(1) SJAM Highlanders (14-0) vs. (2) WODSS Crusaders (13-1)Location/Time: Preston HS, 6:30pm
To date, the other three major CWOSSA leagues (D8, D10, and D5) have all played their basketball finals.
All three were won by a team that was undefeated in league play heading in.
Needless to say, the SJAM Highlanders are hoping that trend continues tonight down in Cambridge for the WCSSAA Junior basketball finals.
The WODSS Crusaders, meanwhile, will be hoping to win their school's second junior basketball WCSSAA title in the past four seasons. If my memory serves me correctly, SJAM will be seeking their first junior girls' crown.
Both squads are expected to make noise at their respective CWOSSA championship --- SJAM (AAAA) and WODSS (AAA) are certainly good bets to at least make it to the championship final.
Regular Season
Not only is SJAM the #1 seed, but they're #1 by a large margin. In fact, the 'Landers won every single regular season game by double digits, the overwhelming majority by 20+ points.
These teams met over a month ago, on October 2nd at SJAM, where it was a 38-16 final score for the Highlanders.
How They Got Here
As the top two seeds in the playoffs, both teams received byes through to the quarterfinal round, where SJAM knocked off #8 Cameron Heights (51-23) and WODSS defeated #7 Huron Heights (69-33).
In the semifinals last week, SJAM bested #4 Galt CI (56-16) and WODSS topped the #3 seed, Jacob Hespeler, by a 36-25 final.
Key Players To Watch
SJAM: Kate Moran, Griffin Lack-Shane, Joanna Bamberger.
WODSS: Rachael Beitz, Emily Glendinning, Madalyn Davidson, Rachel & Madeline Woolvett.
Preview/Pick
As mentioned, the SJAM Highlanders are looking to finish what they've started --- the undefeated 'Landers come into this one as decisive favourites.
It's definitely an uphill challenge for the WODSS Crusaders, although there certainly was a bit of a silver lining to their regular season loss to SJAM; W-O held SJAM to its lowest point output of the year.
That said, they will have to certainly improve on their offensive performance that game (16 points, a season low) to have a shot in this one.
I think the Crusaders need to keep the tempo slow in this one, being the underdogs. If this game is in the 30s, I think they have a legitimate chance to keep things close.
Both teams have significant scoring depth, which is one of the reasons why both teams are here tonight. Both clubs have 4 or 5 players that can go for double-figures on any given night, so it will be interesting to see who steps up for either side.
I think SJAM completes the perfect season here, but it might be a bit closer than their regular season encounter, given that they won't have the advantage of their friendly confines.
My Pick: SJAM 44, WODSS 29
