The MHBL’s summer season wrapped up the last regular-season game for each team last weekend, with the first round of playoffs set to start this Saturday (August 22nd). With the majority of playoff contenders, their eligibility came down to the wire this past weekend, as teams went head-to-head for the final playoff spot, or to achieve a certain playoff berth. These games were intense and exciting, and served as a mere preview of what’s to come during the battle for the championship.

East

Huskies (1) vs. N.W. (4) – Huskies started off the season a little rough, but were quickly able to climb to the top, clinching the top eastern playoff berth even before their final win on Sunday. N.W. ended in 4th place as a result of a loss to Black Mambas this past weekend, but have proven to be worthy opponents with talented players – 5 of whom average double digit points per game. Can the Huskies maintain their winning streak despite N.W.’s strong inside game? We’ll find out.

Squad Up (2) vs. Black Mambas (3) – Squad Up had a huge game against Peak Canada last weekend, and the teams’ fates came down to a buzzer beater: Squad Up’s Eduful hit an incredible 3-pointer from the wing with under 2 seconds left to beat Peak and secure a playoff spot. Black Mambas have proven to be a formidable opponent, and have played exceptionally since the start of the season. Mambas have an impressive 6 players averaging double digit scores, and will be a challenging team to defeat. Is Squad Up ready? They’re sure playing like they are. But it’s still anyone’s game.

West

Woes (1) vs. Hoyas (4) – These young Woe players came into the league and impressed everyone with their athleticism and team cohesion. They sit comfortably in first place in the west, where they’ve been for most of the season, and have the highest average in the league for team points (74 points). Woe’s Riley played incredibly in their last contest against Hoyas, however Hoyas took the W. Hoyas are a very well put-together team, especially with the dynamic duo of Vernon and Watson (who averages a double double). They have won their last 3 out of 4 games and do not seem to be slowing down. This matchup promises its audience some highly entertaining basketball. You will not be disappointed.

North (2) vs. Monarchs (3) – The defending champs, North, are an overall strong team with the second highest average for team points in the league (65 points). Nearly all their players average double digit scores, and they have been on fire in the past few weeks, having won their last 5 games. Monarchs have proven to be one of the stronger teams in the league, and have come back to win games after being down by more than 20. Monarchs’ Alilovic leads the team in points and rebounds, but it is the whole team’s effort that makes Monarchs a top contender. We will find out on Saturday if they will be able to put a stop to North’s winning streak.

Stay tuned for Sunday’s games as well (August 23rd), where the conference finals will take place from 2-4pm.