Nanaimo's high school hoops teams are advancing through the playoff brackets.
The Wellington Wildcats senior AAA boys won the North Island championship on Wednesday night in Courtenay, edging the Nanaimo District Islanders 83-79.
Anton Kamke scored 36 points for the Wildcats, with Hayden Jeffrey adding 27. NDSS was led by Tyus Barfoot, who scored 44 points. Max Reed contributed 16.
The senior AA boys' North Islands get underway today (Feb. 19) at John Barsby Secondary School, with the host Barsby Blazers taking on the Woodlands Eagles in tonight's feature game at 7 p.m. The North Island final will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Senior AAAA boys' North Islands also take place this weekend at Alberni District Secondary School, involving the Dover Bay Dolphins. The Dolphins face the G.P. Vanier Towhees in one of the semifinals tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, the Island championships are getting underway for senior AA girls' teams. The Wellington Wildcats were the only local squad to make it through last weekend's North Islands in Parksville, as the NDSS Islanders, Barsby Blazers and Ladysmith 49ers girls were eliminated.
The 'Cats tip off Islands tonight in Victoria, taking on Pacific Christian School.