Lowdown

The loss of an All-Canadian and two league All-Stars would seem to be insurmountable, but Vanier 
isn't a Big-4 team for nothing. 

Head Coach Andy Hertzog has reloaded with the best high-school player in Quebec and also added a dynamic scoring guard. 

Coach Hertzog's squad is also boosted by two new and talented assistant coaches, not to mention a 6-8 big man's dramatic and inspiring comeback from a heart ailment. Vanier is in the mix as always.

Guards

All-Canadian Damian Buckley, his bother Dwayne and scoring machine Paget Berridge leave big (no, make that huge) shoes to fill. 

The task falls to Adrian Sapp, a big-time athlete who will quarterback this young squad.

Many of his dishes will end up in the hands of sharpshooter James Lee, who has had great AAU 
summers for the past two years.

Another shooter to watch is Matthieu Lord, who's pretty big (6-2) and hit 35.2 per cent of his treys.

Forwards

Jerreh Saidybah brought toughness, emotion and excitement to Ville St. Laurent, but there's a new kid in town. 

His name is Greg Page, and he comes to the Cheetahs with impeccable credentials, including FBBQ High School Player of the Year and Adidas All-Canadian. He'll have three years to write his own legend.

Meanwhile, fellow Brookwood alumnus Mark D'Agostino 
is set for a breakout season. He's the team's top returning scorer and brings size and inside-out skills. 

The feel-good story of the team is 6-8 bruiser Alexis Him, who sat out all of last year with a heart ailment. His complete recovery has been called miraculous, and he's one of the biggest players in the league.

Coaches

The addition of Brookwood's Dave Hodge and Vanier AA Head Coach Bengi Vidicek are worth mentioning.

Sharpshooter James Lee.

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Coach: Andy Hertzog, 5th year.

2003-2004: 12-4. 3rd place. Lost to Champlain St. Lambert in provincial final. Finished seventh at National Championships.

Departures 
- Damian Buckley 6-0 guard (13.4 pts, 4.0 rbs, 5.1 asts, 2.8 stls - left team).
- Jerreh Saidybah 6-6 forward (11.1 pts, 7.0 rbs, 2.1 blks** - Signed with D-II UMass-Lowell).
- Dwayne Buckley 6-3 guard (12.8 pts, 7.1 rbs, 2.4 asts, 1.3 stls, 74.4 ft% - Signed with Concordia).
- Paget Berridge 6-2 guard (14.3 pts, 3.1 rbs, 78.5 ft%, 35.5 3pt% - Signed with D-II Gannon, PA).
- Colson Senat, 6-5 forward (3.7 pts, 3.8 rbs - left team).
- Patrice Noel, 6-4 forward (3.1 pts, 2.5 rbs - left team).

Key Veterans
- James Lee 6-4 guard/forward, 4th year (5.9 pts, 83.3 ft%, 32.1 3pt%).
- Mark D'Agostino 6-7 forward, 2nd year (6.6 pts, 3.9 rbs).
- Adrian Sapp 6-0 guard, 2nd year (4.2 pts, 2.5 rbs, 1.6 stls).

Other Veterans
- Matthieu Lord 6-2 guard, 3rd year (4.2 pts, 35.2 3pt%).
- Alexis Him 6-8 forward (Return from medical leave).
- Oliver Borenstein 6-3 forward, 2nd year.

Recruits
- Greg Page 6-5 guard-forward, Brookwood (21.0 pts, 9.0 rbs).
FBBQ High School Player of the Year, Adidas All-Canadian.
- Germaine Young 6-0 guard, Brookwood (Ineligible until January)
Quick combo guard with great handles and a solid shot.
- Sean Cyrus 6-3 guard, George Brown College (did not play 2003-2004)
Veteran could contribute.
- Louis-Nicolas Imbeault 6-0 guard, College Jean-de-Brebeuf
Transition from Juveline AAA league will be tough.
- Evan Gagnon 5-11 guard, Page-Concordia
A Vanier student last year.
- Olivier Dupiton 6-5 forward, Page-Concordia (Ineligible until January)
Athletic and strong.

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** = League-leading stat
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Prized recruit Greg Page.

Coach Hodge built Brookwood into a powerhouse, and is known as a great teacher of on-the-ball defence. Coach Vidicek was the CEGEP AA Coach of the Year, winning a regional championship with the AA Cheetahs last season. Vanier scored major coups with the addition of this talented duo.

Outlook

Vanier would appear to be rebuilding, but nothing is for certain among the Big 4 of this league. If Vanier improves its defensive intensity and Page and D'Agostino break out, this team could be a force even without its four departed stars.