It’s New Brunswick’s turn.
After two Nova Scotia teams – Lake City 56ers and Halifax Thunder – advanced to the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association’s PROLINE Legacy Cup Final Quartet, New Brunswick’s four teams hit playoff mode this weekend.
First up is Miramichi Her-Icanes hosting Port City Fog of Saint John on Saturday at 6 p.m.
That game is set for Miramichi Valley High School.
On Sunday, Fredericton Freeze host Moncton Mystics at 7 p.m. at Fredericton High School.
The PROLINE Legacy Cup will be decided at the Richard J. Currie Center June 21-22.
The following is a capsule for Saturday’s game:
Playoff matches:
Game 3
Who? Port City Fog of Saint John (1-9) at Miramichi Her-Icanes (8-2)
When? – Saturday, June 14, 6 p.m.
Where?: Miramichi Valley High School
Head-to-Head – Miramichi 2-0 (72-47, May 18), (91-55, June 8)
Points For: Miramichi – 747, Port City – 561
Points Against: Miramichi 566, Port City – 823
Who to Watch For: Her-Icanes – The Her-Icanes boast some weapons, but the team runs through dynamic point guard Lauren Rainford. The league’s all-time leading scorer and reigning MVP can shoot it, pass it or create off ball. Abby Miller is a rebounding machine and scores with consistency. Grace Lancaster is a three-point dynamo, Devon Lawlor is a gem and veteran Katie Donahoe is a spiritual leader who leads by example. It is difficult to shut down the Her-Icanes when the cylinders are in synch.
Who to Watch For: Fog – Port City struggled much of the year with injuries and inconsistencies that haunted a club that can hang around before running out of gas. McKinley Bezanzon will log a ton of minutes and scores and dishes to spark the offence. Erin Ingalls is a threat at both ends and Mali Straker has been a nice addition. Amelia Mitchell, an original Fog player, can score and haul down rebounds.
Synopsis: Miramichi, when going right, is scary with the ball in their hands. It is offensive-laden, meaning the Fog is going to have to be locked down on defence to stay in the game. Port City lost a solid rebound, producer in Jillian Mumford, who would have gone up against former university teammate, Abby Miller, a backboard eater. The Fog is up against it on the road, but if it can keep it close through a half, the Her-Icanes can be bent, but hard to break.
– Head coach Neil Smith and Miramichi are home Saturday for playoff action.