PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Most state high school basketball championships have been held in Northern California the past few years. Should the CIF alternate sites to hold finals in Southern California every other year?

MARSHALL HOUSER

Laguna Hills, Basketball

Oh, yeah. That way everybody gets a chance, both north and south, to watch the state games. I haven’t been able to see any state games, but I have wanted to see them. And it’s especially good for high school students who might not have a chance to see their team otherwise.

JILL TRADER

Brea Olinda, Basketball

I think it’s fun because you get to travel--and miss school. I’ve come to think of it as an experience to go to Northern California. It probably would be a good idea to alternate it between north and south because it would be more accessible to our fans, our parents, our school. There’s not a lot of our student body at our games during the regular season, but people do want to come out for the state playoffs. But when it’s in Sacramento, it conflicts with the sport they’re playing, or it’s too long a drive, or their parents won’t let them go.

CEDRIC BOZEMAN

Mater Dei, Basketball

It would be good to have the state title game here. I think we would draw a lot more people to the games. Plus, you don’t often get to play a state championship game in Southern California. I don’t know how many times it’s been down here, but it hasn’t been many.

JIM DUEL

State CIF, Media Director

The CIF has attempted to balance championship sites to allow fans from across the state an opportunity to attend state events. Travel for schools is always an important consideration as well in site selection. In the past, the state basketball championships rotated between Northern and Southern California venues (track and field still rotates north and south). While this process had many advantages, it wasn’t cost effective in terms of facility expenses.

NEXT QUESTION

Which high school sport requires the participant to be in the best physical condition?