After 14 years as a head basketball coach at E.J. Lajeunesse Geoff Parent and his players finally got to the top of the mountain. Les Royals won the OFSAA A championship Wednesday night in Timmins. “Extremely exciting. It was a phenomenal game.” Parent said.
Les Royals held their own in the WECSSAA AAA division this season going 5-5 before moving down to the A division for playoffs. ”The intensity, the level and physicality makes a huge difference.“ That experience paid dividends as Lajeunesse defeated Toronto’s George S. Henry Academy 63-58.
It is the first time the school has ever made it to the final. It is also the school’s first ever boys OFSAA title. “Very special group. I’ve said it many times, not the most talented group that I’ve had. The difference with this group is their chemistry. They‘re very family oriented. They fight for each other.it’s been a joy to be around them.”
Brady Kwapisz led Laj with 29 points in the final. Akili Kabano pitched in 16.