The Northern Circuit Unsigned Senior & Prep Showcase: 2026 All-Stars
Written By Harrison Paulichuk & Matteo Antonucci
The Northern Circuit is a new organization focused on showcasing high-level talent and telling the full story of Canadian basketball, not just the highlights. Based out of Edmonton, this locally built team is just getting started, with more events and resources already in the pipeline. You can check out the new website for more information on the organization and what’s coming next.
The Northern Circuit’s Unsigned Senior & Prep Showcase was built to give seniors and prep-level athletes still looking for a home a chance to showcase their abilities and play against some high-level talent in front of coaches and scouts looking to round out their rosters. At the inaugural event there were over 30 athletes in attendance from across Western Canada (BC to Manitoba), hoping to prove themselves in front of 25 coaches attending both virtually and in person. With programs from across U SPORTS, CCAA, and prep levels tuning in both in person and virtually, the showcase provided a real opportunity for athletes to get in front of decision-makers. Every athlete in attendance proved that they deserve a home next year, making for some elite competition and plenty of highlight plays over the weekend. The event ran over two days. Day one featured a full combine, including skill testing, measurements, and drill work. Day two transitioned into drills and full 5v5 gameplay, closing out with an All-Star competition.
This article showcases the players who earned a spot in the All-Star game at the end of the event. The top eleven performers will each receive a write-up highlighting their gameplay and combine results from the showcase. In addition to All-Star selections, individual awards were handed out, including MVP, Best Defender, Best Rebounder, Best Guard, and Best Shooter. Each player’s performance at both the combine and throughout gameplay will be highlighted, with a breakdown of their playstyle and key strengths.
Julius Holmes | 6'0 | G | Edmonton, AB | 2027
Combine MVP
The Combine MVP award went to Julius Holmes, whose combination of athleticism, competitiveness, and effort made him one of the most impactful players throughout the event. Julius recorded a 41-inch vertical leap, the highest mark at the combine, but his performance was about much more than testing numbers. He consistently played with energy, embraced every challenge, and found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Julius is an explosive guard with impressive end-to-end speed. He thrives when the game opens up. He puts constant pressure on defenders with his ability to attack gaps, get downhill, and elevate around the basket. His athleticism allows him to make plays that few players in the event could replicate, let alone in the city. Julius competed on every possession and never shied away from physical matchups, often setting the tone with his effort and intensity.
Another area where Julius stood out was his ability to score the ball with confidence and purpose. One of the biggest challenges with many young guards is that they often dribble without a clear objective, relying on excessive moves rather than making efficient reads. Julius showed a level of maturity that is consistently seen at the post-secondary level. He consistently recognizes defensive coverages and gets to his spots with minimal dribbles. He understands what shots he wants to create and does a good job of playing with intent rather than simply reacting. His quick first step makes him a constant threat off the bounce, allowing him to create separation and gain an advantage against defenders. Combined with his confidence as a shooter, that explosiveness gives him the ability to impact the game both on and off the ball.
What stood out most was his willingness to do the little things that help teams win. Julius consistently played with hustle, defended with purpose, and brought a high level of energy regardless of the situation. His motor, combined with his natural athletic gifts, gives him the foundation to develop into a highly effective two-way guard. As he continues to refine his offensive skill set and become a more consistent scoring threat, Julius has the tools and mindset to attract attention from prep schools but also U Sports programs in the coming years.
Jorge Perez | 6’2 | G | Edmonton, AB | 2027
Best Defender Award
As the top defensive player at the showcase, Perez showed tenacity on the perimeter that put fear into even the best ball handlers. When engaged, he picked up full court and disrupted ball handlers with active, anticipatory hands, making it difficult to find passing lanes. He moves with opponents and sticks to them like glue regardless of how shifty they are. Even when switched onto wings and into the paint he held his own and didn’t allow any easy buckets. He generates steals on-ball and has the athleticism to block shots on the perimeter, showcasing an inside-out defensive presence that earned him Defensive Player of the Tournament.
