It’s an unprecedented, wonderful time for Long Beach sports fans: today is March 4th, it’s the second round of the state playoffs, and we don’t just have two girls’ teams still in the mix, we have two girls teams hosting state playoff games tonight at 7pm.  Here’s what to watch out for at the games…as for which one you should go to, that’s up to you.  If you haven’t been to a single game all season it’s not too late: you should find a way, any way, to get to one of them.  Naturally, we’ll be at both.

Millikan vs. A.B. Miller (@ Millikan High, 7pm)
These teams have actually met before, on January 19th in the Ayala Extravaganza, and if the result is the same we’re going to be able to keep this party rolling.  In that game, Millikan won by 9, behind eye-popping performances by senior stars Courtney Clements and Kalena Tutt.  Clements finished the game with 29 points, her high-water mark for the season, as well as 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 4 steals.  Tutt was no slouch herself, with 16 points and 12 boards, as well as a staggering 8 blocks.  Miller has been playing tough late in the season, despite their lack of size; the Rebels are all under six foot, with all but two of their players shorter than 5’10”.  Millikan will have to contain leading scorers Chloe Wells and Brianna Hall (which they struggled with the first time they met) and use Clements’ and Tutt’s size to their advantage if they want to advance to the third round.

Poly vs. San Clemente (@ Poly High, 7pm)
The Jackrabbits have never faced off against the San Clemente Tritons, so there isn’t a precedent for tonight’s match.  After Monday’s victory, Poly coach Carl Buggs said that the Tritons’ size might present a challenge, as three of their starters are over six feet tall.  This game may come down to the health of Jasmine Dixon and Monique Oliver, Poly’s tallest and best players.  Ariya Crook-Williams should see significant playing time as her speed may allow her to move around San Clemente, and Kelli Thompson is going to have to come up huge on the defensive front, something she’s done time and again when facing large opponents.  

So that’s what’s on your plate: you pick your meal.  One way or another, the whole city has to be hoping that Courtney Clements and Jasmine Dixon have huge games.  If Millikan and Poly can both win, this unbelievable ride will become that much more memorable, as the Rams and Jackrabbits would meet in round three of the state playoffs for the fourth time this season.  Get your wallets out and keep your fingers crossed, it’s gonna be a hell of a night.