west ottawa hornets
West Ottawa Basketball 2026–27 Competitive Program
At West Ottawa Basketball, we believe that success isn't measured solely by our performance on the court. It's measured by the confidence our athletes build, the friendships they form, the resilience they develop, and the positive impact they have on their communities.
As we prepare for the 2026–27 season, we're excited to provide an overview of our competitive program that is about much more than basketball. Our mission is to develop the whole athlete by combining exceptional coaching, comprehensive player development, leadership opportunities, and a club culture rooted in community, character, and excellence.
Whether an athlete dreams of competing for provincial championships, earning the opportunity to play at the post-secondary level, or simply becoming the best teammate and person they can be, our goal is to provide an environment where every athlete can thrive.
As we prepare for the 2026–27 season, we're excited to provide an overview of our competitive program that is about much more than basketball. Our mission is to develop the whole athlete by combining exceptional coaching, comprehensive player development, leadership opportunities, and a club culture rooted in community, character, and excellence.
Whether an athlete dreams of competing for provincial championships, earning the opportunity to play at the post-secondary level, or simply becoming the best teammate and person they can be, our goal is to provide an environment where every athlete can thrive.
Meet Our 2026–27 Competitive Coaching Staff
Our coaches are at the heart of the West Ottawa Basketball experience. They bring together extensive playing backgrounds, years of coaching experience, a commitment to ongoing coach education through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), and a shared passion for developing young athletes in a positive, athlete-centered environment.
From introducing young players to competitive basketball to preparing athletes for post-secondary opportunities, every coaching staff is committed to helping players grow as competitors, teammates, leaders, and people.
From introducing young players to competitive basketball to preparing athletes for post-secondary opportunities, every coaching staff is committed to helping players grow as competitors, teammates, leaders, and people.
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U10
Our U10 Girls will be led by Eric Schefski, who is currently completing his NCCP Learn to Train (Level 1) certification. Eric is a former NCAA Division I baseball player at Canisius University and brings an energetic, encouraging, and age-appropriate approach that emphasizes fun, skill development, and building confidence.
Joining Eric is Chris Merkley, who is also completing his Learn to Train certification. Chris has coached competitive basketball at several age groups with the Ottawa Guardsmen and Ottawa Next Level (ONL) and previously competed as an elite athlete with Canada Topflight Academy, bringing valuable playing experience and enthusiasm to our youngest athletes.
U10 = Players born between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 (ages 8–9 during the 2026 registration year).
Joining Eric is Chris Merkley, who is also completing his Learn to Train certification. Chris has coached competitive basketball at several age groups with the Ottawa Guardsmen and Ottawa Next Level (ONL) and previously competed as an elite athlete with Canada Topflight Academy, bringing valuable playing experience and enthusiasm to our youngest athletes.
U10 = Players born between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 (ages 8–9 during the 2026 registration year).
U12
The U12 Girls will be coached by Anna Dupuis, who is currently completing her Learn to Train certification. A former U SPORTS player at the Royal Military College (RMC), Anna combines strong technical knowledge of the game with an exceptionally positive, athlete-centered coaching style.
Assistant Coach Yvan Moise is an educator at Sacred Heart High School who brings patience, positivity, and a teaching-first mindset that makes him an outstanding mentor for young athletes beginning their competitive basketball journey. Yvan is the Assistant Coach for the Grade 7/8 girls basketball team at Sacred Heart. He has been teaching martial arts for 20 years, and is currently completing Learn to Train certification in basketball.
U12 = Players born between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 (ages 10–11 during the 2026 registration year).
Assistant Coach Yvan Moise is an educator at Sacred Heart High School who brings patience, positivity, and a teaching-first mindset that makes him an outstanding mentor for young athletes beginning their competitive basketball journey. Yvan is the Assistant Coach for the Grade 7/8 girls basketball team at Sacred Heart. He has been teaching martial arts for 20 years, and is currently completing Learn to Train certification in basketball.
U12 = Players born between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 (ages 10–11 during the 2026 registration year).
U14
The U14 Girls coaching staff features an outstanding blend of experience and mentorship.
Head Coach Josh Peeters is NCCP Train to Train (Level 2) Certified and is widely respected for his outstanding basketball knowledge, exceptional teaching ability, and positive approach to player development. Josh has been our U14 Head Coach for the past two years and prior to that was the Head Coach of our U12 team for two years.
Assistant Coach Tobi Kiesewalter, who has served as Head Coach of our U12 Girls for the past two seasons, is Learn to Train Certified and is currently completing his Train to Train certification. Tobi is exceptional at building a positive, holistic culture on his teams.
Returning Assistant Coach Pam Lapointe is Train to Train Certified and has done an exceptional job supporting the development of our young female athletes over the past two seasons.
