennes de 8,0 points, 4,4 rebonds et 1,2 bloc en 27 matchs, démontrant sa présence défensive et sa capacité à protéger le panier. Au niveau universitaire, Fudge a porté les couleurs des Gators de la Floride lors de la saison 2023–2024, disputant 33 matchs et maintenant des moyennes de 5,6 points et 4,3 rebonds tout en affichant un pourcentage de réussite de plus de 60 % au tir. Il a amorcé son parcours dans la NCAA avec les Tigers de LSU en 2022–2023, prenant part à 32 matchs et affichant des moyennes de 3,3 points et 3,2 rebonds à sa saison recrue dans la Southeastern Conference. Fudge était une recrue quatre étoiles à sa sortie de l’école secondaire Robert E. Lee à Jacksonville, reconnu pour son athlétisme, ses instincts défensifs et sa capacité à finir près du panier. Les BlackJacks amorceront leur saison 2026 en mai au TD Place. ### 

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that the club has signed forward Alex Fudge for the 2026 season. Fudge, a six-foot-nine forward from Jacksonville, Fla., joins Ottawa during the 2025–26 NBA G League season, where he is currently playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce. In 26 appearances this season, the 22-year-old is averaging 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists while shooting 58.1 per cent from the field. “Alex brings a spark to our team. He is very versatile and can impact the game in multiple ways. He is going to be vital to our fans with his high-flying dunks and his ability to get stops on defense,” said BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla. Fudge began his professional career after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. During the 2024–25 season, he split time in the NBA G League with the South Bay Lakers, appearing in nine games and averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds. He also saw extended G League action during the 2023–24 season with both the Texas Legends and South Bay, combining to average 8.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across 27 appearances, highlighting his defensive presence and ability to impact the game around the rim. At the collegiate level, Fudge played the 2023–24 season with the Florida Gators men's basketball, where he appeared in 33 games and averaged 5.6 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting over 60 per cent from the field. He began his NCAA career with the LSU Tigers men's basketball in 2022–23, appearing in 32 games and averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds as a freshman in the Southeastern Conference. Fudge was a four-star recruit out of Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, known for his athleticism, defensive instincts and ability to finish above the rim. The BlackJacks will open their 2026 season in May at TD Place.  ###

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed forward Teddy Allen for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season. The 6'6" forward previously played for the Saskatchewan Rattlers (2024, now the Saskatoon Mamba), the Sea Bears (2023-2024) and the Scarborough Shooting Stars (2022). Across his CEBL career, Allen has averaged 24.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. "I'm so grateful and excited to get a chance to come back to Winnipeg," said Allen. "I really enjoyed my time there, and I'm looking forward to helping make the Sea Bears champions." In 2023 with Winnipeg, Allen was named the Canadian Elite Basketball League Most Valuable Player and earned First Team All-CEBL honours after ranking among the league leaders in multiple statistical categories. "We are excited to welcome Teddy back to the Sea Bears," said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. "He is a proven MVP-calibre player in our league and a professional scorer at every level. He's grown his game since his previous time in Winnipeg, and we're looking forward to having him back this summer." During the 2025-26 NBA G League season, Allen split time between the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Delaware Blue Coats after being acquired by Delaware in a three-team trade on February 19, 2026. In the 2025-26 season, he is averaging 20.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. While with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Allen was named NBA G League Player of the Week in December 2025, becoming the first Vipers player to receive this accolade during the 2025-26 season and the 25th overall in franchise history. Allen was also named to the 2025 G League Winter Showcase All-Showcase Team. Allen played collegiately at West Virginia University, the University of Nebraska, and New Mexico State University. In the 2021-22 season at New Mexico State, he was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and WAC Tournament MVP after averaging 19.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Allen will be signing autographs on April 2 at 3:30 p.m. at the Outlet Collection Winnipeg, all fans are welcome to attend. ###

L’Alliance de Montréal est fière d’annoncer le retour du pivot Ben Stevens, une présence dominante dans la peinture et l’un des meilleurs joueurs défensifs de la ligue, en vue de la prochaine saison de la LECB. Mesurant 6 pi 10 po, le natif de Halifax a agi à titre de capitaine la saison dernière et a eu un impact majeur avec l’Alliance, prenant part à 20 matchs, où il a affiché des moyennes de 5,0 points et 3,9 rebonds en 12,4 minutes par rencontre, tout en maintenant un excellent pourcentage de tir de 62,2 % du terrain. Son énergie, sa robustesse et sa capacité à influencer le match en temps de jeu limité ont fait de lui un élément clé de la rotation à l’avant-court de l’équipe. L’impact de Stevens s’est fait sentir bien au-delà de la feuille de statistiques. Il a mené l’équipe au chapitre des rebonds et a donné le ton défensivement tout au long de la saison, ce qui lui a valu les honneurs de meilleur rebondeur de l’Alliance ainsi que le titre de joueur défensif de l’année, tel que voté par les partisans. À la suite de la saison de la LECB, Stevens a poursuivi sur sa lancée à l’international avec le Bishrelt Metal de la Ligue mongole, où il a élevé son niveau de jeu. En 17 matchs, il a maintenu des moyennes de 11,9 points, 11,5 rebonds et 2,0 passes décisives, totalisant 195 rebonds et dominant constamment le jeu près du panier face à une forte compétition. « La saison dernière a beaucoup compté pour moi, surtout avec le soutien des partisans », a déclaré Stevens. « Être nommé joueur défensif de l’année est quelque chose dont je suis fier, parce que ça reflète l’effort et l’identité que j’apporte chaque soir. Je suis très heureux d’être de retour à Montréal et prêt à bâtir sur ce que nous avons commencé. » Le copropriétaire et directeur général de l’Alliance, Joel Anthony, a souligné l’importance de Stevens dans l’identité de l’équipe. « Ben est le genre de joueur dont toutes les équipes ont besoin », a affirmé Anthony. « Il accomplit les tâches difficiles qui ne se retrouvent pas toujours dans les faits saillants — les rebonds, la défense, l’aspect physique du jeu. Nos partisans l’ont reconnu la saison dernière et nous sommes ravis de le retrouver comme pièce maîtresse de ce que nous construisons. » Avec Stevens comme pilier défensif et une présence dominante au rebond, l’Alliance continue de bâtir un alignement axé sur la solidité, l’effort et la progression. Son retour représente une étape importante alors que Montréal vise à élever son niveau de jeu et à faire un parcours encore plus profond la saison prochaine. À l’approche de la nouvelle campagne, les partisans peuvent s’attendre à voir Stevens apporter une fois de plus énergie, intensité et une présence constante sur le parquet — donnant le ton à une équipe prête à rivaliser avec les meilleures. La prochaine saison comprendra 12 matchs à domicile à l’Auditorium de Verdun, en plus d’un nouveau format de séries éliminatoires à l’échelle de la ligue, culminant avec une finale de la LECB disputée deux de trois. L’Alliance disputera son match d’ouverture à domicile le 15 mai face aux Shooting Stars de Scarborough. Pour obtenir de l’information sur les forfaits de billets, visitez BASKETMTL.ca. ###

The Montréal Alliance is proud to announce the return of center Ben Stevens, a dominant presence in the paint and one of the league’s defensive forces, for the upcoming CEBL season. Standing 6-foot-10, the Halifax native served as a team captain last season and made a major impact with the Alliance, appearing in 20 games and averaging 5.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game, while shooting an efficient 62.2% from the field. His energy, physicality, and ability to impact the game in limited minutes made him a key piece of the team’s front court rotation. Stevens’ impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. He led the team in rebounding and set the tone defensively throughout the season, earning recognition as the fan-voted Defensive Player of the Year. Following the CEBL season, Stevens continued his strong play internationally with Bishrelt Metal in the Mongolian Basketball League, where he elevated his production to new heights. In 17 games, he averaged 11.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, recording 195 total rebounds and consistently controlling the glass against top competition. “Last season meant a lot to me, especially the support from the fans,” said Stevens. “Being voted Defensive Player of the Year is something I take pride in because it reflects the effort and identity I bring every night. I’m excited to be back in Montréal and ready to build on what we started.” Alliance General Manager and Co-Owner, Joel Anthony, emphasized Stevens’ importance to the team’s identity. “Ben is the kind of player every team needs,” said Anthony. “He does the hard things that don’t always show up on the highlight reel—rebounding, defending, setting the tone physically. Our fans recognized that last season, and we’re thrilled to have him back as a cornerstone of what we’re building.” With Stevens anchoring the defense and controlling the boards, the Alliance continue to shape a roster defined by toughness, effort, and progress. His return signals a strong step forward as Montréal looks to elevate its performance and make a deeper push in the upcoming season. The upcoming season will include 12 home contests at the Verdun Auditorium and a new league-wide playoff format culminating in a best-of-three CEBL Final. The Alliance will open their home schedule on May 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. For ticket information, visit BASKETMTL.ca. ###

