Alain Louis, the local sensation who captured the hearts of Montréal Alliance fans, is now making waves far beyond the Canadian borders. From a standout college career at Carleton University to making his mark with the Montréal Alliance and now captivating audiences in North Macedonia, Alain Louis' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.
a dream deferred
Alain Louis, a product of the prestigious basketball program at Carleton University, achieved remarkable success during his college years. He won three consecutive national championships and was named Finals MVP in 2022. While life may seem straightforward when looking at his achievements, Alain's journey was far from a walk in the park.
In high school, he dreamt of playing NCAA Division I basketball alongside some of the worlds greatest players. Although his skills and talent were unquestionable, his academic discipline left much to be desired. Poor grades closed the door to NCAA Division I scholarships, despite numerous offers. This twist in fate led Alain to Carleton, a pivotal decision that ultimately shaped his future.
Even at Carleton, success didn't come immediately. In his first season, Alain saw limited playing time, something he attributed to his lack of focus on and off the court. However he had an awakening: "When I realized that discipline is the key to success, both on and off the court, everything changed". This realization became a recurring theme in his later school visits as part of the Montréal Alliance community program. "Once I started paying attention in school, organizing myself, and putting in the effort, that same discipline helped me become a better basketball player and a better human being". With newfound determination, Alain committed to improving both his academic and basketball performance. A few years later, through said community program, Alain takes great pride in visiting kids all around Montréal to tell them about the importance of school, and having a clear goal in mind.
"When I realized that discipline is the key to success, both on and off the court, everything changed"
drafted by the montréal alliance
Alain's dedication paid off as he was selected second overall by the Montréal Alliance in the 2022 CEBL U Sports Draft. As a rookie, he played the entire season as a substitute player, but humbly accepted his role, learning from seasoned point guards Hernst Laroche and Kemy Ossé. During the season, Alain averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds 3.2 assists and played for an averaged of 21.8 minutes per game.
Stepping into the spotlight
The 2023 season was a turning point for Alain. While starting with greater confidence, he faced a challenge as the team relied on star American point guard Blake Francis. Alain kicked off the season with decent statistics as a backup, averaging 5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 24.3 minutes in his first seven games. However, a season-ending injury to Blake Francis during the seventh game thrust Alain into the limelight, making him the team's primary guard. With newfound responsibilities, Alain shouldered immense pressure.
But he thrived. As the main guard for the remainder of the season, Alain Louis embraced the challenge. Over the next nine games, he displayed his talents, averaging 12.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 32.2 minutes per game. His incredible performances also solidified his status as one of the league's top defensive players.
Coach's acclaim
Derrick Alston Sr., the head coach of the Montréal Alliance, was effusive in his praise for his young point guard. During post-game press conferences, Coach Alston often emphasized Alain's pivotal role since Blake Francis' injury, describing him as "the life of this team".
"When Alain is on the court, the team's energy soars."
celebrated contributions
Alain Louis' contributions extended beyond the court. His exceptional season earned him the opportunity to represent the Alliance at the CEBL East vs. West Clash in Québec City. He was named the Alliance Defensive Player of the Year and received the 2023 Alliance People's Champion Award, which recognized his significant impact in the community.
a journey to north macedonia
Alain's journey continues after the 2023 season, thanks to the CEBL's summer season that allows players to explore opportunities with overseas teams. Alain embraced this opportunity, joining TFT Mozzart in North Macedonia. In his debut game, he emerged as the game's top scorer with 21 points and a remarkable 64% field goal percentage, in addition to contributing with five rebounds. His second and latest game saw him named the Player of the Game following a stellar performance of 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
a bright future with the montréal alliance
Notably, Alain Louis is one of three players protected by the Alliance following the 2023 season, emphasizing his crucial role in the team's future. This protection prevents him from engaging with other CEBL teams in the early stages of free agency.
Fans adore Alain Louis, both for his toughness and his distinctive style of play. Some have even likened him to a symbol of Montréal, reflecting the city's spirit and resilience.
