Stability. Consistency. Proficiency.
Three words to describe a dream regular season, showcased by the first place Niagara River Lions (15-5). They have also been called a family.
General Manager and Head Coach Victor Raso instilled a need for togetherness, preaching care for each other, and care for the ball. His philosophy worked. This tight-knit group of River Lions players displayed the style of basketball promoted by the league throughout its inaugural season: fast-paced, high scoring, top quality and a whole lot of fun.
Seven players competed in every game this season. Seven players averaged at least 10 points during the 2019 campaign. Eight different players led the team in scoring throughout its 20 games.
Averaging a sizzling 100.2 points per contest, the River Lions assisted on nearly 65 per cent of its field goals made all season. Tough to defend a team that gives up the ball for a better look. Niagara led the league in nearly every statistical category, including points, assists (23.1), blocks (4.8), steals (9.7) and three-point field goal percentage (.390). The River Lions ranked near the bottom in rebounding, which is understandable, consider they just don’t miss. There’s not a lot of boards to grab when your team is averaging .476 from the field all season.
While Niagara shares the ball effortlessly, there’s no questioning the significant impact made by Canadian of the Year award nominee, Guillaume Payen-Boucard. The former Carleton Raven from Montreal is the go-to guy in must-score situations. His season averages led Niagara in minutes (31.0), scoring (15.9), and offensive rebounding (2.0), while making and taking the most field goals (111-223) and free throws (81-113). The team was a +142 when Payen-Boucard was on the court, tops in the league.
Not to be outdone is dynamic guard Dorian Pinson. The 6-foot-5 American averaged 13.6 rebounds, 7.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 28.9 minutes in 20 games this season. He recorded the league’s only triple-double on May 24 at Saskatchewan when he contributed 15 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in just 29 minutes during the 108-91 win.
It’s rare when a player off the bench leads the league in a major statistical category, but that’s just what forward Ryan Anderson did, netting 65 three-pointers during the regular season, tops in the CEBL. Not a bad weapon to have in reserve.
The only blemish on the River Lions’ record in 2019 was its head-to-head record against second-place Edmonton. The Stingers captured three of four games during the season series, however two of those wins required overtime.
A team that never lost back-to-back games all season and started the year 8-0 on their home court, the Niagara River Lions are entering the CEBL Championship Weekend as the ones to beat. It’s a single-game knockout style event, and while anything can happen during 40 minutes of basketball, Niagara has shown all year its consistency, stability and precision. Ingredients that make a champion.
