D8: Semifinal Previews

Junior Girls

#1 St. Benedict (10-0) vs. #4 St. David (4-6) - 3:30pm
Season Series:  SBCSS 2-0 (43-13 & 41-36)

For any D8 team to have a chance against the SBCSS juniors, it seems as though the recipe for sucess may be to keep the game in the 30s or low 40s.  Three times this year the Saints have scored fewer than 42 points in league play; all 3 of those games were decided by 5 points or less.  Of course, that's easier said than done against a talented frontcourt that includes Janelle Case and Dana Milani --- but we'll see what SDCSS can bring to Cambridge today.  Though I don't think this one will be a blowout, look for the Saints to advance to the final.

Mark's Pick:  St. Benedict by 13

#2 Resurrection (8-2) vs. #3 St. Mary's (5-5) - 3:30pm
Season Series:  RCSS 2-0 (33-17 & 31-18)

The Resurrection Phoenix did it with defense in their two games against the St. Mary's Eagles this season, holding SMHS to 35 points over the two games they played.  Needless to say, the Eagles are going to need to do a lot more on offense today if they hope to have a chance of advancing.

That said, they can take some heart from their last game of the season (a close 35-30 loss to #1 SBCSS) and potentially build on that going into this one.  The Phoenix will probably have to match SMHS' intensity in the early going, especially as they are coming off a blowout of winless Rockway. 

I anticipate the Eagles to come out firing and possibly take an early lead, but look for the depth of the Phoenix to wear down SMHS down the stretch and post the win.

Mark's Pick:  Resurrection by 9


Senior Girls

#1 St. Mary's (10-0) vs. #4 Monsignor Doyle (5-5) - 3:30pm
Season Series:  SMHS 2-0 (41-26 & 58-27)

Unfortunately for the Monsingor Doyle Mustangs, their loss to St. David on Monday means that they are the #4 seed and earn a date with the undefeated St. Mary's Eagles in the first round.  Although nothing is a guarantee, it is going to take a 25+ effort yet again from Sam Edwards coupled with a couple other Doyle players in double figures --- in other words, the 26 and 27 points that the 'Stangs scored in two games against the Eagles again will not cut it today.

I look for a potentially great battle (scoring-wise) between Edwards and Kaitlyn Schenck of St. Mary's in this one.  I think the Eagles have the better supporting cast and bench depth which will be the difference in this one.  Expect the Mustangs to battle hard though as they now know that they need a win to have any hope of advancing to CWOSSA.

Mark's Pick:  St. Mary's by 18

#2 St. David (7-3) vs. #3 Resurrection (6-4) - 3:30pm
Season Series:  1-1 (SDCSS 45-39; RCSS 51-33).

Of all 4 D8 games on Wednesday, this one looks like it could be the most interesting.  The Resurrection Phoenix have been playing great ball down the stretch (which included a 51-33 victory over these same Celtics).  The teams split their season series, with each club picking up a win at home.  Furthermore, both teams have a handful of players that can score double digits on any given night (led by Tabitha Siegfried - SDCSS & Megan Robinson - RCSS).  I'll take the Phoenix in a close "upset" on the road.

Mark's Pick:  Resurrection by 5