Boys’ basketball: The return of the neighborhood school

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The new Southern Section basketball playoff format has pulled off one rare feat: The return of the neighborhood school possibly winning a championship.

In the 3AAA semifinals on Friday, Arroyo Grande will play Palm Desert, and both are loaded with kids who have grown up together for years. At least four of Arroyo Grande’s players were major contributors for the school’s championship football team. For Palm Desert, brothers John and Brian Serven, plus teammate Jacob Clark, have been playing together since third grade. All have grade-point averages above 4.0.

In the other semifinal, it’s Pasadena and Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills Coach Jarvis Turner came over from Birmingham two years ago, and they might throw him a parade if his underdog team wins the title. Guard Austin Mills is a terrific shooter. Pasadena is loaded with talent and might be considered the favorite to win it all. Sophomore point guard Ajon Efferson returned to his home school after playing for Taft last season.

For those keeping track of public vs. private, of the 12 divisions, eight could be won by private schools.

Here’s the breakdown: 1AA, six public and two privates remain alive. In 1A, seven public and one private. In 2AA, 8 public. In 2A, eight public. In 3AAA, four public. In 3AA, four public. In 3A, three private, one public. In 4AA, four private. In 4A, four private. In 5AA, four private. In 5A, three private and one public. In 6, four private.

-- Eric Sondheimer