His baritone voice not only calls the game but also brings the game to the living rooms of his community on Connect FM radio which by all indication was well received in the community.

In addition Jag is my broadcast partner and has been for the past few years and most recently he was one of the broadcasters for the Ladner Islanders Junior Lacrosse clubs.

With the league and the teams focused on the 2026 CEBL season we are pleased to pass on the info that the leagues first Commissioner and Co-Founder for leadership turned a  concept into Canada’s premier professional basketball league.

CEBL Co-Founder Richard Petko mentioned “When Mike Morreale took on this job, this league was just an idea. Mike was determined to see Canada take its rightful place on the basketball stage with a successful professional league here at home, something many thought could not be done.”

He continued “Today, as Mike leaves to take on new challenges after a successful eight years at our helm, the league is firmly established, with 10 teams in six provinces. It features an exciting style of play and innovative rules, and boasts a young, diverse and growing fan base of over 4.1 million. Mike has been, and always will be, our foundational leader.”

Founded in 2017 by Niagara River Lions owner Richard Petko and Morreale, the CEBL has evolved from a single-entity model with six charter members to a strong local ownership presence in markets across the country.

Morreale mentioned “I’ve decided my journey as Commissioner has come to an end, and that my role in this incredible story has served its purpose.” 

He continued “I proudly and confidently look forward to the future of this amazing league and the wonderful memories yet to be made. I’ll always be its biggest supporter, its loudest advocate, and a proud founder.”

Morreale thanked the CEBL’s “dedicated owners and tremendous players,” its passionate fans, its “relentless and hardworking staff,” and his “loving and patient” family.

CEBL President Tyler Mazereeuw will oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives formerly managed by the Commissioner, as the Board continues to evolve the league’s leadership structure to support its next phase of growth.

“The CEBL stands poised for its next chapter,” Mazereeuw said. “We have an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation that Mike Morreale and so many devoted and hard-working people across Canada have built.”

– CEBL –

About the CEBL
Created by Canadians for Canadians, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is dedicated to developing Canadian players, coaches, referees, and sports executives.

In 2025, the league featured a record 17 players with NBA game experience, and nearly 70 per cent of its rosters were Canadian — the highest of any professional league in the country. 

Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National Team program, NCAA, U SPORTS, and CCAA. 

Nearly 40 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and many others attend NBA G League training camps each year. 

The season runs from May through August, with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, and Next Level Sports & Entertainment in the U.S. 

For more information, visit CEBL.ca or follow @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

Media Contact:
Aaron Gogishvili – Sr. Director, Communications & Community Relations

The post Mike Morreale “FOUNDATIONAL LEADER” For CEBL first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Such was the case for the Vancouver Bandits in the heartbreaking loss to the Calgary Surge in the

This year saw the Bandits’ historic season ended in a heartbreaking semifinal loss to the Calgary Surge in the CEBL Western Conference semifinal finishing the regular season with a franchise-best 19-5 record and the league’s top seed who were a mere two points away from advancing to the Western Conference final. 

But to the frustration of Bandit supporters it was a series of overturned foul calls in “Target Time” that opened the door for Calgary’s Gilyard II to seal the game with three free throws, ending Vancouver’s season in front of a stunned home crowd. 

The loss denied the Bandits a chance to face the Winnipeg Sea Bears at Championship Weekend, despite entering the postseason as favourites to capture the franchise’s first league title. 

The matchup began with both teams leaning on their regular-season strengths, but momentum quickly swung back and forth. 

Vancouver’s trademark physicality showed in the opening quarter, though Calgary erased a seven-point deficit in the final minute of the frame. 

By the second quarter, the Bandits’ missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns gave the Surge room to build a double-digit lead. 

Fouls began to pile up on both sides, slowing the pace and forcing rotations to adjust. By halftime, 

Vancouver trailed by 10 after Zach Copeland closed the gap with a pair of free throws. 

As they had all season, the Bandits surged in the third quarter.

