Top Liberty League Teams Open Playoffs in Small Schools Division

Oakwood and Holy Martyrs highs, which finished first and second, respectively, in the Liberty League, and California Christian, which finished second in the Heritage League, open play tonight in the first round of the Southern Section Small Schools Division playoffs.

Oakwood, the No. 1-seeded team in the division, faces North County Christian (12-5) at Campbell Hall High.

Oakwood (20-2) is led by 6-foot, 5-inch junior forward Mitchell Butler, who averages 31 points and 16 rebounds a game. As a sophomore, Butler was the small schools’ player of the year. Center David Fond averages 10 points and guard Eric Leddel averages 7 assists.

Holy Martyrs (16-6), which twice lost to Oakwood, plays South Bay Lutheran (17-3) at Inglewood High.

California Christian (14-4), which finished second in the Heritage League, plays Mission Prep (13-6) at College of the Canyons.

All three games start at 7:30.