Marin has had over 30 teams representing the county in various divisions between basketball and football. That number has been whittled down to 12 as the North Coast Division qualifiers head into the semifinals this week.
The Marin Academy, Terra Linda Boys, Branson School Girls, and Marin Catholic Girls all remain in the soccer mix.
Basketball sees both San Domenico, Branson, and Marin Catholic teams as well as the San Marin girls still in the hunt.
Cleber Maldonado, Terra Linda boys soccer team
TL maintained its postseason slate with wins over Albany and Archie Williams in the NCS D-III playoffs last week. TL made short work of Albany, scoring all five goals in the first period of the win. Maldonado was everywhere in the quarter-final win against Archie Williams, playing a part in every goal. The throw-in led to TL’s first goal, which was scored by Elvin Maldonado. Clipper Maldonado then converted Archie Williams and played a through ball to Liam Hadden to tie the game at 2-2. Clipper Maldonado converted a penalty in regulation to make it 3-2 TL, then took the fifth penalty in the shootout before Rafael Gonzalez won it in the sixth round. No. 2 TL hosts No. 3 Benicia at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Cameron Colpits and Imogen Jenkin, Marin Girls’ Soccer Academy
The Wildcats have made the Finals a habit in recent years and are on another deep run this year after reaching the NCS D-III semifinals thanks to a 6-0 win over Pinole Valley and a 2-1 victory over Encinal. Colpitts got off to a great start for the Wildcats, hitting a hat-trick in the first round victory over Pinole Valley. Jenkin has scored a goal in both matches, including the eventual game-winner against Insignal in the quarter-finals on Friday. Sixth seed Masters renews his rivalry with No. 1 seed Cardinal Newman at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Santa Rosa. The two teams met in both the 2019 and 2020 D-IV games with Cardinal Newman winning both.
Dominic Yu, Marine Boys Soccer Academy
The top seeded Wildcats made it through the first two rounds of the NCS D-III playoffs, taking out Campolindo 3-0 and then Analy 4-0. Yu scored in both matches, getting a goal against Campolindo and two against Anale. MA continues its quest for another divisional title on Tuesday with a 3 p.m. home game against 4-ranked Ukiah.
Ali Hsieh, Branson Girls’ Soccer Team
The Bulls forward posted a rare two-game starting streak last week, hitting a hat-trick with three goals in the first game and then collecting a hat-trick in the second. Hsieh also tackled her fourth goal of the week for good measure as No. 3 Branson advanced to the NCS D-III semifinals. The Bulls hit the road to face No. 2 Campolindo at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Alena Franchetti and Sienna White, Marin Catholic Girls Soccer
Franchitti and White were sophomores and juniors, respectively, at a high level in both games to help MC move to the NCS D-IV semifinals. Franchitti had a pair of assists and scored once in MC’s 4-0 win over Head Royce in the first round while White scored a goal and an assist. The pair were even more impressive in the 2-1 win over Lake Wilmerding on Saturday. White scored from the penalty spot, tying the match at 1-1, then took a corner kick which resulted in Franchetti winning the game. MC faces top-seeded University at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Beach Chalet #2 in San Francisco.
Gytis Gervickas and Gavin Early, San Domenico boys’ basketball
The Panthers entered the NCS DV Semifinals with a strong first-team performance. Gervickas averaged 21.5 points per game and Early averaged 17 points a game – including a 15-point first half in the quarterfinal win against Berean Christian. No. 3 San Domenico hits the road to take on No. 2 Head Royce on Tuesday night.
Charles Williams and Marin Catholic Basketball
Williams averaged 21.5 points per game in a pair of nail biters for MC last week. The Wildcats won their first round game against St. Joseph’s Notre Dame by two points and their quarterfinal game against Arcata by four. Williams scored 21 and 22 points to lead MC in both games. The fourth-ranked MC ranked first in the university on Wednesday.
Kekoa Madayaj, Novato boys wrestler
Madayag moved up one weight class this year but brought home his second straight title. Madayag took the prize at 106 pounds last year and did it again this year at 113 pounds. Madayag went 5-0, including a win over Dakota Sanders Arcata in the final, becoming one of two Marin boy wrestlers headed up state. Archie Williams’ John McKenzie finished second with 145 pounds to make it.
Luana Stathopoulos, Novato Girls Wrestler
Stathopoulos won 3 games, had a win-loss, and fought in the first round on his way to winning the division title at 143 pounds to advance to state. Stathopoulos won the All-Marine final, defeating San Marin’s Laila Kondrashov to take the title. Both wrestlers advance to the state championships, along with Novato’s Olivia Munoz (131 lbs.) and San Marín’s Jaquela McKee (101).
