Last two SLO County CIF teams fall after deep state playoff runs
In their first-ever berth in a CIF state championship game, the lone San Luis Obispo County soccer or basketball team to make a state title game this year lost a close battle against Louisville of Woodland 1-0 on Saturday.
And Mission Prep boys basketball’s late season charge ended after a stellar playoff run as well.
The No. 1 Arroyo Grande Eagles (13-10-2) played the Division 4 Southern California bracket game at Pioneer Valley on turf due to soggy field conditions at their home stadium, forcing a change of locations.
In the first half, a left-footed blast from Arroyo Grande’s Presley Dunkle appeared to cross the goal line after rattling off the right goal post and bouncing back toward the left goal post.
The goalkeeper for No. 2 Louisville (25-3) picked up the ball and tossed it to another player who touched it with her hands as the Eagles celebrated.
The referees ruled that the ball didn’t cross the line, however. Because a player touched the ball with her hands, the Eagles were awarded a penalty kick. Arroyo Grande’s Kendall Merlo shot the penalty and and scored but an Arroyo Grande player entered the penalty box too soon and that goal was called off as well. A second attempt was blocked by the goalie.
Louisville went on to score in the second half off of a ball that came out of the hands of standout goalkeeper Jenelle Guey-Mock.
“We felt that we were in control of everything up to that point,” said Arroyo Grande Coach Matthew Carinio. “I’m really proud of the team. We were in control of the match. We had a game plan to possess the ball and be patient, and create high quality opportunities near goal which we did. Our fans are great, cheering us on and being supportive.”
Carinio said that his team’s back line played outstanding as well.
“Our back line which which had been improving over the last couple of weeks had their best game,” Carinio said.
Carinio said that “it was great to see some of these players step up and ultimately I’m just disappointed the team, especially the seniors, didn’t get the result that we feel we deserved. That’s not to take anything away from Louisville. They’re a great side and a really good opponent who had a good game plan as well. It’s just tough.”
Arroyo Grande’s seniors include two sets of twins Lily and Webber and Annali and Gianna Brittingham. Other seniors were Oneal Hunt, Dunkle and Merlo.
Mission Prep reaches regional semifinals but falls to Cleveland
Mission Prep lost to Cleveland in the CIF State Boys Basketball Championships in Division IV 55-42 on Saturday, March 2. After finishing the season with nine wins and 17 losses, the Royals made a run to the Division II Central Section Championship game where they fell to Dinuba.
Following their Central Section playoff run to the championship game, the team came into the state tournament as the 14 seed and knocked off No. 3 Diamond Ranch and No. 6 Grant in the first and second round.
However, the team’s run came to an end in a loss to No. 2 seed of the Southern Division, Cleveland High School.
The Royals led at halftime 23 to 19, but a 17-3 third quarter from the Cavaliers lifted them ahead of the Royals.
The Cavaliers defensive pressure “hampered” the Royals according to head coach Terrance Harris..
Looking back on the season, Harris said he’s never seen anything like the one the Royals went through. At one point, the team was 3-14. He pointed to a key moment in the 11th game in a loss to San Luis Obispo High School.
“That 11th game after losing to SLO High School after having such a big lead would’ve broke most teams,” Harris said. “It didn’t break this team. In fact, it was a turning point in our season. From then on, we competed at a very high level.”
In the month of February, the Royals bounced back with a 9-2 record an, which allowed them to the section and state playoffs.
Harris said he’s never had a season with such “polar opposite” results. “The growth this team had not just as basketball players but as individuals , I was thoroughly impressed with.” Harris said.
The Royals lose one senior due to graduation: Luke Jacobson. The 6 foot 7 sharpshooting forward will be playing at Marquette as a recruited walk-on next year. “He has grown so much in the four years that he’s been in the program, and I’m just so happy he gets to continue doing what he loves,” Harris said.
Other standouts from this season include juniors Jayden Nozil, Roman Benedetti and Brayden Mott.
The Royals finish the season with a 14-19 overall record and a third place Mountain League Finish.
This story was originally published March 3, 2024 at 1:08 PM.
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