The Central Coast Section (CCS) boys and girls basketball brackets were revealed on Wednesday night, and it’s safe to say that basketball fans across the region are buzzing with excitement. The CCS playoffs are always a highly anticipated event, and this year is no different. With the brackets now set, let’s take a look at some of the top storylines that are sure to make this year’s playoffs one to remember.
1. The Quest for Redemption: Palo Alto Boys and Archbishop Mitty Girls
The Palo Alto boys and Archbishop Mitty girls teams are both looking to redeem themselves after falling short in last year’s CCS playoffs. Palo Alto, who were the top seed in last year’s tournament, were stunned in the quarterfinals by Menlo-Atherton. This year, they enter the playoffs as the fifth seed and are determined to make a deep run. On the other hand, Archbishop Mitty, who have won six consecutive CCS titles, were upset in the finals last year by Pinewood. The Monarchs are back with a vengeance and are the top seed this year, ready to reclaim their title.
2. The Battle for the Open Division: Boys and Girls
The Open Division is always the most competitive bracket in the CCS playoffs, and this year is no different. On the boys’ side, the top four seeds are all ranked in the top 20 in the state, making for some intense matchups. The girls’ bracket is just as stacked, with the top three seeds all ranked in the top 10 in the state. The competition will be fierce, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in both divisions.
3. A New Champion on the Horizon?
With the defending champions falling short last year, it opens up the possibility for a new team to take home the CCS title. The boys’ bracket is wide open, with no clear favorite emerging. On the girls’ side, Pinewood, who won their first CCS championship last year, will look to defend their title. However, with Archbishop Mitty and St. Ignatius right behind them, it won’t be an easy task. Could we see a new champion crowned in both divisions? Only time will tell.
4. The Cinderella Story: Menlo-Atherton Boys
Last year, Menlo-Atherton pulled off the ultimate upset, knocking off top-seeded Palo Alto in the quarterfinals. This year, they enter the playoffs as the sixth seed and could once again surprise everyone. Led by senior Max Dorward, who is averaging 19 points per game, the Bears are a team that no one should overlook. They will be looking to make another deep run and prove that last year’s victory was no fluke.
5. The Battle of the Titans: Bellarmine vs. Serra Boys
The rivalry between Bellarmine and Serra is one of the most intense in the CCS, and this year, it extends to the basketball court. The two teams have met twice this season, with each team winning one game. Now, they could potentially meet for a third time in the CCS playoffs. With both teams evenly matched, it’s sure to be a thrilling game that fans won’t want to miss.
6. The Underdog: Castilleja Girls
The Castilleja girls’ team may not be a household name, but they are a force to be reckoned with. The 10th seed in the tournament, they have already pulled off an upset in the first round, defeating seventh-seeded Sequoia. Led by senior Lauren Traum, who is averaging 25 points per game, the Gators are a team that could surprise everyone and make a deep run in the playoffs.
With the brackets now set, the CCS playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable event. Whether it’s the quest for redemption, the battle for the Open Division, or the possibility of a new champion, there is no shortage of storylines to follow. Make sure to mark your calendars and catch all the action as the top teams in the CCS battle it out for the ultimate prize – a CCS championship.
