Boys State Basketball Finals Preview

Division I State Final – Westchester vs. McClymonds
Saturday, March 21st at 8:00pm; ARCO Arena

Westchester (34-2, 11-1) – Western League Champions (Tied w/Fairfax), City Division 1 Champions, Southern Region Division 1 Champions

The 2nd ranked team in the country, Westchester comes into Saturday night’s division 1 state final winners of 12 in a row including a 17 point dismantling of the then #2 ranked team in the country M.L. King in the regional final. Defense has been key for the Comets during their 8-0 run through the playoffs, as they’ve held their opponents to just 47 points per game on average. A win on Saturday would bring the Comets their first state championship since the ’04-’05 season.

Road to the State Finals:

1st Round: Westchester 80, Carson 35
Quarterfinals: Westchester 75, Fremont 33
Semi-Finals: Westchester 71, Cleveland 56
Finals: Westchester 60, Taft 55
Regional 1st Round: Westchester 85, Central 51
Regional Quarterfinals: Westchester 65, El Camino 52
Regional Semi-Finals: Westchester 55, Fairfax 54
Regional Finals: Westchester 56, M.L. King 39

McClymonds (29-1, 10-0) –Oakland League Champions, Northern Regional Division 1 Champions

The 20th ranked team in the country, McClymonds is looking to make it back to back state championships after defeating Compton Dominguez last season for the title, 73-54. The Warriors come into Saturday night’s state final winners of 12 in a row dating back to their only loss of the season on January 19th against De La Salle 43-38. Like Westchester, McClymonds gets it done on the defensive end holding their last seven opponents to an average of 45 points per game.

Road to the State Finals:

Regional Quarterfinals: McClymonds 65, Franklin 53
Regional Semi-Finals: McClymonds 58, Newark Memorial 33
Regional Finals: McClymonds 46, Monte Vista 43
___________________________________________________________

Division IV State Final – Bishop Montgomery vs. Salesian
Saturday, March 21st at11:15am; ARCO Arena

Bishop Montgomery (28-4, 7-1) –Del Rey League Champions, CIF Division IVAA Semi-Finalist, Southern Region Division IV Champions

Winners in 10 of their last 11, Bishop enters Saturday’s final as the 34th ranked team in the state. After losing in overtime to Inglewood in the CIF Division IV semi-finals, Bishop has been on a mission to capture the state division IV championship. Relying on a high octane offense that has averaged 76 points per game in the Knights six playoff games, Bishop has only been challenged so far in the playoffs when teams score over 80 points on them (Inglewood 97 and Price 82). Bishop was one and one in those two games and both contests went to overtime. In all of Bishop’s other playoff wins, they have held their opponents to no more than 62 points.

Road to the State Finals

1st Round: BYE
2nd Round: Bishop Montgomery 67, St. Francis 59
Quarterfinals: Bishop Montgomery 58, Atascadero 53
Semi-Finals: Inglewood 97, Bishop Montgomery 93
Regional 1st Round: Bishop Montgomery 71, Kingsburg 62
Regional Semi-Finals: Bishop Montgomery 76, Bakersfield Christian 52
Regional Finals: Bishop Montgomery 85, Price 82 (2OT)

Salesian (30-4, 12-0) – Bay Shore League Champions, BSAL Champions, NCS Champions, Region Division IV Champions

A winner of 15 in a row, Salesian comes into Saturday’s state division IV final ranked 18th in the state. While averaging 69 points per game in their eight playoff victories, Salesian has advanced to the state finals largely due to their defense which is only giving up 53 points per game in that same stretch. In an unusual occurrence, Salesian had to face St. Mary’s three separate times in the playoffs defeating them each time by a score of 69-59, 63-55 and 56-52, respectively.