On the offensive side, Perez is extremely athletic and can explode to the cup, slamming it home through traffic. At just 6'2, he prefers to score the ball in the paint, and with a 40-inch vertical, he has the ability to finish above defenders if he gets the room. He has a bouncy first step and has the body control to finish athletically and even with contact. To add to the profile, Perez was also the fastest player in the combine, clearing the large court in 4.18 seconds. He can make a variety of passes while attacking the lane, consistently finding open teammates before they even recognize that they’re open. His athleticism adds to his passing ability in allowing him to complete flashy passes on the perimeter and inside out as well. He controls the ball and moves with pace, pushing the tempo every chance he gets. As a defensive prospect, Perez has a clear U SPORTS ceiling and can make an impact wherever he lands next season.
Chris Thompson | 6’3 | F/C | St. Albert, AB | 2027
Best Rebounder Award
Thompson is one of the Edmonton area’s most underrated prospects. Anyone who understands the game and has seen him play has raved about what he brings to the table, even though he played at a smaller program. He is an undersized big with a solid frame and an IQ that can’t be matched at this position. He was awarded the top rebounder at the showcase and shocked everyone with how sound he was, even in a high performance environment. As a guy who wasn’t the tallest or most athletic, he had to rely on his understanding of positioning and reading the ball off the shooter's hand. He consistently created strong rebounding position, and even when he didn’t secure the board, he gave his team second chances through contact and disciplined box-outs. He understands how the ball will come off the rim and often beat people to the ball just by making the right read. Any team he played on had a clear advantage on the offensive end, especially when he recycled the ball and found open teammates, earning extra possessions which is why he earned the Top Rebounder award.
He moves the ball with the vision of a point guard. Rather than seeing the rim with blinders like most bigs, he can kick the ball to the perimeter with a perfect pocket pass, moving the ball without any hesitation. Thompson’s head is always on a swivel, looking for the best scoring option, and though undersized, he plays big and smart in the paint. His drive to the bucket is strong, and he uses his body to create contact and finish through it. The footwork down low and down the lane is elite and stood out in a setting like this. Offensively, he has a clean midrange shot and doesn’t hesitate when given space. Thompson projects as a strong fit at a CCAA or prep program next season and is someone you must watch to understand how skilled he truly is.
Fiyin Bademosi | 6’0 | G | Calgary, AB | 2027
Best Guard Award
The Best Guard award went to the player who consistently controlled the game as both the top passer and ball handler at the showcase. Bademosi controlled the game at a high level, and for that to be so apparent in a showcase setting with unfamiliar teammates makes it even more impressive. Measuring in as a 6’0 guard with a 6’5 wingspan, and landing top 4 in sprint speed, he showed exactly what you want from a point guard running your team.
A heads-up ball handler with the ball on a string, he isn’t the most explosive with the ball, but finds his way through the lane with a crafty handle while reading the defence as it adjusts. He is calm and calculated with his handle and has a deep bag of dribble combos he can use on the fly to break down defensive pressure. He doesn’t force shots up, instead finding open teammates when pressured. A flashy passer when in motion; there were several times throughout the showcase where he had the defence lost with his quick-twitch passing ability and heads-up vision to find cutters in their spots. Most players would force up shots in this kind of environment, but Bademosi was never afraid to find the open teammate on the perimeter rather than taking a bad shot. His scoring ability shouldn’t be overshadowed by his passing, though, and he has a great mid-range shot, one of the best in the showcase. His footwork in the paint and down the lane allows him to score even when driving on bigger defenders. A guard that should translate well to a prep or CCAA program next season.
Nicholas Suchevan | 6'1 | G | Edmonton, AB | 2027
Best Shooter Award
Nicholas Suchevan was one of the most reliable offensive players throughout the showcase, proving why he has built a reputation as a high-level shooter. He led all participants in three-point shooting efficiency, connecting on 60% of his attempts from beyond the arc, while also converting 58% of his mid-range opportunities during the combine. His shooting performance carried over seamlessly into the scrimmages, where he consistently found ways to create offence and make timely shots.
An elite perimeter threat, Nicholas plays with confidence and purpose. He understands how to get to his spots efficiently, whether working off the ball or creating space off the dribble. Defenders are forced to respect his range, which opens up opportunities for him to attack closeouts and score at multiple levels. More importantly, he has a trait for delivering when his team needs a basket, making him a player coaches can trust in important moments.
