CIF-SS Playoffs Outlook: We break down each division knowing that one thing is all about guaranteed - La Habra will be the only champion

We should see this again this year, with La Habra winning another CIF-SS Southwest Division championship.

Playoffs? Playoffs?
Well ask and you shall receive, so here here is our breakdown for the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, where we look at the divisions involving area teams:

SOUTHEAST
Area teams: Santa Fe, California, La Serna and La Mirada.
Projected final four: West Covina, La Mirada, Mayfair and Santa Fe.
Finals: West Covina over Santa Fe.
Steve's take: This is basically West Covina's to lose. The Bulldogs are the 2010 champion and have no apparent weaknesses, at least when you match them up with the rest of the bracket. But they should get test in the semifinals, where we have them matched up with La Mirada. The switched turned on for the Mats during the middle of last month and will be a tough out. On the bottom half, how can you not like Santa Fe? Joey Davis is the it factor and will make a difference Friday against Muir, and against Diamond Ranch in the second round and Mayfair in the semifinals. It would nice to predict a first title for Jack Mahlstede, who is retiring after 41 years at the end of the season. But West Covina is just too good.
MID-VALLEY
Area teams: Whittier Christian
Projected Final Four: Covina, Monrovia, San Dimas and Arroyo.
Finals: San Dimas over Covina.
Steve's take: This is another division that looks like a one-team party, which that being a Covina coronation. But things are not always as they appear. Whittier Christian is the lone area team,and while I like the Heralds to beat El Monte on Friday, I can't see them taking out Monrovia and 5-star recruit Ellis McCarthy in the quarterfinals. Covina looks to have too much in the upper bracket, although McCarthy will make it close in the semifinals. The bottom half is San Dimas' to lose, and should walk into the finals with ease, and I like the Saints in a rematch over the Colts. I've always believed the losing team has the advantage in a rematch. Besides how can you not like Coach Z?
SOUTHWEST
Area team: La Habra
Projected Final Four: La Habra, Villa Park, Cypress and Troy.
Finals: La Habra over Villa Park.
Steve's take: The road is set in La Habra's battle for five. The Highlanders, seeking their fifth consecutive CIF-SS title, and their seventh overall, is pretty simple, at least until the finals. I don't think anyone can match the Highlanders' Aaron Porter, who Servite couldn't block, and Brett Bartolone, who is La Habra's big-play variable. The other half of the bracket is No. 1 seed Villa Park's to lose. Expect another 1 vs. 2 in the final, with La Habra having too much for Villa Park.
NORTHWEST
Area team: Cantwell of Sacred Heart
Projected Final Four: Lompoc, Nordhoff, Cabrillo/Lompoc and St. Bernard.
Finals: Lompoc over St. Bernard.
Steve's take: I believe Cantwell has the talent to compete in this division. But I need to see the Cardinals develop a bit more consistency and that's been their biggest problem this season, so I have them going out against El Segundo. The rest of the tournament should see the seeds go true to form with Lompoc beating St.Bernard in the final.