Road to the State Finals

Semi-Finals BSAL: Salesian 78, St Patrick/St. Vincent 63
Finals BSAL: Salesian 69, St. Mary’s 59
Quarterfinals NCS: Salesian 80, Healdsburg 48
Semi-Finals NCS: Salesian 68, Arcata 51
Finals NCS: Salesian 63, St. Mary’s 55
Regional Quarterfinals: Salesian 65, Christian Brothers 47
Regional Semi-Finals: Salesian 72, Sutter 47
Regional Finals: Salesian 56, St. Mary’s 52

South Bay Baseball Top 10 - 3/16/09

1. Palos Verdes (5-0) – The Sea Kings could not have asked for a better start to the season than five dominating performances capped by a 20-9 trashing of South Torrance in the El Segundo Gold Division championship game. Southlandpreps is most impressed with the fact that the Sea Kings only gave up two runs combined in their first four games.

2. West Torrance (4-1) – After three straight wins to open the season, including a 5-4 victory at El Segundo, the Warriors fell in the El Segundo Blue Division semi-final to eventually runner-up California, 10-2. West only managed to score more than five runs twice in their first five games.

3. El Segundo (3-1) – A tough one run loss to West at home took El Segundo out of the running for the El Segundo tournament title, but it was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect week. Four strong pitching performances that saw no opponent score more than 5 runs bodes well for El Segundo.

4. South Torrance (4-1) - Outside of Saturday’s El Segundo Gold division championship game loss to PV, the Spartans have looked strong to open the ’09 campaign. Three straight shutout wins to start the season and head to head victories over Redondo and Mira Costa puts South up there as an early favorite in the Pioneer league with El Segundo and Torrance.

5. Torrance (4-1) – After a 3-0 start to the season in which Torrance scored at least ten runs in each game, the Tartars could not manage to score a run in their 7-0 loss at PV. 11-5 and 10-1 wins over Narbonne and Banning, respectively, highlighted the week for Torrance.

6. Narbonne (4-1) – After dropping their opener to Torrance 11-5, Narbonne bounced back with four straight wins including two shutouts to finish off the El Segundo Tournament at 4-1. A big week awaits with El Camino Real and Palos Verdes on the docket.

7. Mira Costa (3-2) – A 3-0 start to the season was marred somewhat by two straight four run loses to South Torrance and Gahr. 4-1 Santa Monica is up next for the Mustangs.

8. Peninsula (3-2) – A very promising 3-0 start to the week saw the Panthers drop their next two and finish the week 3-2. While it’s encouraging that the Panthers are scoring 8.4 runs per game, they’re also giving up 7.6.

9. North Torrance (3-1-1) – Two one run victories against marginal competition and a shutout loss at Mira Costa leaves us wondering just how good North is at this early stage of the season. 1-4 Bishop Montgomery and 0-1 Animo Leadership await this week.

10. San Pedro (3-2) – Outside of a 10-0 loss to St. John Bosco, San Pedro had a solid opening to the season including a shutout 6-0 victory against cross-town rival Mary Star. The Pirates will get another shot at Peninsula who they dropped a 7-5 decision to on March.

Bubble: Carson (3-2), Santa Monica (4-1)

Boys Regional Basketball Finals Preview

Division I Regional Final – M.L. King vs. Westchester
Saturday, March 14th at 8:00pm; Pauley Pavilion

M.L. King (30-2, 12-1) – 1st in the VIII League, CIF Division IAA Champions

The “Road to the Regional Finals” listed below tells you everything you need to know about the run M.L King has been on. From league champions (Dominguez, Mater Dei, Tesoro & Taft), to a CIF champion (Tesoro, Division IA) and even the #1 ranked team in the country (Mater Dei), M.L. King has defeated all comers. The last hurdle for M.L. King to complete the regional sweep is the D1 city champion and #3 team in the country, Westchester.

Road to the Regional Finals:

1st Round: M.L King 61, Downey 39
2nd Round: M.L. King 71, Long Beach Wilson 64
Quarterfinals: M.L. King 82, Redlands 62
Semi-Finals: M.L. King 76, Dominguez 70
Finals: M.L. King 71, Mater Dei 56
Regional 1st Round: M.L. King 72, Cleveland 54
Regional Quarterfinals: M.L. King 62, Tesoro 53
Regional Semi-Finals: M.L. King 58, Taft 48

Westchester (33-2, 11-1) – Tied for 1st in the Western League, City D1 Champions

It has been another exceptional season for the Comets who have only been defeated twice in 35 games (Winter Park Florida 60-54 and Fairfax 49-42). In Westchester’s last 10 games, they have won by an average score of 73-49. Not bad when you consider that 10 game stretch includes games against Lincoln (NY), Taft, El Camino and Fairfax. Westchester is clearly no stranger to big games, but, for the first time in a long time, they are the underdogs here.

