It’s not clear if it was the first ever, but the Central Coast Section as well as other sections in the state might be interested in higher-seed home basketball games for section tournaments.
It seemed like all the title games in the state were well attended and created a championship atmosphere, based on what I’ve seen and heard.
The Aragon Hillsdale girls Division II champion was one of those games. It was incredible. It was incredible to see the bleachers packed to capacity on both sides of the gym for the first time since two years. The crowd began to cheer as the referee moved toward the center circle for his opening tip. The crowd was roaring as he raised the opening tip. I felt goosebumps and even a little emotional at the response. Basketball fans are thrilled to be able to participate again after almost two years of having limited access.
It was amazing to hear the cheers of both sides at baskets made or any other big play.
It was a remarkable celebration by the Aragon bench when Jordan Beaumont, Aragons, made a 3-pointer to end the third quarter of the Dons’ 52-47 win Hillsdale in Central Coast Section Division II championship match Saturday.
Although any buzzer beater can be exciting and it pushed Dons to five, 38-33, the Dons led was still a bit too high for their substitutes. What is the matter?
Weve been practicing it, said Sam Manu Aragon head Coach. It’s called the Valpo play.
With 3.8 seconds remaining in the quarter, the Dons were forced to play an out-of bounds under the Hillsdale basket. Mabryn Manu was the inbounder and he threw a half court pass to her. She flashed to the center circle to accept it. Beaumont was then on the right side, and she took the pass. She canned the three just as the buzzer went off.
It was similar in style to the Valparaiso University’s 1998 NCAA tournament win against Mississippi State. With 2 seconds left and down 2, Bryce Drew made a similar pass and touch to Bryce Drew to score the winning 3-pointer.
Saturday’s time for Aragon was 1.3 seconds longer than Valpo. Beaumont was able look down at her feet to re-position herself before she let fly.
Coach Manu said that we did it in 1.8 seconds.
I understand that there is no exact science to high-school basketball playoff seedings, particularly when it comes down to the CIF Northern California regionals. It is impossible for the CIF seeding committee to know the strengths and weaknesses nearly 200 teams who continue their journey towards the state championship.
How does the Aragon girls’ team win the No. 15 seed in Nor Cal Division II bracket The Dons not just won the CCS DII championship, but they also went 5-2 against Capuchino Mills Hillsdale and Menlo School, who all played in CCS championship matches.
Menlo School, winner of the CCS Division IV title is now seeded No. 3 in Division 2. The Knights are not to be offended, but, huh. Menlo was even defeated by Aragon in non-league play 53-40.
One saving grace is that the Dons will actually host a matchup against No. 2 McClatchy-Sacramento. McClatchy beat Lincoln-Stockton in the Sac-San Joaquin Section Division I quarterfinals, but was unable to host any future games after McClatchy fans stormed onto the court after a go-ahead basket.
The problem was that there was still time. There were many fans, including a mom and her young child. The screen was set by Lincoln, who came up to court to tie the match. McClatchy would lose in the semifinals against eventual champ Oak Ridge.
Hillsdale is seeded No. 16 in Division II.
Congratulations to the Crystal Springs Uplands School boys’ squash team. The Gryphons, the only West Coast squad to be invited to the U.S., were the Gryphons. The Gryphons placed seventh at the Squash High School National Champion tournament in Philadelphia.
