FRIDAY’S GAMES

DIVISION 3AA

Keppel (23-9) vs. Cerritos (17-15) at Toyota Center in Ontario, 4 p.m.: The Aztecs have been one of the area’s best programs over the last decade, but they have yet to win a sectional title. This could be their season. They have dominated on their way to the finals, combining a ferocious defense with an efficient offense. They crushed South Pasadena 72-21 in the second round, won their quarterfinal over Oakwood by 30 points and beat Chaparral 52-37 in the semifinals. Maile Tamaki had 16 points and four 3-pointers in the semifinal. They have been getting crucial production from others like Keira Kamida, Jada Ly, Jessica Jiang and freshman Alyssa Canizal. Cerritos beat Culver City 57-37 in the semifinals and has won nine straight. It finished third in the 605 League and has played some quality opponents. Still, Keppel is on another level and determined to win the school’s first championship.

The pick: Keppel

DIVISION 4A

La Mirada (20-10) vs. Pilibos (16-13) at Azusa Pacific, 2 p.m.: The Matadores reached the semifinals last year but came up short of reaching the finals. That did not happen this season. The Matadores punched their ticket to the championship game with a 41-22 victory over University Prep. Seniors Jael Arreguin and Emily Gonzalez have been key players in the postseason. “They’re everything,” coach Victoria Luong said. “They were not just players, they were also my students. Really seeing them develop in the last four years, they’ve made drastic improvements and I couldn’t be prouder of them.” The Matadores won the San Gabriel Valley League. They beat West Covina 46-32 in the quarterfinals. Pilibos, which finished third in the Liberty League, beat Kennedy 42-24 in the semifinals. The Eagles’ top player is senior Nanar Shahinian, who averages 15 points.

The pick: La Mirada

DIVISION 5A

Rosemead (25-6) vs. Gabrielino (17-10) at Azusa Pacific, 4 p.m.: The two best teams from the Mission Valley League will meet for a third time this season. This time they are playing for the Division 5A title. Both teams are trying to win the first championship in school history. “That’s going to be fun for us,” Gabrielino coach Jairo Mendoza said about playing Rosemead a third time. “I’m looking forward to it to be honest with you. I know the last couple of games we’ve had against them have been great games. I’m hoping we have the same type of battle.” The Panthers have been the better team all season. They went 12-0 in league play, sweeping the Eagles, 27-25 and 47-39. Rosemead advanced to the final by playing solid defense. They beat Riverside Notre Dame 41-21 in the quarterfinals and defeated Bolsa Grande 39-17 in the semis. Gabrielino is a strong defensive team too, beating Marshall 39-22 to advance to the title game. Gabrielino’s Shannon Yan is one to watch. She connected on five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points in the win over Marshall.

The pick: Rosemead

SATURDAY’S GAME

DIVISION 3A

El Toro (18-11) vs. Cantwell Sacred Heart (22-7) at Edison HS, 6 p.m.: Third time was the charm for Cantwell Sacred Heart. After losing in the semifinals the past two seasons, the Cardinals finally broke through in their third trip to the semis, knocking off Whitney 41-36. Cardinals senior guard Alicia Lara has been the key player. In Cantwell’s 87-68 victory over Temescal Canyon in the quarterfinals, Lara had 29 points, mostly on drives to the basket. Sophomore Leilani Dominguez, Leilannie Chavez and Marina Leiva are also big contributors. El Toro advanced to the finals with a 36-34 win over Gahr. Cantwell feels like the choice here, but El Toro will be hard to beat.

The pick: Cantwell Sacred Heart.

— Fred Robledo