The Central Coast Section (CCS) basketball playoffs saw intense semifinals on Thursday, with notable victories by the Milpitas Trojans, St. Francis Lancers, and Half Moon Bay Cougars. Each team is now poised to compete for championship titles in their respective divisions this Saturday.
Milpitas, aiming for its first section championship since 1997, secured a decisive 61-30 victory over Palo Alto. The Trojans’ strong defensive performance proved critical, limiting Palo Alto to just 12 points in the second half. Coach Champ Wrencher expressed pride in his team’s second-half effort, highlighting their ability to wear down opponents. Milpitas, with an impressive record of 25-1, previously defeated Los Gatos in two close encounters earlier this season, setting the stage for a thrilling final matchup.
St. Francis made a remarkable turnaround this season, advancing to the Division II finals after a challenging regular season. The Lancers defeated Christopher 63-58 at home, showcasing teamwork and determination. Coach Rodney Tention emphasized the team’s growth, noting that they remained resilient even after a difficult start. St. Francis will face top-seeded Willow Glen, providing an opportunity for further redemption.
In Division III, the Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) Irish demonstrated their competitive spirit by defeating Pioneer 52-45. SHC capitalized on their experience in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL), which has prepared them well for playoff challenges. Coach Mike Burch pointed out that their strong early lead allowed them to maintain control throughout the game. The Irish will now aim for their third CCS title since 2023.
Half Moon Bay showcased a powerful performance in their Division IV semifinal, easily overcoming Menlo School with a score of 83-59. The Cougars’ offensive prowess was led by standout players, including Gio Garduno-Martin, who scored 30 points, and Owen Perez, who contributed 26 points and 15 rebounds. Coach John Parsons expressed satisfaction with his team’s play as they prepare for a final showdown against Sacred Heart Prep.
On the girls’ side, Menlo-Atherton dominated Los Altos, winning 58-46 to secure a spot in the Division I title game against Los Gatos. The Bears displayed strong teamwork, with senior Luisa Tava leading the scoring with 22 points. Coach Steve Yob praised the team’s defensive effort and depth, which he believes will be crucial in the upcoming final.
Valley Christian edged past Monta Vista in a closely contested match, winning 40-38. The Warriors will face third-seeded Aragon in the finals. Senior Anaya Bannarbie led Valley Christian with 12 points, and the team will seek to add to their past successes in section finals.
Aragon’s victory was highlighted by senior Jayda Parangan, who scored the game-winning basket against Hillsdale in the closing seconds. The Dons’ strong finish has propelled them into the finals, where they will aim for their first section title since 2022.
As the championship games approach, each team will look to build on their semifinal successes and strive for the ultimate prize in the CCS playoffs. With rich histories and passionate communities backing them, the finals promise to deliver thrilling basketball moments.
