The 2018 D3 NorCal bracket is very solid. Lots of well coached, talented teams. To me, the seedlings don't mean that much, the teams are pretty even from 1-16. Vanden might be the best 16 seed I've ever seen.
I don't know much about Branson but Vanden will have a chance of winning against anyone in this whole bracket. I got them upsetting Branson, 16 beats the 1 seed. Vanden 79 Branson 75.
Oakland Tech 61 Valley Christian 56
Haven't seen these teams play in person but Oakland Tech plays tough and fast, and they are on a roll right now. 9 upsets 8.
Rio Americano 65 HMB 62
Have to pick a Sac team on this one. Rio is not a team you want to play first round. Lots of size and skill, and very well coached. I think if they will be able to shut down 12/13 from HMB, they will take the win. Either way, upset city so far. 12 seed beats 5.
Central Catholic 59 Monterey 51
Monterey is a good basketball team. Saw them play over summer. They have gotten much better since. I think CC with Hamilton is just too much in this one and will outlast Monterey. 4 beats 13.
University 74 Patterson 63
Think this one will be a fun game to watch and a good matchup. University extremely talented and plays well together. Patterson almost pulled off an upset against CC in the SJS semis so don't be surprised to see a good game here. 3 beats 14.
Foothill 71 Mission 70
This is the game I would probably go to if I had to choose one in this opening round. Mission defending state champs who graduated a lot of seniors have returned and done pretty well this season. However, I think Foothill senior guard Thurman Knowles will lead them to an upset victory. Extremely talented guard and tremendous leader. This team plays very well together.
11 upsets 6 seed.
Beyer 65 Sanger 58
Beyer will bounce back after a tough section title game loss. This team is backed by seniors, led by Senior guard and multi-sport athlete Ben Polack. Beyer plays with an edge and they don't fold under pressure, they don't seem to be afraid of any opponent and they are battle tested with lots of tough games this year. Look for a good game. 10 beats 7.
Pleasant Valley 78 Drake 59
PV all the way in this one. Damn good team led by 6'5 senior Kevin Kremer. Should handle their first round easily.
I don't know much about Branson but Vanden will have a chance of winning against anyone in this whole bracket. I got them upsetting Branson, 16 beats the 1 seed. Vanden 79 Branson 75.
Oakland Tech 61 Valley Christian 56
Haven't seen these teams play in person but Oakland Tech plays tough and fast, and they are on a roll right now. 9 upsets 8.
Rio Americano 65 HMB 62
Have to pick a Sac team on this one. Rio is not a team you want to play first round. Lots of size and skill, and very well coached. I think if they will be able to shut down 12/13 from HMB, they will take the win. Either way, upset city so far. 12 seed beats 5.
Central Catholic 59 Monterey 51
Monterey is a good basketball team. Saw them play over summer. They have gotten much better since. I think CC with Hamilton is just too much in this one and will outlast Monterey. 4 beats 13.
University 74 Patterson 63
Think this one will be a fun game to watch and a good matchup. University extremely talented and plays well together. Patterson almost pulled off an upset against CC in the SJS semis so don't be surprised to see a good game here. 3 beats 14.
Foothill 71 Mission 70
This is the game I would probably go to if I had to choose one in this opening round. Mission defending state champs who graduated a lot of seniors have returned and done pretty well this season. However, I think Foothill senior guard Thurman Knowles will lead them to an upset victory. Extremely talented guard and tremendous leader. This team plays very well together.
11 upsets 6 seed.
Beyer 65 Sanger 58
Beyer will bounce back after a tough section title game loss. This team is backed by seniors, led by Senior guard and multi-sport athlete Ben Polack. Beyer plays with an edge and they don't fold under pressure, they don't seem to be afraid of any opponent and they are battle tested with lots of tough games this year. Look for a good game. 10 beats 7.
Pleasant Valley 78 Drake 59
PV all the way in this one. Damn good team led by 6'5 senior Kevin Kremer. Should handle their first round easily.