Varsity Insider

A reminder: We will host LIVE chats for every game for the remainder of Championship Week. That means three more LIVE chats today and Sunday. They will be hosted by Dan and yours truly. Bring us your best questions and comments. We’ll be prepared…

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Two more gold balls will be hoisted at center court this afternoon. We’ll tell you who we like. Let’s hear who you’re picking. Write in your picks at the bottom of the post.

2012-13 Records —
Josh: 78-26 (51-11 playoffs)
Dan: 77-27 (48-14 playoffs)
• Outbracket
• Opening round
• Class A and B quarterfinals
• Class AA and C quarterfinals
• Class C and D semifinals
• Class A and B semifinals
• Class AA semifinals, Class D final

Class C championship
No. 1 Children’s Village vs. No. 2 Palisade Prep, 2 p.m. —
Josh: Palisade Prep, 66-55. On Monday, Children’s Village did not miss Kareem Padgett, who was arguably the team’s best player during the regular season and who has since been discharged from the school. But Padgett’s absence will be a key one for the Hawks, who split two close games with Palisade Prep. These teams split the league title and have had very similar results throughout the season. The absence of a key player could be enough to determine the outcome. Plus, the Phoenix, led by the long, athletic Isaiah Ward, looked like the better team Monday – at least in my eyes.
Dan: Palisade Prep, 59-55. I was really impressed with Isaiah Ward in Monday’s semifinal game. This program has come a long way it’s three years of existence. Despite their lack of size, the Phoenix were still able to put together a solid game on the boards against Haldane. I expect more of the same on its way to a gold ball.

Class B championship
No. 3 Our Lady of Lourdes vs. No. 4 Dobbs Ferry, 5 p.m. —
Josh: Dobbs, 55-51. I don’t know if I believe Dobbs will win, but I’m going to stick with my pre-tournament pick. Remember: The Eagles are more experienced in this spot and they feature the best player on the floor. Having said that, I admit: Lourdes looked great Wednesday night. So did Dobbs. For the Eagles to win, Nick Kost and Josh Smith will have to make shots and the bench much offer some meaningful contributions. I think Lourdes has the better starting 5.
Dan: Dobbs, 60-57. There is no arguing that Lourdes looked fantastic on Wednesday. The same could be said for Eric Paschall, though. The kid has really stepped his game up down the stretch for the Eagles. I think tonight is a chance for Mr. Basketball to really begin his legacy. When it comes down to it, I’ll take the team that has the best player on the court.