Boys’ basketball: Let the fun begin in Division IV showdowns
Division IV should be renamed the private school division. It’s where most of the ambitious small private school powers can be found in basketball, and the Southern California Regional playoffs are going to be filled with big-time games the rest of the way starting with Saturday’s quarterfinals.
Each matchup offers something for fans and scouts.
JSerra at Sierra Canyon, 4 p.m. JSerra won the 4AA championship. Sierra Canyon won the Open Division consolation title. JSerra has 6-foot-11 sophomore Jayce Johnson. Sierra Canyon has 6-7 freshman Cody Riley. JSerra has standout senior point guard Johnnie Vassar. Sierra Canyon has standout sophomore point guard Deveral Ramsey.
Village Christian vs. Cantwell-Sacred Heart at Whittier, 6 p.m. Cantwell-Sacred Heart took unbeaten Santa Ana Mater Dei into overtime in the Open Division. Village Christian has four future college players in Bryan Alberts, Bennie Boatwright, Marsalis Johnson and Bear Henderson.
Windward at Gardena Serra, 7:30 p.m. These two teams have been battling it out in Division IV for years. Windward is loaded with outstanding young players. Serra has Tavrion Dawson, Ron Freeman and Jason Richardson.
Oaks Christian at Bishop Montgomery, 7:30 p.m. Bishop Montgomery guards Stevie Thompson Jr. and Justin Bibbins are as good as they get. Oaks Christian counters with Kenny Smith Jr.
Tuesday’s semifinals will be outstanding games as well. It’s a big boys tournament in Division IV.
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