Menlo-Palma boys hoops

A rematch of last year's CCS Division IV semifinal, the Chieftains finally have Menlo on a mutual site this afternoon in Santa Cruz.
 The defending CCS champion Knights had little trouble in their playoff opener, beating Gonzales 62-44 on Thursday for their third straight win.
 Menlo can put a lineup on the court that averages 6-feet-4 down low. Yet, it is similar to Palma in that it does not have one dynamic scoring threat.
 Instead, it has four players averaging eight plus points. The Chieftains don't have anyone averaging more than nine points. But Mason Miguel and Peter Lucas are sharpshooters beyond the arc.
 Palma's strength is its defense and decision making, anchored by point guard and three-year starter Jack Burlison. And its bench is deep.