Road to the Regional Finals:

1st Round: Westchester 80, Carson 35
Quarterfinals: Westchester 75, Fremont 33
Semi-Finals: Westchester 71, Cleveland 56
Finals: Westchester 60, Taft 55
Regional 1st Round: Westchester 85, Central 51
Regional Quarterfinals: Westchester 65, El Camino 52
Regional Semi-Finals: Westchester 55, Fairfax 54
___________________________________________________________

Division IV Regional Final – Price vs. Bishop Montgomery
Saturday, March 14th at 7:00pm; Cal State Fullerton

Price (27-5, 6-0) – 1st in the Harbor League, CIF Division IVA Champions

After a so-so 11-5 start to the season that failed to produce a marquee win for the Knights, Price has been consistent down the stretch winning 16 of their last 17 including a 7-0 mark in the playoffs. The #3 overall seed in the CIF division IVA regionals, Price picked up their most impressive win of the season by knocking off #2 regional seed and division VAA runner-up Morningside 79-73, to advance to Saturday’s final. Saturday’s meeting will be a rematch of the December 30th tilt between Price and Bishop Montgomery that Bishop won easily, 73-55.

Road to the Regional Finals

1st Round: Price 73, Whitter Christian 45
2nd Round: Price 76, Fillmore 59
Quarterfinals: Price 65, Cathedral 57
Semi-Finals: Price 69, Crespi 65
Finals: Price 79, Chaminade 69 OT
Regional 1st Round: Price 54, Parker 42
Regional Semi-Finals: Price 79, Morningside 73

Bishop Montgomery (27-4, 7-1) – 1st in the Del Rey League, CIF Division IVAA Semi-Finalist

After an uninspired victory against an outmanned yet game Kingsburg team on Tuesday night 71-62, Bishop Montgomery came back with a vengeance, dominating the #4 regional seed Bakersfield Christian 76-52. For a team that has a reputation of playing up and down to their competition, it would be wise for Bishop Montgomery to forget their early season romp of Price, and focus on taking care of business Saturday.

Road to the Regional Finals

1st Round: BYE
2nd Round: Bishop Montgomery 67, St. Francis 59
Quarterfinals: Bishop Montgomery 58, Atascadero 53
Semi-Finals: Inglewood 97, Bishop Montgomery 93
Regional 1st Round: Bishop Montgomery 71, Kingsburg 62
Regional Semi-Finals: Bishop Montgomery 76, Bakersfield Christian 52

Baseball is Here!

41st Annual El Segundo Baseball Tournament Scoreboard

Kingsburg vs. Bishop Montgomery Video Highlights

State Boys Basketball Tournament Division IV: Kingsburg vs. Bishop Montgomery Video Highlights

Boys Basketball Division IV Regional Tournament: Kingsburg vs. Bishop Montogmery

Boys Regional Basketball First Round Preview

State Division I 1st Round – Santa Monica at Dominguez
Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00pm

Santa Monica (22-8, 6-4) – 3rd in the Ocean League, CIF Semi-Finalist Division IA

Even though the Vikings failed to reach the division IA final (losing to eventual champion Tesoro 62-58 in the semi-finals), they were rewarded a spot in the division I state tournament due to their impressive non-league resume. Non-league wins over CIF IVAA semi-finalist Serra, City DII champion Reseda and CIF division IIAA champion Thousand Oaks offset a lackluster Ocean league performance that saw the Vikings go 6-4.

