Going into the MAIS AA state tournament, both the Trinity Episcopal boys and girls basketball teams are after the same goal.

Last Saturday, both squads secured the regional No. 1 seed in the South State tournament, each receiving a first-round bye on the hunt for a state title.

Tipoff will be at 5:15 p.m. for the girls and 6:30 p.m. for the boys today at Winona Christian Academy.

Boys coach Andy Blair said based on the way his team plays with its speed and quickness, the bye is a huge benefit.

“We are just trying to get the kids rest,” he said. “We have to be at 100 percent.”

The boys will face Canton Academy, and Blair said he was fortunate for the chance to see what the Saints will be up against.

“The beautiful thing about the state (tournament) is that they don’t know about us, and we don’t know about them,” he said. “We might have a trick or two up our sleeve.”

Trinity girls coach Fay Minor said her squad is eager for the opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage.

“We’re all excited,” she said. “The girls have been working hard, and we’re looking forward to maintaining what we’ve got going.”

The Lady Saints will also be matched up against Canton. After the Lady Panthers’ 38-37 win over Winona on Tuesday, Minor said she expects Canton to pose a stern test on at least one side of the floor.

“They have a good defense,” Minor said. “What we’re focused on is how our offense is going to attack their defense.”

To round out the talent, David Jackson, D’Asia Mitchell and Jasmine Ivory earned All-Star honors at the South State tournament.

“To see (David) who works hard and wants it so bad is what coaching is all about,” Blair said.