Written by: Nadine Mcharafie

The Mississauga Hoops Basketball League has kicked off the new summer 2015 season with a set of highly entertaining and competitive exhibition games. The league has welcomed back some familiar talent – Black Mambas, Huskies, Spurs, and last season’s reigning champs, the North. Comprising of 14 teams in total, the remaining teams are all new additions to the league which include some promising stars and impressive matchups.

Although all the games held on May 31st can be considered ‘pre-season’ games and do not count towards the teams’ standings or stats, there were some memorable matchups:

• Peak Canada proved to be a formidable and worthy opponent as they rallied back from 20 down to top the Spurs by 1 point!
• The 1-guard led teams, Hoyas and Monarchs, were an exciting matchup as both teams knocked down difficult buckets, and picked up some nice and-1’s.
• West Bridge vs. Woes was definitely a game worth watching, as both teams played with high intensity and competitiveness. This fast-paced game got the crowd going, and is certainly going to be an exciting matchup to catch during the season.

Next week’s schedule includes all teams playing on back-to-back days (June 6th and 7th). These first 2 games give the teams a chance to show their level of skill and team cohesiveness – and you know what they say about first impressions.

There will be weekly articles highlighting major matchups, acknowledging key players, and providing updates on other league news, so be sure to check the website regularly (mainly for bragging rights if you or your team is featured).

With the NBA finals starting this week (and NHL finals of course, if you’re truly Canadian and care), and with a team being crowned champion within the next 3 weeks, the MHBL will serve as a highly qualified replacement to get your sports fix. We’re expecting to see nothing less than legendary on those courts this season. You ready?