Road to State:

1st Round: Santa Monica 74, Montclair 53
2nd Round: Santa Monica 58, Chaparral 56
Quarterfinals: Santa Monica 68, Perris 66
Semi-Finals: Tesoro 62, Santa Monica 58

Dominguez (25-6, 10-0) – 1st in the San Gabriel Valley League, CIF Semi-Finalist Division IAA

Like Santa Monica, Dominguez reached the state tournament despite losing in the CIF semi-finals to eventual division IAA champion M.L. King 76-70. In addition to a perfect run through the San Gabriel Valley league, Dominguez boasts a staggering non-league resume with wins over State division IV #1 seed Bishop Montgomery, CIF division IIIAA finalist Santa Margarita, the #1 ranked team in the state of Oregon, Jesuit of Portland, City D1 semi-finalist and state qualifier Fairfax as well as division IAA semi-finalist and state qualifier Etiwanda. Wow!

Road to State:

1st Round: Dominguez 93, Miller 63
2nd Round: Dominguez 86, Hesperia 48
Quarterfinals: Dominguez 52, LB Poly 49
Semi-Finals: M.L. King 76, Dominguez 70
__________________________________________________________

State Division II 1st Round – Leuzinger at Garces
Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00pm

Leuzinger (25-6, 9-1) – 1st in the Bay League, CIF Finalist Division IIAA

After a hard fought four point loss to Thousand Oaks in the CIF division IIAA finals, the Olympians look for redemption when they travel to Garces of Bakersfield in the first round of the division IIAA state playoffs. In addition to their 9-1 record in the Bay league, Leuzinger has non-league victories over CIF division IVAA finalist Inglewood, City division 1 finalist and state qualifier Taft as well as CIF division IVAA champion Ocean View.

Road to State:

1st Round: Leuzinger 86, Servite 36
2nd Round: Leuzinger 84, Canyon Springs 68
Quarterfinals: Leuzinger 88, Valencia 66
Semi-Finals: Leuzinger 62, Glendora 37
Finals: Thousand Oaks 59, Leuzinger 55

Garces (22-7, 10-2) – 2nd in the Yosemite – Southeast League, Central Section Division II Champion

After finishing second to Liberty in the Yosemite – Southeastern League, the Rams got revenge by defeating Liberty 91-78 to claim the Central Section Division II championship. In their only match-ups with CIF southern section schools, Garces lost to LB Jordan and LB Poly in mid- December by scores of 80-72 and 82-72, respectively.

Road to State:

Quarterfinals: Garces 68, Monache 56
Semi-Finals: Garces 92, Lemoore 81
Finals: Garces 91, Liberty 78
__________________________________________________________

State Division IV 1st Round – Kingsberg/LACES winner at Bishop Montgomery
Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00pm

Bishop Montgomery (25-4, 7-1) – 1st in the Del Rey League, CIF Semi-Finalist Division IVAA

After being upset by the #4 overall seed Inglewood Sentinels in the Division IVAA semi-finals, Bishop Montgomery is back as the #1 overall seed in the division IV state tournament. In addition to their Del Rey league championship, Bishop also touts non-league victories over CIF division IIAA finalist Leuzinger, City finalist Taft and CIF division IVA champion Price. If LACES beats Kingsberg for the right to play Bishop Montgomery, it would be a rematch of their December 19th meeting, a 75-55 Bishop win.

Road to State

1st Round: BYE
2nd Round: Bishop Montgomery 67, St. Francis 59
Quarterfinals: Bishop Montgomery 58, Atascadero 53
Semi-Finals: Inglewood 97, Bishop Montgomery 93
__________________________________________________________

State Division IV 1st Round – Morningside at The Bishop’s School
Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00pm

Morningside (23-9, 8-2) – 2nd in the Ocean League, CIF Division VAA Finalist

After a bumpy 9-6 start to the season, Morningside has played their way into the Division IV State Tournament. The Monarchs finished 2nd in the tough Ocean league behind CIF division IVAA finalist Inglewood and ahead of CIF division IA semi-finalist and state qualifier Santa Monica (the Monarchs split with both teams). Additionally, Morningside collected non-league victories over CIF division IIAA semi-finalist Valencia and the #3 seed in CIF division VAA, St. Paul.

