Yeah baby!: Austin "Powers" DiCambio and Mater Dei enter the CIF Division I state tournament with a bullseye on their back as defending champ.
Photo by Heston Quan
The Monarchs captured the Southern Section Division I-AA title with tough wins over Loyola (Los Angeles) and then-No. 15 Long Beach Poly in the semifinals and finals, respectively. Mater Dei hosts Crescenta Valley (La Crescenta) on Wednesday in opening-round action of the CIF Division I state tournament.
7. (9) Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) (32-2)Paul VI already has the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles under its belt along with the VISAA Division I state title. More opportunities to bolster a glittery resume are ahead in the Abe Polin City Title Game and Alhambra Catholic Invitational.
8. (8) Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) (28-4)Season complete. Class 4A state champions.
9. (10) Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas) (29-4)PCA outscored John Paul II (Plano) 24-9 in the fourth quarter to run away with a 72-46 win in the TAPPS 5A state final. Junior star
Julius Randle scored 26 points to go along with 11 rebounds.
10. (11) Columbia (Decatur, Ga.) (29-1)The Eagles are headed back to Georgia's Class AAA final four in pursuit of their third-consecutive state crown.
