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JOHN WOODS \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n
Dakota\u2019s Daniel Rom is looking to end the Lancers\u2019 24-year title drought.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s worked well for him since arriving in high school. After one year on the Dakota Lancers\u2019 junior varsity squad, he started for the varsity team as a Grade 10 player and has become a go-to player this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think in both years, our team dynamic started out as several guys sharing fairly equally the scoring responsibilities and, by the end of last year, his numbers in the last three weeks took a jump up, and he kind of separated himself scoring-wise from other guys on our team,\u201d said Lancers head coach Dean Favoni, who believes Rom\u2019s personality has been an asset to the young player.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think in highly competitive situations, it\u2019s helpful to have a personality trait that allows you to keep a certain sense of calm in your demeanour, which I think probably helps the clarity of your thinking and not allowing yourself to get overwhelmed by the circumstance or the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rom has helped lead the Lancers to a 31-1 record and, as of Thursday, back to the AAAA provincial semifinals. Dakota is looking to get back to the provincial final for the second year in a row, in hopes of capturing its first title in 24 years.<\/p>\n
The Lancers pride themselves on being a well-balanced team, but when they need a bucket, Rom has become the primary option.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing into this season, off of last season, I knew that this year I would have more eyes on me and stuff like that, but our team this year \u2014 and I\u2019m so grateful to have a team that we have this year \u2014 we have so many talented guys, and we\u2019re really a family on and off the court,\u201d Rom said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis body control, physical literacy and physical awareness when he\u2019s in the air are well beyond that of an average high school player.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I know that even when I\u2019m not touching the ball as much, or if it\u2019s not going for me, I know that I have guys that have my back, and they\u2019re able to do anything that I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Favoni said it was evident that Rom was soon to be an elite player in the province when he made the varsity team last year. He is the kind of talent that gets coaches excited because he hasn\u2019t even scratched the surface of his potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny coach that has an elite player gets excited when they show really well, but there are things that he does in practice that nobody else sees that, as coaches, we just kind of look around at each other and like, \u2018Did you see that? Like, that was a next level pass,\u2019 or \u2018that was a next level finish,\u2019 or \u2018that rebound put back didn\u2019t look like the average high school kid,\u2019\u201d said Favoni.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis body control, physical literacy and physical awareness when he\u2019s in the air are well beyond that of an average high school player.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those qualities have carried across multiple sports. Rom could have had an equally bright future in volleyball if that\u2019s the path he chose. He started volleyball in Grade 7 because he understood the benefits of playing multiple sports, and quickly developed into an exceptional player.<\/p>\n
Earlier this school year, he was voted the No. 7 varsity volleyball player in the province \u2014 not bad for a secondary sport.<\/p>\n
His raw abilities didn\u2019t fall far from the tree. Both of his parents played high-level sport in Europe, with dad excelling in handball and mom playing pro basketball. His older sister, Darya, plays for the Manitoba Bisons.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo much,\u201d Rom said of how much he\u2019s leaned on his family of athletes. \u201cMy mom is my biggest inspiration. Seeing her play pro basketball, and now that I have a chance to play basketball and play for my family, it\u2019s super cool.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody in my family, I\u2019ve never had a support system better than what I have around me right now, and they\u2019ve helped me in so many ways, just asking questions and advice. Seeing (Darya) go through her processes and all of that stuff, it\u2019s great to know that I can ask them questions about almost anything, and they\u2019re going to be able to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rom\u2019s age prevents him from formally signing anywhere, but he has begun conversations with Canadian universities. He figures to have several offers when it comes time to choose where he wants to continue his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s really easy to coach because he wants to learn and he wants to get better,\u201d Favoni said, \u201cand really has a cerebral attitude towards the game and wants basketball to be part of his future beyond high school and beyond university.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Free Press\u2019s top 10 high school varsity boys\u2019 basketball players<\/p>\n
