New Season, New Stakes: ACAC Men’s Basketball Tips Off
Another thrilling season of Men’s Basketball is right around the corner, and the competition is shaping up to be more intense than ever. With a wave of highly skilled first-year players joining veteran rosters, teams across the league are looking deeper, faster, and hungrier. Early glimpses from preseason matchups have already shown flashes of incredible talent and fierce battles on the court—setting the stage for what promises to be a truly unforgettable year.
“It’s shaping up to be another exciting ACAC basketball season and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the best basketball in the country played right here in our conference” says Randy Stewart, ACAC Basketball Convenor and Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics Director. “The depth and parity of competition across our conference has been impressive over the last few seasons and it's exciting to see our teams doing so well on the national stage.”
2024/25 SEASON RECAP
As the regular season came to a thrilling close, the Briercrest Clippers emerged at the top of the standings, securing the ability to host the 2025 ACAC Championships. The Championships brought together eight powerhouse programs—SAIT Trojans, NAIT Ooks, Briercrest Clippers, Concordia Thunder (CUE), Lakeland Rustlers, St. Mary’s Lightning (STMU), Keyano Huskies, and Lethbridge Kodiaks (LPK)—all vying for the coveted ACAC title. Each match was a showcase of high-caliber basketball, with standout performances, and unforgettable moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In the end, it was the hometown Clippers who rose above the rest. With determination and poise, they captured their first-ever ACAC Championship, etching their name into program history. The victory also earned them a well-deserved berth to the CCAA Nationals in Montreal, where they proudly represented the ACAC on the national stage. It was a season to remember—one defined by grit, growth, and a championship legacy that will inspire future Clippers for years to come.
2024/25 AWARD RECIPIENTS
North Coach of the Year:
Sheray Thomas - LAKE
South Coach of the Year:
Shane Sowden - BC
North Rookie of the Year:
Peter-Aluk Deng - NAIT
South Rookie of the Year:
Jarom Walton - AMB
North Player of the Year:
Keenan Miller - KC
South Player of the Year:
Jude Shepherd-Hills - BC
North Defensive Player of the Year:
Jack Smilski - UAA
South Defensive Player of the Year:
Will Tong - SAIT
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2025/26 ACAC Basketball season is officially set to tip off on October 16th, with an electrifying matchup as the Northwestern Wolves face off against the STMU Lightning in what promises to be a thrilling season opener. Fans can expect high energy, intense competition, and a preview of the talent that will define this year’s league.
With home-court advantage on the line, every team will be battling not just for wins, but for the top spot in the standings, which will determine hosting rights for the 2026 ACAC Championships, taking place March 5-7. Securing that prime position can be a game-changer, offering teams the support of their home crowd and a boost in momentum as they aim for the title.
But the stakes don’t end there. Following the conference championships, attention will turn to the CCAA Nationals, set to take place at VIU in British Columbia from March 18-21. Here, the top team from the ACAC will have the chance to showcase their skills on the national stage, competing for the ultimate honor of representing the conference against the best programs from across the country.
With a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and a roster of exciting first-year players, this season promises non-stop action, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments that basketball fans won’t want to miss. From the first tip-off to the championship buzzer, the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be one for the history books.
About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
Markk@acac.ab.ca
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Emilyp@acac.ab.ca
Twitter: @acac_sport | #ACACsport
Instagram: @acac_sport | #ACACsport
Facebook: Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference