But despite coming back from a 16-point first-half deficit, SRV fell just short of completing the comeback as the sixth-seeded Wolves lost at No. 3 St. Mary’s-Stockton 67-61 in the first round of the NorCal Open Division regional. SRV ended the season with a 28-3 record.

Sierra Chambers led the Danville school with 21 points and Sofia Bowes had 19.

Freshman Kori Rogers had a game-high 22 points for St. Mary’s and University of Texas commit Jordan Lee scored 19.

“St. Mary’s has a great coach and is a great basketball team,” SRV coach John Cristiano said. “For us to fight back to within one point and make it a one-possession game is a testament to who these kids are. I told them in the locker room after the game, they don’t have to win to be champions. If I were to define a champion, every one of them would be my champion.”

SRV played St. Mary’s on Dec. 1, losing 53-48. Since then, the Wolves had gone 26-1 until the loss Wednesday.

St. Mary’s looked like it was going to put the rematch away early. The Rams started the first quarter on a 15-2 run, thoroughly pushing around the Wolves at any chance they got. The Rams outrebounded SRV 13-4 and forced five turnovers in the first quarter alone as St. Mary’s held a 17-6 lead after the first eight minutes.

But the tide started to turn in SRV’s favor by the middle of the second quarter. Trailing by 10 with under four minutes left in the first half, SRV caught a break when a St. Mary’s player was called for a technical foul. The Wolves made four free throws to cut the lead to six, putting themselves to within striking distance going into the second half.

The third quarter was defined by Chambers and Bowes’ offensive brilliance. The duo combined for 15 of SRV’s 24 points in that period to make the score 52-49 going into the fourth quarter.

“I knew if we were going to get back in this game, we had to attack the basket,” Chambers said. “Everybody on the team had to just take it to the basket, finish and draw fouls as much as we can.”

SRV continued its momentum into the fourth quarter. At the 2:50 mark, Bowes scored a layup to make the score 60-59 — the closest the Wolves had been since the opening tip.

But after that, St. Mary’s best players made plays to take back control of the game.

Lee had three crucial offensive rebounds in the final minute of the game. One of the second-chance rebounds was followed by a pass to Cassidy Bartolotto, who scored a layup to give St. Mary’s a five-point cushion with under 40 seconds left.

The Wolves couldn’t score fast enough in the final minute and the Rams iced the game at the free-throw line late.

Despite the loss, the mood around SRV after the game was upbeat.

“I think tonight was an accomplishment,” Chambers said. “We all live in the same city and we constantly work hard every day just to play at the highest level. It’s such an honor for all of us and it means a lot to me.”

The Wolves accomplished more than most teams this season. SRV won the East Bay Athletic League title, went to the North Coast Section Open Division championship game and had four players receive all-league honors.

Despite his entire starting five graduating this spring, Cristiano said his seniors have left the program in a good spot for next season.

“The thing I’m proud of from this team has nothing to do with basketball,” Cristiano said. “The thing I’m most proud about is the role models and mentors these players have been to the young players in this program and the kids in this community. It’s their character and integrity that make me the most proud.”

Do-it-all junior forward Alec Blair had spent the entire fourth quarter on the Spartan bench after injuring his knee late in the third period. 

But somehow, some way, the hosts were tied with a bigger, stronger and faster Modesto Christian with under five seconds remaining in the NorCal Open Division first-round playoff game. 

All De La Salle needed to do was grab a rebound to force overtime. 

But Modesto found a way to crash the boards, and after being knocked around in the fray, the ball bounced into Gavin Sykes’ hands. 

He flipped the ball into the basket as the buzzer sounded, giving Modesto a 51-49 victory and securing its second-round showdown against No. 1 seed Salesian on Saturday night at Contra Costa College. 

De La Salle senior Arshawn Salkhi was one of several distraught Spartans who were inconsolable after the loss. 

“It’s terrible, it’s an awful feeling,” Salkhi said after emerging from the locker room some 45 minutes after the buzzer-beating defeat. “We gave it our all. We left it all out there.”

Blair’s leg injury occurred with 11.5 seconds left in the third, when a Crusader inadvertently crashed into his knee following a Spartan foul. The star momentarily shook it off, scoring 10 seconds later on a tough mid-range jumper to give DLS a 41-38 lead with eight minutes to go. 

But this time, Blair stayed down and clutched his leg. The junior went back to and stayed in the locker room for the first few minutes of the fourth, and was clearly not healthy enough to play when he hobbled back to the bench.

“I think it’s a sprain,” said Blair, who still led the team with 15 points and is expected to be a presence for the powerhouse De La Salle baseball team this spring. “I wanted to come back into the game, but the trainer said it wasn’t in my best interest. He told me to sit.

“I still thought we were going to win, to be honest.”

De La Salle, led by cool and collected coach Marcus Schroeder, battled until the end even without its best player. De La Salle took a 44-40 after Leo Ricketts canned a 3-pointer with 6:30 left.

Even after Sykes scored a quick five points to hand Modesto Christian the lead, Salkhi answered right back with a 3-pointer of his own to put De La Salle up 47-45. Modesto’s Myles Jones then countered with a layup to tie the score again. 

With two and a half minutes left, Balogun played through a foul and finished a quick push-shot to score his seventh and eighth points and give De La Salle a 49-47 lead.

“I’m proud of them,” Schroeder said about his team’s effort in the fourth quarter.

That lead lasted just 30 seconds, after which Crusader forward Marcus Washington slipped free for another layup to tie the game.

Neither team was able to score for the next two minutes. De La Salle missed a point-blank shot at the rim with around 35 seconds remaining to give Modesto the possession. 

It was one of several missed Spartan layups. 

“I think we usually make those, but credit to Modesto, because they played well,” Schroeder said. 

De La Salle’s defense forced Sykes to miss a short floater with only a few seconds remaining, but all they could do was watch as he put back the second-chance layup before running down the court in celebration. 

“I was just happy it wasn’t our last game,” Sykes said after scoring a game-high 18 points. 

De La Salle ended its season 25-6. 

Modesto Christian (28-5) is back in the NorCal semifinals for the ninth time. It’s next opponent? Defensive juggernaut Salesian, whose coach Bill Mellis was in the DLS gym to watch the thriller and do some scouting. 

“It’s gonna be tough, and we’re going to have to find a way to score on them,” said Modesto coach Brice Fantazia, who called Salesian’s defense the best in NorCal. 

Boys

Open Division

Wednesday’s games

No. 5 Modesto Christian 51, No. 4 De La Salle 49

No. 3 Clovis North 49, No. 6 Branson 48

Saturday’s semifinals

No. 5 Modesto Christian (28-5) vs. No. 1 Salesian (29-1) at Contra Costa College, 7 p.m.

