All of the higher seeds advanced through on Tuesday in playoff action, meaning that it will be the teams that finished "1-8" in today's quarterfinals:(1) SJAM vs. (8) Eastwood
RS: SJAM 47-34
My Pick: SJAM by 18
The Eastwood Rebels are certainly better (in my view) than a #8 seed, and should not be treated as such by the SJAM Highlanders. Assuming they aren't looking too far ahead in the playoff picture, the 'Landers should win this one comfortably.
(2) WCI vs. (7) Jacob Hespeler
RS: WCI 53-31
My Pick: WCI by 17
These teams met a week ago today, with WCI taking it on the road by a 53-31 final. The Hawks will have to do a better job of containing the tandem of Aaron Grubb & Adam Piazza if they hope to have a shot at pulling the upset today; that said, my money's on WCI to advance.
(3) Cameron Hts. vs. (6) Preston
RS: CHCI 57-47
My Pick: CHCI by 8
Preston actually held the lead at half during their regular season meeting, so you know that the Gaels won't be overlooking the Panthers here. The key to this one will certainly be which scoring duo (Jaskaran Attwal & Mitchell Devonish - PHS; Raghu Podipireddy & Jake Dekker - CHCI) can come through for their respective club. I'll go with the Gaels at home.
(4) Grand River vs. (5) Bluevale
RS: GRCI 60-50
My Pick: GRCI by 7
At Bluevale in their regular season affair, it was a tight 2-point game before the Knights were forced to foul. I'll be intrigued to see what the Knights have in mind to contain GRCI guard Aleks Cvrkalj, who is averaging 22.2 PPG over the last month of WCSSAA play (5 games). Edge to the Rens at home.
