Carleton University played host to the annual Rautins-House All-Star classic, which showcased the top high school basketball players from the Ottawa area May 21.
The Ravens’ Nest was packed with basketball fans, players, and coaches of all ages for the 18th annual of the tournament.
The event is sponsored by the Rautins-House basketball camps organization, named after the two lead instructors: Leo Rautins, the TSN basketball analyst for Toronto Raptors games, and Tony House, a local coach.
House pits two teams of local stars against each other by geographical area, playing in an East versus West format.
Two games were played, first the junior game and then the senior game, which is considered the main event.
House, who heads the event organization, said he got Rautins involved due to a long-standing relationship.
“Our basketball [team] just celebrated 25 years last summer, so this is a way for us to give back,” House said.
House said Rautins has always had a soft spot for Ottawa and their friendship helped him to become involved in the tournament.
Both games were exciting to watch and finished with close outcomes.
The junior game was highlighted by a three-point shot in the final minute of the game.
Dawood Jama of the East All-Stars played hero, draining three to win the game 53-50.
Chris Swenson, the East’s appointed coach, said he was happy to see Jama hit the big shot.
“To see a kid inspired and happy like that is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching,” Swenson said.
“You’re seeing a kid tuck his head into what could be a future in basketball. It’s good for some of these guys who don’t get to feel that way throughout school or throughout their lives,” he said.
The senior game, while also competitive, showed another leg of competition.
The Ravens’ Nest stands were filled with excited fans, catching glimpses of highlight-reel dunks and blocks.
The western team took home the crown in this game, a high-scoring affair.
The final score was 114-113. Maxime Boursiquot led the way with 28 points for the East All-Stars.
Ever since it was announced, the tournament has thrived as a way for young high school basketball players to get noticed by the community, including big-time coaches such as the Carleton men’s basketball head coach Dave Smart.
Usually when star power converges at any level, the competitive edge is removed from the game.
However, while the mood was cheerful, the competition on the court was far from timid.
“These kids are competitive,” House said. “It’s not the Harlem Globetrotters, just sort of an exhibition. This is an all-star game and they don’t want to embarrass themselves, so they play hard.”
Swenson said the players, who had come from small high school gyms, managed to forget their university surroundings and focus on the game.
The event began at Nepean High School in the mid-1990s, but due to higher popularity it has grown into an event hosted at the Ravens’ Nest.
This is due to higher local interest from sponsors and basketball’s new-found popularity, House said.
“It’s grown because of the Internet,” House said. “With social media, they’re their own brand and have a lot of pride. They want to showcase their skills in front of a lot of people.”
The move to Carleton University was an obvious choice, according to House.
He said the facility is one of the best in the area, and that players enjoy their experience.
The event will return to Carleton next year.
