Five Long Beach and Moore League boys’ basketball teams open the playoffs on Friday this week, with the release of the CIF-SS playoff brackets. Click here for the brackets.
Division 1
One of the most exciting games in Southern California is St. Anthony traveling to Dominguez for a first-round playoff game Friday at 7 p.m. First-year Saints coach Alan Mitchell is a well-known Compton institution who gets a chance to coach in the playoffs in his hometown.
The Saints will rely on Elijah Price and Jaayden Bush to try and upset 20-7 Dominguez. The winner will face the winner of Santa Margarita and Los Alamitos next Tuesday in the second round.
Division 2AA
Long Beach Poly has one of two home games as they host Villa Park Friday at 7 p.m. in the first round of the Division 2AA playoffs. The Jackrabbits recently wrapped up an undefeated Moore League title.
“We feel like we’re ready for the playoffs,” said Poly coach Shelton Diggs. “We’ve been playing great defense and guys are settling into their roles.”
The winner of Poly/Villa Park will face the winner of Simi Valley and Pasadena.
Compton is also in the 2AA bracket, and will travel to Oxnard Friday. The winner of that game will face the winner of Sonora and Serra.
Division 2A
Lakewood has the league’s other home game, as the Lancers will host Pasadena Poly at Long Beach City College on Friday evening at 7 p.m.. The Lancers are in the top 10 in the 2A bracket with a chance to make some noise as long as Mason Pacheco and the rest of the Lakewood offense keeps operating at a high level.
If the Lancers advance they’d face the winner of La Serna and Pacifica Christian.
Division 3A
Millikan defeated Wilson on Sunday to earn the Moore League’s fourth and final playoff spot. The Rams will travel to AGBU on Friday and would face the winner of West Torrance and St. Bonaventure.
