Togos & Observer both bring up valid points but I think Observer was a little more clear cut with his picks. This time of year, there are plenty of factors that come into play. Are the teams healthy, injuries/illnesses, where is the game being played at and does that team have a quality fan base/6th man, coaching, go to players down the stretch that you can count on, so with that being said, here are my picks.
Dublin over Livermore- Dublin needs to get back on track after running into a nice Foothill team that was ready to play. Dublin is not 100% but with coaching and the healthy players they do, should be enough for a victory.
Foothill @ Cal- McDermott is playing as well as anyone right now but Cal is playing inspired basketball and a lot of credit must go to coach Khoo, his team fights until the end. I am going to pick Foothill, just to many options against a team that doesn't like to play defense. When you let Dougherty score 65 points, you have some serious problems on the defensive side of things. Foothill in a very close one.
Monte Vista @ Dougherty- Both teams are desperate for a win to keep there NCS hopes alive. Dougherty had a bad loss at Cal High while Monte Vista had an expected loss at home to De La Salle. Both team lack that go to player when you need a bucket, Rust has been that player for Monte Vista and Manansala for Dougherty but come crunch time, let's see which one takes over. Coaching will come into play here tonight, both guys can flat out coach. Which team will get a spark from there bench and help there team to victory. My pick is with the Mustangs, Rust & Bortz have to much size for the Wildcats and should be able to pound them on the inside.
De La Salle @ San Ramon- This is the case of one team being way better then the other. San Ramon's guard play must be better then it's been and scoring off the bench. Deely must come in off the bench and be aggressive and Bennett must play 25 plus minutes to pull of the huge upset. Orr & Pratt are the keys for the Spartans so if they can hold those two in check, I think the Wolves can pull off a major upset in Danville tonight. San Ramon at the wire.
Amador @ Granada- I usually go with the home team in close games and match ups but I am going with solid inside play and coaching of Amador Valley. The Dons will find a way to contain Katz and Williams poses a ton of problems for any team and especially a team that hates to play defense. Don's will win but the nice crowd at Granada will energize this team early and often but might not be enough.
