The California State Community College playoffs are down to the Elite 8, 4 teams in the North and 4 teams in the South. The winners of tonight's games will move onto the Final 4 in Los Angeles next weekend for the Final 4.
Here is my preview along with links from other websites offering previews for tonights match ups.
Saturday, March 8 – Regional Finals:
#1 San Francisco vs. #4 Chabot
San Francisco: Overwhelming opponents so far during the postseason with their size and athleticism. They defeated #16 Delta 76-48 in the 2nd round, and defeated #8 Butte 80-44 in the 3rd round. Both Delta & Butte are great teams, but the personnel just wasn't there to compete with CCSF.
Chabot: Pulled out two close victories in the opening rounds to make their way to the Elite 8. Had to go into overtime to defeat #14 Siskiyous 88-76 in the 2nd round, and #12 Cabrillo took them all the way down to the wire in a 76-73 thriller. But their is always something to say for a team that can pull out the 'W' in close games.
Match up preview: CCSF has had a dynasty in recent years, but their conference rival has closed the gap this year and has been the toughest competition the Rams have faced in their 28 game win streak. It's all about match ups this time of year, and Chabot matches up with San Francisco better than any team in their bracket. Chabot outrebounded CCSF in their first contest by 9, and CCSF needed a foul call on an offensive rebound in the closing seconds to pull out the win in the 2nd win against the Gladiators.
Key Match up:
CCSF Chabot
PGs: Dulani Robinson Leo Smith
- The University of Pacific bound Robinson runs the show for the Rams. But the same is said for Chabot's freshman floor general. They are no stranger to playing against each other, as both played their prep ball in Oakland. In their first two games here is how they performed:
Robinson FGs 7-27 (26%) 3s 3-10 (30%) Rbs 6.5 Assts 7.5 Stls 2 TO 4 Pts 14.5
L. Smith FGs 8-15 (53%) 3s 4-6 (67%) Rbs 3.5 Assts 6 Stls 4.5 TO 2 Pts 17.5
Other Key players:
CCSF
Kori Babineaux has averaged 29.5 pts in the first 2 meetings. Chabot doesn't seem to have an answer for stopping him at this point.
Gabe Bealer was scoreless in the first game, but had a solid 18 pt & 7 reb showing in game 2.
Chuks Iregobu had 20 pts & 5 blocks in game 1, and 9 pts in game 2.
Chabot
Greg Brown has been shooting the lights out vs. CCSF this season. 7-11 from beyond the arc in the first appearance, and 3-6 in game two for a total of 10-17 (59%). If he stays hot it can be a long night for the Rams.
Cortez Barrett had 25 pts in the first battle, but only 3 pts on 1-4 shooting in the 2nd game. Chabot will need Barrett to show up to stay in the contest tonight
Ray Baldwin had 15 pts & 12 rbs in the 2nd game, but only 4 pts & 6 rbs in the first appearance.
- Can these two have good games on the same night vs. CCSF?
Paris Davis dominated the boards in game 1, with 9 rebounds to go with 4 points. Not bad at only 6'3 playing against the goliath roster that CCSF puts on the floor. But in game two Davis had more of an offensive showing, putting in 17 pts to go with 2 rebs.
Coach K's observations & keys:
CCSF wants to dominate the boards and push the ball up the court to take advantage of their overwhelming athleticism and size.
Chabot doesn't have the size, but they have the athleticism to match CCSF. If they can keep Iregobu and the rest of the fast breaking Rams from getting out in transition, Chabot has a better chance than any team left in the playoffs at competing with the Rams.
Chabot has been on fire in the first two games from beyond the arc. In the first two games they were 28-50 from the 3-point line! It's hard to imagine losing two games while you shoot 56% from beyond the arc, but then again, they were playing San Francisco. If they can keep up their hot shooting, this could be a shocker!
Chabot seems to play more players than CCSF, and may have the advantage when it comes to depth. Can someone step up and make the difference from the bench?
Inside Game advantage goes to CCSF with 7 footer Eleraky, and 6'9 monster Aja. Unfortunately this is a game they may not be very effective, as this is going to be a fast paced game dominated by quickness and athleticism. These two can both dominate the offensive boards & Eleraky is a rim protector. So they definitely can make the difference at the end of the day, regardless of the minutes they may log.
Coaching:
Justin Labagh (CCSF) - has the recent tradition and momentum in his favor. This is his 4th Elite 8 appearance. Has won 1 state championship along with 1 state runner-up.
Denny Aye (Chabot) - has experience in his favor. Has taken 3 different schools to the Elite 8 & beyond. This is his 10th Elite 8 appearance, but first since coaching at Chabot. Also has 1 state championship to go with 1 state runner-up appearance.
Summary:
I'm not going to make any predictions. This is going to be a state championship caliber game. If you enjoy big time basketball along with a thrilling playoff environment, make your way up to the CCSF Wellness Center tonight for the 7pm tip-off
#2 Fresno City vs. #3 Santa Rosa
Fresno City: Made sure they didn't get knocked out early this season, after defeating #15 Foothill 73-61 & #7 Cosumnes River 71-66. The Rams don't seem to be as dominate as years past, but when you're 30-2 that statement sounds ridiculous. The Rams will try to win the mental battle first as well as the physical battle.
Santa Rosa: Almost fell out of the playoffs early after having to be matched up with #13 Merritt who took the Bear Cubs to overtime in the 2nd round. SRJC was victorious in this game 86-76. They then took on Ohlone in the 3rd round with a final score 67-60. SRJC is a well-rounded team with a solid inside-outside game. They seem to be playing better than earlier in the season where they started 7-6 before conference. They are also hot from beyond the arc, as they shot 29-62 in the Fresno City gym earlier in the year in the 3 day tournament.
Key Players:
Fresno: Plays so many players you have to look at them as a unit. But Chris Ashanti is the leading scorer averaging 14.9 on the season, followed by Dejon Budreaux with 8.8 per game.
Santa Rosa: Led by freshman guard Matthew Hayes and Alec Kobre, who are averaging 16.1 & 15.4 respectively.
Coach K's observations & keys:
Fresno: Will execute their game plan to perfection. Will play many players and take advantage of every possession & possible opportunity to get an edge in tonight's game. If their outside shots are falling they will be incredibly tough to beat at home. And of course, they will put winning the mental battle in the forefront of their game plan.
Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa has played most of the state's top teams this year, with the exception of Fresno City. Matt Hayes & Alec Kobre are the keys to the Bear Cub offense, and if they can keep their head against the Rams, Santa Rosa could extend their season. Santa Rosa is shooting 41.2% from beyond the arc this season, and have shot very well in the FCC gym as well.
Coaching:
Ed Madec (Fresno) - a master at finding more than one way to win a game. Will take advantage of every opportunity to gain an advantage in the game, and if the game is close this can be the difference maker. Has won 2 state championships at FCC so has the benefit in the experience department to go with the home court advantage.
Craig McMillan (Santa Rosa) - the only team to make it to the Elite 8, consecutively, the last 4 seasons. Therefore, the advantage on momentum goes to McMillan. If he can keep his team mentally focused on the game and away from the physical and mental assault that FCC will likely institute, SRJC stands a great chance to make the Final 4.
Summary:
I'm not going to make any predictions. The worst part of this time of year is that you can only watch one game. All the games tonight should be very exciting, and it reminds me of how the State Championships used to be an Elite 8 in which you could watch all 4 games at the same location. (We need to find a way to bring this back!) This game may not be as fast paced as the Chabot-CCSF battle, but this will be a hot shooting, physical grueling battle that should go down to the wire.
Other previews:
Kevin McCarthy reports
DRinca reports
