Pioneers will have their hands full in postseason

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There’s no more easy games for the Simi Valley boys’ basketball team, not with the Southern Section playoffs set to begin this week. In fact, the Pioneers have the unenviable task of competing against an absolutely loaded field in Division I-AA, arguably the toughest division in the state. It’s win or go home from here on out.

‘This division is nails. I’ve said it before and it still holds true, this division is murderer’s row,’’ said Coach Christian Aurand, whose third-seeded team plays the Servite/Lawndale wild-card winner in Friday’s first round. ‘This is the playoffs, you can’t take anyone lightly, regardless of who they are. We’re ready. Let the chips fall where they may.’’

A trip to the second round is likely, but the big boys will be waiting thereafter. Top-seeded Compton Dominguez and No. 2 Mater Dei appear to have the easiest route to the finals. And make no mistake, No. 4 Compton and No. 5 Santa Margarita are capable of beating anyone at anytime. Simi Valley had better be prepared for a battle, a battle to the end because this division is no joke.

-- Sean Ceglinsky