Marin teams chasing NCS, State titles
Some of Marin County's best players will put their talents on display on a larger stage this week with the tipoff of the North Coast Section playoffs. At stake for the eight teams representing the county? The NCS title in five different divisions, plus a possible shot at the CIF State title.
Branson and San Domenico both reached the highest goal last season, and they're both back in the playoffs determined to defend their State titles. Joining them are powerhouses Marin Catholic, San Marin and Redwood, along with Archie Williams, Marin Academy and Tomales all waiting for their chance at glory.
Division II
Redwood's high-scoring freshman Kitty White has been opening eyes around Marin County all season, but now it's time for her to make her North Coast Section debut. The Giants (1611) will open the NCS tournament as the No. 6 seed taking on No. 11 Washington on Wednesday in Larkspur.
With White, Rue Todd and Maya Saibel at the core, the Giants have counted on efforts from everyone on the roster this season. Junior Lilly Grand and seniors Maddie Sofnas and Ingrid Houtkeeper have all taken turns as clutch performers.
The Giants have been looking toward the playoffs ever since they were eliminated in the first round last season by Windsor. Redwood loaded its non-league schedule with tough opponents, and performed well enough to be considered a threat as a bracket-buster.
Division III
MCAL champion Marin Catholic commands respect as the top seed after an undefeated run through league play. The 2022 NCS D-IV champions, the Wildcats (23-5) are ready for the challenge in this year's DIII bracket.
Marin Catholic has a first-round bye, but has a quarterfinal date on Saturday with the winner of the first-round matchup between No. 8 American Canyon and No. 9 Archie
Williams. The question for American Canyon is: How are you going to stop Carly Amborn? One of the elite players in the MCAL, the multi-talented Amborn has confounded teams all season. Even if the Wolves (19-9) can slow Amborn, the Peregrine Falcons have seniors Jessica Gauna, Samantha Podoll, junior Annabelle Freed and a host of underclassmen ready to step up.
MCAL regular-season runner-up San Marin (216) picked up the third seed and a first-round bye. The Mustangs will face either No. 6 Sonoma Valley (20-7) or No. 11 Encinal (11-8) in the quarterfinals.
Division IV
Defending NCS D-V and State champion Branson is leveling up this season as the No. 2 seed in D-IV. Is anyone ready for the Bulls? We'll find out in the quarterfinals when Branson, after an opening bye, takes on either No. 7 Saint Mary's or No. 10 Justin-Siena.
Seniors Hannah Golan and Isabella Arauz-Moore, junior Jaclyn Rogers and sophomores Avery Myerberg and Rosie Slayen are more than a match for most teams.
Division V
San Domenico begins its State D-V title defense as the No. 3 seed in the NCS, with Tuesday's matchup against No. 14 Credo. The Panthers (21-6) are coming off a 52-39 loss to University in the Bay Counties League West championship game Saturday. But head coach Mike Fulton believes his team is now better focused on the task that lies ahead.
The team's core from last year is mostly intact, with Lily Reeser, Avery Conklin, Maja Cykowska, Summer Jenkins, Mattie Greenstone and Avery Conklin.
In the other half of the bracket, No. 9 Marin Academy (12-12) opens against No. 8 Mount Diablo (15-11).
Division VI
Tomales, the ninth seed, will travel to Dublin on Wednesday for a firstround matchup against No. 8 Quarry Lanes. Tomales (12-8) is counting on Karen Gonzalez to lead her team against the Cougars (10-5).