OCAA STARS OF THE WEEK

TORONTO - The following student-athletes have been recognized by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) for their accomplishments during the seven-day period ending Sunday, Jan. 18.

Student-athletes are nominated by their respective athletic departments.

Maria Lambropoulos
School: Centennial
Program: Human Resources Management
Year of Eligibility: 2
Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
Despite the Centennial Colts suffering a 92-62 loss at Georgian on Jan. 16, Maria Lambropoulos exploded for a career-high 34 points, hitting 4-of-5 (80.0 per cent) from three-point range, 10-of-21 (47.6 per cent) from the field, and 10-of-16 (62.5 per cent) from the free-throw line, all in just 29 minutes of play. The 34 points equaled Maria's combined point total in six previous games. In addition to Maria's offensive exploits against the Grizzlies, the second-year player also contributed eight rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals.

Sean Malherbe
School: Canadore
Program: Police Foundations
Year of Eligibility: 2
Sport: Volleyball
Hometown: Cochrane, Ont.
Sean Malherbe was exceptional for the Canadore Panthers, playing a pivotal role in back-to-back road victories. In a thrilling five-set win over previously unbeaten Seneca on Jan. 17, Sean recorded a match-high 20 kills on 41 attempts (.415 hitting percentage) while adding 13 digs and three blocks for a team-leading 23 points. Sean followed that performance the following day with another strong showing against Durham, tallying 13 kills and 15 points in a four-set victory. The Panthers are an impressive 6-1 on the road.

Avery McConkey
School: Mohawk
Program: Advanced Police Studies
Year of Eligibility: 2
Sport: Volleyball
Hometown: Stratford, Ont.
Avery McConkey set new career highs for kills in back-to-back Mohawk Mountaineers victories last week. In a 3-2 win over the Sheridan Bruins on Jan. 14, the second-year outside hitter led the team with 15 kills, while adding three service aces, three digs and one block. Avery followed that performance on Jan. 16 with career-highs that included 21 kills and 15 digs in a 3-2 victory over the Conestoga Condors, along with two service aces and a block. Her 36 total kills for the week moved Avery into the Top 10 in the OCAA in total kills this season.

Albert Opeña
School: Algonquin
Program: Computer Programming
Year of Eligibility: 3
Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Ottawa, Ont.
Albert Opeña is off to a hot start in 2026. The third-year guard opened up the second semester with 33 points, eight rebounds and two assists on Jan. 14 in a 92-70 win over La Cité Coyotes. Albert followed this effort with an equally impressive performance scoring 30 points while adding six rebounds, six assists and four steals in a 91-74 win over the George Brown Huskies on Jan. 17. Albert now sits in fourth in OCAA scoring averaging 21.5 points per game. Algonquin is off to a 2-0 start this semester, having won four of its last five games.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For nearly 60 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com