Colin Cunningham, Mike Morgan,Kerry Westmore, Ben Sansburn, Jordan Mottyl, Ross Mackinnon, Calvin Westbrook, Brandon Ellis, Ryan Mackinnon, Nick Adair and the late great Nate Dasilva just to name a few. Players who wore their respective colors with pride, players who represented their school with passion, players who fought hard in epic endless and timeless battles between the green/white and blue/gold. The Raiders and Towhees since day one of their rivalry have had no love lost. Like UNC/DUKE, OILERS/FLAMES, BIRD/MAGIC anyone competing in this rivalry have realized, comprehended and valued the importance of this match up. When I played for the Raiders there was one game that was always marked on my calender at the beginning of each year, when we faced off against the Towhees.
The present and future of this rivalry are embodied by two players that were present at the Scotty Mac Basketball Camp this summer. Mark McGuiness and Noah Lewis will lead their respective junior teams into this season with one motive in mind, beating their arch rival.
In Mark Mcguiness the Towhees and Legendary Larry Street have something special. In one year, I have never witnessed anyone improve as much as Mark. He grew in all aspects of his game and all aspects of his personality. In the summer of 08, Mark was a streaky shooter. A "Eddie House" of the world, someone who could get hot, hit a few shots but that was the extent of his production. In one year I WITNESSED a turn around of dynamic proportions! Mark walked into Mark Isfeld gym this year and impressed from the word "GO". He had an aura about him that was different, a confidence, a swagger that was not their before. This was truly evident in his play. All week Mark relentlessly attacked the basket, he worked to his maximum potential in every drill no matter how basic it was, he not only led by example but vocally encouraged and instructed the younger campers. In one summer Mark became a player. A player to be reckoned with, a player who was invited to the BC provincial super camp, a player who I believe will be a force to reckon with on the island. Mark combined his tireless shooting regiment with intelligent decision making, a very smooth handle, a deceivenly quick long first step and a combination of classic Larry Street one on one moves. He parlayed this into a CO-MVP award at the Scotty Mac Basketball Camp and a plethora of compliments from current University of Victoria captain Ryan Mackinnon that is rarely rewarded. Scotty Mac Basketball Camps, Larry Street and the Towhees expect Mark to provide the Towhees with a stellar, reliable point/shooting guard for the next few years. And we have no doubt he will be extremely successful.
Having coached Noah Lewis for the better part of a decade now, I remember the curly haired mop top's jump shot as a seven year old. The ball, weighing as much as he did was locked, loaded and heaved from his waist but seemingly always somehow found its way into the basket. Walking out of the Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp with a plethora of Adidas basketball prizes I knew there was something special about this kid. The most inspiring thing about Mr. Lewis is his passion for the game. Simply put, he loves to ball, ball again and then ball some more. The enjoyment that lights up on his face when he has a basketball in his hands is invigorating. Floating around 6'2 Noah's versatility rolled him through all five positions on the court this season. With that practice at hand, he came into the Scotty Mac Camps with a new sense of responsibility, focus, determination and most importantly a quiet confidence. Noah has always had a great demeanor. Soft spoken but with a powerful presence he has acknowledged these skills and has become a very admirable leader. He leads by example but also vocally. This was very evident throughout the Scotty Mac Basketball Camp, without having to be asked Noah took it upon himself to help the younger guys throughout the week . This was greatly appreciated by all coaches. This skill transitioned between all skill levels, ages and kids throughout the camp. The talented Highland Junior Boys Crew listen and respect Noah, and in true Lewis fashion he returns this favor. Noah will always take responsibility for any lost ball, missed shot or mistake that he or his teammates make. Looking at himself first before pointing the finger at someone else. The desire that Noah played with this summer was truly inspiring. Diving for loose balls, checking players 3 inches and 20 pounds heavier. He fought, fought and then fought some more. This is the key to Noah's success, the DESIRE to achieve his potential. He does not rest on his attributes, he strives to improve not only his strengths but his weaknesses. He listens to coaches, receives their constructive criticism and then makes an attempt to apply their suggestions to his game. He is a player that makes all coaches realize why they do this. He is a breath of fresh air in a basketball culture of ego's and superstars. Highland coaches, students, players, teachers, alumni and parents should feel blessed that this kid is leading their squad into battle. I sure do!
Scotty Mac Basketball Camps would like to congratulate CO-MVPS this year, Blue/Gold's Noah Lewis and the Green/White's Mark Mcguiness. Wish them the best of Luck this year!
