2025-26 Playoff Predictions - Varsity Girls

A Varsity Girls

SouthWest “A” Girls Sectional at FCA

Game 1 - Fredericton Christian Academy vs. Sir James Dunn Academy

These two teams played this past weekend in regionals at Harvey for the first time this season. FCA jumped out a quick 21 point lead at the end of the first quarter and won convincingly by a score of 82-30. Can SJDA keep it closer with their ability to handle the full court press in FCA’s home gym, and will SJDA’s top scorer return from an ankle injury that caused her to miss the ¾ seeding game in regionals. 

Prediction

FCA - 76 vs. SJDA- 38

Game 2 - Moncton Christian Academy vs. Dalhousie Regional HS

These two teams played this past weekend in regionals in Dalhousie with MCA coming away with a 57-43 win on Dalhousie’s court. Dalhousie is an extremely young team and growing in leaps and bounds each week. MCA brings experience and height, but at times can turn the ball over which led to Dalhousie scoring in transition. With another week of practice to prepare for each other, we are predicting a game that comes down to the last few possessions. 

Prediction

MCA- 51 vs. DRHS- 47

Game 3 - Moncton Christian Academy vs. Fredericton Christian Academy

These two teams have not played this year, but both have played a common match up in Petitcodiac with two very different results. FCA will look to force turnovers and tempo with their press, and MCA will work to get it inside. If MCA can handle the press, this may stay close for a while, and if not, well the score may get away quickly. 

Prediction

FCA- 74 vs. MCA- 37

NorthEast “A” Girls Sectional at Petitcodiac

Game 1 - Petitcodiac Regional HS vs. Belleisle Regional HS

This is a rematch of multiple league games where Petiticodiac has dominated the score throughout. With a week of preparation time, the result will not likely change to cover the large score spread from the previous games in this home game for Petitcodiac. 

Prediction

PRHS- 85 vs. BRHS- 30

Game 2 - Harvey vs. Nackawic

Harvey plays a strong defensive game, and will work to limit Nackawic’s size advantage. The big question for Nackawic is where does it’s scoring come from to compete with Harvey over the 40 minutes. Close to start, but the score starts to spread in the second quarter and into a comfortable lead in the second half. 

Prediction

HHS- 74 vs. NHS- 34

Game 3 - Harvey vs. Petitcodiac

Petitcodiac beat Harvey back in November at home by a score of 78-59. Both teams have played a strong schedule throughout the season, and are ready for this matchup. Petitcodiac has a tall back line in their zone of grade 12’s loaded with experience, and quick guards at the top. Petitcodiac will look to press and turn Harvey over, and to get out and run from their defensive rebounding. Look for Harvey to control tempo and limit easy transition points and force Petitcodiac to beat them from outside. This one comes down to the 4th quarter and who can rebound and stay out of foul trouble.

Prediction

HHS- 64 vs. PRHS- 71

SouthWest “AA” Girls Sectional at Carleton North High School

Game 1 - Carleton North vs. St. Stephen HS

The AA girls’ SW Sectional tips off in Carleton County, and all eyes are on Carleton North High School.

Simply put — they’ve earned the label as the team to beat in AA girls this season.

Led by steady, dynamic point guard Noella Thomas, CNHS has separated itself through disciplined half-court execution, suffocating defense, and poise in big moments. They don’t beat themselves. They defend. They rebound. They close games.

Standing in their path Friday night is St. Stephen High School, a scrappy Spartans squad that will head west knowing exactly what they’re up against.

This is a rematch of the SW Regional semifinal — a game CNHS controlled from start to finish in a 54–30 win. That performance wasn’t flashy; it was clinical. Carleton North dictated tempo, limited transition opportunities, and turned the game into a defensive grind where their structure shined.

For SSHS to flip the script, two things must happen:

1. They must bring their absolute A+ performance — defensively and offensively.

2. CNHS would need to have an off night — turnovers, missed layups, cold shooting.

That’s a tall order on the road.

Expect the Spartans to battle early, bring energy, and try to make this physical. But CNHS’s composure, particularly at the point guard spot, will likely steady any momentum swings.

Prediction

Structured. Controlled. Businesslike.

Carleton North 60 – St. Stephen 34

Game 2 - Tantramar Regional HS vs. Salisbury Regional School

Game two in Carleton County might be the one that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Tantramar Regional High School and Salisbury Regional School (SRS) are no strangers to each other. These league rivals just battled for second place in the conference last week, with TRHS surviving by four points.

