UPDATE: Milpitas is on the verge of making history as they prepare to battle Los Gatos for the Central Coast Section Division I championship on Saturday, July 15, 2023. After dominating Palo Alto with a stunning 61-30 victory in the semifinals, the Trojans have their sights set on their first section title since 1997.
In a performance that showcased their fierce defense, Milpitas held Palo Alto to just 12 points in the second half, while Dylan Nguyen led the offense with 21 points and Pranavram Krishnan added 12. Coach Champ Wrencher expressed his pride in the team’s defensive effort, stating,
“Most of our victories are like that. We’re able to wear the other team down.”
Milpitas, boasting an impressive 25-1 record, has proven their dominance in the playoffs, winning by margins of 33 and 31 points in earlier rounds. They will face Los Gatos for the third time this season, having previously bested their league rivals with scores of 58-52 and 65-56.
Wrencher emphasized the importance of treating the championship game as just another match, aiming to keep the players focused and composed despite the increased stakes. He noted the significant community support, stating,
“This is something that the people in Milpitas can rally around and come watch.”
The emotional weight of the game extends beyond the court; a victory would not only etch a new chapter in Milpitas history but also serve as a unifying moment for the community. The Trojans have reached CCS finals only three times previously, with their last championship banner hanging from 1997.
In other semifinal action, St. Francis pulled off a thrilling win over Christopher, securing a spot in the Division II final with a 63-58 score. Coach Rodney Tention praised his team’s resolve, highlighting their journey from a challenging regular season. St. Francis will now face top-seeded Willow Glen in the championship.
Meanwhile, Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) advanced to the Division III final with a 52-45 victory over Pioneer. SHC coach noted their experience against tough competition will be crucial as they aim for their third CCS title since 2023.
Half Moon Bay dominated Menlo School in the Division IV semifinal, scoring an impressive 83-59 victory. The Cougars will challenge top-seeded Sacred Heart Prep for the championship, seeking their first title since 2018.
In girls’ basketball, Menlo-Atherton secured a decisive 58-46 win over Los Altos, setting the stage for a Division I title match against Los Gatos. Coach Steve Yob lauded his team’s defensive prowess as they aim for their fifth section crown.
Valley Christian edged out Monta Vista in a nail-biter, advancing to the Division II final against Aragon, who secured a thrilling 40-38 victory against Hillsdale. Aragon’s Jayda Parangan delivered a clutch basket in the closing moments, propelling her team forward.
As the championship games approach, all eyes will be on the court. The urgency is palpable as schools and communities rally behind their teams, eager to witness history in the making. Stay tuned for the latest updates and results from this weekend’s thrilling CCS finals.
