Ontario’s Next Generation Shines at Centre for Performance Training Camp

Brampton, ON, May 13, 2025 — The future of Ontario basketball was on full display this past weekend as over 200 of the province’s top emerging hoopers hit the court at Turner Fenton Secondary School for a high-intensity, high-level two-day training camp—marking the official return of Ontario Basketball’s Centre for Performance (CP) centralized training.

After a pause in 2020, the CP program is back and delivering in a big way. Designed for athletes in Grades five through eight, this wasn’t just another skills camp—it was a launchpad for the next generation of basketball excellence in Ontario.

Split into four training groups—Grade 5/6 boys, Grade 5/6 girls, Grade 7/8 boys, and Grade 7/8 girls—athletes were put through a rigorous schedule of advanced skill development, basketball IQ sessions, and physical literacy drills led by Ontario’s top coaches and aligned with the national systems and philosophies of Canada Basketball.

“This is where the journey starts,” said Jason Dawkins, Ontario Basketball’s Manager of High Performance. “We’re not just working on talent—we’re building habits, decision-making, and toughness that will carry these athletes into the OSBA, D-League, post-secondary programs, and beyond.”

The CP program is a key pillar of Ontario Basketball’s High Performance (HP) pathway—feeding directly into the organization’s premier high school prep leagues, including the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) and the High-Performance D-League, both designed to elevate the province’s top high school talent and prepare them for national and collegiate opportunities.

Throughout the fall, many of the athletes had been sharpening their skills in regional CP pods. This weekend brought them all together for a rare, centralized experience—that balanced both intensity and inspiration.

“It’s great to see athletes who’ve competed against each other all season come together in this kind of environment—not just to train at a high level, but to build friendships with players they’ll likely be competing with for years to come,” said one parent.

The CP model stands apart from traditional programs by focusing on development over competition. It follows a “hot house” approach, zeroing in on athletes during their critical growth years and emphasizing the skills that often get overlooked during regular season play—like spacing, communication, and off-ball movement.

And it’s evolving. With recent structural changes to better align with Canada Basketball’s Targeted Athlete Strategy (TAS) and Jr. Academy, the CP program now plays an even stronger role in identifying and supporting athletes at the provincial and national levels.

The gym at Turner Fenton Secondary School was buzzing all weekend—from deep threes to surgical footwork, the level of detail and dedication was unmistakable.

This wasn’t just a weekend of basketball. It was a preview of what’s coming.

Ontario Basketball’s CP program is back—and the pipeline is flowing.

To learn more about the Centre for Performance and how to get involved, visit Ontario Basketball’s CP Page.