Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre (Host Hotel)

327 Ontario Street, St Catharines

Date: Monday, March 4th, 2024 (Day 1 of Competition)

Time: Doors Open @ 7:00PM – Opening remarks at 7:30PM with dinner to follow.

 

Guest Speaker – Brad Rootes

Introducing Brad, a basketball virtuoso hailing from Niagara Falls. Envision a young enthusiast who initiated his basketball odyssey at the age of 9, excelling with the Welland Warriors and ultimately achieving local acclaim with the Niagara Falls Red Raiders. Brad’s proficiency on the court during his high school tenure at A.N. Myer set the stage for a formidable trajectory as he embarked on his collegiate journey at Brock University.

Transitioning to the postsecondary arena, Brad’s achievements were nothing short of exemplary. Securing the title of Rookie of the Year in 2003-2004, he went on to garner five consecutive OUA first team all-star recognitions from ’03 to ’08. His dominance was further underscored by back-to-back OUA West Player of the Year accolades in ’06-07 and ’07-08, alongside two second team All-Canadian distinctions in the same years. Brad’s on-court prowess became synonymous with a walking highlight reel. A pinnacle moment in his collegiate career was the 2008 U Sports National Basketball Championship, where Brad and his team clinched the gold. In acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions, Brock University retired Brad’s jersey in the same year, a gesture reserved for true legends.

Post-graduate endeavors saw Brad extend his influence globally, competing in the Ukrainian Super League for Politekhnika Halychyna during the ’08-’09 season. Statistically, Brad stands as the all-time leader in both free-throws made and steals for Brock Men’s Basketball. Beyond mere numbers, his legacy reverberates through the corridors of the sport. In 2010, Brad’s illustrious career earned him a spot in both the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame and the A. N. Myer Sports Hall of Fame. Notably, at the age of 26, he became the youngest head coach in U Sports in 2010, leading the Brock University Men’s Basketball team from 2010 to 2013.

Currently residing in Niagara Falls, Brad embraces family life with his wife, daughter and two sons.  Brad  also serves as a Niagara Regional Police Constable, seamlessly blending his passion for basketball with a commitment to community service.

To the aspiring young players, Brad’s journey from local prodigy to international contender serves as your compass. Whether perfecting your game on the local court or harboring dreams of sporting a jersey on foreign soil, Brad’s narrative unfolds as your playbook.

Let the journey commence.

OFSAA regulations for the banquet:

  • The Banquet must be attended by all team members and coaches that appear on each teams eligibility list
  • Semi-formal (dress casual) attire is required
  • No person shall wear jeans, shorts, tank tops or a hat
  • Should there be an instance of improper attire, the competition committee shall deal with the matter and forward a copy to the OFSAA Board of Reference – Sanctions.