Boys Under 16 – Junior Prep
Eligibility: Grade 9 & 10 (2011/12) For 2026/27
Description: Ramblers is offering a high-performance preparatory program for U16 boys who will train and compete from September until March. The program’s objective is to maximize player potential and prepare student–athletes to pursue basketball at a high level. The team will compete as Ramblers Boys U16 in the following leagues:
1. National Junior Circuit (October to March)
2. Preparatory tournaments in Canada
This program will be coordinated with the high school basketball season to allow student-athletes to prioritize their participation in their respective school programs while taking advantage of the Ramblers preparatory program.
Commitment: Competitive team basketball requires significant time, dedication, and financial commitment. Players and families should be prepared for registration fees, uniforms, and travel expenses. We understand that family, academics, and school activities may take
precedence. Please inform coaches well in advance of tryouts if you have conflicts. While we encourage other activities, our competitive program is usually a higher level of play, and parents and athletes must understand the commitment. Consider time, travel (most games and tournaments are outside of London), and financial implications before joining.
Cost: Estimated fees range from $1200 to $1800 per player, including circuit fees, league fees, Ontario Cup registration, tournament fees, insurance, gym facilities, coaches’ expenses, and more. Fees vary based on age group, number of tournaments/leagues, number of players per team, and practice locations.
Fees are due in early October each year.
Uniform: 2 jerseys and 2 shorts – $190 – Players keep their uniforms. This is an additional cost on top of the listed registration fees and is ordered from Source teamworks in London.
Funding: Parents may apply for funding through KidSport and Their Opportunity to help cover player fees. Please note that funding is not guaranteed and may not cover the full cost. We will work with families to develop a plan to help reduce financial stress.
Coaching Staff Experience
Jacob Lawrence (Head Coach) – Head Coach of the London Ramblers Junior Prep since 2025. Founder of TTG Hoops. AAU coaching experience. Skill development specialist. Former member of the St. Clair College men’s basketball team. NCCP Level I certified and a CPTN-certified personal trainer.
Serge Kaniki (Assistant Coach) – Head Coach of the London Ramblers since 2016 and has coached extensively on the AAU circuit. Experience includes student assistant at Lee University Women’s Basketball (NAIA D1) and a head coaching post with the South African Chinese Community. High school and club basketball athlete in South Africa, including with the University of Cape Town. NCCP Level III certified.
Jothan (JT) Tshibasu (Assistant Coach) – Head Coaching experience on the AAU circuit. House league basketball coach. Former basketball player at Mother Teresa High School and Southwest Junior Prep. At Mother Teresa, he was a two-time TVRA All-Star MVP (2023, 2025), a WOSSA gold medalist, an OFSAA silver medalist, the 2025 Colin Hood OFSAA School Sport recipient, and Mother Teresa CSS Senior Basketball Player of the Year. Former member of the Western University Mustangs football team.
Nicole Kaniki (Assistant Coach) – London Ramblers coach since 2015, including U10 head coach, assistant coach from U12 through U16, and house leagues coach. Four-time South Africa Junior National Team player at the U16 and U18 levels. Four-year scholarship athlete at Lee University Women’s Basketball (NAIA Division I).
| Practice Nights |
|---|
| Tuesday – Regina Mundi H.S Gym 1 6:30-8:00 Thursday – Mother Teresa H.S Gym 1 6:30-8:00 |
DISCLAIMER
The coaches with the clubs support will ultimately decide the best course of competition for the season based on the end result at tryouts. The above description of the season is a basic outline.
TRYOUT INFORMATION
An ID sessions will be held in late August for interetested players. Tryouts will take place in early September. All players must be registered before being permitted on the court. There is a $10 fee associated with this process. Tryouts for each age group are conducted by the coaches of that team, in collaboration with guest coaches from within the club and the London Basketball community. Two tryouts will be conducted, each lasting approximately 1.5 hours. An additional tryout may be scheduled by the coach if necessary.
Dates, times, and locations will be posted on our website and social media outlets in August.
Registration for competitive team tryouts will open in mid August!