The Vanier Crusaders senior boys basketball team, led by reigning MVP Christian Carino, opened up the season with a 30-point victory over the Porter Creek Rams last Friday.

In a game highlighted by their defensive prowess, the Crusaders held the host Rams to under 40 points, while scoring over 60 themselves.

Carino and all-stars Josh Tobias and RJ Siosan highlight the cast of returning players from last year’s championship squad.

Also joining the team again, speedy guards Ian New, Kieran Stacey and John Mark Maynes look to make an impact in the backcourt, while Alex Bouvier, Nylan Duncan, David Cuenza, Mason Pritchett and Jeorge Pagon will play big minutes as part of a very tall frontcourt rotation.

Two newcomers, guards Kyle Rubio and John Pagobo, will join the returnees to get their first taste of senior boys basketball.

Sean McCarron is the bench boss for the defending champions, who did not lose a game last season.

This year’s edition of the Crusaders has a diversity not seen before on many Yukon high school basketball teams, combining the speed and finesse of guards with the height and power of a large frontcourt.

This frontcourt, with three centres who are over six-foot-five, looks to make an impact on defence by protecting the rim and grabbing key rebounds, while the guards break down the opposing teams defence with dribble moves and sharp passing.

More interesting, however, is the fact that many of the players on this team have been playing together for multiple seasons, and some teammates have been together for four years.

Carino, Tobias, and Siosan have formed the core of the last few Team Yukon basketball teams and have been playing together competitively since Grade 9.

Along with Duncan and Bouvier, the Crusaders have a plethora of veteran leadership, perfect to help out the younger players on the squad looking to develop.

The Crusaders and Rams will meet in a rematch tonight. Game time is 6:45 at Porter Creek Secondary.

Zach Giczi is a Grade 12 student at Vanier Catholic Secondary School. The 17-year-old comes off the bench as a forward with the Crusaders.

The Whitehorse Star is looking for more students to contribute to the School Sports column. If interested, please contact Marcel Vander Wier at sports@whitehorsestar.com.

By Zach Giczi