Road to the Finals

1st Round: Morningside 65, Loma Linda Academy 44
2nd Round: Morningside 70, Linfield Christian 46
Quarterfinals: Morningside 76, Calvary Chapel/D 67
Semi-Finals: Morningside 64, Calvary Chapel/SA 45
Finals: Pacific Hills 59, Morningside 47

The Bishop’s School (25-4, 8-0) – 1st in the Coastal – South League, CIF San Diego Section Division IV Champions

A perfect 8-0 in Coastal - South league play, The Bishop’s School of La Jolla rolled to a CIF San Diego Section Division IV championship by beating Parker, 46-30. The Bishop’s School Knights only played two CIF southern section teams this season and split those contests. On December 29th they defeated Buckley of Sherman Oaks 68-60 before being dispatched by Mater Dei on February 9th, 66-36.

Road to State:

1st Round: BYE
Quarterfinals: The Bishop’s School 60, Imperial 47
Semi-Finals: The Bishop’s School 51, Horizon 47
Finals: The Bishop’s School 46, Parker 30

CIF Boys Basketball Finals Session 1

CIF Girls Basketball Finals Preview

Division IIIA Final – Foothill vs. Inglewood
Thursday, March 5th at 6:30pm; Mater Dei H.S.

Foothill (28-1, 10-0) – 1st in the Sea View League, #1 overall seed in division IIIA

Currently ranked #7 in the state, Foothill has dominated their competition this season with only five teams coming within ten points of the Knights. That trend has continued through Foothill’s playoff run with easy second and quarterfinal round games before being tested by Monrovia in a 78-69 semi-finals victory. In their three playoff wins, the Knights have prevailed by an average score of 66-43.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: BYE
2nd Round: Foothill 64, Cerritos 24
Quarterfinals: Foothill 57, Sonora 35
Semi-Finals: Foothill 78, Monrovia 69

Inglewood (16-15, 9-1) – 1st in the Ocean League, #2 overall seed in division IIIA

To say it has been the tale of two seasons for Inglewood would be an understatement. After starting the season 0-14 (due to forfeits), the Sentinels have won 16 of their last 17. Like Foothill, the Sentinels had little trouble in their second and quarterfinal playoff wins before holding off the #3 seed Muir 48-45 to reach Thursday’s final. So far in the playoffs, Inglewood has won by an average score of 60-38.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: BYE
2nd Round: Inglewood 71, Rosemead 23
Quarterfinals: Inglewood 62, Barstow 46
Semi-Finals: Inglewood 48, Muir 45
__________________________________________________________

Division VAA Final – St. Joseph/SM vs. Serra
Saturday, March 7th at 1:00pm; Mater Dei H.S.

St. Joseph/Santa Maria (27-2, 12-0) – 1st in the Los Padres League, #1 overall seed in division VAA

Having won 8 in a row dating back to January 31st (56-50 loss to Bell-Jeff), St. Joseph comes into Saturday’s final having easily dispatched their first four playoff opponents. In addition to an average margin of victory in those four playoff wins of 36 points, no team has come closer than 20 points to the Knights.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: St. Joseph/SM 80, Arrowhead Christian 32
2nd Round: St. Joseph/SM 83, Calvary Chapel/SA 28
Quarterfinals: St. Joseph/SM 69, Flintridge Prep 48
Semi-Finals: St. Joseph/SM 39, Valley Christian/C 19

Serra (18-13, 3-5) – At-Large in the Del Rey League, #2 overall seed in division VAA

Any team that judges Serra solely on their record or 4th place finish in the Del Rey league would be sorely mistaken. Just ask any of Serra’s first four opponents in the division VAA playoffs who have fallen to the Cavaliers by an average score of 75-40.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: Serra 74, Alverno 11
2nd Round: Serra 82, Calvary Murrieta 35
Quarterfinals: Serra 74, La Salle 57
Semi-Finals: Serra 73, St. Bonaventure 55

CIF Boys Basketball Finals Preview

Division IIAA Final – Thousand Oaks vs. Leuzinger
Saturday, March 7th at 2:15pm; Honda Center

Thousand Oaks (28-2, 14-0) – 1st in the Marmonte League, #1 overall seed in division IIAA

