JSerra Shines in Division 1 Playoffs: A Look at the Latest Basketball Highlights
JSerra’s Jaden Bailes Sparks Victory in Playoff Match Against Rolling Hills Prep
North Torrance, CA – Jaden Bailes, the leading scorer for JSerra, displayed remarkable patience during the Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinal playoff game against Rolling Hills Prep on Tuesday night. As the team entered the fourth quarter clinging to a seven-point lead, Bailes had only managed eight points. However, that was about to change dramatically.
With the clock ticking, Bailes unleashed a series of three consecutive three-pointers, igniting a 15-0 run that rendered the opposing team powerless. JSerra ultimately secured a 66-49 victory, completing the game in just 71 minutes. With this win, the Lions improved to 22-12 and stand out in the Division 1 playoff landscape, especially as they are the sole remaining Trinity League team.
Looking ahead to Friday’s semifinals, JSerra faces the challenge of containing Jason Crowe Jr. from Inglewood, a high-scoring player who will test the Lions’ defensive strategies. Coach Keith Wilkinson emphasized Bailes’ capability, stating, “They were doubling him on everything and I told him to be a playmaker.”
Bailes himself expressed confidence in his teammates during the game, saying, “I was confident the ball was going to come back to me. It’s a collective team effort. Lanes started opening up, and I took advantage.” He finished the game with 19 points, while teammates Earl Bryson and Godschoice Eboigbodin contributed 18 and 11 points, respectively, along with Eboigbodin’s 12 rebounds. For Rolling Hills Prep, Kawika Suter led the scoring with 16 points, as the team trailed by five at halftime and 41-34 after three quarters.
In other Open Division quarterfinal action, Harvard-Westlake defeated Santa Margarita 83-62, with Joe Sterling and Pierce Thompson each scoring 22 points, while Amir Jones added 21. Redondo Union triumphed over Corona Centennial 69-57, thanks to Chris Sanders’ 22 points. The Knights of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame overcame St. John Bosco 69-60, led by NaVorro Bowman Jr.’s 20 points.
Sierra Canyon recorded a significant 95-65 victory against Corona del Mar, bolstered by 25 points from Maxi Adams and 23 from Brandon McCoy. Inglewood advanced to the Division 1 semifinals with an impressive 82-69 win over Fairmont Prep, highlighted by Jason Crowe Jr.’s 45-point performance.
Meanwhile, Mater Dei bested El Dorado 82-72 with Luke Barnett leading the charge with five three-pointers and a total of 26 points. Crean Lutheran dominated Village Christian 83-58, advancing to the Division 1 semifinals where they will face Rancho Christian, who won against Long Beach Millikan 71-62.
