Alright Folks....The Semi-Finals are here and only one game has yet to be played (Thanks Urban). Here they are:
D1
San Leandro @ De La Salle (2/20 7:30PM) - This should be an awesome game, and a defensive battle for the ages. Keshad Johnson probably facing his stiffest challenge yet, but this one should be a darn good one.
James Logan @ Dublin (2/20 7PM) - A Gridley Rematch! Two Top 25 teams battle it out and I see a more offense-oriented game in this one. Logan seems to rely on their athleticism, and they are going to have trouble if they try to go one-on-one with any of the Dublin players, especially Robby Beasley. In December, Dublin won 72-60....I picture this game being a little closer.
D2
Redwood @ Bishop O'Dowd (2/20 7PM) - O'Dowd will be favored in this one, but I think Redwood will give them a good fight. O'Dowd has only lost two games against California teams. Once to San Leandro, Once to Salesians. Redwood's only losses recently have come at the hands of Branson.
Las Lomas @ Moreau Catholic (2/20 7PM) - Last years Las Lomas team had a very special run. People saw that one coming. No one saw Las Lomas taking two games against higher ranked opponents. Before getting their NCS bid Lomas lost 6 out of 7 games. MC's only two losses outside of the Bay Area were to James Logan. MC the better team, but Las Lomas is extremely hot right now!
D3
Salesians vs. SJND (@ Albany HS 2/20 7PM) - I don't know why Salesian's isn't playing at their gym for this one, but SJND should be happy with this location. Salesian's is arguably the best basketball team in the Country, and unarguably the best team in Northern California. SJND is led by one of the best coaches in the entire bay area, Don Lippi. I think SJND is going to put up a good fight in this game, and anyone who gets to witness this one, will be witnessing basketball poetry in motion!
SPSV @ Campolindo (2/20 7PM) - SPSV has been able to survive without their star center Dishon Jackson for this long. Unfortunately Campolindo isn't Ranco Cotate or Miramonte. SPSV beat Campo by 2 when they met at the MLK Classic, this is an awesome revenge game and it needs to be said the D3 bracket is pretty darn entertaining.
D4
Piedmont vs. Branson (College of Marin 2/20 7PM) - Branson has won 24 games in a row. There have been a ton of really good Branson teams, maybe this one is the best version. Their defense is suffocating, they play smart basketball and always have a solid game plan. Piedmont has had a great season, but Branson has a HUGE edge in this game.
Saint Mary's @ Fortuna (2/20 7PM) - A great game between two teams, who are going to give it their all for a shot at Branson. Fortuna's only loss this year came to Menlo-Atherton, while Saint Mary's has had a solid season, and is well deserving of a 3-seed. Fortuna has a huge edge with homecourt, and Saint Mary's will be making the longest trip to the Semi-Finals with a 4-hour long bus ride there, and another 4-hours back.
D5
WILL DO WRITE UP WHEN FINAL GAME IS PLAYED MONDAY