SoCal Tourney title games: There’s a bunch of good ones Saturday
There are numerous championship games of note throughout Southern California on Saturday.
Here is a quick rundown on some of them:
*Mater Dei vs. Mission Viejo Trabuco Hills (Diablo Inferno, Mission Viejo High, 3 p.m.)
The Monarchs haven’t been seriously tested in this event and aren’t likely to be in this matchup, either. The Mustangs don’t have the size to counter Mater Dei but do have excellent backcourt play.
*Temecula Rancho Christian vs. Etiwanda (BattleZone, Corona Centennial, 7:30 p.m.)
Both came away with very impressive victories over two other strong CIF Southern Section Open Division playoff candidates (Chino Hills and Centennial, respectively) Friday night.
Six-foot-six Luke Turner (pictured) of Rancho Christian scored 22 points in the win over Chino Hills and is one of the best freshmen in California.
*Torrance Bishop Montgomery vs. L.A. Westchester (Trevor Ariza, Westchester, 7:30 p.m.)
This could very well prove to be a preview of a game to be played in March during State Southern Open Regional action. IMHO, these are two of the best four teams in SoCal right now.
*Pasadena vs. Oak Park (Rose City Roundball Classic, Pasadena Maranatha, 8 p.m.)
As with title game being played at Corona Centennial, this contest pits serious Southern Section Open Division playoff contenders and teams that will be played in the loaded Platinum Division of The Classic at Damien (Dec. 26-30).
*Rolling Hills Prep vs. L.A. Brentwood Academy (Pac Shores, Mira Costa, 7:30 pm.)
A very nice matchup between two programs that are loaded with gifted underclassmen.
*Bellflower St. John Bosco vs. San Juan Capistrano Saddleback Valley Christian (Buena Park, 3 p.m.)
*As the case with Mater Dei-Trabuco Hills, this one is tipping at 3 because the Braves’ football team is meeting its Trinity League rival Mater Dei for the CIF Southern Section Division I title Saturday night at Cerritos College in Norwalk.