The North Coast basketball playoffs witnessed a significant upset on February 24, 2024, as the No. 7 seed San Lorenzo defeated the No. 2 seed Cardinal Newman 59-48 in the Division 2 quarterfinals. The Cardinals, who concluded their season with a remarkable record of 27-3, faced a formidable challenge from the Grizzlies, particularly in the second half.
San Lorenzo (18-10) entered the game with determination and saw star guard Ronnie Selleaze lead the charge, finishing with a game-high 30 points. After trailing by two points at halftime, the Grizzlies transformed their fortunes in the third quarter, establishing a 10-point lead. Although Cardinal Newman managed to narrow the deficit to 41-38 heading into the final quarter, a series of turnovers late in the game allowed San Lorenzo to extend their lead back to double digits, ultimately sealing the upset.
In a separate quarterfinal matchup, the No. 1 seed University-San Francisco triumphed over No. 8 Casa Grande with a decisive score of 74-48. The Red Devils dominated the game, leading 46-20 at halftime, and ended Casa Grande’s season with a final record of 22-9.
Girls’ Playoff Highlights
In the girls’ Division 2 playoffs, the No. 3 seed Justin-Siena advanced to the semifinals after a commanding 60-41 victory against No. 11 James Logan. The Braves showcased their offensive prowess, led by Lauren Keller, who contributed 24 points. Justin-Siena (25-5) has now secured at least 25 wins for the third consecutive year and will face No. 2 seed Moreau Catholic (22-6) in the semifinals.
In another notable girls’ matchup, the No. 1 seed Rancho Cotate defeated No. 9 Vintage 47-34, marking their first return to the section semifinals since 2020. The Cougars, who improved their overall record to 15-12, overcame a halftime deficit of 21-19 by outscoring Vintage 19-4 in the third quarter. Freshman Isabelle Ellisen led all scorers with 21 points, while Ella O’Brien added 12 points, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Upcoming Playoff Schedule
The playoffs continue with several key matchups scheduled for February 25 and 26. In the boys’ Division 5, the No. 1 seed Sonoma Academy will face No. 4 Drew on February 25 at 19:00. The girls’ Division 5 will feature No. 4 Healdsburg against No. 9 Gateway, also on February 25, while No. 3 Justin-Siena will take on No. 2 Moreau Catholic on February 26.
As the playoffs advance, fans can anticipate even more thrilling basketball action, with teams vying for the coveted championship titles.