No. 3 Clovis North (28-6) at No. 2 Archbishop Riordan (24-4), 7 p.m.

Division I

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Clovis West 79, No. 16 Dublin 57

No. 9 Serra 63, No. 8 Lincoln-Stockton 61

No. 5 St. Ignatius 67, No. 12 Rocklin 51

No. 4 Granada 58, No. 13 Inderkum-Sacramento 53

No. 3 Archbishop Mitty 75, No. 14 Dougherty Valley 54

 No. 6 Clayton Valley Charter 63, No. 11 Sacred Heart Prep 50

No. 10 Monterey Trail-Elk Grove 70, No. 7 University 68

No. 2 San Ramon Valley 67, No. 15 Vanden 64

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 Serra (20-8) at No. 1 Clovis West (27-6), 7 p.m.

No. 5 St. Ignatius (21-7) at No. 4 Granada (24-4), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Clayton Valley Charter (23-9) at No. 3 Archbishop Mitty (22-7), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Monterey Trail-Elk Grove (27-4) at No. 2 San Ramon Valley (26-7), 7 p.m.

Division II

Tuesday’s games

No. 16 Clovis East 78, No. 1 Branham 69

No. 9 Oakland 70, No. 8 Capital Christian-Sacramento 64

No. 5 Bellarmine 49, No. 12 Montgomery 41

No. 4 Bishop O’Dowd 76, No. 13 Los Gatos 49 

No. 14 Menlo-Atherton 70, No. 3 Sacramento 64

No. 6 Del Oro-Loomis 60, No. 11 Half Moon Bay 55

No. 7 Jesuit-Carmichael 54, No. 10 Benicia 53

No. 2 Oakland Tech 71, No. 15 Sacred Heart Cathedral 43 

Thursday’s second round

No. 16 Clovis East (21-11) at No. 9 Oakland (23-8), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Bellarmine (11-17) at No. 4 Bishop O’Dowd (20-9), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Menlo-Atherton (21-7) at No. 6 Del Oro-Loomis (25-8), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Jesuit-Carmichael (24-8) at No. 2 Oakland Tech (26-5), 7 p.m.

Division III

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Santa Cruz 61, No. 16 Head-Royce 47

No. 9 West Park 63, No. 8 Enterprise 49

No. 5 Carmel 76, No. 12 Venture Academy 58

No. 4 Ygnacio Valley 56, No. 13 Pleasant Valley 50

No. 3 Valley Christian 72, No. 14 Piedmont 43

No. 6 Bullard 53, No. 11 Central Catholic 43

No. 10 San Joaquin Memorial 66, No. 7 Christian Brothers 59

No. 2 Justin-Siena 59, No. 15 Ripon Christian 44

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 West Park (24-7) at No. 1 Santa Cruz (24-6), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Carmel (25-3) at No. 4 Ygnacio Valley (25-8), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Bullard (24-8) at No. 3 Valley Christian (14-14), 7 p.m.

No. 10 San Joaquin Memorial (20-11) at No. 2 Justin-Siena (27-3), 7 p.m.

Division IV

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Santa Teresa 79, No. 16 Kerman 76

No. 8 Palo Alto 60, No. 9 Ripon 58

No. 5 Foothill-Palo Cedro 45, No. 12 Urban 43

No. 4 Union Mine 66, No. 13 University Prep 61

No. 14 Monterey 67, No. 3 Sierra 51

No. 6 Lincoln-San Francisco 53, No. 11 Gridley 50

No. 10 Christopher 60, No. 7 Weed 55

No. 2 Natomas 62, No. 15 Menlo School 61

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Palo Alto (19-8) at No. 1 Santa Teresa (19-7), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Foothill-Palo Cedro (19-10) at No. 4 Union Mine (29-3), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Monterey (21-6) at No. 6 Lincoln-San Francisco (22-10), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Christopher (16-12) at No. 2 Natomas (24-9), 7 p.m.

Division V

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Athenian (24-8), bye

No. 8 Mt. Shasta 60, No. 9 McKinleyville 49

No. 5 Summit Shasta 60, No. 12 Durham 41

No. 4 International 50, No. 13 Bradshaw Christian 49

No. 3 Oakwood 69, No. 14 Caruthers 53

No. 6 Colusa 56, No. 11 Fortune Early College 30

No. 7 Futures 78, No. 10 Orland 65

No. 2 San Domenico  57, No. 15 Lowell 38

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Mt. Shasta (23-9) at No. 1 Athenian (24-8), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Summit Shasta (23-4) at No. 4 International (25-6), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Colusa (23-7) 56 at No. 3 Oakwood (14-14), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Futures (27-6) at No. 2 San Domenico (18-11), 7 p.m.

Division VI

Wednesday’s games

No. 1 Cornerstone Christian 97, No. 8 Valley Christian-Roseville 90

No. 5 Redding Christian 38, No. 4 Averroes 34

No. 6 Napa Christian 97, No. 3 Biggs 81

No. 2 Stone Ridge Christian 78, No. 7 Point Arena 67

Saturday’s semifinals

No. 5 Redding Christian (18-8) at No. 1 Cornerstone Christian (26-6), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Napa Christian (13-10) at No. 2 Stone Ridge Christian (24-8), 7 p.m.

Girls

Open Division

Wednesday’s games

No. 5 Folsom 54, No. 4 Cardinal Newman 48 

No. 3 St. Mary’s-Stockton 67, No. 6 San Ramon Valley 61 

Saturday’s semifinals

No. 5 Folsom (26-5) at No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (28-0), 7 p.m.

No. 3 St. Mary’s-Stockton (26-5) at No. 2 Clovis West (30-2), 7 p.m. 

Division I

Tuesday’s games

No. 16 McClatchy-Sacramento 66, No. 1 Pinewood 64

No. 8 Whitney-Rocklin 53, No. 9 Piedmont 41

No. 5 Sacred Heart Cathedral 61, No. 12 Salesian 41

No. 4 Carondelet 77, No. 13 Los Gatos 39

No. 3 Oak Ridge 47, No. 14 Priory 35

No. 11 Archbishop Riordan 64, No. 6 Acalanes 55

No. 7 St. Ignatius 45, No. 10 Marin Catholic 41

No. 2 Bishop O’Dowd 76, No. 15 St. Francis 27

Thursday’s second round

No. 16 McClatchy-Sacramento (25-6) at No. 8 Whitney-Rocklin (23-9), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Sacred Heart Cathedral (23-4) at No. 4 Carondelet (27-6), 7 p.m.

No. 11 Archbishop Riordan (17-10) at No. 3 Oak Ridge (25-7), 7 p.m.

