It’s the time of year when the games really start to matter, and a host of Moose Jaw high school senior basketball teams will be looking to take the next step toward a provincial title on their home court this weekend.
The ultimate goal? Playing in Hoopla 2024 in Moose Jaw beginning just over a week from today.
Central, Peacock and Vanier will all host 4A qualifier tournaments, with action beginning on Friday.
The Cyclones and Toilers are ranked one-two in the 4A boys division, with games taking place at both schools.
Top-seed Central opens their run at 4:30 p.m. against 16-seed Notre Dame while the other regional semifinal will see Martensville (8) face North Battleford (9) at 2:45 p.m. The winners play for the regional title at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Second-seed Peacock hosts 15-seed La Ronge to open their run at 2:45 p.m. Meadow Lake (7) faces Bedford Road (10) at 4:30 p.m. and the winners also play off for a Hoopla spot at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Vanier Spirits are the top-seeded team in the 4A girls division, with the Central Cyclones ranked third, Peacock Toilers fourth and all three hosting regional playdowns.
Vanier has received a bye through to the second round and will face the winner of Melville (8) and Regina Luther (9) in their regional final at 12 p.m. Saturday.
Central faces Martensville (14) at 8 p.m. Friday with the other semi featuring Melfort (6) and Yorkton Sacred Heart (11) at 6:15 p.m. The regional final is 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Central.
Peacock opens against Tisdale (13) at 6:15 p.m. Friday, while Humboldt (5) and Lumsden (12) play the other semi. The winners play for Hoopla at 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
The Cornerstone Christian School Falcons are ranked fifth in 3A boys in the province and are in Unity for their playdown.
Moose Jaw league members Swift Current are the top-ranked 5A girls team in the province and are in Prince Albert, while the Swift Current boys are ranked ninth and are in Lloydminster.
Assiniboia is ranked seventh in 3A boys and are in Lanigan.
The top four teams from each regional tournament will advance to Hoopla Mar. 21-23 in Moose Jaw.
You can follow along with all the scores this weekend at www.shsaa.ca.