Completing the staff is Allie Kiesewalter, one of West Ottawa's top U19 players who is currently being recruited by several U SPORTS programs. Learn to Train Trained, Allie provides an outstanding example for our younger athletes while beginning her own coaching journey.
U14 = Players born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 (age 13 during the 2026 registration year).
Head Coach Josh Peeters is NCCP Train to Train (Level 2) Certified and is widely respected for his outstanding basketball knowledge, exceptional teaching ability, and positive approach to player development. Josh has been our U14 Head Coach for the past two years and prior to that was the Head Coach of our U12 team for two years.
Assistant Coach Tobi Kiesewalter, who has served as Head Coach of our U12 Girls for the past two seasons, is Learn to Train Certified and is currently completing his Train to Train certification. Tobi is exceptional at building a positive, holistic culture on his teams.
Returning Assistant Coach Pam Lapointe is Train to Train Certified and has done an exceptional job supporting the development of our young female athletes over the past two seasons.
Completing the staff is Allie Kiesewalter, one of West Ottawa's top U19 players who is currently being recruited by several U SPORTS programs. Learn to Train Trained, Allie provides an outstanding example for our younger athletes while beginning her own coaching journey.
U14 = Players born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 (age 13 during the 2026 registration year).
U15
The U15 Girls will be led by Jason Buccino, who has coached for several years within both our boys competitive and girls recreational programs. Jason is currently completing his Train to Train certification and is known for his positive, athlete-centered coaching style and his ability to build strong relationships with players.
An assistant coach will be announced shortly.
U15 = Players born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (age 14 during the 2026 registration year).
An assistant coach will be announced shortly.
U15 = Players born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (age 14 during the 2026 registration year).
U16
Returning to lead the U16 Girls is Marlo Steenbakkers, who is currently completing her Train to Train certification. A West Ottawa graduate, Marlo also played at Capital Courts Academy before enjoying an outstanding five-year career at Saint Mary's University, where she won 3 AUS Championships and appeared in three U SPORTS National Championships.
Joining Marlo is returning Assistant Coach Avery Platana. Avery was an elite youth player with West Ottawa and Canada Topflight Academy. She is an Addiction Counsellor at Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre and a Supply Educational Assistant with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Through her experience as both a player and working with youth, Avery has developed a passion for supporting young people in achieving their goals and reaching their fullest potential on and off the court.
Veteran coach Kevin Hemeon is an excellent addition to our U16 staff. Kevin will be an Assistant Coach on Marlo’s staff. Kevin has coached for many years with West Ottawa Basketball and South Carleton High School and has helped develop numerous high-level athletes, including his daughters Zoey-Anna (Ontario Tech University) and Chelsea (Carleton University), who both compete in U SPORTS basketball. He is Train to Train Certified, was previously the VP of the Competitive Program at West Ottawa, and has also helped to grow the game internationally, starting a youth basketball program in Barbados during COVID.
U16 = Players born between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (age 15 during the 2026 registration year).
Joining Marlo is returning Assistant Coach Avery Platana. Avery was an elite youth player with West Ottawa and Canada Topflight Academy. She is an Addiction Counsellor at Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre and a Supply Educational Assistant with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Through her experience as both a player and working with youth, Avery has developed a passion for supporting young people in achieving their goals and reaching their fullest potential on and off the court.
Veteran coach Kevin Hemeon is an excellent addition to our U16 staff. Kevin will be an Assistant Coach on Marlo’s staff. Kevin has coached for many years with West Ottawa Basketball and South Carleton High School and has helped develop numerous high-level athletes, including his daughters Zoey-Anna (Ontario Tech University) and Chelsea (Carleton University), who both compete in U SPORTS basketball. He is Train to Train Certified, was previously the VP of the Competitive Program at West Ottawa, and has also helped to grow the game internationally, starting a youth basketball program in Barbados during COVID.
U16 = Players born between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (age 15 during the 2026 registration year).
U19
The U19 Girls will be led by longtime West Ottawa coach Brian Cameron, who is Train to Train Certified. Brian previously served as an assistant coach with Lakehead University and is a longtime educator at Sacred Heart High School. He is highly respected for his ability to teach the game while doing an outstanding job in developing his athletes. Brian’s team won the Bronze Medal in Division 1 at the U17 Ontario Cup last season.
Additional members of the coaching staff will be announced soon.
U19 = Players born between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 (ages 16–18 during the 2026 registration year).
Additional members of the coaching staff will be announced soon.
U19 = Players born between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 (ages 16–18 during the 2026 registration year).
U19 Senior G-Elite
Our inaugural Senior G-Elite team will be coached by Mark Emond, who is NCCP Train to Compete (Level 3) Certified. Mark is the Vice President of Competitive, Coach and Player Development for West Ottawa Basketball, a two-time Ontario Summer Games Head Coach, and has coached numerous provincial medal-winning teams throughout his time with the club. He is deeply passionate about helping young female athletes become exceptional people first and exceptional basketball players second, creating an environment where athletes develop confidence, resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love of the game. Mark has developed strong relationships with coaches across U Sports and OCAA. Four of his 8 graduating players from last season will be playing post-secondary for OCAA teams this season.