After a perfect 14-0 record in Marmonte league play, Thousand Oaks comes into the CIF division IIAA finals winners of 18 in a row. In their four playoff victories, Thousand Oaks has yet to be challenged with a 23.5 point average margin of victory. No team in the playoffs has come within 17 points of the Lancers.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: Thousand Oaks 69, Canyon/CC 41
2nd Round: Thousand Oaks 71, Buena 54
Quarterfinals: Thousand Oaks 62, Edison 45
Semi-Finals: Thousand Oaks 89, Marina 57

Leuzinger (25-5, 9-1) – 1st in the Bay League, #2 overall seed in division IIAA

Like Thousand Oaks, Leuzinger is on an absolute tear heading into the CIF division IIAA finals. In their four playoff victories, Leuzinger has dominated their competition winning by an average score of 80-52. In addition to a 28 point average margin of victory, no team in Leuzinger’s four playoff victories has come closer than 18 points to the Olympians.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: Leuzinger 86, Servite 36
2nd Round: Leuzinger 84, Canyon Springs 68
Quarterfinals: Leuzinger 88, Valencia 66
Semi-Finals: Leuzinger 62, Glendora 37
___________________________________________________________

Division IVAA Final – Inglewood vs. Ocean View
Saturday, March 7th at 2:45pm; Mater Dei H.S.

Inglewood (24-7, 9-1) – 1st in the Ocean League, #4 overall seed in division IVAA

Winners in 14 of their last 15, Inglewood found their stride in Ocean league play after a 10-6 start to the season. After three comfortable victories to start the playoffs, Inglewood needed a last second 3 pointer against #1 overall seed Bishop Montgomery to force overtime where they prevailed 97-93. So far in the playoffs, Inglewood’s average margin of victory has been 25 points per game.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: Inglewood 69, Don Bosco Tech 16
2nd Round: Inglewood 76, JSerra 60
Quarterfinals: Inglewood 77, Northview 47
Semi-Finals: Inglewood 97, Bishop Montgomery 93 OT

Ocean View (23-7, 9-0) – 1st in Golden West League, #3 overall seed in division IVAA

After a bumpy 8-6 start to the season, Ocean View turned it on down the stretch to win 15 of their last 16 games, including a perfect 9-0 record in Golden West league play. After a first round bye, Ocean View cruised through their next two games before upsetting #2 overall seed Serra 46-41 in the semi-finals. In their three playoff victories, the Seahawks have prevailed by an average score of 68-50.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: BYE
2nd Round: Ocean View 87, Ontario Christian 53
Quarterfinals: Ocean View 70, San Luis Obispo 56
Semi-Finals: Ocean View 46, Serra 41
___________________________________________________________

Division VAA Final – Pacific Hills vs. Morningside
Thursday, March 5th at 4:30pm; Colony H.S.

Pacific Hills (25-6, 9-1) – 1st in the Alpha League, #1 overall seed in division VAA

Looking to make it back to back CIF championships, Pacific Hills enters Thursday’s final after a hard fought two point victory (83-81) over #4 overall seed Woodcrest Christian. Prior to that, the Bruins had dominated their first three playoff opponents winning by an average score of 78-43.

Road to the Finals:

1st Round: Pacific Hills 83, Brentwood 46
2nd Round: Pacific Hills 80, Desert Christian/Lancaster 36
Quarterfinals: Pacific Hills 71, Cantwell Sacred Heart 46
Semi-Finals: Pacific Hills 83, Woodcrest Christian 81

Morningside (23-8, 8-2) – 2nd in the Ocean League, #2 overall seed in division VAA

After an 0-3 start to the season (9-7 after 16 games), Morningside finished 2nd in the highly competitive Ocean league which includes division IVAA finalist Inglewood as well as division IA semi-finalist Santa Monica. In Morningside’s four playoff victories, only Calvary Chapel/D in the quarterfinals got within 20 points of the Monarchs (76-67).

Road to the Finals

1st Round – Morningside 65, Loma Linda Academy 44
2nd Round – Morningside 70, Linfield Christian 46
Quarterfinals – Morningside 76, Calvary Chapel/D 67
Semi-Finals – Morningside 64, Calvary Chapel/SA 45