We break down who’s standing in front of the four Long Beach high schools still standing in the CIF bracket.
Poly vs. Alhambra, @ Poly 7pm
“I still have nightmares about Alhambra,” says Poly coach Carl Buggs of this evening’s second-round matchup. The two teams met in the playoffs in Buggs’ first year coaching the Jackrabbits, and the Moors beat the Rabbits with an interesting strategy. “They took 28 seconds off the shot clock on every possession,” says Buggs. “They just lulled us to sleep.”
The status of several injured Poly players is still in the air. Buggs didn’t anticipate playing TaNitra Byrd, or Ashley Wilson, and Thaddesia Southall is still coming along in increments. Fortunately for Poly, this Alhambra is not necessarily the Moors of old, as the Almont League champs, at 22-4, are inexperienced and undersized, with not a single senior or six-footer on the roster. In fact only three players are listed as post players, which should mean a good night for Sheila Boykin, Destiny King, Southall, and whoever else comes off the bench for Poly.
Jordan @ Warren, 7pm
The Panthers needed a little time to shake off the rust of not playing for a week, and the jitters of the playoffs in their first-round win. Coach Adara Newidouski has to be hoping her team is back in rhythm, because there’s not much time to lose. In the second round, they’re traveling to face Warren, the ten-seed of the bracket (Jordan is the 8-seed). The Bears are 23-5 this season, and the second-place team from the San Gabriel Valley League.
The Bears likely know they’ll need to stop Danesha Long and Armani Wiley if they want to advance to the quarters; the Panthers certainly know it comes down to how well they can play Frances Vaaulu in the post; she averages 12 points and 14 rebounds a game. The other scorer that deserves respect is Danielle Rodriguez, a speedy point guard who averages 14 points a game.
Millikan vs. Cajon, @ Millikan 7pm
Mark Lehman has built the Cowboys into a power, similar to the way Lorene Morgan built Millikan. Cajon graduated their star talent last year, but here they are again, the five-seed and a thorn in another Moore League team’s side (they beat Wilson last year and defeated Poly in the CIF title game).
Cajon doesn’t have a Darshae Burnside or a Leyshia Clarendon anymore, but they do have two quality guards who can shoot the ball in Sophia Bhasin (#14) and Kori Walker (#21). Millikan will have to play good perimeter defense, and hope Hilary Drinovsky has another monster night in the paint if they want to pull the upset on their home court.
St. Anthony vs. Hamilton, @ St. Anthony 7pm
Things start getting a little tougher for the bracket’s top-seed, but at least they’ll be home for the second straight game. Tonight’s opponent is Hamilton, the second-place team from the Big Sky League, and the bracket’s 16-seed. The Bobcats have had a good season so far, and have built momentum by winning 13 of their last 14. They’re a complete team, but Ariella Harrison is the top-scorer with 11 ppg.