OCVarsity has the pairings and breakdown for all of the CIF-SS boys basketball divisions.
OPEN DIVISION
Top four seeds: 1. Chino Hills; 2. Bishop Montgomery; 3. Sierra Canyon; 4. Mater Dei
Last year’s final: Bishop Montgomery def. Etiwanda, 56-50
Playoff dates: First round (Feb. 19), second round (Feb. 23), semifinals (Feb. 26), championship game (Mach 5). Consolation bracket: second round (Feb. 23), third round (Feb. 24), final (March 3 or 4).
FRYER’S COMMENTS: Santa Margarita wanted to be in the Open Division. The Eagles got their wish, but it’s not best of wishes. They have to play at top-seeded and state-No. 1 Chino Hills, led by Lonzo Ball and his two younger brothers, in the first round. A Santa Margarita win there would be one of the larger upsets in CIF-SS basketball over the past 30 years. . . . Orange Lutheran doesn’t have it that bad, but doesn’t have it that good, either. The Lancers open the playoffs at Bishop Montgomery of Torrance, the No. 2 team in the state. If Lutheran forward KaVaughn Scott’s ankle is healed, the Lancers have chance albeit still a smallish one. . . . Los Alamitos also drew a tough first-round assignment, traveling to play at No. 3 seed Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth. As it would be for Santa Margarita and Lutheran, a Los Alamitos first-round win would be a considerable upset. . . . Mater Dei, seeded fourth, is in a fairly good part of the bracket – if there is such a thing in this 16-team group of excellence. The Monarchs play at home against Cantwell-Sacred Heart in the first round, probably would play Centennial of Corona in the second round but might see Chino Hills in the semifinals. . . . Mater Dei’s talented but young bench has made big contributions, and MJ Cage must be on his “A” game if the Monarchs are to prevail in the Open Division.
FIRST ROUND GAMES
Feb. 19, 7 p.m. unless noted
Santa Margarita at Chino Hills
Inglewood at Alemany
Compton at Centennial/Corona, 6 p.m.
Cantwell-Sacred Heart at Mater Dei
Los Alamitos at Sierra Canyon
Roosevelt/Eastvale at Redondo
Crespi at Damien
Orange Lutheran at Bishop Montgomery
