Boys’ basketball: Terrific first-round matchups in Open Division

High school basketball fans who love to watch top teams play are going to be torn on Friday night. There are so many choices for the Open Division playoffs.

How about No. 14 St. John Bosco, led by the trio of Tyler Dorsey, Daniel Hamilton and Vance Jackson, taking on No. 3 Loyola, which no longer has Parker Jackson-Cartwright but still has 7-footer Thomas Welsh?

How about No. 11 Compton, led by Isaiah Bailey, traveling to meet No. 6 Redondo, led by point guard Ian Fox?

How about No. 12 Riverside North, which is unbeaten on the court, traveling to face No. 5 Sierra Canyon, which starts three fabulous freshmen?

How about No. 9 Chaminade, led by 6-8 Jack Williams and 6-10 Trevor Stanback, going on the road to face No. 8 Mayfair, led by guard Kendall Small?

How about No. 10 Bishop Montgomery, led by guards Stephen Thompson Jr. and Justin Bibbins, taking on No. 7 Chino Hills, which has been one of hottest teams in February?

How about No. 13 Gardena Serra, led by Tavrion Dawson and Ronnie Freeman, taking on No. 4 Corona Centennial and guards Sedrick Barefield and Deontae North?

As Loyola Coach Jamal Adams said, this is the best tournament in California.

There’s also No. 15 L.A. Cathedral and its big-time 6-11 center Idrissa Diallo, playing at No. 2 Etiwanda, led by USC-bound Jordan McLaughlin. And No. 16 Cantwell-Sacred Heart, led by Joey Covarrubias, taking on No. 1 Mater Dei and Stanley Johnson.

Imagine what the quarterfinal games are going to look like in another week.

Wow.

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