Just a reminder: The Poly-Westchester game will be played at Edward R. Roybal Learning Center, a 2,400-student high school located at 1200 Colton (in Downtown L.A.), now at Westchester.
I have no idea where the gym is on the campus . . .
A look at Saturday night's Southern Regional semifinals:
Division I
Poly vs. Westchester (at Edward R. Roybal Learning Center):
It's all frosting now for the underclassmen-dominated Jackrabbits, who meet the defending State champion and the team that is no worse than one of the two best teams in the state (with Mater Dei). Coach Sharrief Metoyer's team has won a lot of games (28-4) and beaten a lot of good teams -- some in hostile environments, such as Thursday night in the 67-64 decision at Etiwanda.
But the Jackrabbits will have to turn in their best and soundest effort of the season to knock off the Comets. They'll have to keep their transition game in check, not surrender too many seconds shots and be secure with the ball against the best defensive pressure they've faced. Ultimately, though, this Westchester squad has won too many games of this magnitude.
Westchester 68, Poly 62
Taft at Mater Dei:
The other half of the "Southern Section vs. L.A. City twin bill" has the makings of a game that could Mater Dei's by a relatively comfortable (10-plus points) margin if Taft can't keep Keala King, Tyler Lamb and Gary Franklin in check. This is easily the most physically gifted California-based team the Monarchs have played this season but I'm not sure Taft's cohesiveness is quite enough to enable USC-bound Bryce Jones & Co. to pull it out.
Mater Dei 78, Taft 66
Division II
Compton at Eisenhower:
This is a rematch of a game played in the late-December Torrey Pines Prep Holiday Classic, which Eisenhower won by about 20 points. This should be a much more competitive game but the Eagles are too relentless -- especially in their home gym.
Eisenhower 71, Compton 59
Pasadena at San Diego Lincoln:
San Diego Lincoln lost by four points to Crenshaw in December -- and I think Pasadena is a much better team that Crenshaw.
Pasadena 74, San Diego Lincoln 69
Division III
Ocean View vs. Serra (at El Camino College):
Here's a another rematch, with the Cavaliers cruising by about 15 points or so in the championship game of the Ocean View Tournament of Champions in December. This should be tighter but Serra's overall depth and vastly superior quickness and the strong play of its back court will be too much to overcome.
Serra 74, Ocean View 65
Gahr at Centennial:
This could be the most entertaining and, certainly, fast-paced game of the evening. The Apaches may have gotten a wake-up call Thursday night with the come-from-behind victory over Orange Lutheran. If Gahr's pressure can forced a lot of Centennial turnovers, the Gladiators have a shot. But . . .
Centennial 76, Gahr 70
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