No. 7 St. Ignatius (19-10) at No. 2 Bishop O’Dowd (21-6), 5 p.m.

Division II

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Branham 53, No. 16 Chico 47

No. 9 Maria Carrillo 59, No. 8 Monta Vista 52

No. 12 Redwood 52, No. 5 Evergreen Valley 48

No. 4 Colfax 67, No. 13 St. Patrick-St. Vincent 66

No. 3 Pleasant Valley 56, No. 14 Vista Del Lago 49

No. 11 Antelope 82, No. 6 Buchanan 68

No. 10 Oakland Tech 65, No. 7 California 53

No. 2 Vanden 52, No. 15 San Domenico 44

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 Maria Carrillo (21-10) at No. 1 Branham (23-3), 7 p.m.

No. 12 Redwood (26-8) at No. 4 Colfax (31-2), 7 p.m.

No. 11 Antelope (21-8) 82 at No. 3 Pleasant Valley (24-7), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Oakland Tech (12-16) at No. 2 Vanden (25-8), 7 p.m.

Division III

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 University 67, No. 16 Northgate 28

No. 8 Atwater 74, No. 9 Pioneer 48

No. 5 Mills 56, No. 12 Clovis East 53

No. 13 Cornerstone Christian 69, No. 4 Clovis 59

No. 14 Caruthers 85, No. 3 Christopher 52

No. 11 Heritage 54, No. 6 Grant 40

No. 7 San Joaquin Memorial 67, No. 10 Manteca 37

No. 2 Central-Fresno 61, No. 15 Justin-Siena 51

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Atwater (25-7) at University (25-7), 7 p.m.

No. 13 Cornerstone Christian (26-7) at No. 5 Mills (20-8), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Caruthers (21-8) at No. 11 Heritage (20-9), 7 p.m.

No. 7 San Joaquin Memorial (19-7) at No. 2 Central-Fresno (19-12), 7 p.m.

Division IV

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 St. Bernard’s 55, No. 16 West Campus-Sacramento 39

No. 8 Lincoln-SF 56, No. 9 Lincoln-Lincoln 48

No. 5 Alisal 56, No. 12 Colusa 28

No. 4 Foothill-Palo Cedro 68, No. 13 Menlo School 64

No. 14 Notre Dame-San Jose 47, No. 3 Escalon 40

No. 11 Riverbank 70, No. 6 University Prep-Redding 52

No. 7 Mt. Diablo 81, No. 10 West Valley-Cottonwood 58

No. 2 Arcata 51, No. 15 Bear River 48

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Lincoln-SF (24-4) at No. 1 St. Bernard’s (26-5), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Alisal (24-3) at No. 4 Foothill-Palo Cedro (20-9), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Notre Dame-San Jose (15-12) at No. 11 Riverbank (22-6), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Mt. Diablo (25-7) at No. 2 Arcata (20-8), 7 p.m.

Division V

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Mendota (25-8), bye 

No. 9 Woodland Christian 41, No. 8 Modoc-Alturas 30

No. 5 Valley Christian-Roseville 80, No. 12 Summit Shasta 70

No. 13 Oakland 58, No. 4 Half Moon Bay 50

No. 14 Lowell-SF 52, No. 3 Wood-Vacaville 48

No. 6 Trinity-Weaverville 40, No. 11 Winters 30

No. 7 Crystal Springs Uplands 75, No. 10 Quincy 22

No. 2 Lynbrook 68, No. 15 Ripon Christian 55

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 Woodland Christian (26-5) at No. 1 Mendota (25-8), 7 p.m.

No. 13 Oakland (19-10) at No. 5 Valley Christian-Roseville (21-7), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Lowell-SF (18-12) at No. 6 Trinity-Weaverville (20-11), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Crystal Springs Uplands (12-12) at No. 2 Lynbrook (19-9), 7 p.m.

Division VI

Wednesday’s games

No. 1 Weed 58, No. 8 Rio Lindo Adventist 27

No. 5 Faith Christian 46, No. 4 San Francisco Waldorf 40

No. 3 Fall River 84, No. 6 Mendocino 52

No. 2 Sacramento Adventist 59, No. 7 Point Arena 35

Saturday’s semifinals

No. 5 Faith Christian (26-5) at No. 1 Weed (27-5), 7 p.m. 

No. 3 Fall River (18-12) at No. 2 Sacramento Adventist (26-6), 7 p.m.

On Saturday, San Ramon Valley won the NCS Division I title in miraculous fashion as the Wolves beat Carondelet in double overtime. San Ramon Valley’s playoff magic continued Tuesday, capturing another win with a late second-half goal to defeat No. 6 seed Leigh 2-1. It was a tightly contested match with the teams tied at 1-1 with 10 minutes left in regulation. That was until SRV senior Julia Bogdan found Mia Zuehlsdorf in the 70th minute for the go-ahead goal. Sammy Schulze scored SRV’s other goal and was assisted by Ella Beardslee. Piper Bertani scored Leigh’s lone goal in the 46th minute. SRV moved onto the regional semifinals, where it will travel to Sacramento area powerhouse Del Oro. The Wolves will be looking to play in their first CIF Division I championship game. … Kamryn Rosa continued her playoff goal streak to four matches as she scored a goal in No. 1 seed St. Francis’ 2-0 win over No. 8 Carondelet. It was a rematch of the CIF NorCal regional championship from last season and St. Francis got it done again. Charlotte Kohler was the Lancers’ other goal scorer. St. Francis will play No. 4 Archbishop Mitty in the semifinals on Thursday. The two teams played each other as recently as Saturday when St. Francis captured the CCS Division I crown over the Monarchs. St. Francis is 2-0-1 in three matches this season against Mitty.  –  Nathan Canilao

BOYS: Top storylines

No. 8 seed Monte Vista boys toppled Division I’s No. 1 seed Jesuit-Carmichael in convincing fashion, taking out the 21-2-2 Marauders 3-0 on the road. According to MaxPreps, Jesuit was ranked 11th nationally entering the game, and had only conceded 11 goals in 24 matches. The Mustangs will take on No. 5 St. Francis in the semifinals after the Lancers pulled off the mild upset of their own when they beat the No. 4 Berkeley 4-3 in penalty kicks… Dougherty Valley avoided the upset as Division II’s top seed by outlasting Valley-Sacremento 3-2, with the Wildcats getting goals from Jameson Raby, Ayooluwa Ipadeola and Michael Xiong. … No. 2 seed Burlingame stayed alive in the knockout tournament when Dylan Rossen and Jordan Dean both scored to beat No. 7 Maria Carrillo 2-1. … Sean Rante scored twice for No. 1 seed Newark Memorial as the Cougars advanced 2-0 past Everett Alvarez in the Division III bracket. … In Division V, Skyline, the Oakland Athletic League’s lone representative, moved on to the second round after the No. 3 Titans slipped past No. 6 Williams by a score of 2-1. … Archbishop Mitty’s boys advanced past McClatchy-Sacramento 3-2 after Manuel Portillo scored twice.  –  Joseph Dycus

