Court-side Thrills: Embarking on the 2023-2024 ACAC Men's Basketball Season
EDMONTON, AB - As the teams prepare for the season, the excitement mounts, knowing that every game will be a test of skill, strategy, and teamwork. From intense rivalries to underdog stories, the ACAC Men's Basketball season is poised to captivate fans with unforgettable moments and displays of athletic excellence. With the match-ups now established, the countdown begins for the highly anticipated tip-offs. Mark your calendars for a spine-chilling Friday, October 13th, as the opening matches kick off an exciting journey.
ACAC CHAMPIONSHIP:
The ACAC Men's Basketball Championship is set to be a dramatic battle as the new merit-based format adds a thrilling dimension to the competition. This year, the North Division's top-seeded team at the end of the regular season will earn the honor of hosting the championship. The stakes are high as the best of the best will clash on the court, with the top team extending invitations to seven other ACAC teams - three more from the North division and four from the South.
This new format ensures that only the most deserving teams will have the chance to compete for glory. Each game will be a battle of skill, strategy, and determination, as the teams strive to rise to the occasion and prove their worth on the court. Fans can expect electrifying matchups, as the competition reaches its pinnacle and the players showcase their best performances.
2022 RECAP:
Recapping last year's memorable events, the SAIT Trojans showcased their dominance by securing their sixth consecutive ACAC championship title. The Keyano Huskies, undefeated throughout the regular season, put up a fierce fight in a historic gold medal semi-final. In an exhilarating game, Marcus Masters drained a clutch three-pointer with eight seconds left, sealing a 71-68 victory for the Trojans in front of a packed house at Ambrose University.
Building on their momentum, the Trojans faced off against the St. Mary's Lightning in the championship final. Riding high from their previous win, the Trojans claimed their sixth consecutive conference title, solidifying their spot at the CCAA Nationals, which they were hosting. The Lightning, with an impressive performance, also earned their place at the Nationals.
Meanwhile, the Keyano Huskies, despite their heartbreaking loss, showcased their resilience and talent throughout the tournament. They fell short in the bronze medal final against the strong Southern opponents, the Lethbridge Kodiaks, who proudly took home the bronze hardware.
Individual achievements were celebrated as Charlie Conner of the SAIT Trojans was awarded the Championship Most Valuable Player. Sean-Michael Clancey of the Keyano Huskies earned the prestigious title of CCAA Player of the Year. Marcus Masters and Marc-Denault Gabriel, who delivered exceptional performances for the Trojans, earned spots on the First Team Championship All-Stars, while Kuol Kuol of the Trojans received Second Team honors. Sean-Michael Clancey of the Keyano Huskies, Marcus Masters of the SAIT Trojans, and Brock Dewsbery of the St. Mary's Lightning were also recognized as CCAA All-Canadians, further highlighting their outstanding contributions to the sport.
2022 ACAC AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Men’s Coaches of the Year:
Jeremy Wielenga - Keyano Huskies & Ryan Heggie - Lethbridge Kodiaks
Men’s Rookies of the Year:
Ephraim Humilde - NAIT Ooks & Ethan Robinson - Medicine Hat Rattlers
Men’s Players of the Year:
Sean-Michael Clancey - Keyano Huskies & Marcus Masters - SAIT Trojans
CCAA CHAMPIONSHIP:
Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, has been selected as the host for the 2024 CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 13th to 16th, 2024, marking the university's return to the national stage after hosting the CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship in 2018.
LOOKING AHEAD:
As the 2023-2024 ACAC Men's Basketball season approaches, fans can expect a gripping display of competition and remarkable performances. With last year's memorable events setting the stage, the upcoming season promises to showcase the best of collegiate basketball. The championship, featuring a merit-based format, will add tension and excitement to every game as teams compete for the ultimate title. Get ready for an electrifying basketball season as the ACAC Men's Basketball teams battle it out on the court.
ACAC SCHEDULES: MBB Schedule
CCAA HOST DETAILS: Mount Allison University Host 2024 CCAA MBB National Championships
#ACACMBB24 | #CCAAMBB2024
About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
Markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Kaylab@acac.ab.ca