Cinderella has officially arrived at the OCAA Men’s Basketball Championship and the glass slipper might just fit.

The Algoma Thunderbirds quietly waltzed thought the 2007-08 OCAA season with few taking notice of their abilities, but when the team from a school of 957 students takes to the floor to contest the provincial championship versus the Sheridan Bruins today, they will be anything but quiet.

The Thunderbirds have displayed a distinct swagger while in Hamilton, quite possibly because of the play of veteran guard Robbie Green and his shooting talents, or because of the exceptional team play they have demonstrated. But, more likely, it is because they have the championship match-up they were looking for… the top ranked Sheridan Bruins.

Crazy? Maybe. But the two teams have a score to settle and a provincial championship title game is only fitting. Algoma is one of only two teams to defeat the mighty Bruins this season, taming the GTA school 82-76 in Sault Ste. Marie in their first meeting. One month later, the Bruins showed that kicking a sleep bear is not always a wise idea, returning the favour and evening the series score at one game a piece with a 81-71 victory in Brampton.

Tonight all bets will be off. The two teams will square off at 6:00 pm in their quest for gold and a place in the National Championship tournament. With each team well aware of what each will bring… it is safe to say the pumpkin patch might not be ready for picking quite yet.