City Playoff Berths to Be Decided

With only three of the 19 City 4-A boys basketball teams missing the playoffs, which begin Feb. 21, it’s easier to determine who will not , rather than who will, qualify.

The three 4-A leagues each qualify five teams. Hamilton (3-7) of the Valley League is almost assured of the one at-large berth.

In order for Locke (0-8) of the Marine League and Reseda (0-9) of the Valley League to avoid elimination, both teams would have to win all of their remaining games. The final playoff berth is a battle between Washington (1-7) and Dorsey (2-7) of the Central League.

There are five leagues in the 3-A division, with three teams from each qualifying for the playoffs. One at-large team will also be selected.

Here is a look, by league, at both divisions (league records in parentheses):.

4-A DIVISION: CENTRAL--Crenshaw (7-0) has clinched its 14th straight league title. Fremont (5-3), Palisades (4-4) and Westchester (4-4) will finish in the runner-up spots. In the key battle for the final playoff spot, Washington is at Fremont and Westchester at Dorsey this afternoon, and Westchester is at Washington and Dorsey at Palisades on Friday afternoon. MARINE--Carson (7-1) is at San Pedro (6-2) in the probable title-decider. Manual Arts (5-3) plays host to Banning (4-4) today in another key game. Gardena (2-6) need just one win, either today against visiting Locke or Friday afternoon at Banning, to clinch the final playoff spot. VALLEY--Cleveland (8-1), Fairfax (8-2) and Kennedy (6-3) should finish in that order although Kennedy could give Fairfax a share of the title if it beats visiting Cleveland on Feb. 19. Taft (4-5), El Camino Real (4-6) and Hamilton (3-9) should also advance.

3-A DIVISION: EAST VALLEY--Poly (7-1), North Hollywood (6-2) and Van Nuys (6-2) have qualified for the playoffs. Sylmar (3-5) should finish fourth. Van Nuys is at Poly today. EASTERN--South Gate (7-1) and Bell (6-2) will advance. The remaining four teams are still in playoff contention. The schedule: today, Roosevelt (3-5) at Huntington Park (2-6), South Gate at Garfield (2-6) and Bell at Narbonne (4-4); Friday, South Gate at Roosevelt, Huntington Park at Bell and Garfield at Narbonne. NORTHERN--Marshall (8-0) plays host to Eagle Rock (7-1) today in the title decider. In games to decide third place, Lincoln (4-4) is at Belmont (1-7) and Wilson (3-5) is at Franklin today, and Lincoln plays at Wilson Friday afternoon. NORTHWEST VALLEY--Granada Hills (8-0) has clinched a tie for the title, and San Fernando (5-2) should finish second. Chatsworth (4-3) will probably need a win at San Fernando on Feb. 18 in a makeup game, to avoid a tie for third with Birmingham (4-4). PAC-6--Venice (6-2) is at University (6-2) Friday afternoon in the title-decider. Jefferson (5-3) needs at least one victory, either today at Venice or Friday afternoon at Los Angeles (2-6), to finish third, ahead of Jordan (3-5).