Boys’ basketball: Division IV elite teams get easier draw

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The Southern Section 4AA playoffs were tough. Gardena Serra emerged as the champion, but all the top teams -- and there were many -- had to go through major tests mentally and physically.

Now that the Southern California regionals begin on Wednesday, it’s almost going to be a letdown for Serra, La Verne Lutheran and Price. Those three teams should have little trouble getting into the semifinals unless they are too overconfident. Each will be a strong favorite to win opening games on Wednesday and quarterfinals on Saturday.

The last remaining semifinalist team should be the winner of the expected quarterfinal game between Crespi and Pacific Hills.

Then the real fun will begin. I picked Price to win 4AA but its guards keep having trouble closing out games. If Coach Michael Lynch can fix that problem, I think Price can end up in Sacramento. Otherwise, it’s going to be a rematch of the 4AA final between Serra and Lutheran, and you can flip a coin to decide that one.

-- Eric Sondheimer