Blog Layout

Honey Badgers Seek Second Home Win in Tilt with BlackJacks

Kyle Ramnarine • May 26, 2024

The Brampton Honey Badgers host the Ottawa BlackJacks on Sunday in the first of three meetings between the clubs this season. 


The game begins at 4:00 p.m. ET at Brampton’s CAA Centre, with live coverage available on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+ and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. It will also be televised nationally on Game+.


Brampton is coming off an impressive win against the Niagara River Lions in their home opener Friday where they erased a double-digit deficit in the second quarter to pull ahead and never look back.


Forward Zane Waterman and Guard LJ Thorpe were the heroes of that game, combining for 51 points. Waterman helped spark the comeback by slowing down the tempo and leading the Honey Badgers with 27 points and 10 rebounds on the night. Thorpe also caught fire and shot a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc on his way to 24 points, three rebounds, three assist, four steals and the Target Score Winner.


Waterman stated after the game that he texted head coach Sheldon Cassimy about how impressive Thorpe was and that he wanted him on the team. “I saw LJ in Lithuania, we were playing in the same league in Europe this season,” said Waterman. “I actually texted Coach Sheldon, I said, ‘We got to get this guy like he's really good,’ and Sheldon checked him out and agreed with me.”


Even though Brampton is riding high off their victory, the BlackJacks pose a different threat of their own.


A late training camp add, Ottawa brought back 6-foot-7 forward Deng Adel. Adel was a monster for Ottawa last season, averaging 17.2 points game, 5.8 rebounds per game, and 4.2 assists per game. His impressive season landed him a spot on the All-CEBL Second Team. Adel’s size and athleticism is critical for this game against the Honey Badgers, as they had a tough time guarding bigger players against Niagara. 


Ottawa also signed former Chicago Bulls guard Brandon Sampson. Sampson averaged 13.2 points across five seasons during his time in the NBA G League. He recently completed a two-game run in the Israeli Basketball Premier League where he averaged 11 points per game. His shiftiness, experience and ability to create his shot off the dribble definitely will provide a huge boost for Ottawa's offence. 


The key matchup to look out for


A key match-up for the fans to keep their eyes out for will be Honey Badgers Forward Zane Waterman taking on BlackJacks forward Deng Adel. 


Waterman was key for Brampton to cut into the lead and come back from the double-digit deficit in the first game for the Honey Badgers, and if he can keep this momentum going Ottawa will have a difficult time handling him. 


However, if Adel manages to slow down Waterman and get his game going, Ottawa can find themselves on the winning end. 


2023 season series


During the 2023 season, Ottawa had Brampton’s number. They defeated the Honey Badgers in all three of their matchups. 


- CEBL -


About the CEBL

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 10 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

L'Alliance de Montreal Annonce la Retraite de Kemy Osse

April 8, 2025
Le premier joueur de l’histoire de la franchise et ancien co-capitaine annonce sa retraite après six saisons professionnelles

Alliance Announce Ossé's Retirement

April 8, 2025
Franchise’s first-ever signing and co-captain ends six-year professional career

Bandits Sign Former Florida Gator, SEC All-Star Samuel

April 7, 2025
NBA G League forward averaged 8.6 points, 5.1 rebounds in 154 collegiate games at Seton Hall and Florida

redtag.ca Renews Founding Partnership with CEBL

April 7, 2025
Canada’s leading full-service travel company remains ‘Official Travel Partner of the CEBL’

redtag.ca Renouvelle son Partenariat Fondateur avec la LECB

April 7, 2025
La référence canadienne en voyages à service complet reste le « Partenaire officiel de voyage de la LECB »

Edmonton Native Philip Signs First Pro Contract with Stingers

April 7, 2025
Stingers add hometown guard after five-year collegiate career at Stony Brook University

Bandits Sign NBA Experienced Guard, Former Big-12 All-Star Brockington

April 4, 2025
Former All-Big 12 Newcomer of the Year guard also has NBA experience with the New Orleans Pelicans

River Lions Announce Addition of Darren Peters to Ownership Group

April 4, 2025
The Niagara River Lions announced today that Darren Peters, Founder and President of Peters Construction Group , has joined the team’s ownership group. His inclusion represents a significant step forward for the River Lions as they continue to build a top tier sports organization in the heart of the Niagara Region. A lifelong Fort Erie resident, Peters has made a lasting impact on the Niagara business and cultural landscape. His leadership at Peters Construction Group, which he has operated for over 20 years, has transformed the company from a small subcontracting business into a multi-division operation offering a range of specialized construction services. His extensive experience in business growth and community engagement will be instrumental in the River Lions’ continued success both on and off the court. “I’m proud to welcome Darren Peters to the River Lions ownership group,” said Richard Petko, Niagara River Lions Founder and Owner. “Darren’s deep ties to the Niagara community and his proven track record in driving growth make him the perfect fit. His passion for sports and commitment to our shared goals will be key as we continue our mission to become the best professional sports organization in Canada.” Peters has been involved in various business ventures and real estate partnerships over the years and previously owned a successful race team as both a driver and team owner. His experience in sports and competition, combined with his business acumen, makes him a valuable addition to the River Lions ownership team. “What interests me most about joining the group is, firstly, the fun and excitement of the games and the atmosphere in the arena,” said Peters. “Beyond that, I align strongly with the team’s vision of offering a superior product and fan experience while also being excellent corporate citizens through the River Lions’ efforts to support youth and the community. Sports and entertainment are key attractions for people and businesses looking to invest in Niagara, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.” Peters has long recognized the unifying power of sports, both as a player and spectator. Since its inception, Peters Construction Group has actively supported youth sports teams, and many of its company events focus on team-building through sports. “I have always enjoyed how sports bring people together, regardless of background or economic situation. That sense of connection and camaraderie is what makes sports so special,” he added. “I’m thrilled to officially welcome my good friend Darren Peters to the River Lions ownership group,” said Niagara River Lions Owner, Michael Skrtich. “Darren brings a wealth of experience and deep passion for sports, as well as a shared vision for growing this franchise. These are exciting times for the River Lions, and I couldn’t be happier to have him on board as we take the next steps together.” Peters first caught the basketball bug during the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Championship run and quickly became a fan of the sport. After attending River Lions games, he was impressed by the level of competition and the energy of the fanbase. Now, as an owner, he looks forward to contributing to the team’s long-term success. As the River Lions continue to aim high and build towards a future of sustained excellence, the addition of Darren Peters ensures the franchise is well-positioned to reach its full potential in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).  - CEBL - About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ , TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube .

