Small Schools : Four County Teams Get Their Chance

In the Southern Section Small Schools boys’ basketball playoffs, the 32-team field comprises 28 teams. Of those, four are Orange County schools. And of those, only California Lutheran is seeded.

But coaches say don’t count out the remaining county schools--Newport Christian, Pacific Shores and St. Margaret’s.

However, advantage goes to California Lutheran (12-4).

The C-Hawks, fourth seeded behind Hesperia Christian (18-4), Pilgrim (19-2) and Grace Community Christian (18-4), get a bye in today’s first round.

The remaining county schools have to fight past the first round, work again to win in the second and then face the possibility of playing one of the top three seeded teams in the quarterfinals.

Newport Christian, a team that took third in the Academy League and beat California Lutheran twice in three games, might be a team to watch.

“I really think you have to watch Hesperia Christian, Cal Lutheran and us,” Newport Christian Coach John Diebold said. “But I am assuming that Hesperia Christian will make it to the third round. If we make it that far, we will run into each other.”

That could be advantageous for California Lutheran, which is in Hesperia Christian’s bracket.

But Cal Lutheran, led by 6-foot-2 forward Todd Moe, doesn’t want to wait for the second round.

“I wish we could play in the first round,” Cal Lutheran Coach Dave Bartelt said. “We are very eager to get started. The team is ready and excited to play.”

SMALL SCHOOLS IN A BOX Top teams: Hesperia Christian (18-4), Cal Lutheran (12-4), Pilgrim (19-2).

Dark horses: Newport Christian (17-2), Abundant Life (18-4).

Top players: Jon Bahnsen (Newport Christian), Dan Loomis (Hesperia Christian), Todd Moe (Cal Lutheran).

Best first-round games: Newport Christian vs. Harbor Christian (11-5).

Final Four prediction: Hesperia Christian vs. Cal Lutheran, Grace Community Christian vs. Pilgrim