Holy Cross and Walter Murray Set for Third Consecutive High School Basketball Finals Clash
In a remarkable display of consistency and rivalry, Holy Cross and Walter Murray high schools are poised to battle for Saskatoon high school basketball supremacy once again. For the third straight season on the senior girls side, and the sixth consecutive year for the boys, these two institutions will square off in the Premiere Division city finals. The girls' final is scheduled to tip off on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by the boys' game at 8 p.m., both taking place at Bedford Road Collegiate.
Girls Final Preview: A Battle of Titans
The senior girls final promises to be an electrifying contest, with both teams bringing impressive records and key players to the court.
Holy Cross Crusaders
League Record: 6-0
Playoff Seed: No. 1 (Defeated Bethlehem 81-48 in the semifinal, with a first-round bye)
Key Players: Sloane Holt Mellor, Grier Holt Mellor, Melody Gaco, Sydney Sander
Head-to-Head in Official Games: Defeated Walter Murray 76-75 and 62-60
What to Watch: Two-way standout Sloane Holt Mellor, who has committed to play next year with the U Sports national champion University of Saskatchewan Huskies, leads the Crusaders. Despite leaving with silver medals in each of the past four city finals, including two consecutive losses to Walter Murray, Holy Cross boasts a formidable defence, tying with Murray for the league's top spot by giving up only 46.2 points per game. Their offence is equally potent, averaging 75.2 points, ranking second in the league.
Walter Murray Marauders
League Record: 5-1
Playoff Seed: No. 2 (Defeated St. Joseph 96-58 in the semifinal, and Bishop Mahoney 95-29 in the quarterfinal)
Key Players: Ryan Deutscher, Syage Roberts, Sydney Deibert, Stella Mckague
Head-to-Head in Official Games: Lost to Holy Cross 76-75 and 62-60
What to Watch: Walter Murray aims to become just the fourth program in the modern SSSAD basketball league to win three consecutive senior girls city titles. The Marauders dominate offensively, leading the league with 86.5 points per game, while their defence matches Holy Cross by surrendering the lowest points per game. Notably, they defeated the Crusaders in a pair of exhibition games, including an 88-54 victory earlier this month, adding intrigue to this highly anticipated matchup.
Boys Final Preview: A Historic Rivalry Continues
The boys' final adds another chapter to this storied rivalry, with both teams showcasing top-tier talent and competitive spirit.
Holy Cross Crusaders
League Record: 7-0
Playoff Seed: No. 1 (Defeated Bethlehem 102-77 in the semifinal, and Evan Hardy 103-73 in the quarterfinal)
Key Players: Raph Mutongolo, Lucian Tyson, Daniel Solarin
Head-to-Head in Official Games: Defeated Walter Murray 95-77 and 87-63
What to Watch: Holy Cross enters the final with the league's top offence and defence, scoring an impressive 94.1 points per game while allowing just 59 points per contest. The rivalry has seen Cross beat Murray in the city finals of 2022 and 2023, while Murray claimed victories in 2024 and 2025. Historical context includes a cancelled final in 2020 due to teachers' job action and no final in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite having only two returning players this year, the Crusaders still topped the league standings, demonstrating their resilience and skill.
As these teams prepare to face off, the stage is set for thrilling basketball action that highlights the dedication and talent of Saskatoon's high school athletes. With historic titles and bragging rights on the line, fans can expect intense competition and memorable moments in both finals.
