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The New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association spotlight will fall on the cheerleading community Saturday with the 14th annual championship, beginning at 1 p.m. at the University of New Brunswick Saint John campus. This year, it comes with a bit of a twist. For the past five seasons, provincial banners have been awarded in AAA and AA categories but the NBIAA insisted that at least eight schools be registered provincially to have a separate championship. In total, 11 schools registered as there is just one banner up for grabs.

And it would seem that Simonds, in search of its eighth provincial title, will be the favourite, after an unbeaten season, capped by a win at their own meet last month.

The other schools who could contend for top spot are St. Malachy's, Kennebecasis Valley and Saint John High. The other teams include 2007 AA champions St, Stephen, Harbour View, Harrison Trimble, Carleton North, Moncton, Rothesay and Oromocto.

St. Stephen, also hurt by injuries and departures this year, won the AA crown last year but coach Shawna Curran admits the forced jump to one division comes with challenges.

"The girls were a little upset and they are nervous about competing in a different category," Curran said. St. Stephen will bring 12 athletes to the event to face teams that normally carrie 20-25 athletes.

Graduating seniors on the team are Jennifer Carter and Amanda Stanley.

The team struggled a bit at competitions in Carleton North and Oromocto before winning the AA title at an invitational at Simonds several weeks ago. "They were excited about that," said Curran, in her sixth season with the team.

Saturday's performances will be judged by four judges assigned to assess jumps, tumbling, stunts and dance with two other judges who will monitor the routines for technical faults.After the preliminary round, the top four teams will be called back for the final round, beginning at approximately 3 p.m.

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REGIONAL PLAY: Fredericton captured the top seed in the Southwest Regional AAA girls volleyball tournament in Sussex with a 25-10, 25-19 victory over the host team in the final. FHS, Sussex, Saint John, Kennebecasis Valley and Leo Hayes of Fredericton all advance to the provincial tournament next week. The Northeast girls AAA regional goes today at Clement Cormier.

Provincial championships are slated for Simonds (AAA girls), St. Malachy's and Saint John (sharing AAA boys), Dalhousie (AA boys), John Caldwell (AA girls), Minto (A boys) and Chipman (A girls). All tournaments open May 16 and conclude May 17.