MITTY: IS NOW THE TIME FOR MONARCHS TO WIN IT ALL?
Archbishop Mitty ladies basketball has performed nearly every thing a highschool group can probably do in the previous few years.
Besides successful an Open Division state title.
The Monarchs have been ranked because the No. 1 group within the nation by MaxPreps. They began 30-0 final season. However as soon as once more, Etiwanda-Rancho Cucamonga obtained in the way in which of a CIF Open Division state championship. One yr after falling 69-67 to Etiwanda within the state title sport, Mitty wrapped up its 2023-24 season with a 60-48 defeat to their southern nemesis.
Is that this the season the Monarchs recover from the hump?
Morgan Cheli has moved on to play for record-breaking coach Geno Auriemma at UConn, however junior energy ahead McKenna Woliczko is a yr older and wiser after successful her second Bay Space Information Group participant of the yr award whereas averaging 22 factors per sport.
Woliczko, the No. 5 participant within the 2026 class in response to 247Sports and the MaxPreps Nationwide Sophomore of the 12 months, is much from a one-person present.
Longtime coach Sue Phillips added critical firepower to her San Jose juggernaut through East Bay transfers. Ze’Ni Patterson joined from Heritage after successful the Bay Valley Athletic League MVP as a freshman, and four-star guard Devin Cosgriff came visiting from Bishop O’Dowd for her junior yr.
Archbishop Mitty’s Tee McCarthy dribbles the ball down the sideline in a NorCal Open Division semifinal sport towards Folsom final season. (Shae Hammond/Bay Space Information Group)
Returning is Emma Prepare dinner and sophomore level guard Tee McCarthy. Each gamers maintain Division I gives and will emerge as stars to enrich Woliczko.
Etiwanda will probably nonetheless be in the way in which, although, ought to the Monarchs win the NorCal Open title as soon as once more and advance to the state championship. Etiwanda is the preseason No. 1 group within the nation in response to MaxPreps, and Mitty is No. 2.
WILL SALESIAN, PINEWOOD, OAKLAND TECH BOUNCE BACK?
Pinewood, Salesian and Oakland Tech had – by their lofty requirements – a down season in 2023-24. They’re clearly trying to get again to the higher echelon of Bay Space basketball this season. … Salesian fared the very best of the bunch, capturing the NCS Division I title earlier than being bounced within the first spherical of the NorCal D-I playoffs. Although a slew of seniors graduated, the Satisfaction nonetheless return the high-scoring Sawyer sisters, Janiya and Jamia. Coach Stephen Pezzola additionally brings again Oriannah Birden, who was a constant double-double menace as a freshman final season. … Pinewood, seeded No. 1, was surprised by No. 16 seed McClatchy within the first spherical of the Division I NorCal playoffs. Longtime coach Doc Scheppler ought to have his band of sharpshooters able to go this season. Seniors Vallory Kuelker and Katherine Garr, who each shot 40 p.c from 3-point land, shall be anticipated to fireside away from deep for one of many CCS’s greatest groups. … After ending its final three regional playoff runs with state championships, Oakland Tech’s epic postseason successful streak led to NorCal play at Nice Valley on a buzzer-beater. Coach Leroy Harm’s Woman Bulldogs purpose to show that end result was a fluke. All of it begins with maybe the very best frontcourt in NorCal, the place 6-3 junior Terri’A Russell flashes a terrific all-around skillset at energy ahead. She’s not the one faculty prospect in Tech’s entrance line. Jhai Johnson, daughter of longtime NFL quarterback Josh Johnson, is a 6-4 junior with a slew of high-profile faculty gives.
UNDERRATED TEAMS
Mills had a magical season underneath first-year coach Justin Matsu, who took over simply weeks earlier than the beginning of the season after his dad and longtime coach Dave Matsu died. Justin and Dave has shared the teaching tasks the earlier season. The Vikings’ greatest power final season was their depth, and they’re going to have one other deep group in 2024-25. Guards Riley dela Fuente, Chloe Lee and Sofia Kwan return for his or her senior seasons to steer a group that has shooters everywhere in the ground. … Pinole Valley made a stunning run to the NCS Division III playoffs final season with a younger group after ending third within the Tri-County Athletic League Rock Division. Search for coach Brian Gaither to have the Spartans able to be darkish horse contenders as soon as once more this season. … California went 25-6 in 2023-24 and brings again an skilled group. Senior captains Trinity Chu, Lauren Yee, Taylor Lim and Sofie Addiego kind a robust nucleus for a group that might be within the East Bay Athletic League title combine this season.
SEASON-OPENING SHOWCASE
The Pinole Valley Shootout is scheduled for this weekend at Pinole Valley Excessive Faculty. Friday’s lineup: Bethel vs. Monte Vista, 1:30 p.m.; San Domenico vs. Bishop O’Dowd, 3 p.m.; St. Mary’s-Berkeley vs. Moreau Catholic, 4:30 p.m.; Pinole Valley vs. Berkeley, 6 p.m. Saturday’s lineup: San Marin vs. Eureka, 10:30 a.m.; Redwood vs. Clayton Valley, 12 p.m., Acalanes vs Maria Carrillo, 1:30 p.m.; Oakland Tech vs. Nice Valley, 3 p.m.; Cardinal Newman vs. McClatchy 4:30 p.m.; Pinole Valley vs. California, 6 p.m.; Riordan vs. San Ramon Valley 7:30 p.m.
