GIRLS’ BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

Mike and Munroe were scouting the game in case they faced Royal early in the Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs.

Munroe’s hunch was right. Hart will host Royal on Thursday in a wild-card game.

“The two of us went out there not knowing,” Munroe said. “You always look at proximity, that it might be a factor. It worked to my advantage.”

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Ventura is within striking distance of the region record of 218 three-point baskets in a season, held by Crescenta Valley.

The Cougars have 209, including 82 by Jenni Dooley, and have attempted 626 three-point shots.

Does Ventura even waste time with pregame layup drills?

“Yeah, for about 30 seconds,” Coach Ann Larson said. “We should be doing layups, defensive drills. . . . but they just want to get out there and shoot.”

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The Southern Section playoffs will provide several intriguing matchups.

On Saturday, Crescenta Valley (15-11) travels to Palmdale (17-9) in a Division I-AA opener. Crescenta Valley defeated Palmdale, 61-41, last season in a first-round game.

Moorpark (17-6) hosts Burroughs (14-12) on Saturday in a Division II-AA opener. The teams split two games in December, with Moorpark winning a game at the Rio Mesa tournament and Burroughs winning a nonleague game.

Buena (25-0), ranked No. 1 in the nation in several polls, has a bye in the first round of Division I-A and will host either Simi Valley (18-8) or Cerritos on Saturday in the second round.

A matchup with Simi Valley would have local interest, but Buena would likely prefer a shot at Cerritos, which upset the Bulldogs last season in the third round.

Other games featuring local matchups in the first round: Camarillo hosts Quartz Hill (Division I-AA); Canyon travels to Antelope Valley (Division I-A); Nordhoff travels to Chaminade (Division III-AA); Granada Hills Hillcrest Christian hosts Grace Brethren (Division V-AA) and Newbury Park Adventist travels to Oaks Christian (Division V-A).