Joining him is Assistant Coach Tarcisse Ruhamyandekwe, who is Train to Compete Certified. Tarcisse has led one of Ontario's top-ranked boys programs at West Ottawa and previously served as an assistant coach at La Cité collégiale, bringing extensive experience in developing high-performance athletes. Two of Tarcisse’s sons play OCAA for St. Lawrence College. His son Cid played U Sports for the University of Ottawa.
Mark and Tarcisse are two of very few coaches in the city with their Train to Compete certification, a level that enables coaches to coach at the university and provincial level.
U19 = Players born between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 (ages 16–18 during the 2026 registration year).
a note about younger players
Younger players may be considered for an older age group if they demonstrate the skill, experience, and readiness to compete at that level. Coaches will assess each player during tryouts to determine whether moving up is appropriate and whether the player is likely to have a meaningful opportunity to participate.
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u10
The U10 Boys will be coached by Mike Field, a teacher at Maplewood High School who is currently completing his Learn to Train certification. Mike is passionate about introducing young athletes to competitive basketball in a fun, positive, and supportive environment.
An assistant coach will be announced shortly.
U10 = Players born between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 (ages 8–9 during the 2026 registration year)
An assistant coach will be announced shortly.
U10 = Players born between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 (ages 8–9 during the 2026 registration year)
u12
Returning to lead the U12 Boys is Stephanie Milosek, who is Train to Train Certified. Stephanie has coached at the U SPORTS level and enjoyed an outstanding playing career that included representing Canada at the U18 and U19 FIBA World Championships, competing at NCAA Division I Canisius University, and finishing her university career at the University of Ottawa. She is also an educator at Turnbull School.
Returning Assistant Coach Jacob Milosek is Learn to Train Certified and is known for his positive, age-appropriate coaching style.
Also joining the staff is Karina Navarro, Train to Train Certified, who served as Head Coach of our U10 Boys last season and previously competed in U SPORTS basketball at Toronto Metropolitan University.
U12 = Players born between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 (ages 10–11 during the 2026 registration year).
Returning Assistant Coach Jacob Milosek is Learn to Train Certified and is known for his positive, age-appropriate coaching style.
Also joining the staff is Karina Navarro, Train to Train Certified, who served as Head Coach of our U10 Boys last season and previously competed in U SPORTS basketball at Toronto Metropolitan University.
U12 = Players born between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 (ages 10–11 during the 2026 registration year).
U13
The U13 Boys will be led by Brian Hardy, who is currently completing his Train to Train certification after serving as an assistant coach with our U12 Boys last season. Brian has a very positive and calm athlete-centered approach to training and development.
Returning Assistant Coach Julien Raynaud is also completing his Train to Train certification. In addition to coaching, Julien is a highly respected official who works U SPORTS and Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) games, bringing a unique perspective on the game to our athletes.
U13 = Players born between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 (age 12 during the 2026 registration year).
Returning Assistant Coach Julien Raynaud is also completing his Train to Train certification. In addition to coaching, Julien is a highly respected official who works U SPORTS and Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) games, bringing a unique perspective on the game to our athletes.
U13 = Players born between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 (age 12 during the 2026 registration year).
U14
Head Coach Derek Crupi returns to lead the West Ottawa Hornets U14 Boys team after a successful season with last year's U13 squad. An NCCP Train to Train Certified coach, Derek is passionate about developing young athletes both on and off the court through a positive, competitive, and player-focused environment.
Returning alongside him is Assistant Coach Stéphane Paré, who coached with Derek last season and is currently completing his NCCP Train to Train Certification. Stéphane played CEGEP basketball for the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu program, and is currently a player, Head Coach, and team captain for the Ottawa Military team
Together, they provide consistency and familiarity for returning players while creating an exciting opportunity for new athletes to join a program built on skill development, teamwork, accountability, and a genuine love for the game. Their commitment to helping every player reach their potential earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from athletes and families last season, making the Hornets a place where players can develop their game, build confidence, and be part of a supportive basketball community.
U14 = Players born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 (ages 12–13 during the 2026 registration year).
Returning alongside him is Assistant Coach Stéphane Paré, who coached with Derek last season and is currently completing his NCCP Train to Train Certification. Stéphane played CEGEP basketball for the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu program, and is currently a player, Head Coach, and team captain for the Ottawa Military team
Together, they provide consistency and familiarity for returning players while creating an exciting opportunity for new athletes to join a program built on skill development, teamwork, accountability, and a genuine love for the game. Their commitment to helping every player reach their potential earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from athletes and families last season, making the Hornets a place where players can develop their game, build confidence, and be part of a supportive basketball community.
