FIELDER’S CHOICES: Finally found my major … picking champions

I won’t be a math major if I ever make it to college, but I’m starting to like this thing called “bracketology.”

It might be my favorite time of year: basketball playoffs. The finality of someone’s career ending and another advancing to the state tournament in the final seconds of a tight game makes for hugely compelling drama.

You can know which school I go to by looking for NIAA playoff brackets around campus. I’ve posted them on my locker so I can say “I told you so” when these predictions come true. The other practice brackets I used to get there? Those are in the nearest garbage can.

Sunset Region Boys

Sierra Vista has shown it can play Bishop Gorman tough, but the edge remains with the Gaels.

The best matchup in this tournament could be a Centennial-Sierra Vista semifinal. While the Southwest is the deeper league, Centennial could make a run to the title game.

But if Shabazz Muhammad scored 31 points against then-undefeated Long Beach Poly (Calif.), what do you think he will do to these teams?
Semifinalists: Centennial, Sierra Vista, Durango, Gorman
Championship: Gorman over Sierra Vista

Sunset Region Girls

The annual Centennial-Gorman title game will be intriguing, but the one that matters could be in the state title game after the loser wins the state play-in game.

I can’t wait to watch Legacy and Sierra Vista in the first round; Centennial can’t wait to see either team in the second round.
Semifinalists: Centennial, Sierra Vista, Palo Verde, Gorman
Championship: Centennial over Gorman

Sunrise Region Boys

Watching Canyon Springs play is a treat. They run and put up points like they’re playing NBA 2K, and they play defense like it’s personal.

Michael Thompson, Jared Brandon and the rest of the Pioneers will be driven the entire postseason to meet Gorman in Super Bowl II.

Don’t be surprised if the Northeast wins all four quarterfinal games.
Semifinalists: Canyon Springs, Valley, Eldorado, Coronado
Championship: Canyon Springs over Eldorado

Sunrise Region Girls

Is this the year the Northeast finally makes noise? My heart says yes, but my brain says no.

In the end, Amanda Delgado and Jade Washington are too good.

Semifinalists: Coronado, Foothill, Green Valley, Liberty
Championship: Liberty over Foothill

Class 3A Southern League Boys

The next chapter in the Bulldogs/Pirates rivalry is for a trip to state? Can’t think of a better place to be Saturday night.

Cameron Jensen gives Virgin Valley the edge.
Championship: Virgin Valley over Moapa Valley

Class 3A Southern League Girls

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw Boulder City beat Virgin Valley earlier this season; did the Nevadapreps guys make a typo?

I guess not, but Virgin Valley got revenge on its home floor.

This game will be close, but the Bulldogs will find a way to return to state.
Championship: Virgin Valley over Boulder City

Class 2A Southern League Boys

To be honest with you, I have no clue who will win this tournament — and that’s why I love it.

It’s all about who shows up. Keep in mind, the semifinals are what really matter because those winners clinch spots to state.

In a league where all the teams are closely bunched together, go with the best player. That would be Dantley Walker, who scored 73 points in a game this season.
Championship: Lincoln County over Needles

Class 2A Southern League Girls

Any of the top three seeds could win it. Once again — when in doubt, pick the top player. This time, it’s Needles double-double machine Gena Chavira.
Championship: Needles over Lincoln County

Class 1A Southern League Boys

Pahranagat Valley will earn another trophy thanks to the shooting of Cody Hosier and great team defense.
Semifinalists: Pahranagat Valley, Tonopah, Spring Mountain, Beatty
Championship: Pahranagat Valley over Beatty

Class 1A Southern League Girls

The matchup to watch is the semifinals. That’s where either Beatty or Tonopah will clinch a trip to state.
Semifinalists: Pahranagat Valley, Lund, Beatty, Tonopah
Championship: Pahranagat Valley over Tonopah