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Mitty Edges Jesuit in Thrilling Quarterfinal

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 10:55 GMT by East Bay Times
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

San Francisco, CA - March 6th, 2026 - The CIF Northern California basketball playoffs continued to deliver drama and excitement on Thursday, with quarterfinal matchups across Divisions I, II, and III showcasing a blend of established powerhouses and emerging contenders. The games, played across numerous venues throughout Northern California, provided a glimpse into the intense competition that defines high school basketball in the region. Several teams punched their tickets to the semifinals, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating weekend of basketball.

Division I: Mitty Survives, De La Salle Dominates

The marquee matchup of the night in Division I saw Archbishop Mitty narrowly escape with a 68-65 victory over Jesuit-Carmichael. The game was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by aggressive defense and clutch shooting. Mitty's Jordan Ramirez proved to be the difference-maker, scoring 28 points and demonstrating the leadership expected of a star player. Jesuit's Marcus Jones put up a valiant effort with a double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds), but ultimately, Mitty's poise in the final minute sealed the win. This hard-fought victory underscores Mitty's status as a perennial contender, but the close call suggests they'll need to elevate their game further to secure a championship.

Contrastingly, De La Salle delivered a dominant performance, trouncing Sheldon-Sacramento 82-56. The Spartans' victory wasn't just about the score; it was about the complete control they exerted over the game. Their relentless full-court press stifled Sheldon's offense, while their efficient offense, orchestrated masterfully by point guard Emily Carter (10 assists), kept the scoreboard ticking. Carter's playmaking ability is quickly establishing her as one of the top players to watch in the region. De La Salle's decisive win sends a clear message to the rest of the division: they are a force to be reckoned with. Analysts are already discussing their potential to go all the way to the State Championship.

Division II: Buzzer-Beaters and Upsets Define the Night

Division II provided some of the most dramatic moments of the quarterfinals. Marin Catholic snatched a thrilling 58-55 victory over Sutter thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Sarah Chen. The shot sent the Marin Catholic crowd into a frenzy and ensured their place in the semifinals. Despite a career-high 25-point performance from Sutter's David Lee, the Huskies couldn't contain Marin Catholic's late-game execution. This victory highlights the importance of composure and clutch performance in playoff basketball.

An even bigger surprise came in the form of Vintage-Grapevine's 72-64 upset of Franklin-Elk Grove. Vintage's imposing inside game, anchored by center Alex Brown, proved to be a nightmare matchup for Franklin. Brown's dominance in the paint disrupted Franklin's offensive rhythm and allowed Vintage to control the tempo of the game. This win signals a potential shift in the power dynamics of Division II, with Vintage emerging as a legitimate threat.

Division III: Encinal and St. Mary's Continue Strong Play

In Division III, Encinal-Alameda continued their impressive playoff run, convincingly defeating Arcata 78-48. Encinal's balanced scoring attack and tenacious defense proved too much for Arcata to handle. The team's ability to consistently generate points from multiple players makes them a difficult opponent for any team to defend. St. Mary's-Berkeley also secured their spot in the semifinals with a 65-52 victory over Cloverdale. St. Mary's exhibited excellent control of the game's tempo, effectively limiting Cloverdale's scoring opportunities and dictating the pace of play. Their strategic approach to the game showcased their coaching staff's tactical prowess.

Looking Ahead: Semifinal Showdowns on the Horizon

The semifinal matchups are now set, promising a weekend of intense competition and potential upsets. Several rematches from earlier in the season are anticipated, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the games. KRON4 will be broadcasting select semifinal contests, allowing fans to witness the action live. Basketball enthusiasts across Northern California are eagerly anticipating these crucial games, as the stakes get higher and the dream of a State Championship becomes increasingly within reach. Experts predict tight contests across all divisions, with multiple teams possessing the talent and determination to advance to the final round. The upcoming semifinals are poised to be a defining moment for these young athletes and their respective schools.