Defensively, Nicholas brings the same level of intensity that he shows on offence. He applies relentless full-court pressure, competes on every possession, and takes pride in making opposing guards uncomfortable. Combined with his leadership qualities and vocal presence, he consistently sets the tone for his team on both ends of the floor. His ability to score efficiently, lead by example, and impact winning makes him one of the more complete guards in attendance.
Solomon Bolwan | 6'5 | F | Edmonton, AB | 2027
Solomon Bolwan is a long, athletic forward who brings size, strength, and a 33-inch vertical to the frontcourt. He impacts the game through rebounding, defending multiple positions, and playing with consistent physicality. His energy and motor make him a reliable two-way presence.
Above the rim, Solomon is a real problem for opponents. He plays with force in transition and around the basket, using his athleticism to finish plays and create second-chance opportunities. His presence in the air gives him an edge in rebounding battles and makes him a constant threat when he gets downhill.
Solomon’s game is still developing, but the tools are there. As he continues to expand his skill set and become more polished, his ceiling rises significantly. With his physical profile and defensive versatility, Solomon projects as a player who can develop into a U SPORTS-level forward with continued growth.
Ram Grewal | 6’2 | G | Surrey, BC | 2027
Grewal established himself as the top BC athlete at this year’s showcase. A lesser-known guard from Surrey who took this opportunity to prove that he should have been more relevant in the West Coast narrative this season. A smooth guard with the ball in his hands and a dead-eye from deep, he arguably had the best performance in the All-Star game. He controls the pace of the game and plays with an understanding of both his own teammates and the defences that are laid out in front of him. He processes the game at a high level, showing strong IQ on both ends while consistently making the right decisions against different defensive looks. His passing game opens up lanes for himself and his teammates and allows him to create something out of nothing. When he isn’t running the offence, he relocates well off-ball and naturally finds open space. Even with new teammates in this setting, he fit seamlessly into the flow of the game. That same IQ shows on the defensive end, where he anticipates passes and consistently jumps passing lanes for steals.
One of the cleanest shooters from deep, the three-point line isn’t the limit for Grewal, and he hit several threes from a few steps off the line. He hit 14/25 threes in the combine, ending up tied for the second-best mark of the day. He has a pure shooting form, which will only get better as he continues to add strength and fill out physically. He doesn’t just shoot off the catch and can create his own shots on the perimeter off the hop and away from defenders. His IQ and shooting ability stand out well beyond what you typically see from a smaller 3A program in BC, and with the right development at the CCAA level, he has the ceiling of an elite U SPORTS guard.
Lual Lual | 6’6 | G/F | Edmonton, AB | 2027
Lual might have one of the highest ceilings as a defender out of anyone in the showcase. He has a 6’8 wingspan and finished top 5 in the lateral movement drill times. Beyond the measurables, his size already allows him to confidently switch one through three at the next level, with the potential to develop into a true one-through-five defender. He has the length to not only disturb shooters but to block shots beyond the arc, which he did several times at the showcase. He sticks to even the shiftiest guards like glue and has the quick hands to poke the ball loose and collect it going coast to coast.
As an offensive threat, Lual is creative with the ball and a strong downhill threat attacking the rim. His first step beats most wing defenders, and he has a toolkit to finish with, then he gets the ball into the paint. His shot from the paint is clean, making defenders follow and respect him as soon as he gets one foot inside. He draws defenders away from the wing but also poses a lob threat off-ball, so he keeps defenders guessing. His shot from deep is solid, and even though that is not where he makes most of his money, he forces defenders to respect the perimeter game. When his motor is on, he runs the court like it’s a marathon and picks up the top offensive player on the other end. He always makes himself an option in transition, finishing with authority on the break. A player who thrives this much on the defensive end is hard to find, especially with these measurements. He projects as a strong U SPORTS player with the potential to reach an even higher level as he continues to develop.
Vwede Mike-Ifeta | 6’5 | G/F | Edmonton, AB | 2026
One of the best prep athletes to participate in this event, Mike-Ifeta, came out and showed his experience and confidence in a crowd of younger athletes. He has size, strength and maturity as a post-grad, and it shows in his composure on the court. He pushes the tempo and always runs the floor. With a solid core and frame, he is able to force his opponents off balance and into uncomfortable positions. For his position, his rebounding is hard-nosed, and he crashes the glass consistently. He is confident and shows leadership on the court, willing to step into different roles where his teammates need him most at the time.
