An early season litmus test, the Laurentian Shoot the Rock high-school boys basketball tournament holds the potential to provide a launching pad to a very good winter for any team that sees things coming together nicely, even in mid-November.

Champions in 2024 thanks to a 64-56 win over the Lasalle Lancers, the St Benedict Bears enjoyed a solid campaign but ultimately were bounced in the SDSSAA semi-finals and bested by the Algonquin Barons in the NOSSA "A" final.

Simply put, the Bears are hoping for more this year, with a recent repeat at the L.U. tournament giving way to a little extra jump in their step as Sudbury league play begins in earnest.

"It makes you feel pretty good, going forward," noted St Benedict four-year veteran Sullivan Smith, the top scorer for his team in the final with 24 points as the Bears defeated the West Ferris Trojans from North Bay, 74-57.

"It kind of sets up the rest of the season when you do so well at your first tournament."

Coach Ben Smith and company opened with a 68-53 triumph over the Horizon Aigles and claimed first place in Pool D with a close 63-60 win over the Timmins High Blues.

Overcoming a 35-31 deficit heading to quarter four, the Bears eliminated the Lasalle Lancers by a score of 52-46 before galloping past the Trojans.

"Last year, we were more of a half-court team," said Smith. "We didn't press almost at all. This year, we're very fast. We've got some juniors who came up that have a lot of speed."

In fact, offensively speaking, the Bears rode the quartet of Jayden Latourelle (77 pts), tournament MVP Keegan Adair (62), Sullivan Smith (57) and Dylan nelson (40) to the banner last weekend.

Truth is, Smith, for one, is very much in his element with the style of play that it looks like the 2025-2026 St Ben's side will favour.

"I'm a fast player; I like to run," said Smith. "This year is perfect for me."

The Bears will continue tournament play with an event in North Bay in December before tackling the Zenon Ziemba Tournament in Timmins in February.

Rounding out the roster this year are Holden Beange, James Alibi, Evan DeMarchi, Samuel Julius, Ajani Rubic-Yinusa, Ose Okojie, Ethan Uloghobi, Matthew Gedye, Cohen Lavoie, head coach Ben Smith and assistant coach Joel Agowissa.