The NorCal playoffs have been nothing short of exhilarating, with stunning upsets and unforgettable moments across various sports. Bay Area high school teams are leaving it all on the court and field, showcasing incredible talent and determination.
Basketball Bonanza: Upsets Galore
Oakland Tech pulled off a major shocker in the NorCal Division I basketball playoffs, upsetting top-seeded Inderkum. ArDarius Grayson emerged as the hero, sinking two clutch shots in the final two minutes to secure the victory. The atmosphere was electric as Oakland Tech dominated in crunch time, proving that anything can happen in playoff basketball.
Milpitas also made history, marking their first NorCal game with a memorable overtime win against Woodcreek. Jacob Wrencher led the charge with an impressive 22 points, propelling the team into the NorCal quarterfinal. "It was an incredible team effort," said the coach after the game. "Everyone stepped up when we needed them most."
Clayton Valley also made waves, shutting down top-seeded Rocklin in their matchup. St. Ignatius added to the upset trend, ousting No. 2 seed Buchanan. The King's Academy also displayed dominance, while Carondelet, Half Moon Bay, and Encinal celebrated victories on the girls' side.
Soccer Showdown: De La Salle Dominates
On the soccer field, De La Salle clashed with Bellarmine in a NorCal Division I playoff barnburner. The game was a thrilling contest between two storied Bay Area programs, but De La Salle ultimately prevailed. Ronan Rattigan proved to be the difference-maker, scoring twice in the second half to seal the victory. The win marked another exciting chapter in the rivalry between these two powerhouses.
Not Every Team Could Prevail
Unfortunately, not all teams could continue their playoff journey. Moreau's magical season came to an end with a 69-45 loss to Lincoln-Stockton in the second round of the NorCal D1 playoffs. Despite a valiant effort, Moreau couldn't overcome Lincoln-Stockton's strong performance. The Mariners can hold their heads high after a successful season.
The NorCal playoffs continue to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the incredible talent of Bay Area high school athletes. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition heats up!