Mike-Ifeta has the build of a post-secondary athlete, and he knows how to use it to create an advantage for himself. He controls the tempo well with the ball and plays in a very calculated manner. His head is always on a swivel, and he keeps his teammates involved, moving the ball around and finding open looks with ease. When he looks to score, he attacks the rim with control and footwork rather than relying on pure speed. He creates contact and goes for the finish, not the foul. When under the rim, he uses the glass well and is able to find the bottom of the net even when off balance. His jumper inside the arc is clean as well, posting one of the top two scores from the midrange during the combine; forcing defenders to follow and respect him as soon as he has a foot inside. Mike-Ifeta projects as a strong addition at either the CCAA or U SPORTS level, with the ability to thrive as a versatile piece and leader on the floor.
William Oboh | 6'5 | G/F | Edmonton, AB | 2027
William Oboh is a versatile 6'5 wing whose biggest impact comes on the defensive end. His size, length, and mobility allow him to guard most positions, and he consistently embraces tough defensive assignments. His lanky frame and active hands swallow up opponents and close passing lanes, forcing turnovers with ease. He uses his athleticism and instincts well to disrupt opposing offences and change the flow of possessions on and off-ball. His athleticism allows him to steal the ball and block shots while avoiding contact and playing clean. He's already a strong 1-4 defender and has the potential to become a true 1-5 switch defender as he continues to add strength.
Oboh is at his best when playing with pace and making quick, intelligent decisions that create easy scoring opportunities in transition for himself and his teammates. He has a deep bag for finishing at the rim and was one of the best one-on-one transition players who made their mark at this event. His combination of size, speed, and heads-up quick thinking makes him a hard stop with the rim in his sight. In the half court, he excels at attacking downhill, finishing through contact with confidence and using his physical tools to pressure the rim. His explosive first step opens up these kinds of looks and allows him to get past most defenders. He doesn't always need to win with speed either. Once he gets a shoulder past his defender, he does an excellent job protecting the ball and finishing through traffic. He doesn’t often settle for bad shots and always has a head up searching for the best lane to the rim. Oboh plays with a high IQ and moves the ball when needed, but if his team needs a bucket, he is the guy to take the shot. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a dynamic and valuable two-way wing with strong versatility and a high upside at the next level. He will look to be a strong addition at the CCAA level with the upside to develop into an elite two-way wing defender.
Jahzion Rosario | 6'0 | G | Edmonton, AB | 2027
Jahzion Rosario is an explosive guard whose athleticism immediately stands out, highlighted by a 37-inch vertical. He brings consistent energy on both ends of the floor, using his quickness to apply pressure defensively and create advantages when attacking the basket.
At the combine, Jahzion was also one of the most efficient perimeter shooters, connecting on 60% from three (15/25). His ability to score at multiple levels gives him added value as a guard who can stretch the floor while still attacking downhill. He uses his strength well when driving, often bumping his way into the paint and finishing through contact.
As a guard, Jahzion shows improving reads, learning when to finish, draw help, or kick to teammates. Defensively, he does a solid job of closing out under control and forcing ball handlers back into the middle, where help defence is set. With his athletic tools, shooting efficiency, and developing decision-making, he projects as a high-upside guard who can impact the game in multiple ways.
The level of talent and competition at this year's Northern Circuit Unsigned Senior & Prep Showcase made it clear that there are still several players out there without a home that can contribute at the next level. Events like this give athletes a platform to perform in front of coaches and connect directly with them in a highly competitive environment. There will be several athletes from this group who earn opportunities at the U SPORTS, CCAA, or prep level. Western Canada continues to produce high-level talent that often goes unnoticed, and this showcase highlights what the Northern Circuit is building as a platform to create real opportunities for these athletes. Future events will only continue to raise the level of talent and exposure for players across the country.
For more events and coverage like this, follow along with The Northern Circuit's website and social media accounts. Plenty of new updates are expected in the coming months so keep an eye out.
Comments