Historic Three-Peat for Walter Murray Girls in Saskatoon Basketball Finals
In a thrilling night of high school basketball, the Walter Murray Marauders girls' team made history by clinching their third straight Saskatoon Premiere Division city championship. The Marauders triumphed over the Holy Cross Crusaders with an 82-67 victory on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Bedford Road Collegiate. This achievement marks the first three-peat in the school's history and places them among an elite group of only four Saskatoon programs in the modern era to accomplish such a feat.
Intense Gameplay and Key Performances
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Walter Murray showcasing their explosive offence early on. They led 30-17 after the first quarter, but Holy Cross fought back with a 14-point run in the second, narrowing the gap to 47-43 by halftime. The Crusaders even tied the game at 50-50 early in the third quarter and briefly took the lead. However, the Marauders responded with an 11-point run, spearheaded by Grade 11 guard Ryan Deutscher, who scored eight points during that stretch.
Deutscher delivered a standout performance, finishing with 42 points and demonstrating exceptional skill in finishing around the rim under pressure. Her efforts echoed her previous city final performance, where she scored 51 points. Head coach Katie Farmer praised the team's resilience, stating, "I'm super proud. Cross gave us a really great game, and I'm proud of how we kept fighting."
Holy Cross Girls' Persistence Amid Defeat
For the Holy Cross girls, this loss marked their fifth consecutive silver medal in city finals, following previous defeats to St. Joseph in 2022 and 2023. Despite the outcome, head coach Janaya Brown expressed immense pride in her team's dedication. "I have nothing but pride. Every year, the group works so hard and keeps earning it," she remarked, acknowledging the Marauders' tough defence and aggressive play.
The other girls' teams to have achieved at least three consecutive city titles in the modern era include Holy Cross (2010-2017), Aden Bowman (2004-2007 and 1987-1991), and Bedford Road (1967-1970 and 1973-1977).
Holy Cross Boys Secure Decisive Victory
In a contrasting turn of events, the Holy Cross boys' team ensured their rivals would not celebrate a similar three-peat. They delivered a commanding 94-55 victory over Walter Murray later that evening, dominating the second half and halting any hopes of a Marauders boys' championship streak. This win underscored the competitive spirit of Saskatoon high school basketball, with both schools showcasing top-tier talent and determination.
The night highlighted the dynamic nature of youth sports, where unexpected players rise to the occasion. As one player noted, "I don't think teams really expected us to be here with only two returning guys from last year's squad. But lots of young guys really stepped up." This sentiment reflects the broader narrative of growth and teamwork that defines these championship events.
