It's hard not to get overly enthused about what Mission is doing. The Bears can become the first AAA public school to win a state hoops title. They are one victory away. Only Villa Park stands in their way. Without a whole lot of hype or respect (no surprise since the AAA is not one of the state's strongest leagues by any means), Mission has remained focused and professional as the playoffs have progressed. The Bears are now 34-1, surely one of the best records in AAA history to this point. It's probably safe to say that they will be prepared and ready for what awaits them in Sacramento in the Division III final. That's been their MO all year. They don't seem fazed by the foe or the moment. We know this much about them: They will compete. Bring it on.
Mission vs. Villa Park
- Thread starter colhenrylives
- Start date
This is looking like an urban version of "Hoosiers." Very cool indeed. Gene Hackman, where are you?
For what it's worth, Mission and Villa Park have one common opponent: San Ramon Valley. Mission beat SRV, 52-34; Villa Park did so, 84-57. Make of that what you will. Villa Park, an Orange County outfit, is 27-6. So who's favored on Friday? Unclear.
To be more specific on the state title games, they will be held at the new Golden 1 Center.
I haven't been there, but it *has* to be better than Arco Barn, hopefully LOTS better.
I haven't been there, but it *has* to be better than Arco Barn, hopefully LOTS better.
Harris was still out against SRV because of his shoulder injury, which appened on Turkey game.
I've seeen Mission play 6 times this year. The team has ascended in each game. Which has mirrored the ascension of their best player, Harris. Didn't think he was a good shooter. Boy, he proved me wrong last night. Whatever Mission needs, he gives. In the second half at SI, they needed scoring and someone to shut down Trammel. He did both. Nothing fazes this kid. He has the perfect expression on his face, while he plays. Never to high never to low. He Epitomizes a floor leader. I knew this team was better than 2 years ago, so I figured they would at least get to the semifinals. But, winning NorCal was something I didn't see coming. Harris will and composure leads me to believe they will win State! He is a rare player! City's got a Jem. He will be playing D1 in a couple of years
I've seeen Mission play 6 times this year. The team has ascended in each game. Which has mirrored the ascension of their best player, Harris. Didn't think he was a good shooter. Boy, he proved me wrong last night. Whatever Mission needs, he gives. In the second half at SI, they needed scoring and someone to shut down Trammel. He did both. Nothing fazes this kid. He has the perfect expression on his face, while he plays. Never to high never to low. He Epitomizes a floor leader. I knew this team was better than 2 years ago, so I figured they would at least get to the semifinals. But, winning NorCal was something I didn't see coming. Harris will and composure leads me to believe they will win State! He is a rare player! City's got a Jem. He will be playing D1 in a couple of years
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Great story for the Mission Bears. Anything is possible.
Villa Park's backcourt is very good. Myles Franklin 6"4 going to Northeastern and 6"6 Soph Julien Franklin is a big time D1 prospect. They lost to campo earlier in the year so its not like they aren't beatable. I would not be surprised if Mission takes the D3 crown.
Villa Park's backcourt is very good. Myles Franklin 6"4 going to Northeastern and 6"6 Soph Julien Franklin is a big time D1 prospect. They lost to campo earlier in the year so its not like they aren't beatable. I would not be surprised if Mission takes the D3 crown.
It is 100 times better. It is a first class venue. You will love it.
The only think G1 and Arco have in common is they are in sacramento. Arco needs a grenade launched at it. G1 has first class.
Given the long history of the AAA, it would not be out of line to suggest that, in some important ways, Mission will be playing for a state title for more than just the school, its students, staff and alumni and the AAA _ which has not been a state championship factor in any sport for quite some time. It will also be representing the city itself and all of those former AAA basketball players who never got a CIF ring. It sounds corny but it's probably not that far off the mark. There is quite a lot riding on the shoulders of the Bears this week. They appear to be up for the challenge. They have come this far. They have one more hurdle to overcome.
Here's some AAA hoops trivia for you: It's been 50 years since two of the best public school big men in the league's history played against one another before matriculating to Bay Area colleges. Both were about 6-9 and heavily recruited. Who were they and which high schools did they attend?
So if Mission wins, does Disney buy the rights to make the movie
So if Mission wins, does Disney buy the rights to make the movie
Yes. It will be called "Son of Hoosiers."
Trivia answer: Mike Stewart (Poly) and Ansley Truitt (Wilson). Note that both schools are long-gone. Stewart was a collegiate standout at Santa Clara; Wilson starred at Cal.
The prep confrontations between those two outstanding 6-9 pivots were epic and never duplicated in the AAA again.
1969 was year Sacred Heart beat Wilson in AAA championship with a riot on the floor after the game. Great fight as fights go. The main reason SH left for WCAL the next year
The decline of the AAA probably began in earnest when SI, then SH, departed for the WCAL.
Rooting hard for Mission but I'm afraid this one might get out of hand. I heard Villa park moves well without the ball and gives it 110%, one hundred percent of the time!
Wouldn't that have been in 1968? I'm just saying since Woodrow Wilson featuring Truitt beat Berkeley High and Phil Chenier in their senior year for the '68 TOC title.
Villa Park coach saying something like "Mission is similar to Colony, maybe not as offensively talented, but they are a pressure defense team."
For Mission to win, they have to force turnovers, run and get open shots. Villa Park seems like they take their share of outside shots which will be good for Mission if they miss. If the game slows down, It'll be interesting to see if Villa Park tries to take advantage of their height.
Logic says Vila Park should win. But I'll take Mission just because......ROFL
You can never overlook an opponent, especially in a game of this magnitude! I'm not gonna jump to any conclusions, but if that quote in any way indicates they are taking Mission lightly, VP may be in trouble then! Sometimes those Socal teams can get a little overconfident.
Grade A: The reviews from the Golden 1 Center were golden. The two-day attendance total was 20,135, including 13,107 on Saturday. That was up almost 7,000 fans overall from the two days last season at Sleep Train Arena.
Fans enjoyed the huge, high-definition scoreboard with replays, and the atmosphere for all the games was generally electric.
Fans enjoyed the huge, high-definition scoreboard with replays, and the atmosphere for all the games was generally electric.
