Heading in to the last half of February, playoffs could not be any closer. Both Irish squads have a regional game to look forward to at home, but Durham and Clark’s teams have one more regular season game before they prepare for the postseason.

The Irish boys are coming off a dominating win over Cascia Hall that showed once again they are deadly when they can find a rhythm. McGuinness let up near the end and allowed Cascia to narrow the margin of defeat, but it was the Irish who had the upper hand the entire night.

The Commandos of Cascia Hall could not contain Joe Edmonds, especially. The San Francisco signee was feeling it early, and helped McGuinness create a lead they never gave up. It was the type of performance that he will need to have again, and hopefully one that will come early March.

Tomorrow night, the Irish face a tough Ardmore Tiger team, who came close to knocking the Irish off in Oklahoma City. However, thanks to a last second tip-in by freshman Will Lienhard to tie the game, the Irish prevailed in overtime and beat the currently sixth-ranked Tigers.

Though, 5A Girls #6 Lady Irish had no problem beating the Ardmore Lady Tigers when they came to town a few weeks back. Tomorrow should be not be any different, especially, with Elyse Hight back in the line-up.

The McGuinness girls have had their struggles, but senior Kate Andrews has stepped her game up this year, and with Hight back, the Lady Irish should roll in to the post-season with confidence.

Regionals will not tip-off until February 23rd and 24th. The Lady Irish will face Guymon High School on Thursday, Feb. 23, and the Irish boys will battle Altus Friday night, Feb. 24. Both games are set to start at 8 PM, and as mentioned, will be at McCarthy Gymnasium. If both Irish teams are victorious they will be back home on Saturday to play for a spot in the Area championship game.

Students will have to pay for admittance for all post-season games, and regionals may be the last chance to see the Irish play in the metro area. Area sites are undetermined until after regional play, and the state tournament will take place in Tulsa at Oral Roberts University.