After a quarterfinal which featured few games decided by single-digits - the thriller between Salinas and Alisal as one of those exceptions - things figure to get a lot more tense this week for the semifinals and championship games. Right now, we take a look at the semifinal match-ups in each division.
Open Division
No. 7 Mitty (10-15) vs. No. 3 Palo Alto (23-2), Tuesday, 5:30 pm @ Independence HS
There will be no shortage of talent on the floor when the Monarchs and Vikings kick off the Open Division semifinals. Yes, Riley Grigsby and Max Dorward are verifiable stars, but what puts these teams over the edge is their supporting talent. Devan Sapp, Joseph Vaughn and Hekili Jordan have all been tremendous for Mitty, while Palo Alto has gotten huge contributions from Spencer Rojahn, Bryant Jefferson and Jared Wulbrun. Though Jordan and Wulbrun typically come off the bench, both will likely have a major impact on Tuesday.
No. 4 St. Francis (19-6) vs. No. 1 Bellarmine (22-3), Tuesday, 7:30 pm @ Independence HS
For the third year in a row, the two rivals will meet for a third time. St. Francis will look to make this one different by avoiding a season sweep, something that’s happened each of the last two years. The Lancers won all three in 2016, and all three went to the Bells last year. Considering that Bellarmine torched them for 84 points two weeks ago, it certainly helps that the Lancers are coming off their best defensive performance of the year, holding Sequoia to 39 points.
Division I
No. 5 Salinas (17-9) at No. 1 Piedmont Hills (23-2), Wednesday, 5:30 pm
No matter how many points get put up in this one, it would be surprising to see any individual player post more than 15-20 considering the balanced nature of both teams. One thing that may work to the Pirates’ advantage is that Salinas didn’t see them at their best when scouting on Saturday.
No. 6 Los Altos (17-9) vs. No. 2 Los Gatos (19-6), Wednesday, 7:30 pm @ Piedmont Hills HS
If Los Altos is going to turn the tables after losing the first two meetings, Nolan Brennan is going to need to be a big part of it. The senior scored 14 in Saturday’s win over Menlo-Atherton, and he’ll need to have another strong night against Dylan Belquist and Alex Braken-Guelke.
Division II
No. 5 Gunn (16-9) vs. No. 1 Valley Christian (12-13), Tuesday, 5:30 pm @ Aragon HS
Facing a WCAL team brings challenges unlike any other opponent, so it’s a good thing Gunn has some WCAL experience Bellarmine transfer Brendan Mora. He scored 32 in Saturday’s win over Willow Glen and has experience against the defensive pressure and execution that Valley Christian and the rest of the league’s teams boast.
No. 2 Leigh (14-11) at No. 3 Aragon (15-9), Tuesday, 7:30 pm
Considering Leigh’s high-scoring nature and San Manu’s offensive ability, it would be easy to expect a high-scoring game. However, two of the Dons’ biggest wins were defensive battles (45-44 over Menlo-Atherton and 46-40 over Mills), and Aragon allowed just 39 in Saturday’s quarterfinal victory over Leland.
Division III
No. 4 Monterey (18-7) vs. No. 1 Sacred Heart Cathedral (14-11), Wednesday, 5:30 pm @ St. Ignatius
Last year, Monterey cracked the code and took down a WCAL opponent with a quarterfinal win over Riordan. With a quartet of experienced players from last year’s championship team, headlined by Tahjae Ordonio, it’s certainly possible that the Toreadores have the composure and firepower to do it again. Still, they’ll have to keep up with Bryce Monroe, E.J. Neal and Elijah Flowers.
No. 3 Mills (21-6) vs. No. 2 Riordan (14-11), Wednesday, 7:30 pm @ St. Ignatius
One of the most highly-anticipated potential matchups when brackets were released, the Vikings and Crusaders will meet with a trip to the state tournament on the line. Riordan is looking to end a one-year hiatus, while Mills is looking to reach the tournament and a section championship game for the first time in program history.
Division IV
No. 3 Jefferson (21-7) vs. No. 2 Santa Cruz (23-4), Tuesday, 5:30 pm @ Hartnell College
Slowing down Max DeHart and the Santa Cruz offense is no easy task, but Jefferson is certainly a team with the skills to do it. Daniel Benjamin and Marquez Costiniano headline a Grizzlies’ defense that will look to reach the state tournament for the first time in 30 years. However, even a good defensive game may not be enough to stop the Cardinals. Santa Cruz has won low-scoring games, including a 47-44 triumph over Aptos to open league play.
No. 4 Carmel (19-6) vs. No. 1 Half Moon Bay (22-4), Tuesday, 7:30 pm @ Hartnell College
Kai Lee, J.T. Byrne and the rest of the Padres will have a difficult task in front of them as they try to make up for the 16-point loss that Half Moon Bay dealt Carmel at the start of the month. Gavin Tomberlin has been huge for HMB as of late, including five 3-pointers in Saturday’s quarterfinal win over Palma.
Division V
No. 1 St. Francis SCP (21-6) at No. 4 Pinewood (13-11), Wednesday, 5:30 pm
These two teams couldn’t be coming off more opposite games. St. Francis SCP barely escaped Nueva in overtime, while Pinewood blasted Alma Heights. If the Panthers can utilize their home-court advantage, they may be joining the nationally ranked girls’ team in the state tournament.
No. 3 Eastside College Prep (18-7) vs. #2 Woodside Priory (15-10), Wednesday 7:30 pm @ Pinewood School
Woodside Priory took both regular-season meetings by three points, with the latter being decided in overtime. This one should go down to the wire as well, with even more on the line. Woodside Priory has won 13 straight meetings, including the 2016 Division V Championship.
