I'll start...
Open: Sheldon takes on Sierra Canyon.
I'm sure most casual fans think Sierra will run away with it, but not so fast... Sheldon backs down from nobody, and will give 'em everything they have. Still, I think all that uber-talent from La-La-Land will finally pull it out... I'll go 67-62 Sierra Canyon (whilst hoping the opposite comes true).
D1: Las Lomas vs. Chino Hills. (Still with a Ball, but no LaVar!)
On Saturday, Las Lomas showed the world that a speed team that depends on the 3-ball can find a way to win in the 40's while not hitting said 3-balls. What they didn't get to show was how they might handle the presence of a beastly 6'9" swat machine named Okongwu... Only game I've spotted where they faced an inside intimidator, they lost (to St. Patrick's St Vincent). So, as much as I'd like to see the Knights get the banner, I have to go with Chino Hills. Has more blowout potential than the Open game, but I'll go Chino 71-59.
D2: Alameda v. Crossroads of O'Neal, er, Santa Monica
Alameda's bigs have enjoyed a nice size advantage throughout the year, but not so much here. Crossroads is athletic but kinda wild and streetball-ish, not always taking advantage of their size, not really pounding it down low to their big man all that much (at least not in the one game I've seen online). I'll go with Alameda to get the slight upset, 56-53.
D3: Pleasant Valley v. Notre Dame (sans "Touchdown Jesus").
I've watched PV play online, and wish I'd seen 'em in-person before now. Tremendous team to watch! I watched their opponent online today and wasn't overly impressed... Good-not-great team. I'll take PV here, 62-54.
D4: Stuart Hall vs. View Park (LA City Section's only team to make Sac this year)
Looked at the start of the year that this would be a rebuild year for The Hall, but they've gotten better and better as the season progressed, due especially to freshman Nigel Burris, but with plenty of help from junior PG Miles Amos and a solid supporting cast. Well-coached bunch came from 17 down on the road to win NorCals. View Park split with Crenshaw and also has a freshman starter. I'll call the Hall finishing a storybook season in style, topping View Park 56-51.
D5: Argonaut faces Santa Clarita Christian
Santa Clarita has quite a bit of size, going 6'9", 6'7", 6'6". But they don't appear all that athletic or fast, as least not on a not-so-good online feed. Argonaut is just the opposite, not appearing to have much size (though sizes not listed anywhere I can see), but fast and skilled. Besides, Santa Clarita lost to a below-average El Cerrito team. Gotta go with Argonaut here. 68-55.
Open: Sheldon takes on Sierra Canyon.
I'm sure most casual fans think Sierra will run away with it, but not so fast... Sheldon backs down from nobody, and will give 'em everything they have. Still, I think all that uber-talent from La-La-Land will finally pull it out... I'll go 67-62 Sierra Canyon (whilst hoping the opposite comes true).
D1: Las Lomas vs. Chino Hills. (Still with a Ball, but no LaVar!)
On Saturday, Las Lomas showed the world that a speed team that depends on the 3-ball can find a way to win in the 40's while not hitting said 3-balls. What they didn't get to show was how they might handle the presence of a beastly 6'9" swat machine named Okongwu... Only game I've spotted where they faced an inside intimidator, they lost (to St. Patrick's St Vincent). So, as much as I'd like to see the Knights get the banner, I have to go with Chino Hills. Has more blowout potential than the Open game, but I'll go Chino 71-59.
D2: Alameda v. Crossroads of O'Neal, er, Santa Monica
Alameda's bigs have enjoyed a nice size advantage throughout the year, but not so much here. Crossroads is athletic but kinda wild and streetball-ish, not always taking advantage of their size, not really pounding it down low to their big man all that much (at least not in the one game I've seen online). I'll go with Alameda to get the slight upset, 56-53.
D3: Pleasant Valley v. Notre Dame (sans "Touchdown Jesus").
I've watched PV play online, and wish I'd seen 'em in-person before now. Tremendous team to watch! I watched their opponent online today and wasn't overly impressed... Good-not-great team. I'll take PV here, 62-54.
D4: Stuart Hall vs. View Park (LA City Section's only team to make Sac this year)
Looked at the start of the year that this would be a rebuild year for The Hall, but they've gotten better and better as the season progressed, due especially to freshman Nigel Burris, but with plenty of help from junior PG Miles Amos and a solid supporting cast. Well-coached bunch came from 17 down on the road to win NorCals. View Park split with Crenshaw and also has a freshman starter. I'll call the Hall finishing a storybook season in style, topping View Park 56-51.
D5: Argonaut faces Santa Clarita Christian
Santa Clarita has quite a bit of size, going 6'9", 6'7", 6'6". But they don't appear all that athletic or fast, as least not on a not-so-good online feed. Argonaut is just the opposite, not appearing to have much size (though sizes not listed anywhere I can see), but fast and skilled. Besides, Santa Clarita lost to a below-average El Cerrito team. Gotta go with Argonaut here. 68-55.
