Local basketball teams prepare for 1A/2A zones

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Garrett Simmons
Sunny South News

Kate Andrews High School took home the Deep South Basketball League senior boys championship last Wednesday with a big 75-56 win over Coaldale Christian.

It was a battle between top ranked Kate Andrews and third ranked Coaldale Christian, as the teams both made it through their respective playoff brackets.

Kate Andrews started its run with a win over No. 8 Picture Butte, and then defeated No. 4 W.R. Myers in the semis. Coaldale Christian beat No. 6 Immanuel Christian Secondary School to start the playoffs, and then upset No. 2 Stirling in the semifinals.

Picture Butte’s playoff run came to an end with a consolation semifinal loss to Winston Churchill High School.

Now, the focus for local high school teams shifts to the 1A and 2A zone championships, hosted this week by Lethbridge College.

For the 1A girls, Picture Butte started its tournament with a late game Monday night against Erle Rivers (results unavailable at press time). A win in the opening round would see Butte advance to take on No. 1 Stirling at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Picture Butte is ranked No. 4 in a five-team field.

Saturday at 1 p.m. will see the 1A girls final being contested.

In 1A boys competition, Noble Central played Erle Rivers Monday night (results unavailable at press time). Play picks up again Wednesday, as Coaldale Christian will play at 6:40 p.m. against the winner of Erle Rivers and Noble Central. Picture Butte will play at 8:20 p.m. against Pincher Creek’s St. Michael’s.

Noble Central is the longshot as the No. 9 seed, while Picture Butte is No. 7 and Coaldale Christian comes in at No. 1.

Championship Saturday will see the 1A boys final played at 5 p.m.

The Kate Andrews girls begin the quest for a 2A zone title with a 6:40 p.m. game on Wednesday against the winner of the Willow Creek and Matthew Halton game. A win in that game would put No. 3 Kate Andrews in the Friday semifinal at 8:20 p.m.

Satruday’s 2A girls final goes at 3 p.m.

For local 2A boys teams, they will have to wait until Thursday to kick off their respective tournaments. Kate Andrews will hit the court at 6:40 p.m. against the winner of Tuesday’s game that will see F.P. Walshe and Livingstone battle it out. Coalhurst will play Thursday at 8:20 p.m. against the winner of the opening-round game between Kainai and J.T. Foster.

Kate Andrews is ranked No. 1 in 2A boys, while Coalhurst is No. 4. If Kate Andrews wins its Thursday game, a spot in Friday’s 6:40 p.m. semifinal awaits. If all goes according to rankings, Coalhurst could also end up in that 6:40 p.m. semifinal.

The 2A boys championship game is on Saturday at 7 p.m.