In fact, TRHS took both league meetings this season — but neither came easy. Both were tight. Both came down to execution in the closing minutes. And there’s little reason to believe Friday night will look any different.

This is shaping up as a classic low-possession, half-court grind.

Expect:

• Physical defense

• Long offensive possessions

• Limited transition opportunities

• Every rebound contested

The final five minutes will decide this one.

It will come down to composure — who can handle pressure, who can take care of the basketball, and who can find a clean look when the game tightens. In matchups this even, sometimes it’s simply about which team makes one more winning play.

TRHS has had the edge so far this season. But when two teams are this evenly matched, the law of averages suggests a split somewhere along the way.

Flip a coin — but we’re leaning toward a slight bounce-back.

Prediction

A defensive chess match right to the buzzer.

Salisbury Regional 55 – Tantramar Regional HS 53

Game 3 - Carleton North vs. Salisbury Regional

A trip to TD Station and the Provincial Final hangs in the balance as Salisbury Regional School takes on Carleton North High School in our predictions.

And if there’s one thing everyone in AA girls basketball knows — Carleton County is not an easy place to steal a win.

With everything on the line Saturday, SRS will need to embrace the role of road warriors. They’ll have to defend without fouling, limit second-chance points, and take care of the basketball in what will be a raucous, high-energy environment.

This game has the potential to be a grind.

SRS is comfortable playing in the half court and shortening possessions. If they can keep the score in the 40s or low 50s deep into the fourth quarter, they give themselves a legitimate chance. A low-scoring tilt favors the underdog — fewer possessions, fewer runs, more pressure on every shot.

But here’s the question: Can SRS score enough?

Carleton North’s defensive discipline has been the separator all season. They rotate well, rebound collectively, and rarely give up easy looks and have been imposing in their 23 zone defense too. Add in the poise of their backcourt leadership, and they simply don’t beat themselves. After a heartbreaking loss this time last year at MVHS for a trip to the finals, CNHS will be locked in this year to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

In a big-game atmosphere at home, that composure becomes even more valuable.

SRS will battle. They’ll compete. They’ll likely hang around for stretches.

But over 40 minutes, CNHS’s depth and execution should create separation.

Prediction

Physical early. Decisive late.

Carleton North 72 – Salisbury Regional 53

AA Varsity Girls

NorthEast “AA” Girls Sectional at Miramichi Valley HS

Game 1 - Miramichi Valley HS vs. James M Hill High School

If you’re looking for an atmosphere Friday night, this is the one.

Miramichi Valley High School  hosts James M. Hill Memorial High School at 6 PM and the gym shouldl be packed.

These two programs know each other inside and out. Many of the players have grown up competing with and against each other through minor basketball. There will be no surprises, no secrets — just emotion and execution.

MV enters 3–0 against the Tommies this season, including a convincing 71–46 win last week at JMH in NE Conference league play. But sectional basketball is different. One game. The winner takes all. Records mean very little once the ball goes up.

The central question: Can the Tommies put themselves in position to win in the fourth quarter?

To do that, they’ll need to handle MV’s relentless pressure and avoid long scoring droughts. Because if the Pulamoo gets into rhythm defensively, the game can swing quickly.

MV, meanwhile, is still adjusting offensively after losing Stella Perret to an ACL injury. Since exams, they’ve shown improvement, more balance, better spacing, but they can still experience prolonged stretches where the ball simply won’t drop.

If that happens Friday night, and JMH can capitalize in transition or get to the foul line, this game could tighten considerably. But if MV’s pressure defense wears down the Tommies the way it has in previous matchups, expect history to repeat itself. Over 40 minutes, their depth and pace typically create separation.

Prediction

Emotional early. Defensive separation late.

MVHS 68 – JMH 45

Game 2 - Woodstock vs. Fundy

These two met recently in the SW Regional semifinal in St. Stephen — and it was never really in doubt. WHS controlled tempo, controlled the glass, and separated early.

On paper, this shapes up similarly.

Fundy will be significantly overmatched in this one, but credit where it’s due, they will leave it all on the floor. They compete hard, they battle for loose balls, and they won’t back down from the moment. The question is whether effort alone can bridge the talent and depth gap.

WHS entered the season as the AA favourite and looked every bit the part in the first half of the season. They defended at a high level, shared the basketball, and looked poised for another title run.

But the second half of the season has been a different story.

Inconsistency. Stretches of complacency. A team that hasn’t quite matched the early-season standard that created the hype.

