Game 8: Modesto Christian vs. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita)

The Socal team finally comes out on top at the Norcal Tip-off hosted by Gerry Freitas. Santa Margarita was in control majority of the game thanks to Max Agbonkpolo (USC) and Jake Kyman (UCLA). Agbonkpolo did it all for the team and Kyman led all scorers with 23 points scoring showing his sweet jump shot. Modesto Christian played very tough and Earv Knoxx found his shooters for timely three’s from Baljot Sahi and Devin Day to keep them in the game. This was a good measuring game as they prepare for one of the toughest schedules in Norcal with games against Oak Hill Academy, St Johns Bosco’s, and more.

Final Score: Santa Margarita 72, Modesto Christian 66.

Game 7: Sheldon (Sacramento) vs. St. Bernard (Playa Del Rey)

Sheldon is considered as the top Norcal team this season and put a 20 point pounding on the Vikings to prove their worth. The Huskies were in control the whole game and was able to put together many highlight alley-oops. Marcus Bagley led Sheldon with 19 points and 7 rebounds and received player of the game honors. Justin Nguyen controlled the pace of the game,  Josh Morgan controlled the glass with 10 rebounds and Josh Williams came off the bench and deliver a monster dunk in transition to seal the deal.

Final Score: Sheldon 89, St. Bernard 66

Game 6: Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) vs. Grant (Sacramento)

The most competitive and exciting game came down to a last second tip-in by Jarin Edwards. The game was very physical with key players fouling out Iniko Mcneill for Bishop O’Dowd and David Jones for Grant. One of Norcal’s top prospects Steven Richardson sat out the second half due to a leg injury.  Will Chavarin (Cal Poly Pomona) hit 2 timely jump shots to come back and tie the game in the final seconds. Monty Bowsers who I mentioned in the Norcal Tip-Off preview to be a key player for Bishop O’Dowd led all scorers with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Final Score: Bishop O’Dowd 60, Grant 58

Game 3: Dublin vs. Riordan (San Francisco)

The most hyped game was also a nail-biter as the Crusaders came up short 69-70 to the Gaels. The Crusaders stormed back from 12-points down in the fourth with a swallowing press and was led by Je’lani Clark with 31 points. Crusaders also got a boost off the bench from Riiny Riiny one of the talked about transfers coming into the game. Bryce Monroe and Chan Mayout DNP but should be cleared by WCAL play. The Gaels was led by Elijah Alfonso who went perfect in the first half with 21 points 5-5 from three and finished with 24. Anthony Roy provided great energy off the bench and Jaden Saunders was a great floor general while Robby Beasley was out due to a foot injury. Final Score: Dublin 73, Riordan 69

Game 2: James Logan (Union City) vs Campolindo (Moraga)

This game was a family affair featuring the Mahaney brothers and Thompson cousins. Brett Thompson won player of the game with his relentless defense and led scorers with 20 points. Carter showed great poise getting the Jaguars on offense and getting to his spots and knocking down the mid-range shots. Younger brother Aiden proved he belongs with the big boys and did not shy away from competition. Final Score: James Logan 69, Campolindo 64

Game 4: Newark Memorial (Newark) vs St. Patrick-St. Vincent (Vallejo)

It was a scoring battle between Isaiah Cabrera (29 points) of Newark and Jalen Scott (30 points) of SPSV. A top-ranked Dishon Jackson with a near triple-double with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 blocks.  The game was close throughout and the Cougars pulled away in the final minutes. SPSV was missing key player Akil Edwards due to a playoff football game that night.  Final Score: Newark Memorial 77, St. Patrick-St. Vincent  64

Game 5: Moreau Catholic (Hayward) vs. Capital Christian (Sacramento)

Moreau Catholic was in control of the game from the tip, Leonard Turner was player of the game with 15 points and 9 steals. Preston Hall did all he can for the Cougars with a double-double 13 points and 13 rebounds. Capital was hit hard this game with the transfer of top 2020 prospect Kendall Munson. Moreau was missing last years MVL MVP Max Anderson, and a super athletic sophomore transfer, DJ Johnson. Final Score: Moreau Catholic 60, Capital Christian  46 

Game 1: Sacred Heart (San Francisco) vs Stuart Hall (San Francisco)

Many favored The Hall coming into the game as the Divison IV runner-ups last season. The team returns majority from last year and was confident going in. SHC played very physical and was able to get into the head of Stuart Hall players to ignite a big second half led by 6-8 big man Oscar Cheng, finishing with 19 points and player of the game. It looks like Oscar will be an X-factor for the Irish success this season, as he played spot minutes last season. Final Score: Sacred Heart Cathedral 57, Stuart Hall 48