BOYS: Surprises 

Sixth-seeded Las Lomas boys stayed calm under pressure to pull out the upset of No. 3 Golden Valley-Merced in the Division II playoffs. Mason Lisi scored the goal that helped end regulation and overtime tied 1-1. Then keeper Miki Derer had three saves in penalty kicks as Las Lomas won the shootout 3-1 to advance to a matchup with No. 2 Burlingame. … . In Division IV, No. 5 Archie Williams won a  7-4 barnburner at No. 4 Galt. … As mentioned before, the No. 8 Monte Vista boys routed national power Jesuit-Carmichael 3-0 to advance to the second round.   –  Joseph Dycus

GIRLS: Surprises

Las Lomas, the No. 6 seed in Division II, defeated No. 3 Sequoia on the road. The Knights scored a goal within the first ten minutes of each half and didn’t allow Sequoia to tie the game after the Ravens scored late in the second half. Las Lomas will play host to No. 7 Granite Bay, another upset team in Division II. … No. 5 Homestead defeated No. 4 Chico 4-0 to advance to the Division II semifinals. Homestead will play No. 1 St. Francis (Sacramento) at American River College on Thursday.  –  Nathan Canilao

On tap for the Thursday

No. 5 St. Francis boys plays host to No. 8 Monte Vista after both programs upset higher seeds in the first round, and No. 2 Archbishop Mitty will play host to No. 3 Clovis East in Division I. … No. 1 Dougherty Valley will play host to No. 5 Del Oro and No. 2 Burlingame will welcome No. 6 Las Lomas in Division II. … On the girls side, No. 2 seed Los Gatos will host No. 6 Rio Americano in the Division III semifinals. The Wildcats beat No. 7 Cardinal Newman 4-1.

NorCal Division I

No. 16 McClatchy-Sacramento 66, No. 1 Pinewood 64

Pinewood’s dream of adding more championship hardware to its trophy case came to a abrupt end on Tuesday night when the top-seeded Panthers lost at home in Los Altos Hills to 16th-seeded McClatchy.

The home team led by nine points going to the fourth quarter, but that advantage quickly dissolved when 6-foot-2 junior Nina Cain, who sat for much of third period after picking up her fourth foul, returned to the court for McClatchy.

Her basket in transition with less than 10 seconds to go accounted for the winning points. Pinewood tried to answer, but its shot near the basket as time expired did not drop through the hoop.

Pinewood finished 21-7.

McClatchy, which improved to 25-6, advanced to play No. 8 Whitney-Rocklin on Thursday in the NorCal quarterfinals.

Vallory Kuelker led Pinewood with 18 points. The Panthers also got 14 points from Alex Facelo and 12 points apiece from Jolyn Ding and Katherine Garr.

Pinewood coach Doc Scheppler credited McClatchy but was perplexed that his team was a No. 1 seed and McClatchy was a No. 16. He noted that his team lost to Carondelet (the No. 4 seed) convincingly and Priory (the No. 14 seed) lost to McClatchy convincingly.

“I am not whining about it because it was a wonderful game,” Scheppler said. “That was the marquee matchup of the first round in D1. That’s for sure. Two great teams. They’re a very good team. They have a terrific 6-2 player who played great and the other girls on their team are fabulous as well.

“I’m proud of my girls. It was a great season. At the end of the season, you’re always going to be crying tears of joy or tears of sadness. There are not too many teams that are crying tears of joy.” 

No. 2 Bishop O’Dowd 76, No. 15 St. Francis 27

Bishop O’Dowd coach Malik McCord couldn’t help but smile being asked about junior post Madison Gordon, who scored a game-high 16 points for the hosts in their 76-27 victory over St. Francis on Tuesday. 

Though he was certainly pleased with her ability to power through traffic in the paint to score tough baskets, it was the less-glamorous parts of her game that left O’Dowd’s coach glowing after the Dragon’s first-round rout in the NorCal Division I playoffs. 

“She’s just elevated her game,” McCord said. “Having her size helps us out a lot because we’re not the biggest team in the world. She changes shots and controls the paint, which helps us so much.”

O’Dowd’s post was far from the only one who played well against overmatched St. Francis, with the Oakland private school leading 45-16 at halftime and enjoying a running clock in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Jayla Stokes scored 14 and backcourt mate Kiara McCoy poured in 11. Devin Cosgriff, who holds a UCLA offer and is the most talented of the second-year trio, scored six. 

Savannah Jones had a quiet scoring night with just four points, but still had a massive impact by using accurate passes to set up her prolific teammates for easy baskets. 

Kylie Brown led St. Francis (15-12) with six points. 

O’Dowd looked like a team ready to make a deep run in NorCal, the Dragons coming off a strong showing in the North Coast Section Open playoffs. O’Dowd defeated Acalanes and Carondelet in between a loss to NorCal Open team San Ramon Valley. 

“I love where we’re at,” the O’Dowd’s coach said. “We’re playing good basketball now, and at the right time.”

O’Dowd will play host to St. Ignatius on Thursday. 

No. 11 Archbishop Riordan 64, No. 6 Acalanes 55

Ashanti Dias scored 20 and Kona Jane Dacoscos put in 17 points as Archbishop Riordan got past Diablo Athletic League champion Acalanes.

Tallyah Nasol also hit three 3-pointers for the visiting Crusaders, who will travel to No. 3 Oak Ridge on Thursday.

Acalanes (26-6) got 27 points from Dulci Vail and another 17 from Ariana Hallstrom. 

NorCal Division II

No. 1 Branham 53, No. 16 Chico 47

The No. 1 seed Branham girls trailed virtually the entire game against No. 16 Chico before coming from behind in the fourth quarter to pull out the win. 

The Bruins outscored Chico 20-8 in the fourth quarter thanks to 6-4 center Quinn Godfrey coming alive and asserting her will. Godfrey scored 14 of her game-high 21 points in the final eight minutes. Her putback with 2:28 left gave Branham its first lead. She also finished with 10 rebounds and five blocked shots. Point guard Rebecca Sung scored 14 points.

Branham will host No. 9 seed Maria Carrillo-Santa Rosa, a 59-52 winner over Monta Vista, on Thursday at 7 p.m.

