Trojans win fifth straight Tier 1 crown

After not being able to make the trip to the Wheat City during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vincent Massey Trojans picked up right where they left off at the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational.

Poole’s career night lifts Curry-less Warriors past Raptors 126-110

TORONTO - After a fifth consecutive loss and eighth in 10 outings, Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet lamented the team's slide is unacceptable.

Jordan Poole poured in a career-high 43 points as the Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors defeated the Raptors 126-110 on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena.

"This is a terrible stretch," VanVleet said. "You don't want this. You don't expect this, and you can't accept this. It's where we are. There's a lot of basketball left to be played, and there's a lot of time to fix it."

VanVleet pointed to last season when the Raptors were mired in a similar slump.

Hernandez, Plainsmen feed off energy from fans

While Josue Hernandez was excited to get his first taste of varsity basketball with the Crocus Plainsmen last year, he couldn’t help but think that something was missing.

BU MIDTERM REPORTS: Brandon progressing towards competitive

Put your blinders on, cover the scoreboard and watch the Brandon University Bobcats.

Winter storm forces BSSI schedule changes

Mother Nature threw a curveball into the opening slate of games at the Brandon Sun Spartan Invitational on Thursday.

Irving hits buzzer-beating three to lead Nets 119-116 over beleaguered Raptors

TORONTO - The Toronto Raptors were oh so close to ending their season-long losing streak Friday, despite another night of inconsistency.

But Kyrie Irving's three-point buzzer-beater with a tenth of a second on the clock, part of a 32-point performance, sent the Raptors trudging off the floor, frustrated once again.

The Nets beat the Raptors 119-116, sending them to a season-worst fourth consecutive loss.

It's the longest losing streak in sophomore Scottie Barnes' pro career.

Vikings sports keeping Ferland busy

If you’ve been to a Vincent Massey Vikings baseball, basketball, hockey, or volleyball game over the last few years, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Brannigan Ferland play.

Nurse tempers any expectations about imminent return of Precious Achiuwa

TORONTO - While Precious Achiuwa has resumed some light practising, Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse erased any expectations the athletic forward would be back playing any time soon.

"Probably each day getting a little closer . . . (but) you're looking at the new year for sure," Nurse said after practice Thursday. "I wouldn't even put him in the 60 to 70 per cent range. He's not near contact.

"It's good that he's out there, he's moving, he's trying to do some stuff, it's getting a little better every day, he is engaged, trying to do a few drills here and there when we're teaching and things like that, so he's trying to stay connected. But I'd say we've got a good two weeks yet."

The 23-year-old was averaging 8.8 points and 7.0 rebounds before tearing ligaments in his right ankle on Nov. 9. He's missed 16 games since. In Wednesday's 124-123 loss to Sacramento, Achiuwa leapt off the bench in celebration of a big shot, hopping up and down one-legged on his healthy left foot.

Spartans eager to get season underway

A new look Neelin Spartans varsity boys basketball team is taking to the court this weekend for the Brandon Sun Spartans Invitational.

With one-point loss to Kings, Raptors lose three in a row for first time this season

TORONTO - The Toronto Raptors' problems with consistency continue, and veteran guard Fred VanVleet said now it's a fine line between being serious about the losses and not slipping into negativity.

The Raptors coughed up a 16-point lead en route to 124-123 loss to the Sacramento Kings, marking the first time this season they've lost three games in a row.

"It is up to that individual character, coming in and having short-term memory but obviously understanding that it's not acceptable … come in and try to get better. Work on your game. Watch film and lock in," said VanVleet. "But I believe in this group and we'll figure it out."

VanVleet scored a season-high 39 points for the Raptors (13-15). Scottie Barnes had 27 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, while Pascal Siakam had 19 points and Gary Trent Jr. finished with 11 for the Raptors, who were without injured forward O.G. Anunoby.

RUN AND GUNGON: Shifty guard runs Crocus offence

Slightly taller than her flowing, black ponytail, Alyanna Gungon makes those who underestimate her pay.

MVP Wiebe powers Plainsmen to victory

All of a sudden, the Crocus Plainsmen faced their first big test.

Wagner, Banchero lead Magic past Raptors for 3rd win in row

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner scored 23 points, Paolo Banchero added 20 points and 12 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Toronto Raptors 111-99 Sunday night for their third straight win.

The Magic didn't win three in a row at any point last season. Orlando's last three-game winning streak was in February 2021.

“You put three games in a row — I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “We’re asking our guys to defend at a high level, which they did. We’re asking them to move the basketball, which they did, and to stay poised down the stretch which they’ve done.”

Wagner was encouraged by what he saw.

Paziuk twins make Clippers tick against Vikings

Kara and Ava Paziuk are about to cause double trouble for AAA basketball teams.

Wagner, Banchero lead Magic over Raptors 113-109

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner scored 34 points and the Orlando Magic turned to rookie Pablo Banchero in the final minutes Friday night to hold off Toronto 113-109 after the Raptors had wiped out a 20-point deficit in the second half.

Banchero finished with 23 points and six rebounds for the Magic, who have won two straight for only the second time this season.

Pascal Siakam had 36 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for Toronto. Gary Trent Jr. added 20 points and Fred VanVleet had 19.

The Raptors won 11 of their previous 12 games against the Magic, including a 121-108 victory in Toronto last Saturday.