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday three more names to join Head Coach Alex Cerda on the coaching staff this upcoming season. Canadian Mike Girling will step in as associate head coach. Girling has been coaching high-level basketball since 2019, beginning as a lead assistant for the University of Waterloo men’s basketball program. He then transitioned to coaching women’s basketball, doing so from 2022-2025 at the University of Guelph. With seven years of experience in the CEBL, including with the Honey Badgers during the Basketball Champions League Americas tournament in 2022, the Guelph Nighthawks and most recently the Calgary Surge (2022-2025), Girling is poised to step in and make a big impact this season. "I’m excited to bring together a staff that reflects toughness, experience, and a shared vision for winning,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “Mike Girling, Tyson Campbell and Olu Ashaolu each bring something unique to the table, and together, I believe we’ve built a group that will challenge our players, support each other, and represent our program the right way every day." Next to Cerda and Girling will be Tyson Campbell and Olu Ashaolu coming on as assistant coaches. Campbell has been coaching in Georgia since 2020, including currently leading the helm as head coach at Fulton Science Academy in Alpharetta. Campbell was a key member of the Surge’s coaching staff in 2025, alongside Girling and Honey Badgers Assistant General Manager John Ross. Ashaolu joins the Honey Badgers by way of the Mexico City Capitanes (NBA G League) where he currently serves as an assistant coach. The Toronto-native has over 20 years of high-level basketball experience as a player and coach, including representing the Canada Men’s National Team and playing three seasons in the CEBL from 2020-2022 (Fraser Valley, Niagara, and Guelph). “Our coaching staff is extremely talented, driven, and knowledgeable, with a wealth of CEBL experience,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “Their experience in the league and ability to connect with players will strongly complement Coach Cerda’s vision for our team. I’m confident that our organization and players will benefit greatly from their expertise.” While many of the pieces the Honey Badgers acquired this offseason are new to the organization, many have lots of experience together in the past through their time in the CEBL, NBA G League, and NBA Summer League. “I could not be more excited about the coaching staff we’ve been able to put together,” said Honey Badgers Assistant General Manager John Ross. “You’re not going to find three better people than Mike, Tyson, and Olu. They each bring a high level of energy, character, and basketball IQ to the table. To have these three on the staff with Coach Cerda, it’s going to be an exciting and special summer in Brampton!” The Honey Badgers have now rolled out the leaders behind their coaching staff, as well as five players ahead of their season/home opener on May 15 at the CAA Centre. With CEBL Signing Day around the corner, fans can expect some more announcements in the near future. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca .

The Niagara River Lions are proud to announce details of the2026 Mesh Refresh Tour, a community-focused basketball initiative visiting neighborhoods across the Niagara Region throughout the month of April. The Mesh Refresh initiative reflects the team's ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant basketball culture, supporting accessible, high- quality playing environments, and encouraging the growth of the game at all levels. Originally launched in 2022 in Thorold and St. Catharines, the Mesh Refresh program has demonstrated the meaningful impact even small upgrades to outdoor courts can have on local communities. As basketball continues to grow - particularly among youth, BIPOC and underrepresented groups, the River Lions remain committed to giving back and enhancing the overall playing experience. In 2026 the initiative will expand to additional municipalities across the region with stops in Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie, Thorold and St. Catharines. Each municipality’s Parks and Recreation Department has played a key role identifying which parks will receive the new Spalding meshes. The 2026 Mesh Refresh Tour brings the game directly to local courts, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to engage with the team and the sport. Led by River Lions Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, each stop will begin mesh replacement, followed by shooting hoops with Coach Kimbal, skill demonstrations, and a chance to view the River Lions championship trophy up close. Community members are encouraged to attend, participate, and experience basketball in their own neighborhoods. Tour Schedule: April 8 – Niagara Falls | Prince Charles Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 13 – Niagara-on-the-Lake | Virgil Sports Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 15 – Fort Erie | Crystal Ridge Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 27 – Thorold | Winterberry Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 29 – St. Catharines | St. Patrick’s Park (6:30–7:30 PM) “Reviving the Mesh Refresh program reflects our commitment to reinvesting in the community spaces where basketball thrives,” said Business Operations Manager, Tyler Vincent. “Outdoor courts are often a young player’s first introduction to the game, and by refreshing these spaces and activating them with programming, we aim to create accessible opportunities for youth and families throughout Niagara.” ### About the Niagara River Lions: The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.