Scotts Valley Girls and Soquel Boys Triumph in NorCal Playoffs

In a thrilling display of talent and determination, the girls’ basketball team from Scotts Valley High School and the boys’ team from Soquel High School secured victories in their respective opening matches of the CIF NorCal Regional playoffs on March 5, 2024. The Scotts Valley Falcons emerged victorious against the Central Catholic Raiders, winning 58-51 in overtime, while the Soquel Knights triumphed over the McLane Highlanders with a score of 44-39.

Scotts Valley’s Isabelle Jas Shines in Overtime Thriller

Freshman center Isabelle Jas delivered a remarkable performance, finishing the game with a career-high of 26 points, 28 rebounds, and eight blocks. Her contributions proved crucial during the overtime period, where she added five points to help secure the win for the Falcons, who entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. Surrounded by a raucous crowd of Falcons supporters, Jas expressed her excitement, stating, “It was very nerve-wracking… But we really didn’t let them coming back get to us. We kept on pushing and ended up winning.”

The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with Athletics Director Louie Walters noting that the turnout was among the largest and loudest in the school’s history. The public-address announcer struggled to be heard over the enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the intense support for the team. The Falcons, now boasting a record of 28 wins and only one loss this season, will face the No. 16 seed Notre Dame-Belmont in their next match, which is set for March 7, 2024.

Jas reflected on the significance of the crowd’s support, stating, “Having another home game will really help because our crowd is amazing. Pretty much all of Scotts Valley was here, cheering us on. It was amazing.”

Head coach Stu Hurvitz praised the home crowd, describing it as a “sixth player on the court.” He emphasized how the fans’ energy fueled the team’s performance, especially during critical moments of the game.

Soquel Knights Secure Historic Win

The Soquel Knights faced off against the McLane Highlanders in their NorCal Regional opener, marking a significant moment as it was the first time the Knights reached this stage in their program’s history. The No. 10 Knights, led by junior wing Chase Peterson and junior guard Cole Christensen, demonstrated resilience and strategic play throughout the match. Peterson scored 15 points, while Christensen added 14, including three three-pointers.

Knights coach Chris Christensen expressed his pride in his team’s performance, stating, “I’m so proud we showed who we are tonight. Cole and Chase’s breaking the press tonight was amazing.” The Knights maintained their lead against the Highlanders throughout the game, showcasing their defensive strength and capability to adapt under pressure.

As the Knights prepare for their next matchup against the No. 2 seed Sacred Heart Prep, scheduled for March 7, 2024, they aim to build on their successful playoff debut.

Both teams’ victories not only signify a strong start to the playoffs but also highlight the potential for further success in the tournament. The energy from the fans and the determination displayed by the players have set a promising tone for the remainder of the CIF NorCal Regional playoffs.