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NorCal Open Semifinals - Saturday

jordan24

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Feb 12, 2002
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NorCal Open Semis are set for this Saturday. Who you got?
  • #4 Salesian @ #1 Archbishop Riordan
  • #3 Folsom @ #2 De La Salle
 
If Blair isn’t available go with Folsom. They are playing great now and don’t know if De la has enough without Blair.

Salesian plays great team Basketball and has a fighters chance. If they bait Rencher into taking some bad shots which i’ve watched I like their chances but will be a tall order.
 
I like Riordan if Rencher plays under control and doesn't try to single-handedly take Salesian down. Last year's Open final vs Salesian he played his worst game of the year and I dont believe he scored. The Forum will be rocking / filled to the rafters no doubt.

If Blair isn't playing then I'd have to favor Folsom but if Blair is playing at 75% then I think DLS will beat them down and win by 10-15 points.
 
If Blair isn’t available go with Folsom. They are playing great now and don’t know if De la has enough without Blair.

Salesian plays great team Basketball and has a fighters chance. If they bait Rencher into taking some bad shots which i’ve watched I like their chances but will be a tall order.
As usual, most posters are focusing on the offensive side of the ball, ThR defense is stifling this year,… and their is the difference from last year.

#GetYourButterPopcorn&SeatEarly
 
As usual, most posters are focusing on the offensive side of the ball, ThR defense is stifling this year,… and their is the difference from last year.

#GetYourButterPopcorn&SeatEarly
Coach Mellis has his team playing defense EVERY year / EVERY game so we'll see if Riordan handles their pressure better this year than last year. DLS also known for their defense.
 
If Blair isn’t available go with Folsom. They are playing great now and don’t know if De la has enough without Blair.

Salesian plays great team Basketball and has a fighters chance. If they bait Rencher into taking some bad shots which i’ve watched I like their chances but will be a tall order.
From what I understand, Blair is practicing and should be good to go for Saturday night.
 
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Wow, that Blair kid is tough!

I was there at DLS when he injured his knee last season... Looked REAL bad! They helped him to the trainer's table and worked on the knee. But not too long later, he was back on the bench, wanting to get back in the game... Coach (and trainers, I'd guess) refused. I think this was the game that knocked DLS out...

The trainers were right; Alec missed about 3-4 weeks of baseball, so the injury was at least somewhat serious.
 
Coach Mellis has his team playing defense EVERY year / EVERY game so we'll see if Riordan handles their pressure better this year than last year. DLS also known for their defense.
Riordan's height and length on defense will also be a factor, just like DLS. Nothing easy down low.
 
DLS/Riordan at the Crusader is going to be one for the ages

Really lucky we get to see Riordan play Salesian, and then most likely DLS
 
I am Not going to debate Coach Mellis’ ability to coach up a team. His success & the consistency of Salesian speaks for it self. However it seems this year, he is Punching Up in every Category.

It’s hard to objectively argue with National, State, Sectional and even Local Rankings when they are consistently favored one way. Of course there is a “Punchers Chase” as someone very wisely articulated, but it would have to be the worst game TheR played all season. It seems that havent had to many of those this year.

The horses aren’t there for Salesian and TheR’s game approach changed. IMHO last year the approach was to out score their opponents, this year is an evolution of Stifling defensively & game planning offensively either their depth, talent & size.

#FrontRowSeatsHighlyRecomended.
 
Folsom plays pressure defense very well.
DLS will have to stop the Folsom 3-point attack, man can they shoot.
Spartans knocked down a very Talented Salesian squad just last week.
Salesian will press all game and have such a knack for where the ball is going.
Riordan has all of the pressure; they received #1 seed and are expected to win.
Crusaders if they get through the Pride easily might show us all how gifted this 2025 team is!

Final 4 here we go!!
 
I am Not going to debate Coach Mellis’ ability to coach up a team. His success & the consistency of Salesian speaks for it self. However it seems this year, he is Punching Up in every Category.

It’s hard to objectively argue with National, State, Sectional and even Local Rankings when they are consistently favored one way. Of course there is a “Punchers Chase” as someone very wisely articulated, but it would have to be the worst game TheR played all season. It seems that havent had to many of those this year.

The horses aren’t there for Salesian and TheR’s game approach changed. IMHO last year the approach was to out score their opponents, this year is an evolution of Stifling defensively & game planning offensively either their depth, talent & size.

#FrontRowSeatsHighlyRecomended.
“The horses aren’t there for Salesian”???
Salesian was up 2 with a minute left @ Gridley. Turnover. 2 missed FT’s up 2 with 25 seconds left. Down 1 and missed 2FT’s with a second left. If it’s close again I’m taking Mellis all day. Riordan hasn’t had a close game since December.
 
This is not the same Riordan team from December. After their transfers became eligible in January they all have been playing great defense and cohesively.
 
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