WCSSAA "Elite 8" Previews

Here are today's junior and senior quarterfinal matchups. All games are scheduled for 3:30, with the exception of the ECI/WCI junior game, which will follow the senior matchup.

Senior

(8) Preston at (1) Bluevale

My Pick: BCI

Line: BCI by 19

Regular Season Result: Did Not Play

The Panthers actually provide a decent matchup for the Knights. They have tons of size for Bluevale to contend with. That said, Bluevale has the better guard play with MVP candidate Stefan Cvrkalj and should pull away from the Panthers in this one.

(7) Forest Heights at (2) SJAM

My Pick: SJAM

Line: SJAM by 15

Regular Season Result: SJAM 55, Forest Heights 23

We can pretty much throw the regular season result out the window. Forest Heights' Taylor McNaughton was battling a case of stomach flu and the Trojans struggled to put the ball in the basket (4 first half points if I recall). The SJAM big guys controlled the game inside (Edem Ame & Jake Robinet combined for 30 points), and they won in blowout fashion.

The season ends today for one of these preseason favourites. Look for the Highlanders to win, but in a closer contest than last time out.

(6) Cameron Heights at (3) WCI

My Pick: WCI

Line: WCI by 7

Regular Season Result: WCI 61, Cameron Hts 55

Something tells me that this might actually be the best of the quarterfinal matchups today. You have two very different "preferred" styles of play --- Cameron would like to play in the 60s or 70s while the Vikes are very content with a slow game in the 40s.

I don't think many people (myself included) saw the Vikes in the semifinals at the start of the year, but they have a great opportunity to get there and I think win a close one at home.

(5) Southwood at (4) KCI

My Pick: KCI

Line: KCI by 7

Regular Season Result: KCI 61, Southwood 46

If you want to see some school spirit, head down to KCI today at 3:30pm. The KCI gym is arguably the toughest place to play during the playoffs thanks to the "KCI Crazies".

Last time out, the Sabres got KCI's Arben Kalaba into foul trouble and were able to hold him in check. However, Tristan Ruddock & Darnell Simpson stepped up to the plate for KCI, combining for 46 points.

The Sabres have "upset" potential here (if you can call a 5 over a 4 an upset) but it'll be tough in a very loud KCI gym. Check this video out for what they might expect (requires a Facebook login).

JUNIOR

(8) Huron Heights at (1) Forest Heights

My Pick: FHCI

Line: FHCI by 17

Regular Season Meeting: Forest Heights 78, Huron Heights 69

Unfortunately, previously mentioned roster issues have hurt the Huskies' chances. However, with Sean Samuel, they are still pretty dangerous. That said, the Trojans should be able to advance to the quarters here provided they don't take the Huskies lightly ---- because Huron is better than a "typical" 8th seed.

(7) SJAM at (2) Cameron Heights
My Pick: CHCI

Line: CHCI by 7

Regular Season Meeting: SJAM 79, Cameron Hts 75 (2OT)

We've come a long way (2.5 months actually) since SJAM defeated Cameron in the first game of the regular season. The Highlanders struggled down the stretch and finished 7th. They're still a very talented squad with guys like Connor Bradley, Theshawn Berry and Quinn Turner, but the Gaels are playing some great ball.

Don't forget a Cameron win gives them the opportunity to play "home games" for the semifinals & finals. Cameron by single digits.

(6) Grand River at (3) Jacob Hespeler

My Pick: JHSS
Line: JHSS by 3

Regular Season Meeting: Grand River 76, Jacob Hespeler 68

I thought that the JHSS Hawks were headed for a few losses after they dropped a road game at Grand River on January 19th. However, they rebounded to win 4 in a row (including wins over WCI & SJAM) to earn themselves a first-round bye.

Jason Quiring has emerged as one of the top players in all of WCSSAA. He had 27 the last time these clubs met, and he'll need another solid effort this time out.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rens get the victory, but going to go with Jacob Hespeler who are the hotter of the two teams right now.

(5) Eastwood at (4) Waterloo

My Pick: WCI

Line: WCI by 7

Regular Season Meeting: WCI 47, Eastwood 33

How was this for a tough schedule? Eastwood started their season with Grand River, WCI, Jacob Hespeler and Forest Heights ---- going 1-3 before the Christmas holiday break. They then finished their year 7-1 to secure 5th spot.

The Rebs are playing some good basketball right now, and I think have upset potential here. At the very least, I have a strong suspicion that we'll see a hard fought game in the 40s.