In the Saskatoon regionals and city quarterfinals: …………………………………………………… The top-seeded Centennial Chargers dusted the 8th-seeded St. Joseph Guardians 77-41. The Guardians (coached by Graham Patola) included Fabian Dale, Brendan Libner, Travis Mazurkewich, Joe Novakosky, Aubrey Poulin, Nic Boyko, Dan Bofoya, Paul Weiss, Reed Lindsay, Matt Lux, Xavier Desnomie, Jay Bodnar, Brett Boechler and Sam Dunphy. …………………………………………………… The 4th-seeded Tommy Douglas Tigers nipped the 5th-seeded Bethlehem Stars 78-72. The game saw the two neighbouring schools start with speed, but Tommy Douglas began to build a lead by the second quarter. But the Stars wouldn’t go quietly, keeping things close and then making a run late in the third quarter to cut the lead and ramp up the intensity. Bethlehem pulled within three with one minute of play left in the game, but Tommy Douglas had the answers. “The atmosphere in here was unreal,” said Tigers coach Kevin Tysowski. “It’s exactly what you want to see from a high school basketball game.” The teams proved themselves to be a fairly even matchup in the end, but Bethlehem’s ball control troubles in the second quarter combined with Tommy Douglas’ penchant for the fast break well enough to give the Tigers a 42-30 lead at the half. But the Stars came out roaring in the third quarter, with a strong run that saw them cut the lead to six just before the end of the period. “Both teams played their hearts out,” said Tysowski. “We’re really proud of our kids.” Bradyn Wiebe was a high-energy spark for the Tigers, grabbing more than his fair share of boards. For the Stars, Javen Ibias was the standout playmaker, scoring 16 points in the cause. David Butros scored 25 for the Stars. The Stars (coached by Daniel Kozun) also included Michael Salud, John Erenea, Blaze Churko, John Santos, Andrew Brooks, Henry Francisco, Michael Painchaud, Dillon Wiebe, Matthew Koban, Musa Youde, Connor Stokey and Michael Doyle. …………………………………………………… The 6th-seeded (but 7th place regular season finishers, who were moved up in the rankings because Evan Hardy doesn’t participate in city playoffs) Bishop J. Mahoney Saints stunned the 3rd-seeded host Walter Murray Marauders 90-75. The Saints, coached by Brett Hoffman, were delighted. “We thought we had a good chance,” says Josh Sawatsky. “We always knew if we worked hard, we’d have a good shot at (Hoopla).” But post Kurtis Gryba suffered a knee injury. The Marauders (coached by Trevor Mirtle, assisted by Dave Earl) included Jake Miller, Mano Balakrishnan, Ben Leier, Chris Fryett-Miller, Hersh Shukla, Lukas Fehr, Graham Black, Zac Reddekopp, Terrell Murdaugh, Hans Deason, Curtis Hui, Trey Wilson and Josh Hoffort. …………………………………………………… In the last quarterfinal, the 2nd-seeded Holy Cross Crusaders dumped the 7th-seeded Aden Bowman Bears 82-61. The Bears included Keaven Simes, Brett Peberdy, Lucas Derksen, Kyle Siemens, Preston Njaa, Zak Barnes, Jared Libke, Ben Altrogge, Tyler Wacker, Garrett Mass, Dakota Beeds and Foster Herriot. …………………………………………………… In the Saskatoon city semis, the top-seeded Centennial Chargers stomped the 4th-seeded Tommy Douglas Tigers 76-52. …………………………………………………… The 2nd-seeded Holy Cross Crusaders whipped the 6th-seeded Bishop J. Mahoney Saints 111-65. …………………………………………………… In the Saskatoon city bronze medal match, the 6th-seeded Bishop J. Mahoney Saints defeated the 4th-seeded Tommy Douglas Tigers 88-80. ……………………………………………………         In the Saskatoon city final, the top-seeded Centennial Chargers edged the 2nd-seeded Holy Cross Crusaders 89-83 in overtime to capture their first city crown. “They’re the standard of excellence in basketball,” said Chargers coach Kory Dawe. “If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. They’re the champions until someone takes it away from them, and that’s how we came in tonight.” Centennial, a school which opened in 2006-07, broke out to a 10-0 lead, but Cross tied the score at 29 and neither team gained more than a five-point lead until the end of the game. Matt Erickson scored 31 for the Chargers, including six treys. Nick Foth added 29 points and Ryan Schmidt 21. “Foth came in and shot the lights out,” said Holy Cross coach Shaun Nechvatal. Foth is quick to share the credit. “On the defensive end, Tim Quiring, wow, he stepped up and played their big men tough. Everyone stepped up on D and it allowed us to open up and run.” The intensity of the game ground to a halt with 15 seconds left in the first half. Daniel Ostertag of Holy Cross collapsed in apparent agony during a seemingly innocent play and left the gym with the help of paramedics. Nechvatal later said the injury appeared to be a dislocated kneecap. The teams finished regulation time tied 79-79. Both teams played tight and aggressive, with Centennial gaining a lead on three-pointers from Erickson and Foth. The loss was a bitter one for the Crusaders, particularly for the seniors. “It was a good game,” said Michael Farion. “We knew coming in it was going to be a battle.” Nechvatal was proud of the resilience his team showed after getting down and losing Ostertag. “We could have packed in our tents. But they battled back and showed a lot of heart. They left it all out there.” Michael Farion scored 25 for the Crusaders. Brett Barrington added 21 despite sitting significant portions due to foul trouble.

