News Summary

As the high school basketball playoffs kick off in the Bay Area, complaints echo regarding the lack of suitable venues for championship games. Fans, players, and coaches express disappointment over the exclusion of beloved sites like Saint Mary’s College and the appeal of rival sections boasting top locations. NCS commissioner Pat Cruickshank addresses the situation, reflecting on the challenges of venue selection and hopes for better options in the future, as anticipation builds for thrilling matchups ahead.

High School Basketball Playoffs Stir Up Controversy Over Venue Choices in the Bay Area

Oakland, CA – As the excitement of high school basketball playoffs heats up, complaints are ringing out loud and clear from fans, players, and coaches alike. The scheduling of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs has become a hot topic, particularly due to the less-than-ideal venues selected for the prestigious championship games.

Where’s the Championship Venue Love?

This year, many in the basketball community are scratching their heads over the absence of Saint Mary’s College as a venue for the second year in a row. With this beloved location off the table, players and fans are left wondering why the NCS couldn’t secure better spots for the games.

Interestingly, Saint Mary’s College is hosting a game against Oregon State this Saturday, yet, for some unexplained reason, it was unavailable for high school playoff activities on Friday. Seeing another section, like the Central Coast Section, parade their championship games at prestigious locations like Santa Clara University just adds to the frustration.

Rivals Shine Instead

To make matters worse, nearby sections are bragging about their championship venues. The Sac-Joaquin Section is set to dazzle fans at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, the Central Section is filling seats at Fresno State’s Selland Arena, and the Southern Section will pack the Toyota Center in Ontario. It’s hard not to feel a twinge of envy as other sections flaunt their state-of-the-art facilities.

Championship Matches at a Single Location

In this year’s lineup, the only venue that features multiple championship games in a single day is the newly opened gym at San Leandro High. This Saturday, fans can catch a tripleheader:

  • Piedmont vs. St. Vincent-St. Patrick at 3 p.m. (Division IV boys)
  • Cardinal Newman vs. Moreau Catholic at 5 p.m. (Division II boys)
  • California vs. Bishop O’Dowd at 7 p.m. (Division I girls)

Exciting matches that promise to keep the energy buzzing throughout the afternoon and into the night!

Decision-Making Drama

NCS commissioner Pat Cruickshank addressed concerns about the game venues, stressing that Saint Mary’s remains a top choice, yet its unavailability has left the NCS grasping for alternatives. Decisions regarding locations often come down to geography, as the NCS has aimed to place games closer to the higher-seeded teams.

For example, top-seeded Acalanes (28-1) will play No. 2 San Ramon Valley (26-3) at Campolindo High for the open girls title, while No. 1 De La Salle (26-4) faces No. 2 Salesian (27-2) at Dublin High for the open boys title. With De La Salle being just around the corner from Dublin, it’s clear that local options play a crucial role.

Missing Out on Other Venues

Although some local colleges, such as Cal State East Bay, were considered for games, scheduling conflicts thwarted those plans. Historically, the Oakland Arena hosted the Tournament of Champions, but that venue is now deemed too costly and is no longer an option.

As playoff season unfolds, the hope remains that the NCS can work towards securing more suitable venues in the future. With a fresh season coming up, everyone is excited for the chance to see their favorite teams compete on a grand stage, and preferable venues would certainly add to that experience.

Buckle up, basketball fans – it’s going to be a thrilling playoffs, no matter where the games are held!

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