NorCal Division III

No. 5 Mills 56, No. 12 Clovis East 53 (OT)

Another day, another thrilling victory for the Mills girls, who won their third overtime game of the season. Michelle Tang led the way with 21, Sofia Kwan scored 13, Chloe Lee added eight points and Luna Mengel Yoshimura put in seven points. Clovis East erased an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime. Mills will play host to No. 13 Cornerstone Christian on Thursday. 

NorCal Division V

No. 7 Crystal Springs Uplands 75, No. 10 Quincy 22

Senior Jemma Lacap outscored Quincy by herself, scoring 26 points in Crystal Springs’ rout.  Angelica-Reese Estrada scored 12 and Raelyn Dela Cruz ended the night with 11 points. Crystal Springs Uplands will travel to No. 2 Lynbrook on Thursday. 

Boys basketball

NorCal Division I 

No. 2 San Ramon Valley 67, No. 15 Vanden 64

San Ramon Valley, playing at home in Danville, survived a nail-biter as 15th-seeded Vanden gave the Wolves all they could handle in the opening round of regional play.

Mason Thomas (18 points), Luke Isaak (14 points) and Seamus Deely (12 points) were SRV’s leading scorers.

Tyler Thompson had 25 points for Vanden.

“Vanden deserved much better than this 15 seed,” SRV coach Brian Botteen said in a text. “We are fortunate to be moving on!”

SRV (26-7) will play host to No. 10 Monterey Trail-Elk Grove on Thursday in the quarterfinals.

No. 9 Serra 63, No. 8 Lincoln-Stockton 61

Serra guard Ryan Pettis scored 23 points on the road as Serra rallied from 17 down to defeat No. 9 Lincoln in Stockton. Alex Naber made three late free throws to give Serra the lead, and then Chris Philpot secured the victory by blocking Lincoln’s potential game-winning 3-pointer. Serra will travel to No. 1 Clovis West on Thursday.

NorCal Division II

No. 5 Bellarmine 49, No. 12 Montgomery 41

Battle-tested Bellarmine showed that it is much better than its record as the Bells prevailed at home over Montgomery in a first-round regional game.

Will Corbett had 18 points and six assists to lead the Bells, who improved to 11-17. Bellarmine also got 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists from Julian Gospich.

The Bells advanced to play at fourth-seeded Bishop O’Dowd on Thursday.

Boys

Division I

Tuesday’s first round

No. 8 Monte Vista 3, No. 1 Jesuit-Carmichael 0

No. 5 St Francis 1, No. 4 Berkeley 1 (SF wins on PKs 4-3)

No. 3 Clovis North 3, No. 6 Mountain View 0

No. 2 Archbishop Mitty 3, No. 7 McClatchy-Sacramento 2

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 3 Clovis North at No. 2 Archbishop Mitty, 3 p.m. 

No. 8 Monte Vista at No. 5 St. Francis, 7 p.m.

Division II

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 Dougherty Valley 3, No. 8 Valley-Sacramento 2

No. 5 Del Oro-Loomis 3, No. 4 El Diamante 2

No. 6 Las Lomas 1, No. 3 Golden Valley-Merced 1 (Las Lomas wins in PKs 3-1)

No. 2 Burlingame 2, No. 7 Maria Carrillo 1

Thursday’s semifinal

No. 5 Del Oro at No. 1 Dougherty Valley, 5 p.m.

No. 6 Las Lomas at No. 2 Burlingame, 5 p.m. 

Division III

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 Newark Memorial 2, No. 8 Everett Alvarez 0.

No.  4 Pleasant Valley-Chico 1, No. 5 Natomas 0

No. 6 Cardinal Newman 3, No. 3 Hollister 1

No. 2 Ukiah 4, No. 7 Chico 1

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 4 Pleasant Valley at No. 1 Newark Memorial, 5 p.m. 

No. 6 Cardinal Newman at No. 2 Ukiah, 5 p.m. 

Division IV

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 University-SF 4, No. 8 University Prep-Redding 0

No. 5 Archie Williams 7, No. 4 Galt 4

No. 3 Justin Garza 2, No. 6 Pacheco 2 (Justin Garza wins in PKs 3-2)

No. 2 King City 5, No. 7 Torres 1

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 5 Archie Williams at No. 1 University-SF, TBA p.m. 

No. 3 Justin Garza at No. 2 King City, 5 p.m. 

Division V

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 Stevenson 2, No. 8 Esparto 1.

No. 4 Summerville 5, No. 5 Gridley 0.

No. 3 Skyline 2, No. 6 Williams 1

No. 2 Washington-SF 4, No. 7 Winters 0

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 4 Summerville at No. 1 Stevenson, 3 p.m.

No. 3 Skyline at No. 2 Washington-SF, 3 p.m. 

Girls

Division I

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 St. Francis 2, No. 8 Carondelet 0

No. 4 Archbishop Mitty 2, No. 5 Davis Sr. 1

No. 3 San Ramon Valley 2, No. 6 Leigh 1

No. 2 Del Oro-Loomis 0, No. 7 Amador Valley 0 (Del Oro wins in PK 4-3)

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 4 Archbishop Mitty at No. 1 St. Francis, 4:30 p.m. 

No. 3 San Ramon Valley at No. 2 Del Oro, 5 p.m. 

Division II

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 St. Francis-Sacramento 4, No. 8 Casa Grande 0

No. 5 Homestead 4, No. 4 Chico 0

No. 6 Las Lomas 2, No. 3 Sequoia 1

No. 7 Granite Bay 2, No. 2 Tamalpais 0

Thursdays semifinals

No. 5 Homestead at No. 1 St. Francis-Sacramento at American River College, 5 p.m.

No. 7 Granite Bay at No. 6 Las Lomas, 5 p.m.

Division III

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 University-SF 3, No. 8 Oakdale 2

No. 4 Colfax 2, No. 5 Miramonte 1

No. 6 Rio Americano 0, No. 3 Pleasant Valley-Chico 0 (Rio Americano won in PKs)

No. 2 Los Gatos 4, No. 7 Cardinal Newman 1

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 4 Colfax at No. 1 University-SF at Paul Goode Field, 3 p.m. 

No. 6 Rio Americano at No. 2 Los Gatos, 5 p.m. 

Division IV

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 Marin Catholic 4, No. 8 Live Oak 1

No. 4 Kerman 2, No. 5 Crytal Springs Uplands 0

No. 3 Everett Alvarez 4, No. 6 Mission College Prep 0

No. 7 Torres 7, No. 2 Placer 0

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 4 Kerman at No. 1 Marin Catholic, 3 p.m.

No. 7 Torres at No. 3 Everett Alvarez, 5 p.m.