Copeland drained a three-pointer to spark a rally, followed by two free throws that cut into Calgary’s advantage. 

The LEC crowd responded with thunderous energy, pushing Vancouver back into contention. Each basket and foul call drew roars from the stands as the Bandits closed the gap heading into the final frame. 

The fourth quarter saw emotions peak, with fouls dominating the pace of play.

By Target Score Time, the game was tied and on a knife’s edge — Vancouver needing nine points to win, Calgary needing 10. 

The Bandits edged ahead and were just two points away from victory when the officiating took centre stage. 

Three consecutive foul calls in Vancouver’s favour were overturned after video review. Moments later, Calgary drew a foul against Kyle Mangas on a three-point attempt. 

Gilyard II sank all three free throws to clinch the game, silencing the Bandits’ hopes and leaving fans in disbelief.

Despite the disappointing finish, the Bandits capped their best season in franchise history. Just days after their elimination, 

Vancouver players and staff collected four awards at the 2025 CEBL Awards in Winnipeg. Forward Mitch Creek was named Most Valuable Player, after averaging 24.4 points per game to finish second in league scoring. 

Creek also ranked among the top 10 in multiple statistical categories, including three-point shooting (48.6 per cent), free throws made (110), and steals (30). 

His 488 total points were the second-highest in the league this season and the fourth-most ever in a single CEBL campaign. 

Centre Tyrese Samuel earned Canadian Player of the Year and Clutch Player of the Year, after becoming the only player in the league to average a double-double — 21.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game — while leading the CEBL in field goal percentage at 65.9 per cent. 

Head coach Kyle Julius was honoured as Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, guiding the Bandits to the league’s best record, a +250 point differential, and top marks in field goal percentage, assists, and overall scoring. It marked the second straight season 

Vancouver swept the league’s top three awards, highlighting both the roster’s depth and the leadership guiding the organization. 

The Bandits may not have lifted the championship trophy, but their 2025 campaign raised the bar for success in the CEBL. With Kyle Julius steering the bench, 

Vancouver remains a contender moving forward — even as their season ended in shock rather than celebration.

Wait till next season – it’ll be even more exciting than this one!!!!

The post Bandits’ Historic Season Ends In Semifinal Loss first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

It’s a welcome addition to finally see things return to normal allowing a full attendance for all sports, but especially for youth sports who have had their future put on hold for the past two years.

Not being able to compete for todays youth has not taken it’s toll on their mindset, but for some it has put their rankings at various draft selections put in the sin-bin affecting possible scholarships.

While the high school basketball championship reaches the final day, we focus on both 1A and 2A teams reaching the final.

The following is the press release from Gary Ahuja, media relations for the Langley Events Centre.

Enjoy the read:

2A Tournament

In an all-Vancouver Island semi-final, it was Victoria’s Lambrick Park Lions winning 85-72 over Mill Bay’s Brentwood College. 

The Lions had a three-point lead at the half but outscored their Island rivals 25-8 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Alex Moch (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Owen Jones (24 points, eight rebounds) led Lambrick Park with Dylan Gage scoring 23 in the loss for Brentwood College.

Lambrick Park’s next opponent is the fourth-seed Westsyde Whundas as the Kamloops school ended the run of Vancouver’s West Point Grey Academy Wolves. 

The No. 9 seed had already eliminated the No. 8 seed and knocked out the tournament’s No. 1 seed but could not pull off a third straight upset.

The Whundas won thanks to superior three-point shooting (10-for-30 compared to 3-for-16) and by taking more shots as they were 23-for-73 versus the Wolves’ 19-for-54. 

Caleb Ezedebego scored 24 points and Cailen Hamilton and Caleb Gremaud had 15 points apiece. Mac Steenburgh led the Wolves with 17 points and a dozen rebounds.

1A Tournament

The defending 2020 champion Unity Christian Flames (Chilliwack) are back in the championship game after overcoming a slow start. 

