Palma-Half Moon Bay hoops

Central Coast Section Division IV Quarterfinals
Saturday's Game
No. 9 Palma (14-12) vs. No. 1 Half Moon Bay (21-5) at Hartnell College, 1 p.m.
 No one played a more difficult overall schedule among Division IV playoff opponents this year than the Chieftains.
 So despite a No. 9 seed, it's not a surprise that Palma won its first two playoff games to reach today's quarterfinals, avenging a loss to Monte Vista in the process.
 Co champions of the Peninsula North Division, Half Moon Bay had an eight game winning streak stopped by Sequoia in its regular season finale.
 But the Cougars present challenges, starting with forward Ethan Menzies, who comes into the game averaging 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds a game.
 The Chieftains have seen eight different players lead the team in scoring this year, including Colin Neff, who had 13 in the win over Monte Vista on Thursday.
 Defense has been the key for Palma, who has held two opponents in the postseason to 30 and 45 points. It's 8-3 when it holds a team under 48 points.