Division V

Tuesday’s first round

No. 1 Hilmar 3, No. 8 Caruthers 1

No. 4 University Prep 2, No. 5 Oakland Tech 1

No. 6 Winters 3, No. 3 Ripon Christian 2

Lowell-SF 6, No. 7 Hamilton-Hamilton City 0

Thursday’s semifinals

No. 4 University Prep at No. 1 Hilmar, 3 p.m.

No. 6 winters at No. 2 Lowell-SF, 3 p.m. 

Sacred Heart Prep saw that first hand.

Moore, Perryman and Robertson combined for 53 points to lead No. 6 seed Clayton Valley to a 63-50 win over No. 11 SHP in the first round of the California Interscholastic Federation NorCal playoffs. The Ugly Eagles will face No. 3 Archbishop Mitty in the next round on Thursday.

“When you bond as much as we do on and off the court, it reflects in our play,” said Moore, who reached the 1,000 career points mark Tuesday. “(Elijah) is the one that gets me and the team going. I feed off him and he feeds off me.”

Moore led all scorers with 22 points, Perryman had 21 and Robertson chipped in 10.

J.P Kerrigan led SHP with 13 points and Drew Wagner had eight.

SHP played a zone defense early to try and halt Clayton Valley’s dribble drive offense. The strategy worked for parts of the first quarter, but Clayton Valley coach Frank Allocco Jr. made the right adjustments to open the perimeter up for the Ugly Eagle guards.

“We trust our guys against a zone to figure it out,” Allocco said. “It’s hard to play a zone that long at this level without teams figuring it out.”

Coming out of a timeout in the second quarter, Allocco went to a smaller lineup and inserted Moore down low near the basket. The 6-foot-2 senior scored 10 points in the second quarter alone to help Clayton Valley go into halftime with a 29-21 lead.

“When I was in that dunker spot, I just had to be ready because I knew Elijah was going to find me,” Moore said.

Clayton Valley’s offense got going early in the third quarter. The Ugly Eagles went on a 15-9 run to start the second half and led by as much as 16.

After a relatively quiet first half, Robertson was Clayton Valley’s defensive stalwart as he recorded three steals and scored seven points in the final two quarters. Robertson’s defensive presence created easy scores for Moore and Perryman in transition, helping Clayton Valley build its lead.

“I think it starts with defense with those guys,” Allocco said about Moore, Perryman and Robertson’s third quarter output. “Those guys are great players and we feel like our guards are as good as anybody in NorCal. They showed that tonight.”

SHP gave a valiant effort in the fourth quarter, cutting the Clayton Valley lead to as little as six with under two minutes left. But time wasn’t on the Gators side as they were forced to foul late in the game. Clayton Valley went 10 of 15 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

While the Gators season ended Tuesday, coach Tony Martinelli said he is proud of what his senior class accomplished this season. SHP won the West Bay Athletic League title with a perfect 10-0 record and beat teams such as Granada, Lincoln (San Francisco), Justin-Siena and Bellarmine — all teams who secured a CIF NorCal playoff spot.

“I’m most proud of this group’s senior leadership,” Martinelli said. “They set such an example not just for guys on our team, but for guys in our program. That’s the best legacy the seniors can have.”

Clayton Valley will have a tough test ahead of them on Thursday where they will travel to San Jose to play Mitty. The Monarchs obliterated the NCS Division I champion and No. 14 seed Dougherty Valley 75-54 at home Tuesday.

Despite Mitty being the heavy favorites, Clayton Valley believes it is the right team to pull off the upset.

“We played a really hard schedule this year and we feel like we’re prepared for this environment,” Allocco said. “This is obviously going to be a great challenge. (Mitty) is super well coached and talented. It should be fun.”

An upset on the face of it, Branham (23-5), the No. 1 seed in the Northern California Division II bracket, getting beat at home by No. 16 seed Clovis East. But the game really served as a testament to the difficulty in ranking and seeding teams from different areas of the state.

Clovis East (22-9) came out full-throttle with speed and aggression, full-court pressing and trapping, overplaying on defense in the halfcourt, and running at every opportunity, even after made baskets.

Branham in its landmark season had not played against that style often, if at all.

“We were expecting the pressure, we just didn’t put our best foot forward in handling it today,” Branham coach Jason Billie said. “Once we figured it out it was too late.”

After forcing turnovers on four of Branham’s first six possessions, Clovis East shot out to an 18-7 lead after one quarter and 42-22 at halftime.

Facing its biggest deficit at 50-27 early in the third quarter, Branham went to a zone on defense to slow down the visitors and turned the game around in a 29-point third quarter with a 27-10 run to close to within 60-54 early in the fourth quarter.

Clovis East went back up by 10 at 68-58, only to see Branham go on another 7-0 run, on a 3-pointer by Cayden Tanger, a bucket underneath by Wyatt Sparling and a fastbreak basket by Ben Lim, to make it 68-65 with 2:45 left.

But that was as close as it would get.

“We came up short,” Sparling said. “We should’ve started off hot. But, you know what, I’m proud of the guys and what we accomplished.”

For Branham it was a season of firsts. First `A’ league championship in winning the Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division title. First appearance and first win in the Central Coast Section Open Division. First NorCal appearance

“I have incredible players,” Billie said. “They’re resilient, tough, they want to be coached hard. We just came up a little short tonight. But I couldn’t be more proud.”

Sparling had a team-high 16 points. Lim scored 15, Tanger 14 and sophomore big man Nick Mego had 10.

Clovis East (22-9), only the third-best team in Clovis this season behind Clovis West and Clovis North, had five players in double figures employing the up-tempo dribble-drive style the Fresno area is known for.

Boys

Open Division

Wednesday’s games

No. 5 Modesto Christian (27-5) at No. 4 De La Salle (25-5), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Branson (23-7) at No. 3 Clovis North (27-6), 7 p.m.

Saturday’s semifinals

No. 5 Modesto Christian or No. 4 De La Salle at No. 1 Salesian (29-1), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Branson or No. 3 Clovis North at No. 2 Archbishop Riordan (24-4), 7 p.m.

Division I

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Clovis West 79, No. 16 Dublin 57

No. 9 Serra 63, No. 8 Lincoln-Stockton 61

No. 5 St. Ignatius 67, No. 12 Rocklin 51

No. 4 Granada 58, No. 13 Inderkum-Sacramento 53

No. 3 Archbishop Mitty 75, No. 14 Dougherty Valley 54

 No. 6 Clayton Valley Charter 63, No. 11 Sacred Heart Prep 50

No. 10 Monterey Trail-Elk Grove 70, No. 7 University 68

No. 2 San Ramon Valley 67, No. 15 Vanden 64

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 Serra (20-8) at No. 1 Clovis West (27-6), 7 p.m.