Now, with the season on the line and a chance at back-to-back SSNB titles, this could be the reset moment. Sectional basketball has a way of sharpening focus.

If WHS locks in defensively and moves the ball with purpose, this game shouldn’t be in question. Expect them to look to establish control early, build a comfortable margin, and manage minutes heading into Saturday.

Prediction

Business-like performance from the favourite.

WHS 79 – Fundy 45

Game 3 - Miramichi Valley HS vs. Woodstock HS

It doesn’t get much better than this, a rematch of last year’s Provincial Final — a game WHS controlled en route to a convincing 51–38 championship win.

On paper, this leans Woodstock.

WHS returns several key contributors from that title team. Experience. Composure. Players who understand the moment. MV, meanwhile, rolls out a much younger roster this season with only one grade 12, talented, yes, but still learning how to win at this stage.

The two met once this year back in November, with WHS securing a 19-point victory. That early-season result suggests advantage Woodstock, but November basketball and sectional finals are different animals.

The X-factor? Home court.

The Pulamoo are notoriously tough to beat in Miramichi. Energy in the building. Familiar rims. A community behind them. That matters.

For MV to have a real chance late, three things must happen:

1. Limit turnovers. Woodstock capitalizes quickly off mistakes.

2. Avoid prolonged scoring droughts. MV has shown stretches where offense stalls — that cannot happen here and have a chance at beating WHS.

3. Turn defense into chaos. Their full-court pressure must create tempo, fatigue, and decision-making errors.

Woodstock doesn’t have overwhelming depth, but their core group is battle-tested and talented enough to control the game if they handle pressure and stay poised. If MV can wear them down over 40 minutes, this gets interesting.

But the concern remains: can the Pulamoo score enough in the half court to unseat the defending champs?

Expect a competitive contest — tighter than last year’s final — but experience may ultimately tip the scales.

Prediction

Energetic early. Tight late. Experience prevails.

WHS 68 – MVHS 60

AAA Varsity Girls

SouthWest “AAA” Girls Sectional at Rothesay High

Game 1 - Rothesay High vs. Kennebecasis Valley High School

The good news for KV? Not much travel.

 The bad news? They’re walking into The Nest against the No. 1 seeded Red Hawks.

These two are very familiar with each other and have traded wins during the season. KV captured an early December matchup in a tight three-point battle, proving they can compete at this level. But since then, RHS has largely controlled the series and looked sharper as the season progressed.

Last weekend at the SW Regional, Rothesay sent a message. Their performances against strong opponents like Leo Hayes and Fredericton High solidified why they could be the favourite to make it to the Final 12 next week. They defended with discipline, rebounded with urgency, and executed late-game situations with composure.

KV won’t be intimidated. They’ve played in big environments before and won’t shy away from the moment. The key for the Knights will be the opening quarter. If they allow Rothesay to jump out early, it might be too much to rebound from.

If they can keep it within single digits heading into the fourth, the pressure shifts.

But right now, Rothesay simply looks like the more complete team. At home. With momentum. With confidence.

Prediction

Rothesay 70 – KVHS 58

Game 2  - Riverview vs. Harrison Trimble

These two know each other well too — but the season results suggest this will be an uphill climb for Trimble.

RHS dominated both league meetings this year by significant margins, largely because of their ability to control tempo and handle the HTHS pressure defense. At the center of that success? Maddie Eustance. Trimble has struggled mightily to contain her in previous matchups, and solving that puzzle is priority number one.

The tactical question for HTHS: Do they lean into their full-court zone pressure to try and disrupt rhythm? Or do they come in with a fresh defensive look to avoid getting picked apart?

If Trimble presses, they risk giving up numbers in transition. If they sit back, RHS can methodically execute in the half court. It’s a tough balancing act.

For HTHS to stay within striking distance, Abi Assels and Anna Keech will need to be difference-makers. That means efficient scoring, defensive toughness, and — critically — staying out of foul trouble. Depth could become a factor quickly if whistles start piling up.

Trimble will compete. They’ll scrap. They won’t roll over.

But RHS has shown all season that they’re a tier above in this matchup. Their scoring balance, composure, and ability to close quarters strongly make them difficult to upset.

Prediction

Riverview 82 – Harrison Trimble HS 67

Game 3  - Riverview vs. Rothesay

On paper, this is one of the toughest sectional finals to call.

These two met early in the season, with Riverview earning an 11-point victory. But that was months ago. Both teams have evolved since then. Rothesay has grown into the No. 1 seed in the SW and will enjoy the comfort — and energy — of playing at home.