In the Regina regionals and city quarterfinals: …………………………………………………… The Balfour Redmen clocked the Thom Trojans 116-55. …………………………………………………… The Campbell Tartans nipped the Sheldon-Williams Spartans 75-72. …………………………………………………… The Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns dusted the Winston Knoll Wolverines 108-78. …………………………………………………… The Riffel Royals smacked the Luther Lions 76-47. The Lions (coached by Joel Hunter, assisted by Adam Hunter, Josh Fink and Robbie Desjarlais) included Matt Haroldson, Noel Aito, Fa Khoza, Matt Wincherauk, Zach Hansen, Kris Charuk, Will Lerach, Erik Hueck, James Hilderman, Patrick Jacobson, Ary Williams and Carter Carson. …………………………………………………… In the Regina city semis, the Balfour Redmen whipped the Campbell Tartans 90-65 as Jeremy Zver scored 21. Benjamin Semaluk paced the Tartans with 19. …………………………………………………… In the other semi, the Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns dumped the Riffel Royals 82-74 as Emmanuel Jones scored 29. Travis Sylvestre paced Riffel with 19. …………………………………………………… In the Regina city bronze medal match, the Campbell Tartans nipped the Riffel Royals 91-89. …………………………………………………… In the Regina city final, the Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns defeated the Balfour Redmen 73-65.

In the provincial quarterfinals, the Saskatoon Centennial Chargers dumped the Regina Riffel Royals 88-78. Nick Foth paced the Chargers. Travis Sylvestre led the Royals. The Royals (coached by Wade Hackl, assisted by Al Collins, Jordan Sisco and Julian Landry) also included Matthew Shelest, Walker Millard, Ben Parker, Jeffrey Propp, Lance Pitka, Dakota Schmidt, Brandon Thompson, Kendal Daniels, Dallas Wilde, Julan Lynch, Branden Enright and Joshua Thompson.

The Regina Balfour Redmen dusted the Saskatoon Bishop J. Mahoney Saints 88-71. The score was knotted at 21 after one quarter. Balfour led 39-34 at the half and 70-52 after three quarters. Riley Wilson paced the Redmen with 38. Jeremy Zver added 15. Tyson Leibel paced the Saints with 17. Anthony McEwen added 10. The Saints (coached by Brett Hoffman, assisted by Scott Fernquist, Kevin Buchholz and Taylor Lane) also included Dallin Fisher, T.J. Zwarych, Kurtis Gryba, Gabriele Irinici, Filip Dodig, Frank Berthelet, Scott Fraser, Austin Stevens, Reed Hnidy, Josh Sawatsky and Matt Kozun.

