UPDATE: The stage is set for a thrilling championship showdown as the Milpitas Trojans aim for their first Central Coast Section (CCS) title since 1997 against league rival Los Gatos this Saturday. Having dominated their semifinal game on Thursday night, Milpitas decisively defeated Palo Alto with a final score of 61-30, showcasing an impressive second-half defense that limited Palo Alto to just 12 points.
Milpitas, boasting a remarkable record of 25-1, is looking to build on last season’s historic playoff run. Coach Champ Wrencher expressed pride in his team’s defensive performance and emphasized the importance of treating the championship game like any other. “We’ve got to try to not look at the scoreboard and not realize more people are in the bleachers,” Wrencher stated.
The Trojans have previously faced Los Gatos twice this season, winning both encounters by narrow margins of 58-52 and 65-56. Wrencher believes the key to victory lies in maintaining their game plan without succumbing to the pressure of the championship atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in Division II, St. Francis has made a remarkable turnaround after a challenging regular season. The Lancers, who finished the season at 9-16, advanced to the finals after a thrilling 63-58 victory over Christopher. Sophomore Weston Edwards led the charge with 14 points, and coach Rodney Tention noted that the team’s determination has been pivotal to their success.
In Division III, SHC advanced to the finals with a tough 52-45 win against Pioneer, thanks to contributions from Cooper Ellis and Kiran Tate-Day. The Irish are vying for their third CCS title since 2023.
In Division IV, Half Moon Bay cruised to victory with a commanding 83-59 win over Menlo School, fueled by standout performances from Gio Garduno-Martin and Owen Perez. The Cougars aim to capture their first section title since 2018 as they face off against Sacred Heart Prep in the finals.
On the girls’ side, Menlo-Atherton demonstrated dominance with a 58-46 win over Los Altos, earning a spot in the Division I final against Los Gatos. Senior Luisa Tava led her team with 22 points, and coach Steve Yob highlighted the importance of strong teamwork and defense.
Valley Christian narrowly edged out Monta Vista in a nail-biter, winning 40-38 to advance to the Division II championship against Aragon. The Dons, led by senior Jayda Parangan, secured their spot with a last-minute basket, showcasing their resilience.
As the championship games approach, excitement is palpable across the CCS community. Each team is not only playing for titles but also for the pride of their schools and the support of their communities. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown this Saturday.