In the second round, Whitney beat Grant 91-66 and advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Playoff Semifinals. The team is now guaranteed in a spot in Norcals.

Men’s varsity basketball qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs and are seeded fourth on the bracket.  The bracket was announced on Feb. 22 on MaxPreps.com for all divisions and sections.

“I think we were seeded appropriately given our overall record and where we finished in our conference,” Coach Paul Ackerman said.

While the team did not get the strong finish they wanted, they still got a top ranking in playoffs and are the presumable dark horse, as said by Joe Davidson and Mike Finnerty on maxpreps.com.

The team played Davis High School of Modesto in the first round won 85-72. The team advanced to the second round of playoffs and beat Grant High School on Friday, Feb. 26 at home.

“I am confident in our team’s abilities and we have the opportunity to go further than any team in Whitney history; however it is a one-game season now and we have to play each game like it is our last.” Enzo Miguel Jimenez said.

In the second round, Whitney beat Grant 91-66 and advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Playoff Semifinals. The team is now guaranteed in a spot in Norcals.

Since the team made it to the semifinals of the playoffs, they get to play at Sleep Train Arena for the final games. Earlier in the season, the Cats played at Sleep Train when they beat Cosumnes Oaks 77-42.   

“Having experience playing at Sleep Train would help us greatly because we already have a feel for the court from the game against Cosumnes Oaks and we won’t be overwhelmed when we walk on the court,” Adam Sharrah said.

Varsity plays March 2 against Sacramento High at Sleep Train Arena at 9 p.m.

by DANIEL SHARRAH