The Regina Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns stomped the Saskatoon Tommy Douglas Tigers 71-49 as Emmanuel Jones scored 16 and Marcus Ward 15. Braydn Wiebe led the Tigers with 18. “We came out and competed,” said Tigers coach Kevin Tysowski. Douglas turnovers and LeBoldus’ depth and skill were the deciding factors. “I think (our inexperience) showed a little bit,” said Tysowski. “The moment got to them at times.” Marcus Ward said “it was a bit rough at times, but we played as a team and held up against them and pulled away in the second half.” The Tigers (Tysowski was assisted by Matt Rapparlie and Colin Baerg) also included Dylan Tweidt, Nathan Loustal, Adam Rognstad, Simon Butros, Justin Ly, Kurt Porter, Ashton Chappell, Ryan Schaller, Jason McLean, Brayden Denomy and Chad Robertson.

In the last quarterfinal, the Saskatoon Holy Cross Crusaders edged the Regina Campbell Tartans 73-70. “It was a huge battle,” said Holy Cross coach Shaun Nechvatal. “They were just banging us inside.” The Crusaders lot two key offensive players – Dan Ostertag to injury and Brett Barrington to foul trouble – but kept things close with their depth. “I think our depth really prevailed today,” said Nechvatal. “Our youth really came through for us. We got key contributions from guys stepping off the bench.” Brett Barrington scored 20 for the Crusaders. Michael Farion added 17. Franklyn Gray led the Tartans with 20. The teams changed leads frequently throughout the game, especially in the first half. After Campbell began to build a bigger lead, Holy Cross went on an 8-0 run late in the second half to take the lead 34-30. Nechvatal said reserve Brad Hollman “came in and gave us a real spark. He was strong on the glass for us.” The Crusaders led 68-66 with a minute left and got two important offensive rebounds from post Brett Barrington and Reid Noyes late in the game. Both Crusader forwards combined for a perfect 4-4 from the charity stripe, allowing for a 72-70 lead late. Crusaders guard Michael Farion drew a foul with 12.7 seconds left, made a free throw to give the Crusaders a 73-70 lead. The Crusaders pressured the Tartans and did not let them get a quality shot. “Talk about holding on, (Campbell) is tough, physical and they battled,” said Nechvatal. “They put a lot of bumps and bruising on our guys but we tried to battle them as much as we could. It was a battle; guys were hitting the deck all the time.” Within the game’s opening moments, Crusaders post Barrington absorbed an errant elbow on the side of his head and was cut open. He missed most of the first half nursing the injury, but still finished the game.

In the semis, the Regina Balfour Redmen nipped the Saskatoon Centennial Chargers 71-70 on a trey by Saldin Spahic with six seconds to play. The Redmen led 30-29 at the half. Brandon Buttazoni paced the Redmen with 23. Riley Wilson added 18. Ryan Schmidt led the Chargers with 28. Matt Erickson added 20. Balfour trailed 67-63 before Riley Wilson hit back-to-back baskets (a three-pointer with 1:15 left and a two-pointer with 31 seconds remaining) to give the Redmen a 68-67 lead. However, Centennial’s Ryan Schmidt nailed a trey with 13 seconds left to give the Chargers a 70-68 advantage, setting the stage for Spahic’s heroics. “Shooter’s roll,” said Spahic. “It hit the back of the rim and spun. I guess it stopped and decided to drop. I’m just happy it dropped. We’re going to the provincial final.” Centennial called a timeout after Spahic’s basket. After inbounding the ball, the Chargers were unable to take a shot before the final buzzer sounded. “All season, you dream about putting a banner up in your gym,” Centennial’s Nicholas Foth said. “For someone to step up and put an end to the dream, it’s tough, but you have to look at the positives. I’m still proud of the character on this team and the heart that the guys showed.” Centennial rebounded from deficits of 41-31 and 47-37 in the third quarter, setting the stage for a back-and-forth fourth frame. “There were a lot of lead changes and big plays,” Foth said. “The crowd was really into it, and it was a great atmosphere. You can’t hope for much more. It’s a tough loss, but the guys battled hard and I’m proud of the character they showed.”

