Otong is latest Moser recipient
Led the Panthers to the WCSSAA final
WATERLOO — Emanuel Otong returned for a fifth year of high school with the goal of winning city and regional championships, making it to the all-Ontario tournament and adding his name to the impressive list of players to capture the Mike Moser MVP Award.
On three of four counts, he was successful.
Otong put the finishes touches on his high school basketball career by winning the Moser award, which is handed out annually to the top player in the Waterloo County (WCSSAA) senior boys basketball league. The sixfoot-six Otong, a popular player with his teammates who is capable of highlight reel dunks, received his award during halftime of the annual WCSSAA all-star game at Waterloo Collegiate.
“He is such a likable guy and a great teammate and hard worker. Because he is so likable it took me awhile to figure out how to approach him. One of the biggest things that happened this year, was he found a bit of an edge and became more competitive,” said Glenview Park head coach Graham Jarman.
“He is obviously a good athlete, but he attacks the rim, yet moves so smooth for a player of his height and length. His jump shot is virtually unguardable at this level, yet he shares the ball and creates shots for others. He became a winner this year. He is a great defender, both individually and for the team. Takes charges, blocks shots as a helper, rebounds and can lock down anyone in a one on one scenario.”
Otong led the Panthers to the WCSSAA final against the Eastwood Rebels and then played a key role as his team took top spot at the Central Western Ontario (CWOSSA) double-A championship. He played his final game with his Glenview Park teammates at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championship in Pembroke.
The multi-sport athlete was also a WCSSAA volleyball allstar in the fall and last year participated in the long jump at the OFSAA track and field championship. He recently agreed to continue his basketball and educational careers at Humber College.
Otong is the first Glenview Park player to win the award since 2001, when it was won by Jarman.
Otong is joined on the WCSSAA first-team all-star unit by Jordan Rogers (Glenview Park), Kanayo Nnadi (Eastwood), Kuel Thomas (Huron Heights) and Layee Jabateh (Eastwood). Abdei Hamad (Eastwood), Dilgash Ferhad (Grand River), Martin Gjorgiev (Cameron Heights), Rebien Rashid (Glenview Park) and Tyreak Farquharson (Eastwood) earned second-team honours.