Here we go . . . a look at Friday night's second-round Division I games -- and projected winners
Rancho Verde at Mater Dei
The Monarchs crunched this team 13 days ago in the Southern Section IAA semifinals. Look for something similar this time around.
Monarchs advance
Leuzinger at Taft
Quite possibly the best matchup in any division in the second round. The visiting Olympians may have better guard play (especially in the person of underrated senior Akeel Quinn).
Leuzinger in a "mild" upset
Poly at Etiwanda
This is a rematch of a SS semifinal won by the Eagles (58-55) at LBCC on Feb. 26. This one will be every bit as tough for the Jackrabbits -- probably tougher, since it is being playing in Etiwanda's gym -- as it was last month. But if Sharrief Metoyer's team can execute against a very good defense (light years better than they once they carved up at Crenshaw Tuesday night) and his defense can keep Byron Wesley from dominating in the lane, the Jackrabbits can bus back to Long Beach with a reservation for Saturday's semifinals.
Poly squeaks one out
Santa Monica at Westchester
The Comets should win by every bit the lopsided margin that Mater Dei does. Like the Monarchs, they got two virtual "byes" into the semifinals.
Defending state champ another takes another step in defending successfully
As good as Etiwanda's defense was this year Poly's might be better. Poly went to the full court trap late in the game and it made the difference in my opinion. Great call by the Poly coach. Both teams were emotional as were the coaches. The refs decided to call traveling all night long but it was balanced.
3 for 4, not bad!