CARONDELET: COUGARS READY FOR SRV RUBBER MATCH
Third-seeded Carondelet’s junior level guard Sophia Ross didn’t mince phrases after her Cougars routed host No. 6 Salesian 83-55 within the first spherical of the North Coast Part Open Division playoffs.
The matchup at rival and second-seeded San Ramon Valley was set, and there’s no opponent the Harmony faculty would moderately play. How badly does Ross need to beat the Wolves?
“Really bad, because it’s been way too long,” mentioned Ross, who led Carondelet with 19 factors. “I feel like my whole career at Carondelet, we’re 0-6 against them, so I’m really trying to get that revenge, that get back. I know we’re ready for it.”
Carondelet guard Sophia Ross (1) argues with a referee after she was whistled for a foul through the second quarter of a NorCal Open Division ladies’ highschool basketball playoff recreation towards Salesian, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 in Richmond, Calif. (D. Ross Cameron for the Bay Space Information Group)
San Ramon Valley beat Carondelet (24-5) in each the common season, and within the East Bay Athletic League event championship recreation. Coming off that loss, the Cougars appeared centered from the beginning and led 25-17 after one quarter.
Salesian, because the Tri-County Athletic League champion, acquired to host regardless of being the decrease seed. Taking part in within the Delight’s tiny gymnasium – its flooring is a couple of toes shorter than Carondelet’s – was really a boon for the guests.
“This is a much smaller court than what we play on every day, so we figured the tightness of the gym would help us, and it did,” Carondelet coach Kelly Sopak mentioned.
Carondolet head coach Kelly Sopak, left, and Salesian head coach Stephen Pezzola chat following their NorCal Open Division ladies’ highschool basketball playoff recreation, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 in Richmond, Calif. Carondolet received 83-55. (D. Ross Cameron for the Bay Space Information Group)
Carondelet’s measurement benefit was magnified because it performed at 2-2-1 entice that appeared to cowl each inch of the courtroom. Regardless of the dearth of house, Jamia Sawyer scored a team-high 15 factors and Vanessa Parilla put in 12 for Salesian (20-9).
Ahead Layla Dixon scored 12 for Carondelet regardless of being in foul hassle, and the Cougars led 46-28 at halftime and had been by no means threatened within the second half.
Whereas Carondelet will journey to Danville, Salesian will play Piedmont in a comfort recreation because it stays prepared for NorCal play. All groups within the Open Division advance to regionals.
– Joseph Dycus
Salesian ahead Jamia Sawyer (22) places up a shot between two Carondolet defenders through the second quarter of a NorCal Open Division ladies’ highschool basketball playoff recreation, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 in Richmond, Calif. (D. Ross Cameron for the Bay Space Information Group)
PIEDMONT: HIGHLANDERS PUSH CARDINAL NEWMAN TO LIMIT
The youthful Highlander ladies, seeded No. 5 within the Open after beginning largely freshmen and sophomores, traveled to perennial North Bay powerhouse No. 4 Cardinal Newman and gave the non-public faculty every little thing it may deal with in a 51-45 loss.
Andrea Martin scored 10 factors and grabbed 10 rebounds, Jenelle Solis scored 12 and dished out 5 assists, and Briana Webb scored 9 factors and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Piedmont led 24-17 after one half of play, however reigning NCS Open Division champs Cardinal Newman pulled away to begin the second half, and led 47-35 with solely three minutes left within the recreation.
Piedmont then launched into a livid comeback try, reducing the deficit 49-45 on a 10-0 run. However a rash of misses on the line did the Highlanders in.
“We missed 14 free throws and that solely was powerful to beat,“ Piedmont coach Bryan Gardere informed the Bay Space Information Group in a textual content.
Regardless that the Highlanders rally got here up brief, Piedmont’s season isn’t over. It is going to play host to Salesian on Wednesday. Cardinal Newman will journey to top-seeded Acalanes on Wednesday.
– Joseph Dycus
SAN RAMON VALLEY BREEZES PAST CALIFORNIA
SRV made it look straightforward on Thursday night time.
The Wolves jumped on California early and cruised to a 77-49 win over California within the first spherical of the NCS Open Division playoffs. SRV bounced again after falling to De La Salle at residence within the East Bay Athletic League semifinals final Thursday.
Luke Isaak led SRV with 21 factors. Mason Thomas had 11, adopted by Thomas Conley who had 10. Elliot Conley totaled 9 factors and 9 rebounds.
Thomas, a senior, reached the 1,000 profession factors mark and have become the third SRV participant within the final two seasons to achieve the milestone.
“He’s such a unique player that makes him a threat for other teams,” SRV coach Brian Botteen informed the Bay Space Information Group on Thursday night time. “He’s the most humble kid I’ve ever met. … He’s one of the great point guards in our school’s history.”
SRV will play Salesian at Albany Excessive College on Wednesday within the semifinals. SRV performed Salesian in December on the Gridley Invitational event the place the Wolves misplaced 70-68.
“We’re going to go out there and have some fun,” Botteen mentioned. “We’re going to play good basketball. It’s a freelance style and sometimes we make mistakes. But our guys compete. … We’re going to enjoy tomorrow, get some shots up and get focused this weekend.”
LOOK AHEAD TO FRIDAY
The No. 8 Ygnacio Valley boys will journey to San Ramon to tackle No. 1 Dougherty Valley. Coach Michael Woolridge and the Wolves made it very clear that the Harmony program isn’t afraid of the defending part champions. … No. 14 Northgate, which relishes the position of underdog in D-I, will journey to Pleasanton to tackle No. 6 Amador Valley. The Broncos be at Campolindo and Amador defeated Bishop O’Dowd on Tuesday. …. No. 6 Berkeley matches up with No. 3 St. Joseph Notre Dame in what ought to be an entertaining recreation that includes groups that had been as soon as WACC opponents. Elsewhere in D-III, No. 13 Mt. Eden will see if it will possibly proceed the Cinderella run by defeating No. 5 San Rafael. …. Talking of the WACC, the No. 2 Bishop O’Dowd ladies will play No. 10 Alameda for a 3rd time this season in ladies D-I. … EBAL groups, No. 5 Dougherty Valley and No. 10 Monte Vista, will go on the street in Division III. … Over within the Central Coast Part, the Open Divison begins with some bangers. … The highest-ranked Archbishop Riordan boys face rival Mitty, whereas No. 7 Serra travels to No. 2 St. Ignatius in one other Jungle Sport matchup. … No. 6 Milpitas takes on No. 3 Bellarmine. … Over on the ladies aspect in Open play, No. 1 Archbishop Mitty faces No. 8 Valley Christian, and No. 2 Pinewood performs host to No. 7 Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral. … Within the different 5 brackets, the highest 4 seeds take pleasure in byes till Tuesday, and the following 4 highest seeds are off until Saturday.
– Joseph Dycus
