I was hoping to begin this article saying that the Sea Bears are dominating the league, and are the best team in the CEBL. Unfortunately, I can’t do so. Since the last time I wrote, Winnipeg has gone 1-2 and the good times did keep flowing to begin with. As much as they were down by 17 against the River Lions, it never really felt like they were out of it. They do end up winning this game, curtesy of another Jelani Watson-Gayle winner. It was definitely not a clean game, but they found a way to win. I will note that it was the best performance we have seen from Winnipeg in Elam TIme. I’m not even going to talk too much about the Ottawa game, because the Sea Bears were completely outclassed. The Blackjacks looked like the much better team in that one. It wasn’t a much better performance in “La Belle Province” against the Alliance, but they just could not find a way to secure a win. They were atrocious in Elam Time, and went back to old habits. The Sea Bears now sit at 8-5 and look like they are currently sliding. Let’s get right into the three keys to takeaway from the last three games.

Transition Woes

I understand that this team plays at a slower tempo, but their transition defence at times has been less than optimal. The Sea Bears are not the most athletic team in the league, but they need to find a way to slow down other teams coming the other way. The Montreal Alliance were the best example of how unathletic this Winnipeg team is. They were outclassed in that area, and I do believe it was one of the reasons they lost that specific game. They play Montreal again in a couple games, and still have to play the Calgary Surge. They need to find a way to slow down other teams attacks.

Loss of Depth

The Sea Bears depth has sort of disappeared slightly in the last three games. Teddy Allen, E.J. Anosike, and Watson-Gayle have still looked like the best players on this team, but haven’t gotten enough help from others. Guys like Glen Yang, A.J. Hess, Michael Okafor need to step it up offensively. Teams are keying in on the three guys above, and it is going to be harder down the stretch. That is all that needs to be said.

Form

This is sort of a continuation of the point above. The form over the last two games has not been great, and the same sort of trends have been popping up. The unfortunate part is, the issues that they were showing before, are now costing them. We are now far enough into the season that these issues need to be solved. Their lead in first place is shrinking, and they must find a way to turn it around. Seven games left. Let’s end it on a good note.

Having looked at the three keys, lets move into individual performances.

E.J. Anosike

These first couple guys are going to have quick analysis. The last three games for Anosike has been some of his best of the season. He has looked great, and continues to get better. Not much else to say.

Teddy Allen

It’s Mr. Buckets. MVP candidate. That’s all.

Jelani Watson-Gayle

The Ottawa game did not cover Watson-Gayle in glory, but he looked good in the other two games. Still my 6th Man of The Year.

Glen Yang

After a good stretch of a couple games, Yang has returned to earlier season form. It is disappointing, but I hope that he stabilizes. Not sure he will though.

A.J. Hess

Funny how the last two games for the Sea Bears were not good, Hess has played decently. He has been showing more consistently from deep and I am intrigued to see if he can continue.

Chad Posthumus

Solid. He is showing that he is becoming a part of this offence in games in which suit his play style. I will assume he will continue to look good.

Michael Okafor

Defence. That is about it. Offence is not coming around, and his minutes have completely gone away. We know that he is a specialist, and that is all he is going to be this season.

Simon Hildebrandt

Slump. I know he is a freshman in college, but he has not looked very good for a while. Still very good experience for him, but I has hoped he would be building on his decent start.

Shane Osayande

Good rebounder and rim protector. That is about all to Osayande’s game. He will continue to do that for the Sea Bears.

Tyler Sagl

Sagl did play 15 minutes against Niagara, but not much else after that. Has played sparingly, but has not looked too bad. He has hit some pretty big shots too.

Final Thoughts

The last three games have not been pretty for the Sea Bears. We are now down to seven games left in the year, and not on the great foot right now. This next game against Edmonton could be the deciding factor of how the rest of the season shakes out. Winnipeg must clean up the transition game, and find more open looks. If they can do that, I have a feeling they can get back on track quickly.