A list compiled with voting from a panel of coaches<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Daniel Rom (Dakota Lancers)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 1. Daniel Rom, guard<\/p>\n Dakota Lancers, Grade 11<\/p>\n An athletic and versatile point guard, he\u2019s capable of sliding into multiple positions while finishing strong at the rim and knocking down shots with a polished, high-level touch. He thrives in transition, using his speed and court vision to create easy opportunities for himself and his teammates. With deep shooting range, natural poise and excellent anticipation on both ends of the floor, he consistently dictates the pace and makes an impact wherever he plays.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Liam Jaro (Miles Macdonell Buckeyes)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 2. Liam Jaro, guard<\/p>\n Miles Macdonell Buckeyes, Grade 12<\/p>\n A standout in transition, he uses his speed and exceptional floor vision to push the pace and create opportunities. He draws defenders effectively and finishes strong at the rim. A pure shooter with a smooth rhythm, he becomes extremely difficult to stop once he heats up. As a dynamic guard with a high motor and reliable shooting touch, he consistently brings energy and scoring to his team.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Andrey Yamborko (Maples Marauders)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 3. Andrey Yamborko, forward<\/p>\n Maples Marauders, Grade 12<\/p>\n He\u2019s had an outstanding season, leading his team in several key areas while showcasing true versatility. Able to play both inside and out, he scores in a variety of ways and adapts to whatever his team needs. A true Swiss-army-knife player, he contributes across the board \u2014 scoring, defending, rebounding and doing all the little things that keep his team competitive. His strength and ability to run in transition make him a reliable impact player on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Joaquin Ong (St. Paul\u2019s Crusaders)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 4. Joaquin Ong, guard<\/p>\n St. Paul\u2019s Crusaders, Grade 12<\/p>\n An explosive offensive guard, he plays with elite speed and agility that allow him to break down defenses with ease. His versatile skill set lets him score in a variety of ways \u2014 whether knocking down shots, slashing to the rim or creating opportunities off the dribble. A reliable shooter and dynamic attacker, he energizes his team\u2019s offence and consistently drives their scoring rhythm.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Michael Kallon (River East Kodiaks)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 5. Michael Kallon, guard<\/p>\n River East Kodiaks, Grade 12<\/p>\n A high-level athlete who impacts the game on both ends, he fills the stat sheet in nearly every category. As a big guard with a smooth-shooting touch, he can score from multiple spots on the floor while creating matchup problems for opposing teams. His length and mobility make him an effective defender, using his reach to contest shots and disrupt plays. With his versatility and all-around production, he consistently stands out.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Kobe Alejo (Churchill Bulldogs)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 6. Kobe Alejo, guard<\/p>\n Churchill Bulldogs, Grade 12<\/p>\n A polished offensive threat, he can score fluidly off the dribble or step into clean catch-and-shoot looks. With a strong midrange game and the ability to make sharp, timely passes, he consistently creates efficient opportunities for his team. His poise with the ball and balanced skill set make him a reliable and dangerous option in any scoring situation.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Veer Brar (Maples Marauders)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 7. Veer Brar, guard<\/p>\n Maples Marauders, Grade 10<\/p>\n A tireless worker with exceptional shooting range, he can attack the rim or free himself for a quick, smooth release. His pure shooting ability allows him to compete with the best, and he consistently plays with calmness and patience. A smart decision-maker who reads the floor well, he gets to the basket with ease and knocks down shots at a high level, making him a dangerous offensive threat in any matchup.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Brady Penner (Dakota Lancers)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 8. Brady Penner, forward<\/p>\n Dakota Lancers, Grade 12<\/p>\n A true all-around contributor, he embraces the toughest jobs on the floor while still delivering steady scoring and aggressive rebounding. His determination and work ethic show on both ends, making him a physical presence who battles every possession. As a strong big with solid footwork, he can finish through contact or with finesse, giving him versatility around the rim and making him a reliable interior force for his team.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Bruno Van Bewer (Jeanne-Sauv\u00e9 Olympiens)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 9. Bruno Van Bewer, guard<\/p>\n Jeanne-Sauv\u00e9 Olympiens, Grade 12<\/p>\n One of the top pure shooters in high school, he can score effortlessly from deep while also finishing inside with versatility. In transition, he moves well and converts in multiple ways, using his agility and touch. His high energy and strong motor fuel his competitive edge, and his length on the defensive end helps him contest shots and disrupt plays. A confident scorer with a complete offensive toolkit, he consistently makes an impact all over the floor.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t SUPPLIED<\/p>\n Jacob Medina (Sisler Spartans)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 10. Jacob Medina, guard<\/p>\n Sisler Spartans, Grade 12<\/p>\n A versatile and explosive guard, he attacks the rim with confidence while also knocking down open jumpers and three-pointers with ease. Defensively, he stands out for his on-ball presence; his quick hands and strong body control allow him to strip opponents cleanly or force turnovers in the open court. His two-way impact makes him a constant difference-maker on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n Honourable mentions: Tobi Oladapo (guard, Windsor Park Royals, Grade 12); Kai Becker (guard, Vincent Massey Trojans, Grade 10); Markus Stevenson (guard, Vincent Massey Vikings, Grade 11); Riley Guieb (guard, Garden City Gophers, Grade 12); Daniyal Khan (guard, Fort Richmond Centurions, Grade 12)<\/p>\n winnipegfreepress.com\/joshuafreysam<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Joshua Frey-Sam Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh<\/a>.<\/p>\n Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print \u2014 part of the Free Press\u2018s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press\u2019s history and mandate<\/a>, and learn how our newsroom operates<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.<\/p>\n \t\t
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