GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Notre Dame will play Gabrielino on Thursday in the first round of the Division III playoffs and could meet No. 2-seeded Bishop Montgomery on Saturday in the second round, but you won’t hear Coach Keith Case complaining.

“I’m just happy beyond belief that we don’t have to play Santa Ynez,” he said.

Notre Dame was eliminated by Santa Ynez in the first round the last two seasons. In 1997, Case coached at Oak Park. That team also was ousted in its playoff opener by Santa Ynez.

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Channel Islands (18-6) rallied for third place in the Pacific View League and will travel to Warren for a first-round Division I-AA game on Thursday.

The Raiders could be bolstered by the return of guard Chenne Tuimoloau, who averaged more than 13 points and six assists before injuring her ankle two weeks ago.

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Palmdale travels to Crescenta Valley on Thursday night for a Division I-AA opener between longtime regional powerhouses that have struggled this season.

Palmdale (14-13) had won five consecutive Golden League titles but struggled to a fourth-place finish this season.

Crescenta Valley (16-7) had won at least a share of the last four Pacific League championships, but had to rally last week to tie Pasadena for second place.

Both teams are playing their best basketball at the right time.

“We’ve finally found our rhythm,” said Coach Allen Freemon of Crescenta Valley, which has won five of its last six.

The winner will play Saturday at Pacific View League champion Oxnard (21-6), which has a bye.

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A local amusement park unveiled a new thrill ride last week.

You’d have to go to Glendale to experience a wilder roller coaster.

Glendale, which opens Division I-AA play Thursday at Altmont League champion Bell Gardens, upset Muir, ranked No. 1 in Division II-A, but lost to Arcadia, winless and in last place in the Pacific League.

The loss cost the Dynamiters a three-way tie for second place with Pasadena and Crescenta Valley.