2020 CIF State boys basketball finals breakdown: Championship schedule, storylines, players to watch (all divisions)

Here's an overview of the boys basketball CIF finals for all divisions.

UPDATE: CIF CANCELS STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS

With the exception of the Open Division, (Sacramento Sheldon still has to play Oakland Bishop O'Dowd for the right to play Sierra Canyon) the 2020 CIF State boys basketball championship schedule is set for Friday and Saturday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Here's an overview of the boys basketball CIF finals for all divisions.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 GAMES

12:00 p.m. Division V Boys – San Domenico vs. Eastside

4:00 p.m. Division III Boys – St. Mary’s Berkeley vs. Arroyo Grande

8:00 p.m. Division I Boys – Campolindo vs. Ribet Academy

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 GAMES

12:00 p.m. Division IV Boys – Brookside Christian vs. Bakersfield Christian

4:00 p.m. Division II Boys – Weston Ranch vs. St. Francis, La Cañada

8:00 p.m. Open Division Boys – TBA (Winner of Sheldon/Bishop O’Dowd) vs. Sierra Canyon

THREE STORYLINES

Will Sierra Canyon three-peat?

The Trailblazers are 20-1 in their last 21 playoff games. They're on an 18 game postseason win streak. Sierra Canyon has played Sheldon in their last two Open Division state championship games, winning both by double-digit margins.

Will 'new kid on the block' Ribet Academy take Division 1?

During the 2017-18 season Ribet Academy won one game. In the offseason, the school brought in former Long Beach State assistant Reggie Howard to coach as well as a few transfers, which transformed the basketball program. A year ago the Fighting Frogs won the Division 4 CIF State championship over Immanuel and only lost three games all season. This year, the Fighting Frogs were moved up to Division 1 in the state playoffs and have once again advanced to the title game. Tyler Powell and Snooky Wigington were on last year's team and have been great in the playoffs this season, but transfer Tre White, who became eligible in February, has been the true difference maker.

Ribet will play Campolindo in the title game. Campolindo is led by Aidan Mahaney, a sophomore point guard who is a national recruit.

Can Weston Ranch's magical run continue?

Weston Ranch has lost 12 games this season, which is a lot for a team competing for a state title. The Cougars have won clutch games in the postseason though showing they know how to execute when they need to most. In their state playoff run, Weston Ranch beat Piedmont in overtime 79-74 in the first round, St. Mary's 57-55 in the semifinals and then St. Patrick-St. Vincent 62-61 in the regional championship. If Saturday's game against La Canada St. Francis comes down to the wire, then watch out...

TOP 12 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Marcus Bagley – Sheldon

Amari Bailey – Sierra Canyon

Brandon Boston Jr. – Sierra Canyon

Monty Bowser – Bishop O’Dowd

100% COMMITTED 🐻❗️#GoGoldenBears #CAL2024 pic.twitter.com/vWSR2kFQdF

— Monty Bowser (@MontyBowser) October 9, 2019

Xavion Brown – Sheldon

Photo courtesy: 661 Hoops Live

Andre Henry – St. Francis

Aidan Mahaney – Campolindo

Photo courtesy: Jack Pollon

Tyler Powell – Ribet Academy

Tre White – Ribet Academy

Snookey Wigington – Ribet Academy

Gavin Wilburn – Weston Ranch

Photo courtesy: @ASD_Sports on Twitter

Ziaire Williams – Sierra Canyon

BEST GAME TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Friday, 8:00 p.m. - Division I Boys – Campolindo vs. Ribet Academy

This game features a great point guard matchup between Campolindo sophomore Aidan Mahaney and Ribet senior Snookey Wigington. Camplindo has won 13 of its last 14 and Ribet has won 12 of 13. This will be must see TV.

PREDICTIONS

Friday:

12:00 p.m. Division V Boys – San Domenico vs. Eastside

The pick: Eastside

4:00 p.m. Division III Boys – St. Mary’s Berkeley vs. Arroyo Grande

The pick: Arroyo Grande

8:00 p.m. Division I Boys – Campolindo vs. Ribet Academy

The pick: Ribet Academy

Saturday:

12:00 p.m. Division IV Boys – Brookside Christian vs. Bakersfield Christian

The pick: Brookside Christian

4:00 p.m. Division II Boys – Weston Ranch vs. St. Francis, La Cañada

The pick: St. Francis

8:00 p.m. Open Division Boys – TBA (Winner of Sheldon/Bishop O’Dowd) vs. Sierra Canyon

The pick: Sierra Canyon

TICKETS

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento

General Admission - $16.00

Children (2+)/Students (ASB card)/Seniors- $10.00

2020 CIF State Basketball Ticket Onsale Information at Golden 1 Center