The Waratah Championship Men's semi-final will pit two long-time teammates on the sidelines when the Norths Bears take on Sutherland at Maitland on Saturday.

Norths will be led by former 399 game NBL star Ben Knight, while former Kings teammate and sharpshooter BJ Carter will walk the coaches box for the young Sharks outfit.

Both respected figures in Sydney basketball and the clash of the two coaches will be just one of the intriguing battles as the teams search for the win and a chance to play off for the championship on Sunday.

The two teams split their regular season games and with reigning league MVP Jarrad Weeks missing, this one is set to be a tightly contested, defensive battle.

Norths will be looking to cover for the loss of Weeks by committee, with championship guards Nic Blair & James MacCann sure to step up and versatile forward Erik Dorbek another who will be required to provide some scoring.

Up front, power forward Tom Garlepp has been a model of consistency and his big game experience will be absolutely crucial for the Bears.

For the Sharks, high scoring guard Daniel Sepokas has enjoyed an All-star calibre season and he will be the player Norths will look to shut down to limit the Sharks high powered offence.

Norths mentor Ben Knight said the team was looking forward to the challenge of their third consecutive trip to the Final Four.

"Play-offs is why you start pre-season back in December and work hard during the year, so the group is looking forward to getting back to Maitland this weekend," he said.

"It's always a challenge when you lose key players, but we have plenty of play-off & championship experience and the players have been working hard in the last month to prepare.

"Sutherland is well coached and plays hard, so it will be a terrific contest and we'll have to be at our best."

First year coach Natalie Stafford finds herself in the Final Four after a strong quarter final win last week over Newcastle, with the Bears set to take on an experienced Hills outfit.

Stafford has juggled the player-coach role this season and is likely to hit the hardwood against the Hornets as Norths search for their first ever Waratah championship game.

Former WNBL star Renae Garlepp has enjoyed a MVP calibre season and her blistering 33 point performance against Newcastle set up the quarter final win and she will again be the focal point of the Bears offence.

Captain and point guard Nicole How was another to step up last week and her recent experience over the northern summer with the Great Britain national team will be valuable against her former club.

Stafford said her team had overcome plenty of hurdles en route the finals.

"The girls have done a great job of handling adversity this season, having to play so many games without a full strength team," she said.

"Different players have stepped up in different games and I feel this makes us a very strong team, particularly the way Renae is playing.

"We are looking forward to playing a very tough & experienced Hills outfit and pleased to be playing play-off basketball again.

Minor premiers Norths will enter their third consecutive final four under experienced mentor Dennis Emery and will enter the weekend full of confidence after a consistent regular season.

Like their senior counterparts, the Bears will have key players missing with Chris Johnstone & Dan Young in the USA commencing their collegiate careers.

While those two will be sorely missed against the Sydney Comets, the depth and finals experience of the young Norths game is set to more than cover those unavailabilities.

Long term Bears Darcy Emery & Dan Jones have played a host of big finals at junior and Youth League level and they will be keys for the minor premiers.

Another big key will be the coach, with Dennis Emery having won state and national championships at junior level and been the most successful coach in the Youth League in terms of win/loss records in the last three years.

Bears fans can follow all the action from the finals weekend at www.nswbasketball.net.au all weekend, with the Championship games available on LiveStats.