TOP PLAYERS: PRESEASON ALL-BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
Devin Cosgriff, proven right here taking pictures towards Bishop Montgomery in final season’s CIF Division I state championship sport in Sacramento, has transferred from Bishop O’Dowd to Mitty. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Space Information Group)
Devin Cosgriff, Archbishop Mitty, 5-11, junior
Switch from Bishop O’Dowd, the place she was an All-West Alameda County Convention choice. Made the game-winning shot towards Carondelet within the NorCal Division I title sport. Has a suggestion from UCLA.
Ugreat Daniels, Priory, 6-2, junior
West Bay Athletic League MVP led the Panthers to a stellar 9-1 document in league play. Had quite a few large stat strains, reminiscent of a 22-point, 16-rebound effort towards Notre Dame-Belmont and a 13-point, four-block, six-steal sport towards Westmoor.
Layla Dixon, Carondelet, 6-0, junior
First-team all-EBAL choice was a revelation as a sophomore and performed her greatest within the postseason. Scored 19, 28 and 19 factors in her first three NorCal playoff video games to assist the Cougars attain the regional last.
Sofia Kwan, Mills, 5-7, senior
All-Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division choice helped lead the Vikings to a league championship. Scored 16 of her team-high 23 factors within the second half of a sport that clinched league title. Then helped Mills attain CCS Division III last.
Karyss Lacanlale, Acalanes, 5-5, senior
First-team all-Diablo Athletic League choice led the Dons to an undefeated document in league play and a NorCal Division I berth. Scored 30 factors in a victory over Ygnacio Valley.
Jhai Johnson, Oakland Tech, 6-4, junior
Oakland Athletic League participant of the yr led the Bulldogs to the Oakland Part championship and the NorCal Division II semifinals. Had 13 double-doubles, together with a 19-point, 22-rebound, 10-steal triple double towards Oakland.
Los Gatos’ Nicole Steiner, proven right here in a file picture, is again for her senior season. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
Nicole Steiner, Los Gatos, 6-0, senior
Co-Santa Clara Valley De Anza Division MVP alongside teammate Ashley Childers. Led Los Gatos to league title. Had back-to-back video games with no less than 20 rebounds in January.
Sophia Sanchez, St. Ignatius, junior
All-West Catholic Athletic League first-team choice as a sophomore powered the Wildcats to a stunning CCS Open Division championship sport look. Scored 15 factors towards Mitty in February.
Vallory Kuelker, Pinewood, 6-0, senior
First-team all-WBAL choice averaged 12.8 factors and 5 rebounds per sport. Made 77 3-pointers and shot 45 p.c from lengthy vary for the Panthers.
McKenna Woliczko, Archbishop Mitty, 6-2, junior
West Catholic Athletic League co-player of the yr averaged 22 factors and eight rebounds per sport for the CCS and NorCal Open Division champions. Named Bay Space Information Group participant of the yr for the second time. Gained FIBA gold on the USA U-17 group over the summer time.
Others to look at
Ayesha Abdussamy, Irvington, junior; Ashley Childers, Los Gatos, senior; Trinity Chu, California, senior; Natalie Dance, Mt. Diablo, senior; Radhika Garapaty, Notre Dame-San Jose, senior; Katherine Garr, Pinewood, senior; Ariana Hallstrom, Acalanes, senior; Alana Hernandez, Mountain View, senior; Willow Ishibashi-To, Carlmont, senior; Maia Jimenez, St. Francis, senior; Juliana Johnson, Alameda, senior; Riqui Liu, Menlo Faculty, senior; Ze’Ni Patterson, Archbishop Mitty, sophomore, Sophia Ross, Carondelet, junior; Alyssa Rudd, Monte Vista, junior; Terri’A Russell, Oakland Tech, junior; Sa’rye Starks, Ygnacio Valley, senior; Maxine Sutisna, Archbishop Riordan, senior; Jayla Stokes, Bishop O’Dowd, senior; Dulci Vail, Acalanes, senior; Lauren Yee, California, senior.
Bay Space Information Group preseason Prime 20
(Mercury Information & East Bay Instances)
No. 1 ARCHBISHOP MITTY (30-1 final season)
Last rating final season: 1
The way it completed: Beat Clovis West 71-34 to win NorCal Open championship, misplaced to Etiwanda 60-48 within the CIF Open state last.
Season opener: Dec. 4 at La Jolla Nation Day event, TBA
No. 2 CARONDELET (29-7 final season)
Last rating final season: 4
The way it completed: Misplaced to Bishop O’Dowd 48-47 in NorCal Division I championship sport.
