The Central Coast Section (CCS) basketball playoffs delivered thrilling semifinal matchups on Thursday night, with several teams inching closer to championship glory. The Milpitas Trojans, after a historic playoff run last season, are poised to capture their first section title since 1997. They advanced to the Division I championship by defeating league rival Palo Alto with a commanding score of 61-30, showcasing a strong defensive performance that limited Palo Alto to just 12 points in the second half.
Led by Dylan Nguyen, who scored 21 points, and Pranavram Krishnan, who added 12, Milpitas demonstrated their depth and resilience throughout the game. Head coach Champ Wrencher expressed pride in his team’s defensive effort, noting, “Most of our victories are like that. We’re able to wear the other team down.” With a season record of 25-1, Milpitas looks to maintain its momentum against Los Gatos in the final, a team they have already beaten twice this season.
In the Division II bracket, the St. Francis Lancers are set to face top-seeded Willow Glen after a hard-fought 63-58 victory over Christopher. After struggling through the regular season, finishing 9-16, St. Francis has found its rhythm in the playoffs. Sophomore Weston Edwards led the scoring with 14 points, supported by fellow sophomores James Wilson and Drew Cumby, each contributing 10 points. Coach Rodney Tention praised his team’s determination, stating, “This year has been a learning process. They never shut down.”
The Division III semifinals saw Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) advance to the final after defeating Pioneer 52-45. Despite an underwhelming league performance, SHC capitalized on its non-league success, finishing the game strong with key contributions from Cooper Ellis (13 points) and Kiran Tate-Day (10 points). With a 10-16 overall record, SHC aims for its third CCS title since 2023.
In Division IV, Half Moon Bay showcased its offensive prowess with an impressive 83-59 victory over Menlo School. The Cougars, seeded second, finished the first half with 40 points and maintained dominance throughout the game. Gio Garduno-Martin scored 30 points while Owen Perez added 26 points and 15 rebounds. Coach John Parsons praised his team’s performance and looks forward to their final against top-seeded Sacred Heart Prep.
Turning to the girls’ competitions, Menlo-Atherton secured a decisive 58-46 win over Los Altos to reach the Division I title game. Senior Luisa Tava led her team with 22 points, helping Menlo-Atherton advance to its 14th CCS title game. Coach Steve Yob emphasized the importance of teamwork and defense, noting, “When we’re hitting our shots, we’re a tough team to beat.”
In Division II, Valley Christian narrowly edged Monta Vista 41-38, with key performances from Anaya Bannarbie (12 points) and Kenedi Nomura (11 points). The Warriors, aiming for their fifth section title, will face third-seeded Aragon, who advanced after a last-minute victory against Hillsdale. Senior Jayda Parangan scored the game-winner, propelling her team to a 40-38 triumph.
The playoffs continue to provide exciting matchups and remarkable performances, as teams prepare for the championship games scheduled for Saturday. With both the boys’ and girls’ finals drawing near, the competition promises to be fierce as these athletes strive for lasting legacy and community pride.