No. 5 St. Ignatius (21-7) at No. 4 Granada (24-4), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Clayton Valley Charter (23-9) at No. 3 Archbishop Mitty (22-7), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Monterey Trail-Elk Grove (27-4) at No. 2 San Ramon Valley (26-7), 7 p.m.

Division II

Tuesday’s games

No. 16 Clovis East 78, No. 1 Branham 69

No. 9 Oakland 70, No. 8 Capital Christian-Sacramento 64

No. 5 Bellarmine 49, No. 12 Montgomery 41

No. 4 Bishop O’Dowd 76, No. 13 Los Gatos 49 

No. 14 Menlo-Atherton 70, No. 3 Sacramento 64

No. 6 Del Oro-Loomis 60, No. 11 Half Moon Bay 55

No. 7 Jesuit-Carmichael 54, No. 10 Benicia 53

No. 2 Oakland Tech 71, No. 15 Sacred Heart Cathedral 43 

Thursday’s second round

No. 16 Clovis East (21-11) at No. 9 Oakland (23-8), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Bellarmine (11-17) at No. 4 Bishop O’Dowd (20-9), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Menlo-Atherton (21-7) at No. 6 Del Oro-Loomis (25-8), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Jesuit-Carmichael (24-8) at No. 2 Oakland Tech (26-5), 7 p.m.

Division III

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Santa Cruz 61, No. 16 Head-Royce 47

No. 9 West Park 63, No. 8 Enterprise 49

No. 5 Carmel 76, No. 12 Venture Academy 58

No. 4 Ygnacio Valley 56, No. 13 Pleasant Valley 50

No. 3 Valley Christian 72, No. 14 Piedmont 43

No. 6 Bullard 53, No. 11 Central Catholic 43

No. 10 San Joaquin Memorial 66, No. 7 Christian Brothers 59

No. 2 Justin-Siena 59, No. 15 Ripon Christian 44

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 West Park (24-7) at No. 1 Santa Cruz (24-6), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Carmel (25-3) at No. 4 Ygnacio Valley (25-8), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Bullard (24-8) at No. 3 Valley Christian (14-14), 7 p.m.

No. 10 San Joaquin Memorial (20-11) at No. 2 Justin-Siena (27-3), 7 p.m.

Division IV

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Santa Teresa 79, No. 16 Kerman 76

No. 8 Palo Alto 60, No. 9 Ripon 58

No. 5 Foothill-Palo Cedro 45, No. 12 Urban 43

No. 4 Union Mine 66, No. 13 University Prep 61

No. 14 Monterey 67, No. 3 Sierra 51

No. 6 Lincoln-San Francisco 53, No. 11 Gridley 50

No. 10 Christopher 60, No. 7 Weed 55

No. 2 Natomas 62, No. 15 Menlo School 61

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Palo Alto (19-8) at No. 1 Santa Teresa (19-7), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Foothill-Palo Cedro (19-10) at No. 4 Union Mine (29-3), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Monterey (21-6) at No. 6 Lincoln-San Francisco (22-10), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Christopher (16-12) at No. 2 Natomas (24-9), 7 p.m.

Division V

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Athenian (24-8), bye

No. 8 Mt. Shasta 60, No. 9 McKinleyville 49

No. 5 Summit Shasta 60, No. 12 Durham 41

No. 4 International 50, No. 13 Bradshaw Christian 49

No. 3 Oakwood 69, No. 14 Caruthers 53

No. 6 Colusa 56, No. 11 Fortune Early College 30

No. 7 Futures 78, No. 10 Orland 65

No. 2 San Domenico  57, No. 15 Lowell 38

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Mt. Shasta (23-9) at No. 1 Athenian (24-8), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Summit Shasta (23-4) at No. 4 International (25-6), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Colusa (23-7) 56 at No. 3 Oakwood (14-14), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Futures (27-6) at No. 2 San Domenico (18-11), 7 p.m.

Division VI

Wednesday’s games

No. 8 Valley Christian-Roseville (19-11) at No. 1 Cornerstone Christian (0-0), 7 p.m.

No. 4 Averroes (17-6) at No. 5 Redding Christian (17-8), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Napa Christian (12-10) at No. 3 Biggs (22-5), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Point Arena (18-7) at No. 2 Stone Ridge Christian (23-8), 7 p.m.

Girls

Open Division

Wednesday’s games

No. 5 Folsom (25-5) at No. 4 Cardinal Newman (28-2), 7 p.m.

No. 6 San Ramon Valley (28-2) at No. 3 St. Mary’s-Stockton (25-5), 7 p.m. 

Saturday’s semifinals

No. 5 Folsom or No. 4 Cardinal Newman at No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (28-0), 7 p.m.

No. 6 San Ramon Valley or No. 3 St. Mary’s-Stockton at No. 2 Clovis West (30-2), 7 p.m. 

Division I

Tuesday’s games

No. 16 McClatchy-Sacramento 66, No. 1 Pinewood 64

No. 8 Whitney-Rocklin 53, No. 9 Piedmont 41

No. 5 Sacred Heart Cathedral 61, No. 12 Salesian 41

No. 4 Carondelet 77, No. 13 Los Gatos 39

No. 3 Oak Ridge 47, No. 14 Priory 35

No. 11 Archbishop Riordan 64, No. 6 Acalanes 55

No. 7 St. Ignatius 45, No. 10 Marin Catholic 41

No. 2 Bishop O’Dowd 76, No. 15 St. Francis 27

Thursday’s second round

No. 16 McClatchy-Sacramento (25-6) at No. 8 Whitney-Rocklin (23-9), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Sacred Heart Cathedral (23-4) at No. 4 Carondelet (27-6), 7 p.m.

No. 11 Archbishop Riordan (17-10) at No. 3 Oak Ridge (25-7), 7 p.m.

No. 7 St. Ignatius (19-10) at No. 2 Bishop O’Dowd (21-6), 5 p.m.

Division II

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Branham 53, No. 16 Chico 47

No. 9 Maria Carrillo 59, No. 8 Monta Vista 52

No. 12 Redwood 52, No. 5 Evergreen Valley 48

No. 4 Colfax 67, No. 13 St. Patrick-St. Vincent 66

No. 3 Pleasant Valley 56, No. 14 Vista Del Lago 49

No. 11 Antelope 82, No. 6 Buchanan 68

No. 10 Oakland Tech 65, No. 7 California 53

No. 2 Vanden 52, No. 15 San Domenico 44

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 Maria Carrillo (21-10) at No. 1 Branham (23-3), 7 p.m.

No. 12 Redwood (26-8) at No. 4 Colfax (31-2), 7 p.m.

No. 11 Antelope (21-8) 82 at No. 3 Pleasant Valley (24-7), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Oakland Tech (12-16) at No. 2 Vanden (25-8), 7 p.m.