A promise of better days
At media day before the 2023 season, Alain Louis shared his commitment to lead the Alliance to success: "When you lose as much as we did last year, the only thing you can tell yourself is that you don't want to be in that situation ever again. The guys that are coming back from last season, myself included, have a better idea of what not to do. We're going to be better for sure, That I can promise you".
He also acknowledged the fans' unwavering support.
"The fans have done their part, and now it's our turn to deliver on the court."
Throughout the 2023 season, despite encountering significant setbacks such as injuries to key players, the team made substantial progress compared to the previous year, nearly doubling their win tally. As the Montréal Alliance gears up to host the forthcoming 2024 CEBL Championship Weekend, where they will automatically play in the Eastern Conference final, Alain's message will assuredly echo, but this time, with an added flourish:
"The Championship, or nothing."
par Zachary Favreau
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18 juin 2025
Montréal Alliance (4-2) vs. Scarborough Shooting Stars (4-4) Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET | Verdun Auditorium
par Zachary Favreau
•
15 juin 2025
The Montréal Alliance concluded their challenging three-game road trip with a 91-82 loss to the Vancouver Bandits at Langley Events Centre Saturday night. Despite the setback, the Alliance (4-2) showed tremendous character and competitive fire against the league's top team, demonstrating the championship DNA that has defined their remarkable season transformation. Early Dominance Sets the Tone The Alliance came out with purpose and precision, establishing an early rhythm that had them leading by as many as 20 points in the second quarter. Their ball movement was crisp, their defensive intensity suffocating, and their confidence evident as they executed coach Jermaine Small's game plan to near perfection. Tavian Dunn-Martin orchestrated the early assault with his trademark court vision and scoring ability, while the supporting cast responded with the kind of balanced attack that has become the Alliance's calling card. The first half performance showcased exactly why this Alliance team has captured the imagination of basketball fans across the CEBL. Dunn-Martin Delivers Another Strong Performance Despite the loss, Dunn-Martin continued his remarkable Alliance debut with another stellar performance. The veteran guard's ability to create for others while contributing offensively remained on full display, demonstrating why his acquisition has been transformative for the organization. His leadership was particularly evident in crucial moments, consistently making the right reads and creating quality scoring opportunities for his teammates. The chemistry between Dunn-Martin and his fellow Alliance players continues to develop at an impressive pace, promising even greater things ahead. Competitive Character on Display While the final score may not reflect it, this game showcased the Alliance's refuse-to-quit mentality that has defined their season. Facing the league's best team on the road in a hostile environment, they never backed down from the challenge and continued competing at the highest level throughout. The experience of playing in such a pressure-packed atmosphere against elite competition will prove invaluable as the season progresses. These are exactly the types of tests that prepare championship contenders for the rigors of playoff basketball. Depth Continues to Impress The Alliance's remarkable depth was once again evident, with multiple players contributing meaningful minutes and production. Players like Kevin Osawe, Anthony Walker, and Alain Louis stepped up when called upon, demonstrating the kind of collective effort that has made this team so difficult to prepare for. This depth will be crucial as the season progresses and the Alliance continue their pursuit of championship excellence. The ability to deploy fresh legs and different looks gives coach Small tremendous tactical flexibility. Looking Ahead The Alliance return to the friendly confines of Verdun Auditorium on Wednesday, June 18, where they'll host the Scarborough Shooting Stars at 7:30 PM. After three games on the road, the opportunity to play in front of their passionate home crowd provides the perfect setting to get back on track. The foundation built over these first six games - the offensive system, the defensive principles, the team chemistry - remains strong. This Alliance team has already exceeded expectations and proven they belong among the CEBL's elite. With Dunn-Martin's continued excellence, Guerrier's consistent production, and the supporting cast's unwavering commitment, the Alliance are well-positioned for continued success. Saturday's loss to Vancouver doesn't diminish what this team has accomplished - it simply provides motivation for what lies ahead. Final Score: Vancouver 91, Montréal 82 Alliance Record: 4-2 Next Game: Wednesday, June 18 vs. Scarborough Shooting Stars, 7:30 PM (Verdun Auditorium)
par Zachary Favreau
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13 juin 2025
Montréal Alliance (4-1) at Vancouver Bandits (7-1) Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 10:00 PM ET | Vancouver, BC
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