The Dauphin Clippers varsity boys basketball team moved one step closer to provincials after completing a sweep in the zone playoffs against the Swan River Tigers, Feb. 24, with a 101-50 win in Swan River.

Clippers coach Steven Hudyma said the team played well despite missing one of their key players due to illness.

“And some other players stepped up, so it was a good win for us,” he said.

“The key to that victory was our tenacious defence and sharing the ball on offence.”

After a loss in game one, the varsity girls forced a third and deciding game with a 74-50 win in game two, Feb. 24.

But their season came to an end, Wednesday, when they lost 52-44.

The varsity boys will now host a provincial qualifer tournament this weekend, with their first game, Friday, against the St. Maurice Patriots.

Playing on their home court in the provincial qualifier should give the Clippers confidence heading into the tournament.

“The boys are very excited about that. To have a little more support from your crowd and just to do things at home and sleep in your own bed at night will make a big difference,” Hudyma said.

Eight teams will take part in the qualifier, with the top three teams advancing to provincials, in Winnipeg, Mar. 20 to 22, hosted by Westgate Collegiate.

Hudyma likes his team’s chances, with the way they have been playing of late.

“The mindset of the players has been where it needs to be,” he said.