As the 88th edition of the McLeod Series reaches its final night, anticipation is running high among players and fans alike. The longstanding rivalry between Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) and Weyburn Comprehensive School will culminate in a high-stakes showdown, with both teams eager to claim victory.
ECS senior girls' basketball captain Jordyn Tarnes is confident heading into the decisive game. "I'm feeling pretty good. Our last game, we ended really strong, so we just have to come out strong again," Tarnes said. She noted that her team is focused on helping the boys' team as well, given that the final standings come down to points.
Preparation has been key in the lead-up to the McLeod finale. "We've really been focusing on our defense," Tarnes explained. "In our last game, we had a lot of turnovers and let them score over 40 points on us. We don’t want that to happen again."
ECS secured a strong 72-44 win in their previous matchup, but Tarnes and her teammates recognize that there's still room for improvement. "We learned that communication is key and that we need to bring our own energy, not just rely on the crowd," she said.
According to Tarnes, the coaching staff has emphasized the importance of playing as a team. "Last time, it wasn’t really a team win. A couple of players scored a lot, but not everyone got on the scoreboard. We want a true team win this time—everyone playing, everyone contributing."
For Tarnes, a Grade 12 student, this will be her final McLeod Series appearance. "I’m very excited to play, but it’s also a little bittersweet since it’s my last," she admitted. "Especially because we didn’t get to play in Grade 10. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment."
As the ECS and Weyburn teams prepare to take the court, Tarnes has a message for future players: "Be excited. There’s nothing really like this in high school basketball. Don’t take it for granted—live in the moment."
With the school rallying behind them and emotions running high, fans from both communities are expected to pack the gym for what promises to be an electric atmosphere. "I just want the fans to have fun and cheer as much as they want," Tarnes said. "I love the energy from the crowd. Just show up and support your team."
After the McLeod Series, ECS will quickly shift its focus to hosting the 14th Annual Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure Pink Senior Girls Basketball Tournament, named in honor of Head Coach Jessie Smoliak’s father, to raise funds for cancer research.
With back-to-back important games ahead, the ECS teams are ready to leave it all on the court.