In the other semi, the Regina Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns dumped the Saskatoon Holy Cross Crusaders 65-54. The Golden Suns led 20-13 after one quarter and were never seriously threatened. Marcus Ward paced the Golden Suns with 24 points and 17 boards. Emmanuel Jones added 23 points, 13 boards and 5 assists. Michael Farion led the Crusaders with 23. The Golden Suns played without star Joe De Ciman, who suffered a stress fracture in his right foot before tearing his left Achilles tendon in February. “These guys never cease to amaze me,” Golden Suns coach Wade Bartlett said. “We’ve gone from losing Joe to winning the city championship. (Losing De Ciman) definitely set us back, but we’ve been able to capitalize since LIT (the Luther Invitational Tournament, held in mid-February) by having the main focus on playing as a team and not having that main player to guide us. It’s a full team effort, and we have each other’s backs.” Crusader Brett Barrington said “LeBoldus is probably the most athletic team here, and they got out and ran. Ward’s the most athletic guy here. He’s a really good player. He flies around and he can shoot from mid-range. He definitely controlled the tempo.

In the bronze medal match, the Saskatoon Holy Cross Crusaders clubbed the Saskatoon Centennial Chargers 93-78 as Ryan Keene scored 28. Nick Foth paced the Chargers with 20. The Chargers (coached by Kory Dawe, assisted by Neal Gieni, Matt Born and Mike Klassen) also included Chris Boys, Tim Quiring, Ayiik Atem, Jeremy Jorgenson, Jake Lee, Kyle Sonntag, Ryan Schmidt, Eric Klassen, Matt Erickson, Preston Olson, Jay Postnikoff and Jeff Glasel.

In the final, the Regina Balfour Redmen defeated the Regina Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns 72-57 as Jeremy Zver scored 19 and Riley Wilson 18. Marcus Ward paced the Golden Suns with 23. Emmanuel Jones added 17. With the win, the Redmen avenged a loss to the Golden Suns in the Regina final. “It’s good revenge,” Riley Wilson said. “They beat us in the city final, so it’s nice to come back and win provincials.” The loss to LeBoldus in the city final dashed Balfour’s hopes of going undefeated in RHSAA and SHSAA play. The Redmen had a 12-0 regular-season record.

“They beat us four out of five times this year, so they’re very worthy champions,” LeBoldus coach Wade Bartlett said. Balfour coach Glen Fekula won his fifth crown, having steered his team to the provincial title in 1998, 2002 and 2004. He has also coached in the 1993, 1999, 2000 and 2005 provincial finals. Fekula said the current edition of the Redmen was the deepest team he has coached. “They’re great kids. For the majority of them, their first game is basketball. It’s always a special feeling to win your last game.”

The bronze medalist Saskatoon Holy Cross Crusaders: Michael Farion; Ryan Keene; Daniel Ostertag; Eli Mearns; Michael Haimanot; Jordan Tarasoff; Arthur Boan; Jeremy Kuin; Brett Barrington; Adam Beitel; Ben Mann; Reid Noyes; Brad Hollman; Jordan Sych; coach Shaun Nechvatal; assistant Brett Boechler; assistant Andrew Bitz

The silver medalist Regina Dr. Martin LeBoldus Golden Suns: Joe Di Ciman; Emmanuel Jones; Marcus Ward; Anthony Israel; Matt Turchet; Emmanuel Jacobs; Jonathan Mukendi; Tyler Folk; Tyler Klenk; Robbie Avram; Brady Eurich; Ochieng Adede; Stephane Ebrotie; coach Wade Bartlett; assistant Garrett Kot; assistant Jordan Puscus

The gold medalist Regina Balfour Redmen: Riley Wilson; Jeremy Zver; Saldin Spahic; Brandon Buttazoni; Tanner Brightman; Mitchell Nelson; Brandon Jelinski; Drake Thauberger; Matt Frass; Brandon Bodnar; Dalton Ulrich; Logan McMurtry; Kyle Dudley; Chris Schwindt; coach Glen Fekula; assistant Mick Panko; statistician K Sokalski