Justin-Siena Boys, Girls Advance to North Coast Section Playoffs

The Napa Valley basketball spotlight falls on Justin-Siena High this week as both the boys and girls teams advanced to the North Coast Section tournament.

The Braves' girls (22-6) are seeded fifth and will visit No. 12 seed Willits (13-12) on Wednesday.Willits got a home game, with a lower seed, by virtue of the winning the North Central League championship.

Justin-Siena's boys carry their 15-12 record and the seventh seed into the NCS Division IV opener at home on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Braves will host No. 10 Berean Christian, of Walnut Creek, (13-12).

The winner of the boys' game will advance to play the winner of the matchup between second-seeded St. Mary's (18-9) and 15th-seeded Fort Bragg (16-10). All second-round games will be played at the home of the highest-seeded surviving team.

The Braves made a stunning turnaround under second-year head coach Ray Particelli. The team barely slipped into the playoffs in Particelli's first year, but a group of returnees played a key role in the club earning a first-round home game.

Justin's boys finished 6-10 in the Marin County Athletic League. They are led by point guard Matt Goetz, a senior standout. Senior guard Dustin Mertens will play a key role along with junior Trey Boles and senior forward Dom Hjerpe.

Justin-Siena's girls finished third in the MCAL, at 10-5. They enter the playoffs without the services of senior forward Chelsea Lazzari. Lazzari suffered a season-ending knee injury. The frontline is in the good hands of talented senior Hailey Breakwell, freshman Haley Cremen and senior Teal Geyer.

The winner of the Justin-Siena versus Willits will play the survivor of the matchup between fourth-seeded Branson (24-5) and No. 13 Lower Lake (17-8). Branson defeated Justin-Siena in league play twice -- 53-36 and 52-36.

The Crusaders make another SJS Division V playoff appearance beginning Tuesday when they take on Foresthill.

Trinity Prep (19-7) won the Northern Pacific title with a 10-0 record. Guard Marisa Street continues a sterling career leading the Crusaders.