Every shot, every loose ball, every rebound, every dribble of the basketball takes on new meaning as March approaches.

Especially for the seniors.

“Our girls just had their senior night, and it was very emotional,” said Souhegan senior guard Andersen Greffard. “I know ours is coming up, it’s going to be another very emotional night. I know it is going to be for me, definitely.”

Greffard, like many seniors, is constantly looking at the schedule, fearing the end of his high school basketball career as it nears.

Fortunately for the Sabers, and the Milford High Spartans, the playoffs in Division II await.

“Coach says if we win two of the last three, there’s a chance we can get a home playoff game,” said Greffard. “One more chance to play in our gym, that would be huge. We have to get it first.”

It remains a very heart-felt time for many. Jamie Parie of Milford looked a bit like a lost puppy following the Tuesday night Spartans’ loss at Windham.

The savvy veteran of many varsity wars, Pare knew he and his mates let a darn good opportunity for a win slip through their grasp.

Losses in February sting deeply, especially for the seniors.

“This one didn’t help, but I know we’ll bounce back,” said Pare, who at least can look to the baseball season with the Spartans this spring, once hoop is over.

“Being a senior, you do feel it. My time is running out here. The (upcoming) playoffs are huge. I know we’ll practice harder. There are a bunch of teams in the mix. So are we.

“It’s anybody’s tournament, and we can definitely make a run at it.”

Pare and the Spartans hit Friday night at 8-7. just as Greffard and the Sabers do.

The Souhegan floor general is confident in his club, too.

“We think we can compete with any team in Division II,” said Greffard, an All-Division II safety for Souhegan in football.

“Everyone says that Kearsarge is the team. We played them tough right to the final 30 seconds. Right now, all we care about is getting wins and finding a way to keep this thing going.”

One key for Souhegan down the stretch will be freshman Matt McCool, who has missed the last two games with an injury.

“He told us he could be back by Friday, so that’s good news,” said Greffard. The even better news is that Souhegan has only three regular season games remaining with the finale at home on March 1.