Crespi Makes State Playoffs in Hoops

Eleven days after a disappointing loss in the Southern Section Div. III-A semifinals, Crespi High’s basketball team has new life in the opening round of the CIF State Div. III boys playoffs Tuesday at Hoover (24-6) in Fresno. Tipoff is 7 p.m.

Crespi (23-8) received an at-large berth, and though the Celts were not guaranteed anything, they were hoping to be included.

“I was thinking I might not play another high school game or have another chance,” said Matt Mounier, Crespi’s leading scorer. “I don’t know how many spots there were for how many teams, but now that we’re here, it’s a whole new deal.”

A year ago, Crespi won a Southern Section title, only to lose by 18 points to visiting El Seguno in the first round of the state playoffs.

“I think we took the state playoffs for granted last time,” Mounier said.

Through the season, Crespi defeated five Southern Section champions and lost in overtime to a sixth, so the Celts have been battle-tested. And despite having to open the state tournament on the road – it’s 430 miles roundtrip -- they plan on being a dangerous opponent.

Coach Russell White said he kept Crespi’s gymnasium open for workouts three days a week in anticipation of being invited, and as things turned out the Celts got the nod over Mission League rival Alemany, Damien of La Verne and several other worthy candidates.

“Certainly everyone is excited, and we’re thankful for the opportunity, so our thinking is, ‘Let’s enjoy it,’” White said. “That’s the goal at this point. In the playoffs, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be successful and to win it, and I think that got in the way a little bit. This time, we’ve been given a second chance, and we’re going to enjoy it – whether it’s one game or five games.”

Crespi could see top-seeded La Canada in the second round Thursday. The state championship is scheduled for March 26 at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

“To tell you the truth, I would have been very disappointed if we didn’t make it based on the strength of our schedule,” White said. “I already know we earned respect in the Southern California basketball world. Ultimately, respect is not something that’s given. You get respect when you demand respect.”

Mounier, Crespi’s second all-time leading scorer, is averaging 17.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists, and he’s shooting 86 percent from the free-throw line. Some of Crespi’s other key players are Reggie Coates (10.1 points, 9.3 rebounds), Kenny Stenhouse (9.9 points, 8.6 rebounds) and London Perrantes (8.0 points, 5.3 assists).

The Celts have won seven of their last eight, falling to Inglewood 42-40 in the semifinals Feb. 25.

Hoover (24-6) has won 14 in a row despite a small lineup that does not include anyone taller than 6-4. Jesse Jimenez, a 6-foot forward, averages 14.5 points.

The teams have one common opponent, Clovis East, which beat them both. Crespi lost by six points and Hoover by 23.

CIF STATE PLAYOFFS

Crespi vs. Hoover (Fresno)

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Hoover High

Records: Crespi 23-7; Hoover 24-6

Coaches: Russell White, Crespi; Nick French (Hoover)

Nicknames: Cresp Celts; Hoover Patriots

Streaks: Crespi lost one; Hoover won 14