8th Grade CSAL Elite 8 Bracket Released

The elite 8 bracket has been released. Its a pretty competitive field this year.

1. STM vs.
8. Catholic High

4. St. Jude vs.
5. St. Theresa

3. St. George vs.
6. Sacred Heart

2. OLOM vs.
7. St. Alphonsus

It should be a very good tournament as always. Here is a quick breakdown of the first round games.

STM vs. Catholic - STM defeated Catholic in their only matchup this year in the Holy Family tournament. CHS is riding a 3 game winning streak though with defeats over other bubble teams which propelled them into the tournament.

St. Jude vs. St Theresa - St. Theresa is an undersized team that lives and dies by the outside shot. They have good shooters that aren't great ball handlers. St. Theresa is pretty scrappy and may keep it close for a while, but I expect St. Jude to run away with it in the second half.

St. George vs. Sacred Heart - This is the most intriguing first round game to me. You have a coach that has won many championships against a coach who is on the cusp. Both teams like to run tough man to man defense. I expect a physical grind it out game.

OLOM vs. St. Alphonsus - St. Alphonsus looks like they should be better than they are. OLOM should win this one pretty easily. Mercy will dominate the boards, and also their better guard play should give them the victory.