By: KJ Cardinal
The quarterfinal round of the 2023 NHIAA Division III Boys Basketball State Tournament takes place tonight at high seeds around the state.
After receiving first-round byes, the top two seeds (1) Gilford and (2) St. Thomas make their 2023 tourney debut on their home courts tonight. The top-seeded Golden Eagles host #9 Conant at 7:00 pm, while the second-seeded Saints welcome #7 Winnisquam at 6:00 pm. Let’s take a glimpse at all four match-ups on the slate…
#7 Winnisquam at #2 St. Thomas, 6:00 pm
The Saints are currently on a 12-game win streak and defeated visiting Winnisquam, 62-40, way back on Dec. 19. The Bears dropped two of their last four games, but enter tonight’s affair 12-5 on the season.
#8 Conant at #1 Gilford, 7:00 pm
Three-time defending champion Gilford enters the tourney with a perfect 18-0 mark, including two wins over Conant. But, the Jan. 21st meeting between the two at Conant was just a four-point win for the Golden Eagles, 52-48. Gilford later defeated visiting Conant by 17, 60-43, on Jan. 28th.
#5 Campbell at #4 Hopkinton, 7:00 pm
In perhaps the most anticipated match-up of the night, #5 Campbell heads to #4 Hopkinton. The visiting Cougars are riding a six-game win streak and pulled of a dramatic two-point win over the Hawks a few weeks ago, 59-57, back on Jan. 31.
#6 Stevens at #3 Mascoma Valley, 7:00 pm
Mascoma Valley rides a nine-game win streak into tonight’s quarterfinal match-up, including a convincing 68-36 win over visiting Stevens on Jan. 30. That loss was the Cardinals last loss and they are on a four-game surge of their own.