The top-seed Flames were down six in the first quarter but by halftime, led by a dozen points on their way to the 91-67 win over the No. 4 Fernie Falcons. Levi Van Egdom (24 points) and Seth Schuurman (20 points) led the Flames offence. 

Bronson Impey (13 points) and Isaac Anderson (12 points) were the top scorers for the Falcons.

And while Unity Christian cruised to their semi-final win, the No. 2 seed Glenlyon Norfolk Gryphons went down to the wire against the third-seed Cedars Christian Eagles (Prince George). After the Eagles led for most of the first half, the score was tied at 51 at the break before Glenlyon pulled ahead in the third quarter and then hung on for the 91-89 victory.

A big reason for their success was Mason Carlson as the six-foot-six centre scored 33 points, pulled down 15 rebounds and blocked a pair of shots. 

Jacob Heir added 20 points and 12 rebounds and Callum Shillington had 18 points, 

16 rebounds and seven steals. 

The trio combined for 43 rebounds with Glenlyon out rebounding Cedars Christian 55-23.

Mitch Crosina and Tony Kibonge each scored 26 to lead the Eagles attack.

The post 1A – 2A Championships Set first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The 50th edition of the tournament gets underway on Saturday, February 23 with 32 teams hitting the hardwood at Langley Events Centre for four days and 80 games of basketball action.

The tournament will conclude on Tuesday, February 26 at 7 p.m. with the championship final on the LEC South Court.

Of course, 31 other teams have other intentions than simply conceding the title to the Rebels.

The Vancouver College Fighting Irish (who finished in third place in 2018), Yale Lions and St. Patrick Celtics round out to the top four.

The defending champion St. George’s Saints – who defeated the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers xx-xx in the final – are back in the draw at No. 11 while the Panthers come in seeded 23rd.

For the full draw, click here.

Here’s a quick look at the 32 teams by their rankings:

1. .Burnaby South Rebels 17. College Heights Cougars
2. Vancouver College Fighting Irish 18. Terry Fox Ravens
3. Yale Lions 19. J.L. Jackson Golds
4. St. Patrick Celtics 20. Heritage Woods Kodiaks
5. Okanagan Mission Huskies 21. Eric Hamber Griffins
6. R.A. McMath Wildcats 22. Ladysmith 49ers
7. Walnut Grove Gators 23. Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers
8. Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs 24. Duchess Park Condors
9. Claremont Spartans 25. Brookswood Bobcats
10. Kelowna Owls 26. Magee Lions
11. St. George’s School Saints 27. Sa-Hali Sabres
12. M.E.I. Eagles 28. R.E. Mountain Eagles
13. A.R. MacNeill Ravens 29. Belmont Bulldogs
14. Charles Hays Rainmakers 30. St. Thomas Aquinas Fighting Saints
15. St. Michaels University School Blue Jags 31. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
16. Panorama Ridge Thunder 32. Jaffray Rebels.

Thanks to Gary Ahuja for the info and is you need more on the tournament click here

The post 2019 BC Junior Boys Basketball first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

All will be added to the roster for the upcoming 2018 World Wheelchair Basketball Championship Tournament that is being hosted in Hamburg, Germany August 16-26, 2018.

Following a career at the University of Northern BC (UNBC) Dandeneau enjoys his time in wheelchair basketball and following her retirement from stand-up basketball, Kady is classified with a minimal disability.

She was introduced to the sport by Pender Island Tim Frick legendary women’s wheelchair basketball coach and mentor who saw the drive and desire she showed.

He continues to work with her as she continues to make her mark to solidify herself at a national and international level of the sport.

She is joined by Tara Llanes who calls BC home, but was originally from California and is considered a rookie in the sport of wheelchair basketball.

Tara was invited to join the national team in 2018 and since them is making her mark with Team Canada.  

Both Llanes and Dandeneau are now playing wheelchair basketball after having played a variety of sports throughout their early years with Llanes being a competitive BMX and mountain bike athlete and nationally ranked Wheelchair Tennis athlete.  

