Sierra Canyon basketball leads formidable Mission League
With a nine-player roster, the Sierra Canyon boys basketball team has won 25 of 26 games this season, and the only way the Trailblazers are denied the Southern Section Open Division and state championships is if another Mission League team can beat them.
At least one thing is certain about the playoffs: the Mission League is in the lead. Three of the four teams that reached the Open Division semifinals are from the Mission League, hosting semifinals Tuesday that will feature Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at Sierra Canyon and upset La Mirada at Harvard-Westlake.
“This continues to show that the Mission League is one of the toughest leagues in the country,” Harvard-Westlake coach David Rebibo said. “It pays to be in a quality league.”
The first step for everyone is to experience Sierra Canyon.
“I love the options,” Sierra Canyon coach Andre Chevalier said of his team’s depth after a 70-47 win over Santa Margarita Friday night in a quarterfinal between the top-seeded Trailblazers and the No. 2 seed Eagles (27-5), according to the Southern Section Computer Power Rankings.
Santa Margarita never stood a chance. The Eagles missed numerous three-point attempts, while Sierra Canyon found different players to contribute. Nine players scored for Sierra Canyon, with Brandon McCoy getting 17 points and nine rebounds, Brannon Martinsen scoring 13 points and Maxi Adams 11. McCoy and Adams are McDonald’s All-Americans, but it’s the Trailblazers’ depth that is showing in a long season that still has three weeks left.
Sophomore guard JJ Sati-Grier, a transfer from North Carolina, suddenly gained playing time and made four baskets. Sophomore guard Josh Lowery had seven points.
During the second half, when a Sierra Canyon player made an ill-advised shot, Chevalier yelled, “What are you doing? The player immediately found himself on the bench. Another player came to contribute. If the Trailblazers continue to find so many players to deliver baskets, it’s tough to overcome.
“Our depth is going to get us over the top,” Chevalier said.
Notre Dame and Sierra Canyon will finally be able to play their Mission League title game that was supposed to start two weeks ago but canceled due to the death of a student.
The biggest surprise was La Mirada beating No. 3 seed Redondo Union on the road, 73-70. Gene Roebuck fouled out early in the fourth quarter but still scored 19 points. Cisco Munoz had 17 points, Tristan Partida 15 and King-Riley Owens 10. The Matadores made the Open Division playoffs last season, but did not qualify for the state playoffs. They are now one win away from playing for the sectional title.
Harvard-Westlake built a 10-point halftime lead, but had to hold on against Mission League rival Crespi at home, 49-46. Joe Sterling finished with 15 points and Pierce Thompson 13.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame defeated Corona Centennial 59-56. NaVorro Bowman Jr. scored 23 points and Zach White had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
“It’s a testament to the quality of coaching, the quality of the players,” Notre Dame coach Matt Sargeant said of the league’s success.
JSerra 105, Inglewood 91: The Lions advanced to the Southern Section Division 1 final. Jaden Bailes scored 33 points and Ryan Doane had 32 points and 18 rebounds. Jason Crowe Jr. finished with 37 points for Inglewood. JSerra will face top-seeded Crean Lutheran, a 67-55 winner over Rancho Christian.
Hesperia 54, Mater Dei 49: Hesperia qualified for the Division 2 final.
Sylmar 93, Marquez 75: Aiden Garcia scored 26 points as the Spartans advanced to the City Section Division II championship game, where they will face King/Drew, who defeated Bravo 72-44. Wayne Chamberlain had 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.
Chatsworth 53, Venice 51 (OT): The Chancellors reached the City Section Division I final with an overtime victory in the semifinals. They will face top-seeded and West Valley League rival Granada Hills, a 48-30 winner over LA Jordan.
