Holy Cross Crusaders Enter Playoffs as Favorites for City Basketball Sweep
The Saskatoon Premiere Division high school basketball playoffs are set to tip off on Friday, with the Holy Cross Crusaders emerging as the teams to beat in both the senior boys and girls divisions. After recent setbacks in city finals, Holy Cross has reloaded and dominated the regular season, positioning themselves for potential championship sweeps.
Playoff Schedule and Format
The postseason begins with quarterfinal matchups on Friday evening, with girls games at 6 p.m. and boys contests at 8 p.m. The action continues with semifinals scheduled for Tuesday, culminating in the city championship games next Friday at Bedford Road Collegiate. The girls final will tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys championship at 8 p.m.
Holy Cross Girls: Breaking the Runner-Up Streak
After finishing as runners-up to Walter Murray in both league standings and city finals for the past two consecutive seasons, the Holy Cross senior girls basketball team has undergone a remarkable transformation this year. Led by the sister duo of Sloane Holt Mellor and Grier Holt Mellor, along with veteran senior Melody Gaco, the Crusaders have established themselves as the team to beat.
Holy Cross enters the playoffs with a perfect 6-0 record in the second half of the season, earning the No. 1 seed in the tournament. They have defeated Walter Murray in both official league matchups this season, signaling a potential shift in the city's basketball hierarchy.
The Crusaders' quest for a city title has been elusive in recent years, with losses to St. Joseph in the 2022 and 2023 finals, followed by defeats to Walter Murray in 2024 and 2025. However, historical trends favor their chances this postseason: the top-seeded girls team has captured the city championship in seven consecutive finals.
Holy Cross Boys: Reloaded and Ready
Despite graduating nearly their entire roster from last season's squad that fell in the city final but rebounded to win a 5A provincial championship, the Holy Cross boys team has successfully reloaded for another title run. The Crusaders have compiled a perfect 7-0 record heading into the playoffs, securing the top seed in the boys draw.
Key contributors include senior Raph Mutongolo and Grade 11 returnee Lucian Tyson, who have helped maintain the program's championship pedigree. Holy Cross won back-to-back city titles in 2022 and 2023 before suffering narrow losses to Walter Murray in the past two championship games.
Last year's final was particularly dramatic, with Walter Murray repeating as champions thanks to a buzzer-beating layup off a missed free throw in an 87-86 thriller that stands as one of the most exciting games in league history.
Walter Murray Girls: Chasing History
As two-time defending city champions, the Walter Murray Marauders have an opportunity to join exclusive company with another title this season. A third consecutive championship would make them just the fourth senior girls program in Saskatoon history to win at least three city titles in a row.
The elite company includes:
- Holy Cross: Eight straight championships from 2010-2017
- Aden Bowman: Four consecutive titles from 2004-2007, and five straight from 1987-1991
- Bedford Road: City championships from 1967-1970 and 1973-1977
Four players on this year's Murray roster have been part of both recent championship teams: Ryan Deutscher, Sydney Deibert, Brynn Jetzke, and Juliette Smith. Their experience could prove valuable as the Marauders attempt to defend their crown against a determined Holy Cross squad.
Anticipated Matchups and Championship Implications
The stage is set for potentially dramatic playoff basketball in Saskatoon, with Holy Cross seeking to break recent championship droughts in both divisions while Walter Murray aims to extend their girls' dynasty. The quarterfinal matchups on Friday will determine which teams advance to Tuesday's semifinals, with all roads leading to next Friday's championship games at Bedford Road Collegiate.
Basketball fans across the city will be watching closely to see if Holy Cross can complete the sweep or if Walter Murray and other contenders can disrupt the Crusaders' championship aspirations.