Dandeneau began to play sport at a young age having played baseball, before transitioning to the sport of basketball.

BC Wheelchair Basketball Society has a long-standing history of developing strong female athletes provincially, who proudly move up to the wheelchair basketball national team and represent Canada on the world stage.

Veteran Bo Hedges also from BC will be joining Llanes and Dandeneau on the international stage that has seen Hedges involved with the Canadian Men’s Team since 1997 when he first played at the World Junior Championships.  

Bo is the current co-captain for Team Canada and brings a strong work ethic as well as exceptional leadership both on and off the court.  

This Paralympic Gold Medalist strives for excellence on and off the court and works to mentor younger athletes as a member of the Team BC Royals of the CWBL league.

As the Chair of the Board of Directors for BCWBS he (Hedges) also works to improve the direction of the sport in our Province of BC.

As one of the only few athletes representing northern BC (Wonowon) Hedges is proud of the sport development that continues in the northern area of the province given the most recent announcement that Fort St John is hosting the 2020 BC Winter Games.

Also named to Team Canada, as a member of the coaching staff is Simon Cass (Victoria), B.C. Provincial coach.  He will be joining the roster of coaches for the Women’s national team.

About British Columbia Wheelchair Basketball Society

The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS) is the provincial sports’ governing body which provides support to wheelchair basketball programs throughout BC. BCWBS’s mission is to provide experiences that inspire inclusion, participation and excellence through wheelchair basketball.  

The post British Columbia Wheelchair Basketball Recognition first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The Grade 8 final saw the Semiahmoo Totems play host to the Stevenson-London Sharks in the championship game, which proved to be a lopsided affair.

The Totems captured the title by an unbelievable score of 89-25 over the Sharks that had no top match contenders available to play the top ranked totems.

The London-Sharks finished second in the Province simply for bragging rights in the off season in Stevenson and a chance to build for next year.

The Grade 9 final saw St. Thomas Moore Aquinas square off against the Kelowna Owls in the final but in a match that St. Thomas Moore were just too much to handle for the Owls.

They trailed early and STA kept adding to the lead at the half and handing the Owls a 49 27 loss to capture the Provincial Title as the Owls go home with a solid second place finish.

The “AA” final Seycove Seyhawks from North Vancouver tipped-off against the Vernon Panthers that saw the Seyhawks open a 35 19 lead at the half.

The second half was more evenly matched with Vernon outscoring Seycove 35-34 making it close to the final buzzer that saw the Seyhawks crowned champions by a narrow margin of 69-54.

In the “AAA” final saw Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers take on the Abbotsford Panthers, who got off to a quick lead that expanded to 19-5 as well as a 22-14 after the opening quarter.

The Panthers fought back closing it to 28-24 with a mere five minutes remaining in the second half, heading to halftime.

They (Panthers) continued moving to within three points with a mere 4 minutes remaining and with a 1:43 left in the opening half.

They managed to drop in a jumper allowing them to take a 33-32 lead heading to intermission.

The Tweedsmuir Panthers continued to sink shots that saw them outscore Abby 20-13 expanding the lead to 56-46 heading into the fourth quarter.

Each team managed to score 11 points in what was an evenly played quarter, but the end result saw Lord Tweedsmuir finish by a 67-57 victory capturing the Provincial title.

Beginning March 15th see’s the Boys Junior and Senior championships with the games running through to March 18th.

Thanks to Bruce Nolte for the story/sportswave reporter

The post High School Girls Basketball Championship first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Being no stranger to the sport Bobcats Coach Neil Brown pulled this off as a runner up to Oak Bay in 2013.

1. AAA Brookswood Bobcats
2. AA Immaculata Mustangs
3. A Langley Christian
4. Junior Panorama Ridge Thunder
5. Grade 9 Immaculata Mustangs
6. Grade 8 Walnut Grove.

The post Provincial Girls Basketball Championships first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.