And, as fate would have it, the SJIBT isn't the only showdown involving the teams this week.
This also happens to be the week that Willingboro, Holy Cross, and Delran were playing anyway in a slate of games likely to decide the Burlington County League Patriot Division title.
The other Final Four team, Rancocas Valley, No. 1 in The Inquirer's South Jersey rankings and also a member of the Burlington County League, already has narrowly beaten No. 7 Holy Cross and No. 3 Willingboro once and No. 2 Delran twice.
Thinking about it, RV guard Brianna Logan let out an exaggerated sigh and said with a laugh, "I'm tired of playing them."
Tired might be the operative word. That's likely how members of all four teams will feel Sunday night. But tired of playing each other? Anyone who has watched just one of the heated matchups involving the teams knows that's far from true.
"I think we all like playing each other," said Holy Cross center Amanda Offenback, who netted her 1,000th point in a Feb. 4 win over Pemberton. "I like it because I like competition. These games keep us all on edge. I think it's good for all of us."
Offenback is one of four Division I prospects in the Lancers' starting five. But without a win Thursday night against crosstown rival Delran, Holy Cross would be staring at a third-place finish in its star-studded division.
Delran (15-4) recorded a signature win over Willingboro (18-3) on Tuesday night. Both teams sit at 8-1 in the division. Holy Cross (15-6, 6-2) must beat Delran on Thursday and Willingboro next week to claim a share of the division title.
Of course, any loss endured in these games can be rectified in this weekend's SJIBT - even as the tournament games do not count toward division records.
Friday night at Kingsway, fourth-seeded Holy Cross will plays No. 2 Willingboro at 6:30 and No. 1 RV will play No. 3 Delran at 8:15. The championship is set for Sunday at 4 p.m. with a third-place game set for 2 p.m.
