Oceana-Carmel boys hoops

The first thing Carmel has to do is ignore Oceana's 8-15 overall record, or the fact that it was winless in the Peninsula Athletic League's North Division.
Whether they belong in the postseason or not, the Sharks opened the playoffs on Tuesday with a 66-55 win at Seaside, earning another road trip to the Monterey Peninsula.
 The Padres have caught fire at the right time, rattling off seven straight wins, including a decision over MTAL champion Pacific Grove.
 Carmel has also won its last eight home games and is 10-1 this year. Harvard bound tight end John Stivers has put up MVP type numbers, averaging 21 points and 13 rebounds a game.
 A four-year starter, the former two-time Mission Trail Athletic League Most Valuable Player has led the team in scoring each year.
 Contributions have come from 6-foot-4 Dylan Riley, who led the Padres in 3-point goals this season, while Sam Snowden has become another option, while leading the team in assists.
 A common opponent is Harbor, who the Sharks beat 68-43 on Dec. 5. Carmel beat Harbor 53-26 on Dec. 12.