D10: Semifinal Picks

Senior

(1) JF Ross vs. (4) Centre Wellington

RS:  JFR 2-0 (52-45, 70-53)

My Pick:  JFR by 12

These clubs met a week ago, with the Royals taking things at home by 17.  I expect things to be a little tighter this time around, with the magnitude of the contest and several 5th year players (on both sides) not wanting their HS careers to end just yet.  The Royals are playing very well right now, so it's virtually impossible to pick against them in this game where the winner will also clinch a CWOSSA "AAAA" berth.

(2) Lourdes vs. (3) Centennial

RS:  1-1 (OL 54-40, CCVI 58-57)

My Pick:  Lourdes by 5

These squads split their regular-season series, with each squad actually winning away from home.  The Crusaders will be seeking a win here to end the string of "Ross-Centennial" finals matchups, but it won't be easy.  I look for a very tight game here, decided by single digits.  I will, however, give the slight edge to Lourdes.

Junior

(1) JF Ross vs. (5) Lourdes

RS:  JFR 2-0 (61-47, 61-45)

My Pick:  JFR by 13

Although the Lourdes Crusaders are playing some good basketball right now, it's going to take a strong effort to get past JF Ross --- especially in the JFR gym.  Things could be interesting early, but I expect the deeper Royals to pull away late.

(2) St. James vs. (3) Centre Wellington
RS:  1-1 (STJ 43-34, CW 44-41)

My Pick:  CW by 2

I'll go with the upset pick here to change things up.  These teams have played a couple of great games this season, and this has turned into a decent rivalry.  Both squads have already advanced through to CWOSSA/CWOSSA qualifier so the consolation prize for the loser of this one is that their season isn't over just yet.