River Lions Announce 2020 Coaching Staff

A System Administrator • May 15, 2020
St. Catharines, ON – Victor Raso, Head Coach and General Manager of the Niagara River Lions announced today the team’s 2020 coaching staff which includes three returning coaches from last season and the addition of Danielle Boiago from McMaster University’s basketball program. Rejoining the 2019 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Coach of the Year, are assistant’s Doyle Anthony, Mick Bett and Jeff Joseph.

“This is a great group of people,” said Raso. “We have an experienced, knowledgeable and fun group of assistant coaches who trust each other and challenge me to be better. Our coaches bring a unique set of experiences and skills from their different backgrounds which I believe is important in building a complete coaching staff for our players. I’m looking forward to working with Jeff, Mick and Doyle as they return to our team for year 2, and I’m thrilled that we have added Danielle Boiago, a rising star in the coaches world, to our team!”

After playing four seasons at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Doyle Anthony transitioned to an Assistant Coach with the Mounties, later making the move to University of Kings College in the same role. In 2018, Anthony joined the coaching staff at Redeemer University in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario helping the team to a 15 and 5 record this past season.
 
Born in Norfolk, England, Mick Bett brings over 12 years of professional playing experience and over 25 years of coaching experience to the River Lions. Bett is currently in his third year as the Assistant Coach of the Ridley College Prep Boys Basketball Program in St. Catharines, Ontario. At the age of 17, Bett began playing semi professionally, earning several titles and accolades along the way. In just his second year of coaching he was named the Coach of the Year in the British Basketball League. He went on to earn the same award for a second consecutive year, leading his Division 1 team to win the league trophy. Bett was the first player in English basketball history to play for and then coach the England National Team. Bett has been a Eurosport Commentator since 2004 covering countless events including the Olympic Games. 

Joining the River Lions this season is Danielle Boiago, Assistant Coach of McMaster University women’s basketball for the past two years. Prior to her coaching career, Boiago was a five-year starter at McMaster, where in 2017 she became the first player in Maruaders history to win the U SPORTS Player of the Year, while also finishing her career as the all time leader in points and steals and second in assists and rebounds. 

Hamilton, Ontario native Jeff Joseph rounds out the staff with 14 years of U SPORTS coaching experience at McMaster University, 15 years at the high school level and 21 years at Blessed Sacrament Basketball Club. 

Training camp and the start of the 2020 CEBL season is on a delay due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Raso is preparing plans for practices and games this summer, while the CEBL prepares several contingency plans to play under guidelines to be set forth by federal and provincial government and health care leaders. 

###
Media Contact:
Michelle Biskup, Vice President, Operations 
mbiskup@riverlions.ca
905-802-1656

Share by: