St. Catharines, ON - The Niagara River Lions announced today the return of 6’7″ Canadian forward Elijah Lufile for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A key member of Niagara’s rotation since 2024, Lufile brings strength, energy and rebounding acumen back to the River Lions. Lufile last played for the Nadim Souaid Academy in Lebanon’s Division A averaging 31.8 minutes, 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 9 games. “We are thrilled to have Elijah returning for 2026. Above all else, he is a winner, through and through. Coming off of 3 championships in a row, Elijah continues to develop his game and improve,” said Kimbal Mackenzie, in his first official signing since taking over as Head Coach and General Manager. “Aside from his obvious and impressive rebounding prowess, Elijah provides us with interior scoring, excellent defense, and mobility from the 5 spot which is rare. Elijah has become a staple in our culture over the last few seasons. He brings a charisma, attitude and sense of humor that we highly value!” During the 2025 CEBL campaign, Lufile played a key role averaging 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game over 25 appearances. His steady production and physicality were instrumental in securing the team’s second consecutive Championship, highlighted by a season-high 15 rebounds in the championship game. The title marked Lufile’s third CEBL crown, having first won in 2023 with the Scarborough Shooting Stars and repeating in 2024 with the Niagara River Lions. Lufile’s path to professional basketball includes a decorated collegiate career, starting with a redshirt season at Lamar Community College , a standout year at Midland College , where he posted 10 double‑doubles, and finishing at Oral Roberts University , where in his senior season he averaged 7.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting over 70 percent from the field. Lufile began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League for the 2022-23 season and eventually made his CEBL debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) that same year. He went on to play nine games with the Calgary Surge before closing the 2023 season with the Scarborough Shooting Star s . Internationally, Lufile played for Finland’s Joensuun Kataja Basket in the Korisliiga , averaging 12.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 2023-2024 season acting as a pivotal part of the team's success. “I consider myself extremely blessed to be back in CEBL for my fourth year and to run-it back with Niagara. My previous years with the team have been really fun with the guys and the amazing supporting fans” said Lufile, “This year I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more new fans, more seats filled, and another ring added to the collection”. The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca

St. Catharines, ON — The Niagara River Lions announced today a significant leadership transition, as Victor Raso, the longest-tenured and most successful head coach in Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) history, will transition from his role as Head Coach and General Manager into an advisory role with the organization as Senior Advisor, Player Personnel & Basketball Operations. Taking over as Head Coach and General Manager is Kimbal Mackenzie, the River Lions’ team captain and current Brand & Community Ambassador, marking a new chapter grounded in continuity, leadership, and shared values through an intentional internal succession. Since joining the River Lions in 2017, Raso has been synonymous with the franchise. Under his leadership, the organization established itself as a perennial contender, achieved historic milestones, and built one of the most respected cultures in Canadian professional basketball. His impact extends far beyond wins and losses, shaping the identity, standards, and reputation of the River Lions across the league. Victor’s accolades include: Back-to-Back CEBL Champions (2024, 2025) Longest-Tenured Head Coach in CEBL History 7 Seasons | 134 Games | 87–47 Record (.649) Never Missed the Playoffs Under His Leadership Inaugural CEBL Coach of the Year (2019) Perfect 11–0 Home Season (2024) 2024 St. Catharines Sportsperson of the Year “Victor Raso is the foundation of everything we’ve built,” said Michelle Biskup, President of the Niagara River Lions. “His vision, leadership, and commitment to this organization and community have defined our success. This transition reflects trust, intention, and belief in the future, while ensuring Victor’s legacy remains an active part of our organization as we move confidently into our next chapter.” Raso’s decision allows him to focus more fully on his young family while continuing to support the River Lions in an advisory capacity. “The River Lions gave me an unbelievable opportunity that I am forever grateful for. I am so proud of what we have accomplished and what we have built here,” said Raso. “I feel privileged to have gotten to do it in front of these incredible fans. I look forward to playing my part in our continued success as we support Kimbal and his staff!” Stepping into the role is Kimbal Mackenzie, who brings a rare blend of championship experience, leadership, and community impact. A two-time CEBL Champion (2024, 2025) and team captain, Mackenzie has been a core part of the River Lions organization since 2023, consistently embodying the culture and standards that have defined the franchise’s success. Off the court, Mackenzie has served as the club’s Brand & Community Ambassador since March 2025 and was recognized with the 2024 Ben Zwolak Community Ambassador Award for his outstanding commitment to community engagement. Mackenzie also brings coaching experience as the current Head Coach of the Ridley College Basketball Development Programme, as well as leading the Niagara College Women’s Basketball program as Interim Head Coach to a 14–2 record in 2025. A Bucknell University alumnus, he holds a BA in Economics and a Master’s degree in Finance & Investments, and has competed internationally as a member of the Great Britain National Team. “Stepping into this role is an incredible honour. This organization has built a winning culture rooted in accountability, toughness, and pride—one I was fortunate to experience firsthand playing under Vic,” said Mackenzie. “I’m deeply grateful for the foundation he built and the standard he set for what this program represents. My goal is to respect that legacy, carry it forward, and continue to win at a high level. The expectations here are clear, and I embrace them with humility and responsibility.” The Niagara River Lions enter this new era with confidence, continuity, and a clear commitment to excellence guided by a legacy that continues to shape the future. The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X. Media Contact: Michelle Biskup President mbiskup@riverlions.ca