Regular Season Report

The first regular season in CEBL history is now in the books, and the River Lions have plenty to be proud of.

They were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the first #1 seed in league history, and the only team last year who averaged over 100 points per game. They had seven players average double figures in scoring and finished with a 15-5 record.

“I think the most surprising thing this season was our chemistry right off the bat,” said head coach Victor Raso. “Our guys like each other and they bonded early and we grew as a team. We had our ups and downs but one thing you can never predict is how guys are going to mesh together.”

The River Lions’ numbers support this claim. They were second in the league in assists per game and first in field goal percentage and three-point percentage.

It seemed that when it mattered most, they had a response to adversity. They never lost back-to-back games all year and rallied from two games back of first place with three games left in the year to steal the #1 seed.

They employed only two starting lineups all year, and their chemistry was a big factor in their success.

Their most used starting lineup was Trae Bell-Haynes, Nem Mitrovic, Guillaume Boucard, Dorian Pinson and Sam Muldrow. This group led all starting groups in true shooting percentage (58.9), effective field goal percentage (55.6%) and double doubles (14).

The team was led in scoring by Guillaume Boucard, the CEBL June Player of the Month. Boucard averaged 15.9 points per game on 50% from the field and 40% from behind the arc. Boucard was also second on the team in rebounds per game (7.5), behind leader Dorian Pinson who averaged 7.8 per game.

Pinson made CEBL history when he achieved the league’s first triple double. On May 24 in a 108-91 victory over the Saskatchewan Rattlers Pinson scored 15 points, snagged 13 rebounds and handed out 10 assists.

The River Lions had players scattered across the league leaders as well: Sam Muldrow led the league in blocks per game (2.0) and set a single game record for blocks in a game (eight). Back-up centre Yoyo Dalembert led the league in field goal percentage (67%) and team captain Ryan Anderson led the league in made threes with 65.

“This group of guys has been incredible to coach: they’re upbeat, they’re coachable, they’re open- minded,” Raso said. “We’ve built good relationships with them… I want what’s best for them… I really couldn’t ask for more from this group. They’ve been an absolute pleasure, especially for a first-year coach.”

However, the #1 seed, as well as all the other positive signs this season, isn’t enough, according to Raso.

“We never really talked about winning the #1 seed in the regular season, we only ever talked about what it would take to win a championship,” Raso said. “Some of our difficulties have been on the rebounding side of things… in a league like this when you have got some really good rebounding teams like Edmonton and Hamilton you have got to be fundamental, you got to box out. You can’t just rely on your athleticism.”

While Niagara was third in defensive rebounding per game (28.4), they were second last in offensive rebounds (9.2) and overall rebounds per game (37.6).

Rebounding was an issue for them in losses to Edmonton at home (July 26, their first home loss) and on the road (Edmonton was the only city the River Lions went winless in).

Raso’s message about a title rings true in the locker room: They want a championship.

Throughout the season the River Lions have been steadfast in their approach to this season. If they take care of business in their own locker room, they’ve set themselves up to win the first ever CEBL title.

Now, after a great regular season with momentum to build on, they have a chance to capitalize at Championship Weekend in Saskatoon.