The varsity boys basketball team will play the Hereford Whitefaces in their final district game 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Hereford. The game will determine the second place team in District 3-5A.

The Eagles currently have a win-loss record of 5-4, tied with Hereford for second place in district. Hereford’s most recent game was a loss to first-ranked Palo Duro Feb. 12, while Canyon defeated Dumas with a final score of 69-59.

“I thought we started off very strong but in the second quarter we had a little struggle,” junior Dakota Puga said. “After halftime we played very well.”

With the defeat of Dumas, the Eagles secured a playoff spot, but the game against Hereford will determine which team they will face in the first round.

“It is very crucial to win this game,” Puga said. “If we do, it will make it easier in playoffs.”

The playoffs are structured so that the lowest ranking teams play the highest ranking teams, while mid-range teams play each other.

“If we win, we get to play a team with a lower record, and if we lose, we will probably end up playing Plainview,” junior Dayne Douglas said. “Coach always says it is not about knowing you will win but how you will win.”

Canyon has played Hereford once this season and lost 63-61 in overtime. Douglas said the team had felt intimidated by Hereford going into the game because of their size, but they are far more prepared now.

“We have already gotten so much better,” Douglas said. “We are becoming who we are supposed to be, and I think we will pull it out. It is going to take a lot of work, but I believe in us.”