Division III

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 University 67, No. 16 Northgate 28

No. 8 Atwater 74, No. 9 Pioneer 48

No. 5 Mills 56, No. 12 Clovis East 53

No. 13 Cornerstone Christian 69, No. 4 Clovis 59

No. 14 Caruthers 85, No. 3 Christopher 52

No. 11 Heritage 54, No. 6 Grant 40

No. 7 San Joaquin Memorial 67, No. 10 Manteca 37

No. 2 Central-Fresno 61, No. 15 Justin-Siena 51

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Atwater (25-7) at University (25-7), 7 p.m.

No. 13 Cornerstone Christian (26-7) at No. 5 Mills (20-8), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Caruthers (21-8) at No. 11 Heritage (20-9), 7 p.m.

No. 7 San Joaquin Memorial (19-7) at No. 2 Central-Fresno (19-12), 7 p.m.

Division IV

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 St. Bernard’s 55, No. 16 West Campus-Sacramento 39

No. 8 Lincoln-SF 56, No. 9 Lincoln-Lincoln 48

No. 5 Alisal 56, No. 12 Colusa 28

No. 4 Foothill-Palo Cedro 68, No. 13 Menlo School 64

No. 14 Notre Dame-San Jose 47, No. 3 Escalon 40

No. 11 Riverbank 70, No. 6 University Prep-Redding 52

No. 7 Mt. Diablo 81, No. 10 West Valley-Cottonwood 58

No. 2 Arcata 51, No. 15 Bear River 48

Thursday’s second round

No. 8 Lincoln-SF (24-4) at No. 1 St. Bernard’s (26-5), 7 p.m.

No. 5 Alisal (24-3) at No. 4 Foothill-Palo Cedro (20-9), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Notre Dame-San Jose (15-12) at No. 11 Riverbank (22-6), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Mt. Diablo (25-7) at No. 2 Arcata (20-8), 7 p.m.

Division V

Tuesday’s games

No. 1 Mendota (25-8), bye 

No. 9 Woodland Christian 41, No. 8 Modoc-Alturas 30

No. 5 Valley Christian-Roseville 80, No. 12 Summit Shasta 70

No. 13 Oakland 58, No. 4 Half Moon Bay 50

No. 14 Lowell-SF 52, No. 3 Wood-Vacaville 48

No. 6 Trinity-Weaverville 40, No. 11 Winters 30

No. 7 Crystal Springs Uplands 75, No. 10 Quincy 22

No. 2 Lynbrook 68, No. 15 Ripon Christian 55

Thursday’s second round

No. 9 Woodland Christian (26-5) at No. 1 Mendota (25-8), 7 p.m.

No. 13 Oakland (19-10) at No. 5 Valley Christian-Roseville (21-7), 7 p.m.

No. 14 Lowell-SF (18-12) at No. 6 Trinity-Weaverville (20-11), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Crystal Springs Uplands (12-12) at No. 2 Lynbrook (19-9), 7 p.m.

Division VI

Wednesday’s games

No. 8 Rio Lindo Adventist (19-5) at No. 1 Weed (26-5), 5 p.m.

No. 5 Faith Christian (25-5) at No. 4 San Francisco Waldorf (18-4), 7 p.m.

No. 6 Mendocino (15-6) at No. 3 Fall River (17-12), 7 p.m.

No. 7 Point Arena (15-7) at No. 2 Sacramento Adventist (25-6), 7 p.m

The Matadors, winners of the NorCal Division I title a year ago, had led from the outset. But their leading scorer, Cortavious Taylor, was on the bench with four fouls and the Tigers of the Sac-Joaquin Section came charging back in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Inderkum finally had the lead at 42-41 on two free throws from Malik Johnson. They were up 45-43 after a 3-point basket from Sincere Hudson with 5:50 remaining.

It was then that the fourth-seeded Matadors summoned whatever it is that comes from going through the gauntlet that is the East Bay Athletic League, reasserted themselves, and prevailed 58-53 to move into the second round Thursday against St. Ignatius, a 67-51 winner over Rocklin.

“The EBAL is one of the best leagues in California,” Taylor said after scoring a game-high 22 points. “It gets us ready for stuff like this.”

Granada improved to 24-4, with Inderkum finishing its season at 23-8.

A year ago, the Matadors won the NorCal D-1 title. They had Andrew McKeever, a 7-foot center who is a St. Mary’s redshirt and was on hand to cheer on his former teammates. They had Tyler Harris, who went to play at Portland.

Yet anyone who thought the Matadors weren’t up to the EBAL experience without them were sorely mistaken.

“Everybody thinks we were successful because we had Andrew and Tyler and those guys are a big part of our family,” Granada coach Quaran Johnson said. “They’re a part of our history, a big part of what we became. But it’s not all we were. We had integral pieces from last year. We wouldn’t have gotten there without them. They brought that culture, that fire, that mentality to this year.

“Put everybody together, and it still worked.”

Spencer Langowski added 14 points for Granada, with NaVaughn Long adding 10 and Lennon Lomba eight. For Inderkum, Malik Johnson had 16 points — all in the second half and in the paint — with Jeremiah Butler scoring 12 and Sincere Hudson and Taylen Goodman 10 each.

Granada jumped to a 21-9 first-quarter lead and was up 30-18 at halftime. When the third quarter began, the Tigers were late getting out of their locker room and had no chance to warm up. Whatever coach Fred Wilson said to them resonated, because Inderkum dominated the third quarter — which included a fourth foul with 5:16  left in the third quarter against Taylor.

Taylor, who returned to the game in the fourth quarter a foul away from disqualification, answered Inderkum’s last lead at 45-43 with a 3-pointer with 5:33 left, and that was followed by another baseline 3-pointer from Langowski for a 49-45 lead.

Inderkum kept fighting, but never got closer than two points the rest of the way.

Granada, which has been battling with the likes of De La Salle, San Ramon Valley, Dougherty Valley and Dublin during the league season, pushed the margin to 57-51 on a drive from Lennon and a reverse layup from Taylor with 31.3 seconds left.

“We’ve been there before,” Johnson said. “We were a quarter away from being undefeated in our league. Having to battle through that for a month and a half helps in moments like this. We expected them to make a run. I told my guys to compete, maintain their composure, stay solid and things will work themselves out. We’re too good of a team to let it end like that.”

Taylor said he stayed in the fray mentally while on the bench with four fouls and said he wasn’t worried even when Inderkum finally got the lead in the fourth quarter.

“I wasn’t concerned. I knew we were good,” Taylor said. “Most people thought we wouldn’t be that good this year because we lost a lot of good players, but we’ve always thought this was possible.”