The favourites generally advanced as expected last Thursday, with #9 Grand River being the lone "lower seeded" team to advance through on the road.
That sets up today's games, which are all 3:30pm starts, except for the Grand River - WCI tilt which will go after the junior contest (5:00pm).
(1) WCI vs. (9) Grand River
Regular Season: WCI 59, Grand River 27
The Vikes, who have yet to be challenged in league play (winning every game by 27+) are massive favourites in this one. I don't think the question is "if" they'll win, but by how much. I think Grand River might be able to keep it respectable but the Vikes should be ahead at the end. WCI by 29.
(2) Jacob Hespeler vs. (7) Elmira
Regular Season: JHSS 43, Elmira 37
An interesting 7 vs. 2 match-up here and might actually end up being the closest. Elmira has been playing great basketball as of late (even better than when they kept things tight against JHSS at home during the regular season). I'll go with the Hawks at home, but it could get interesting. As a side-note, it looks like all-star PG Taylor Dennis has been cleared to play for JHSS but not sure if she'll see any action in this one. JHSS by 8.
(3) Waterloo-Oxford vs. (6) Southwood
Regular Season: WODSS 57, SSS 45
The Crusaders head into the playoffs having lost 2 of their last 3 league games, while the Sabres haven't lost in WCSSAA play since October 4th. That being said, the Sabres did have a scare in their playoff qualifier, holding off Preston by a mere two points. It could get interesting in Baden, but I think the guard play of WODSS is too strong here. WODSS by 11.
(4) Cameron Hts. vs (5) Bluevale
Regular Season: CHCI 49, BCI 43
The Gaels took out the Knights in the regular-season finale to earn a first-round bye (and this home game). This should again be another very close game. Home-court edge to the Gaels, so I'll go CHCI by 3.
Junior
(1) Grand River vs. (8) Cameron Heights
Regular Season: GRCI 52, CHCI 26
My Pick: GRCI by 32
(2) WCI vs. (7) Jacob Hespeler
Regular Season: DNP
My Pick: WCI by 19
(3) KCI vs. (6) Bluevale
Regular Season: KCI 44, BCI 34
My Pick: KCI by 7
(4) Elmira vs. (5) SJAM
Regular Season: DNP
My Pick: EDSS by 8