The Nest will be loud.

Rothesay’s ability to control pace and defend collectively makes them difficult to pull away from. They rarely get rattled, and at home they tend to feed off momentum swings.

But it’s hard to ignore what Riverview has done this season. They’ve consistently proven themselves to be the second-best AAA team in the province. They’ve beaten quality opponents, shown composure in tight games, and demonstrated the ability to close.

The central question for Rothesay: Can they put themselves in position to win in the fourth quarter?

Riverview’s balance and experience in high-level games give them a slight edge. They’ve shown they can absorb runs and respond. Over 40 minutes, that resilience matters.

Expect Rothesay to keep it competitive throughout. Expect big runs on both sides. But when it’s time to execute late, Riverview may simply have a little more.

Prediction

Riverview 75 – Rothesay 65

NorthEast “AAA” Girls Sectional at Ecole Mathieu-Martin

Game 1 - École Mathieu-Martin vs. Moncton High School

Based on previous results, this one shapes up as a significant challenge for Moncton High.

To MHS’s credit, they’ve shown stretches of strong, competitive basketball against EMM this season. There have been quarters — even halves — where they’ve defended well, executed offensively, and kept things tight. The problem? Sustaining it.

Because EMM is one of those teams where a two-minute lapse can turn into a 10–0 run in the blink of an eye. They thrive on momentum swings. A turnover here, a transition three there — and suddenly the game has tilted.

For MHS to stay within reach, avoiding those bursts is non-negotiable.

Defensively, Moncton High’s man-to-man coverage will compete. They’ll pressure the ball, contest shots, and try to control the glass. But the bigger question lies at the other end of the floor:

Can MHS generate enough consistent offense against EMM’s 1-2-2 zone and man-to-man defenses?

The Vedettes’ zone forces patience and shot selection. If MHS settles for early contested jumpers or struggles to reverse the ball side-to-side, scoring droughts could become costly.

Add in home court advantage — and the fact that EMM has not lost to a New Brunswick opponent all season — and the margin for error shrinks further.

EMM’s pace, and ability to capitalize on mistakes make them extremely difficult to upset in this setting.

Prediction

EMM 75 – MHS 52

Game 2  - Fredericton High School vs. Leo Hayes High

The “Battle of the Bridges” never disappoints — and this one has huge stakes.

While FHS finished 2–0 against the Lions in Western Conference league play, Leo Hayes has proven they can beat the Black Kats this season too. There’s familiarity. There’s pride. And there’s no shortage of adjustments left in the tank.

FHS is a team with two very different personalities.

On their best nights, they are sharp, connected, and offensively efficient. Ball movement is crisp. Defensive rotations are tight. They look like a Final 12-caliber team.

On their off nights? They can struggle to score — as seen in the SW Regional final against Rothesay when the offensive rhythm completely stalled.

For FHS to advance, Maryn Momberquette will need to be impactful and put the ball in the hoop for the Kats. But she can’t do it alone. Secondary scoring and consistent guard play will be critical.

Leo Hayes may counter with extended stretches of their big 2-3 zone, packing the paint and daring FHS to knock down perimeter shots. If the Black Kats settle for quick, contested threes, advantage Lions.

Expect this to be tight.

This feels like a fourth-quarter game — the kind decided by:

In rivalry matchups, pressure amplifies everything.

We’re leaning slightly toward FHS in a nail-biter — but this one could go either way.

Prediction

FHS 60 – Leo Hayes 57

Game 3 - École Mathieu-Martin vs. Fredericton High

For the Black Kats, this is where the road likely ends.

FHS has battled, shown resilience, and proven capable of winning tight games — but this matchup presents a different level of challenge. The Vedettes bring experience and offensive firepower that few teams in the province can match.

EMM has controlled this series all season long. Every meeting has tilted their way, often decisively. They’ve demonstrated the ability to: start fast, capitalize on turnovers, stretch leads quickly and maintain defensive pressure for four quarters

For FHS to stay competitive, they would need near-perfect execution — low turnovers, efficient perimeter shooting, and control of tempo. But the concern is sustaining that level against a team that can score in bursts.

Expect EMM to assert themselves early. If they build a double-digit lead in the first half, it may become difficult for the Kats to claw back. The Vedettes’ ability to close quarters strongly and extend runs has been the story of their season.

With a chance to secure back-to-back appearances at the Final 12, motivation won’t be lacking.

Prediction

EMM 74 – FHS 48