U14 = Players born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 (ages 12–13 during the 2026 registration year).
U15
The U15 Boys will once again be led by Matt Ladd, who is Train to Train Certified after a successful season coaching our U14 Boys team. Matt is known for his strong commitment to helping athletes continue their development both on and off the court.
An assistant coach will be announced soon.
U15 = Players born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (age 14 during the 2026 registration year).
An assistant coach will be announced soon.
U15 = Players born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (age 14 during the 2026 registration year).
U16
The U16 Boys will be coached by Mike Grozelle, who is Train to Train Certified. Mike is a longtime physical education teacher at Woodroffe High School and is widely regarded as one of Ottawa's top coaches. A former U SPORTS player at Wilfrid Laurier University, Mike brings exceptional basketball knowledge and a proven track record of developing athletes. His teams are perennially amongst the top AAA teams in the city and province.
An assistant coach will be announced shortly.
U16 = Players born between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (age 15 during the 2026 registration year).
An assistant coach will be announced shortly.
U16 = Players born between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (age 15 during the 2026 registration year).
U17
The coaching staff for the U17 Boys will be announced in the coming weeks.
U17 = Players born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 (age 16 during the 2026 registration year).
U17 = Players born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 (age 16 during the 2026 registration year).
U19
The U19 Boys will be led by Lisa Charbonneau, who is Train to Train Certified after serving as an assistant coach with our U17 Boys program last season. Lisa is highly regarded by her athletes and fellow coaches for her knowledge of the game, ability to teach it, and positive approach.
She will be joined by Assistant Coach Mike Grozelle, whose extensive coaching and playing experience provides tremendous mentorship for athletes preparing for the next stage of their basketball careers.
U19 = Players born between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 (ages 16–18 during the 2026 registration year).
She will be joined by Assistant Coach Mike Grozelle, whose extensive coaching and playing experience provides tremendous mentorship for athletes preparing for the next stage of their basketball careers.
U19 = Players born between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 (ages 16–18 during the 2026 registration year).
a note about younger players
Younger players may be considered for an older age group if they demonstrate the skill, experience, and readiness to compete at that level. Coaches will assess each player during tryouts to determine whether moving up is appropriate and whether the player is likely to have a meaningful opportunity to participate.
The Whole Athlete Program
We believe great athletes are developed through much more than practices and games. That's why every competitive athlete has access to resources that support their physical, mental, and personal development throughout the season.
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Hudl Player Development Platform
Beginning at the U14 level, every competitive team will utilize Hudl, one of basketball's premier video analysis and player development platforms.
Hudl allows coaches and athletes to review game film, break down individual skills, analyze team concepts, and accelerate learning through video. It's an invaluable teaching tool that helps players better understand the game while tracking their development throughout the season.
Hudl allows coaches and athletes to review game film, break down individual skills, analyze team concepts, and accelerate learning through video. It's an invaluable teaching tool that helps players better understand the game while tracking their development throughout the season.
Coach Apprentice Program
Building character and leadership is one of the core values of West Ottawa Basketball.
Our Coach Apprentice Program provides athletes with the opportunity to give back by working alongside coaches with younger teams throughout the season. Apprentices learn how to teach the game, communicate effectively, mentor younger athletes, and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond basketball.
Many of our current coaches began by helping younger players, and we're proud to continue building that pathway within our club.
Our Coach Apprentice Program provides athletes with the opportunity to give back by working alongside coaches with younger teams throughout the season. Apprentices learn how to teach the game, communicate effectively, mentor younger athletes, and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond basketball.
Many of our current coaches began by helping younger players, and we're proud to continue building that pathway within our club.
A Community Built Around Our Athletes
While we're proud of our competitive success, what makes West Ottawa Basketball truly special is our community.
We strive to create an environment where athletes feel challenged, supported, and connected. Where families build lasting friendships. Where coaches invest deeply in every player. And where success is measured not only by championships, but by the character, confidence, resilience, and leadership our athletes develop along the way.
Our vision is simple: to develop outstanding basketball players and even better people.
We are incredibly excited about the season ahead and can't wait to see our athletes, coaches, and families come together for another memorable year.
Welcome to the 2026–27 West Ottawa Basketball Competitive Season.
GO HORNETS! 🐝
We strive to create an environment where athletes feel challenged, supported, and connected. Where families build lasting friendships. Where coaches invest deeply in every player. And where success is measured not only by championships, but by the character, confidence, resilience, and leadership our athletes develop along the way.
Our vision is simple: to develop outstanding basketball players and even better people.
We are incredibly excited about the season ahead and can't wait to see our athletes, coaches, and families come together for another memorable year.
Welcome to the 2026–27 West Ottawa Basketball Competitive Season.
GO HORNETS! 🐝
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