Boys’ basketball: Quarterfinals set for Wednesday in City Section

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

It’s time for some predictions in City Section Division I quarterfinal matchups on Wednesday.

Birmingham at Taft. The top-seeded Toreadors twice beat Birmingham in West Valley League play. If there were no shot clock, the Patriots could go to the old four-corners offense. That’s not going to happen, so Taft should advance to Saturday’s semifinals at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Crenshaw at Palisades. This is the toughest game to predict. Crenshaw can’t wait to face the Dolphins. The Cougars think they haven’t gotten a whole lot of respect even though they went unbeaten in the Coliseum League. Guard Brandon Baker and forward Andre Edwards are headed for All-City honors. Palisades has two-time All-City guard Donovan Johnson, who scored 42 points in the first round. If the Dolphins can rebound, they’ll win. If not, Crenshaw moves on.

Washington at Westchester. Washington needs exceptional guard play to pull off the upset. Westchester is usually at its best when the players take their opponent seriously, and they better take Washington seriously. Westchester’s guards are the difference.

Dorsey at Fairfax. It took some time, but Landon Drew and Brendyn Taylor have found that special chemistry. Dorsey has Donald Muepo Jr., who’s having an All-City season, but Fairfax is starting to reach peak form. The Lions should prevail.

-- Eric Sondheimer