This week has a chance for heartwarming victories or heartbreak losses for basketball teams in the Class 3A, 2A and 1A ranks.

After all, Valentine’s Day is Saturday, Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day or not the postseason push is on.

In the CHSAA Selection & Seeding Index, Strasburg (17-1) is No. 1 in Class 3A, followed by Banning Lewis Academy (16-0) and Forge Christian (18-1). Rounding out the Top 5 is Yuma (16-2) and Windsor Charter Academy (15-4).

WCA is coming off a 73-43 win over Highland (8-9) on Tuesday. Dayton Long (20.9 ppg) and Andrew Schams (19.9 ppg) pace WCA offensively.

As for 2A, Simla (13-3), Sanford (16-1), Heritage Christian (12-4), Byers (14-3), and Golden View Classical Academy (17-3) are the Top 5 teams. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, GVCA claimed a narrow 52-48 win over Wiliam Smith. GVCA is fueled on offense by Jacob Walker (17.6 ppg) and Luke Chronowksi (12.9 ppg).

In 1A, McClave (14-2), Nucla (18-0), Cheyenne Wells (17-1), Flatirons Academy (14-2) and Stratton (16-2) are the Top 5. Stratton’s top scorer is Von Isenbart (17.8 ppg).

Class 3A

Englewood (15-6) at Lotus School for Excellence (15-3), 7:30 p.m., Feb. 12

Englewood is No. 25 in the rankings in 4A and needs a win. The Pirates will look to do just that against the Lotus School of Excellence. The Pirates are winners of nine of their last 10 games.

Englewood’s Jonah Singer (16.8 ppg), and Soren Singer (10.9) are the Pirates’ top scorers. The Meteors have won 12 games in a row with their last loss coming to Windsor Charter Academy (59-55) on Dec. 20. Jarious Dicks (22 ppg); Abinabi Goitom (12.6 ppg) and Yai Ayany (11.4 ppg) lead the team in scoring.

Class 2A

Simla (13-3) at McClave (14-2), 3:30 p.m., Feb. 14

This is a crossover game against two great teams. Simla is the No. 1 team in 2A and McClave is No. 1 in 1A.

The Cubs have won 10 games in a row. Their last loss was a 73-72 decision to Peyton Jan. 15. Prior to meeting McClave, Simla must get by Evangel Christian Academy on Thursday. Simla’s offense is fired up by Tatum Kocerha. The junior is pouring in 22.1 ppg. His teammate, sophomore Evan Guy is at 13.6 ppg.

McClave is riding a modest five-game winning streak since losing to Stratton (70-65) on Jan. 24. The Cardinals have a date with Kit Carson (6-10), Friday before clashing with the top-ranked Cubs.

McClave’s offense runs through Tuff Kelley. The junior is scoring 17.3 ppg and he’s grabbing 9.6 rebounds a contest. Senior Mason Barr is also scoring 11.3 ppg for the Cardinals.

Whoever gets this win, will get a boost in their respective rankings as the postseason approaches.

Class 1A

Otis (11-4) at Peetz (13-4), 7 p.m., Feb. 12

This 1A bout will help shape things for the upcoming postseason. Otis is No. 12 in the rankings and has won three games in a row. The Bulldogs would love nothing more than to edge up in the rankings.

Otis has two double-figure scorers in seniors Grady Bechtle (11.8 ppg) and Austin Hornug (10.7 ppg). Peetz will counter with junior Connor Schumacher (12.2 ppg) and senior Rhyder Bayne (12.0 ppg). Peetz, which also has the Bulldog as its mascot, is presently on a six-game winning streak. Peetz last lost to Prairie (53-44) on Jan. 20.