Season opener: Saturday at Christian Brothers, 1:30 p.m.
No. 3 PINEWOOD (21-7 final season)
Last rating final season: 6
The way it completed: Misplaced to McClatchy 66-64 in NorCal Division I first-round sport.
Season opener: Dec. 4 at Los Gatos, 5 p.m.
No. 4 SALESIAN (20-12 final season)
Last rating final season: 15
The way it completed: Misplaced to Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral 61-41 within the first spherical of NorCal Division I playoffs.
Season opener: Dec. 3 vs. San Marin, 7 p.m.
No. 5 OAKLAND TECH (14-17 final season)
Last rating final season: 13
The way it completed: Misplaced to Nice Valley-Chico 64-62 in NorCal Division II playoff semifinals.
Season opener: Saturday vs. Nice Valley-Chico at Pinole Valley event, 3 p.m.
No. 6 ACALANES (26-6 final season)
Last rating final season: 9
The way it completed: Misplaced to Archbishop Riordan 64-55 in NorCal Division I first-round sport.
Season opener: Saturday vs. Maria Carrillo, 1:30 p.m.
No. 7 SAN RAMON VALLEY (28-3 final season)
Last rating final season: 2
The way it completed: Misplaced to St. Mary’s-Stockton 67-61 in NorCal Open Division quarterfinals.
Season opener: Saturday vs. Archbishop Riordan, 7:30 p.m.
No. 8 BISHOP O’DOWD (24-7 final season)
Last rating final season: 3
The way it completed: Misplaced to Bishop Montgomery-Torrance 52-40 in CIF Division I state last.
Season opener: Friday vs. San Domenico at Pinole Valley event, 3 p.m.
No. 9 SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL (23-5 final season)
Last rating final season: 5
The way it completed: Misplaced to Carondelet 62-58 in NorCal Division I quarterfinals.
Season opener: Dec. 2 vs. Oakland, 7 p.m.
No. 10 ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN (17-11 final season)
Last rating final season: 7
The way it completed: Misplaced to Oak Ridge 60-51 in NorCal Division I quarterfinals.
Season opener: Saturday vs. San Ramon Valley at Pinole Valley event, 7:30 p.m.
No. 11 ST. IGNATIUS (19-11 final season)
Last rating final season: 8
The way it completed: Misplaced to Bishop O’Dowd in NorCal Division I quarterfinals.
Season opener: Dec. 5 vs. Colfax, 6:30 p.m.
No. 12 LOS GATOS (23-5 final season)
Last rating final season: 11
The way it completed: Misplaced to Carondelet 77-39 in first spherical of NorCal Division I playoffs.
Season opener: Saturday vs. Branham, 6:30 p.m.
No. 13 CALIFORNIA (25-6 final season)
Last rating final season: 17
The way it completed: Misplaced to Oakland Tech 65-53 in first spherical of NorCal Division II playoffs.
Season opener: Saturday vs. Pinole Valley at Pinole Valley event, 6 p.m.
No. 14 PIEDMONT (20-8 final season)
Last rating final season: 10
The way it completed: Misplaced to Whitney-Rocklin 53-41 in first spherical of NorCal Division I playoffs.
Season opener: Dec. 5 vs. Fernley at Spanish Springs-Nevada event, 7:30 p.m.
No. 15 ST. FRANCIS (15-12 final season)
Last rating final season: 12
The way it completed: Misplaced to Bishop O’Dowd 76-27 in first spherical of NorCal Division I playoffs.
Season opener: Dec. 3 vs. The King’s Academy, 5:30 p.m.
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No. 16 BRANHAM (23-4 final season)
Last rating final season: 14
The way it completed: Misplaced to Maria Carrillo 52-49 in NorCal Division II playoff quarterfinals.
Season opener: Saturday at Los Gatos, 6:30 p.m.
No. 17 HERITAGE (20-10 final season)
Last rating final season: Not ranked
The way it completed: Misplaced to Caruthers 44-40 in second spherical of NorCal Division III playoffs.
Season opener: Nov. 30 vs. Oakland, 3 p.m.
No. 18 PRIORY (15-13 final season)
Last rating final season: 19
The way it completed: Misplaced to Oak Ridge 47-35 in first spherical of NorCal Division I playoffs.
Season opener: Dec. 4 vs. Lowell at Mills event, 4:30 p.m.
No. 19 MONTA VISTA (22-6 final season)
Last rating final season: 20
The way it completed: Misplaced to Maria Carrillo 59-52 in first spherical of NorCal Division II playoffs.
Season opener: Dec. 3 at Branham, 7 p.m.
No. 20 MILLS (20-9 final season)
Last rating final season: Not ranked
The way it completed: Misplaced to Cornerstone Christian 66-39 in second spherical of NorCal Division III playoffs.
Season opener: Dec. 4 vs. Cristo Rey-San Jose, 7:30 p.m.
Editor’s notice: Groups eligible for the Bay Space Information Group rankings come from leagues primarily based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The information group’s highschool employees chooses the groups.