BlackJacks Sign Veteran Forward, CEBL Champion Waterman

April 4, 2025
A CEBL Champion in 2022, Waterman has averaged 11.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 55 career games with the Honey Badgers across three seasons

Les BlackJacks D’Ottawa Signe Zane Waterman

April 4, 2025
Les BlackJacks d'Ottawa de la Ligue Élite Canadienne de Basketball (LECB), la plus grande ligue sportive professionnelle du Canada, ont annoncé aujourd'hui que l'équipe a signé l'ailier Zane Waterman pour un contrat pour la saison 2025. Waterman entamera sa quatrième saison dans la LECB et rejoint les BlackJacks après avoir établi les records de la franchise de Hamilton/Brampton pour les points (653), les rebonds (310) et les matchs joués (55) en carrière, tant en saison régulière qu'en playoffs. « Tout au long de sa carrière dans la LECB, Zane a constamment démontré qu'il était un joueur d'impact au sein d'équipes gagnantes », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks, James Derouin. "Son jeu a impressionné notre bureau et notre équipe d'entraîneurs, et nous sommes heureux d'ajouter un joueur de son calibre à notre équipe cet été. La polyvalence, la robustesse et les antécédents de championnat qu'il apporte à notre club seront un atout majeur dans notre quête d'un titre cette saison. Nous sommes ravis d'accueillir Zane et sa famille dans la capitale nationale. » Le 24e meilleur marqueur de saison régulière de l'histoire de la LECB (641) sort d'une saison 2024 qui l'a vu mener les Honey Badgers au chapitre des points par match (15,9) tout en inscrivant 20 points et plus dans huit de ses 19 parties, avec un sommet personnel de 30 points par match le 7 juillet à Edmonton. Originaire de Winston-Salem, en Caroline du Nord, Waterman participe actuellement à sa deuxième saison consécutive dans la LKL lituanienne pour les Neptunas après une campagne 2023-24 avec Kedainiai Nevezis qui l'a vu mener l'équipe en termes de points par match (16,8) tout en se classant cinquième de la ligue en termes de minutes par match (30,5). Au cours de cette saison, il a été élu meilleur joueur de la LKL pour les mois de décembre et de mars, car il a été le meilleur marqueur de son équipe lors de sept des neuf matchs de cette période. Jouant professionnellement depuis 2018, l'Américain de 6'9 » a joué pour des équipes en Argentine, à Chypre, en République tchèque, en Finlande, en Allemagne, en Pologne, au Portugal et en Nouvelle-Zélande après une carrière réussie dans la NCAA à Manhattan (MAAC) où il a été nommé troisième équipe All-Conference lors de ses saisons junior et senior. Il a terminé sa carrière universitaire en tant que 18e meilleur marqueur de l'histoire du programme avec 1,275 points et troisième pour le nombre total de rebonds défensifs avec 451. Il est actuellement possible d'acheter des forfaits de billets flexibles en visitant le site theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/tickets. Les abonnements de saison des BlackJacks 2025 sont disponibles dès maintenant. Pour plus de détails, les amateurs sont invités à envoyer un courriel à [email protected] ou à composer le 613-690-0519. - CEBL - À propos du LECB La LECB est une équipe créée par des Canadiens pour des Canadiens, avec pour objectif de développer des joueurs, des entraîneurs, des responsables sportifs et des arbitres canadiens. Elle compte le plus grand nombre de joueurs canadiens de toute autre équipe professionnelle dans le pays, avec 75% de ses équipes étant canadiennes et un record de 12 joueurs NBA en 2024. Les joueurs apportent également leur expérience de la NBA G League, des meilleures ligues internationales de professionnels, du programme national canadien, des programmes NCAA, ainsi que de U SPORTS et de CCAA. 22 joueurs ont signé des contrats NBA après une saison CEBL, et de nombreux joueurs CEBL participent à des camps de formation NBA G League chaque année. La saison CEBL se déroule de mai à août, avec des matchs diffusés en direct sur CEBL+ avec BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment et Courtside1891 . On peut trouver davantage d'informations sur le CEBL sur CEBL.ca et @cebleague sur Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook et YouTube .
More Posts
Share by: