This weekend kicks off what is Saskatchewan's version of March Madness. High school basketball conference playoffs begin in gymnasiums across the province and all four local senior teams will be on the court.
Starting at the 4A girls' level, both John Paul II and North Battleford Comprehensive High School will be playing at John Paul II on the weekend vying for one of the four spots, which will advance the teams on to regionals.
The NBCHS girls will be playing in one of the four conference playoffs taking place and are hoping to live up to their number one ranked status. NBCHS is 33-3 on the season and haven't lost a game since early December, when they played in the Prince Albert Carlton tournament. When the first Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association rankings were released the Vikings sat third overall, but since have moved up with their strong play in the second half.
Since January 7, the Vikings have won tournaments in Prince Albert St. Mary, their home tournament, Kinistino, Outlook, Holy Rosary, Delisle, Weyburn and most recently Meadow Lake last weekend.
As for their cross city rivals and host of the 4A conference playoffs, John Paul II has had an inconsistent season with players not being able to show up to all the games, but coach Jen Kohut said her team has really focused in the last couple weeks preparing for the playoffs.
The goal for her team is to be one of the four to advance to regionals and although they aren't ranked in the top 10, she is a strong believer that anything can happen. The strategy for the John Paul II girls is to give it their all since they have nothing to lose. That can often be a dangerous combination and a ticket for an underdog to advance.
John Paul II's first opponent will be Martensville with the winner facing NBCHS. The other three teams included Warman, Kindersley and Meadow Lake.
The boys' teams will be in Kindersley for conference playoffs with two of the four teams advancing to regionals. The John Paul II boys have had an up and down season with injuiries, but are now healthy and ready to compete for a shot at regionals.
Like their first opponent Saturday, Meadow Lake, The Crusaders are not ranked so it will be a battle of two teams who feel they have nothing to lose and the mentality that any team can be beat in high school sports.
NBCHS have had a strong year and despite not winning many of their tournaments earlier and taking second place most times this season. The Vikings are coming off a big win at mini tournament in Prince Albert were they beat the second and third ranked teams and are now looking to keep the momentum rolling heading into conference playoffs.
The Vikings, who are ranked fourth overall will be up against Kindersley in their first game of conference playoffs.
