WAKEFIELD—No. 3 seeded Tidewater Academy boys’ basketball team got a bye in the first round of the Division III Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association State Tournament.

The Warriors at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, will host either Fuqua or Banner Christian in the quarterfinals in hopes of defending its state title.

Tidewater Coach Walter Westbrook said he expects a tough battle from either team.

“They ave very good, very fast,” Westbrook said. “When you get to this time of the year, there’s no easy teams.”

Tidewater split with Fuqua during the regular season and has not played Banner Christian this year.

Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg is ranked No. 1 in the state and Williamsburg Christian is No. 2.

In related matters, Tidewater placed second in the Virginia Commonwealth Conference Tournament after losing 47-32 to Steward School on Saturday.