Concord De La Salle collects top seed in CIF-North Coast Section Open Division boys basketball playoffs, reigning champion Richmond Salesian earns No. 2 seed

Concord De La Salle has won 14 Division 1 boys basketball titles in the CIF-North Coast Section, but the Spartans are still seeking their first Open Division crown after losing in the past three finals.

Richmond Salesian is looking to become the first back-to-back Open Division champion since the bracket was introduced in 2020.

Concord De La Salle (25-4), led by seniors Alec Blair, David Balogun and Bryce Patton, secured the top seed and a bye in the six-team Open Division playoffs, which begin Thursday.

Concord De La Salle boys basketball team | Photo courtesy of Concord De La Salle

The semifinals are scheduled for Feb. 26, with the Open Division final held Feb. 28 or March 1.

Salesian (25-2) earned the No. 2 seed, in addition to a bye, and is pursuing the 12th section championship in program history.

The Pride, featuring seniors Alvin Loving and Landon Yeargin along with juniors Elias Obenyah and Carlton Perrilliat plus sophomore Elijah Stanley, prevailed by a 52-43 margin in last year’s final against Concord De La Salle.

Richmond Salesian boys basketball team | Photo courtesy of Richmond Salesian

Salesian won four consecutive titles from 2016-19 competing in Division 3 and Division 4.

San Ramon Valley (19-8) achieved the No. 3 seed and plays host Thursday to No. 6 California (23-5).

The Wolves, highlighted by seniors Elliot Conley, Luke Isaak and Mason Thomas, produced a 77-63 victory Jan. 24 against California, led by senior Dane Wallace.

Dublin (23-5) is the No. 4 seed, but will play Thursday at No. 5 Brentwood Liberty (24-2).

The Gaels, led by senior Miles Pollard and juniors Jaiden Jones and Cameron Anderson, will attempt to snap a 19-game winning streak by Liberty.

The Lions, featuring sophomore Jaiden Miller and seniors Andrew Vixon, Mekhi Reed and Alex Zenn Dash, are trying to capture the first boys basketball section championship in program history in the final season under 18-year coaching veteran Jon Heinz.

Dougherty Valley (20-8), led by senior Jalen Stokes, received the top seed in Division 1 and begins the postseason Tuesday.

The Wildcats, who won the Open Division title in 2023 followed by the Division 1 crown last season, are attempting to capture a third consecutive section championship. But Dougherty Valley will need to regroup quickly following a 74-44 loss Saturday to Concord De La Salle in the East Bay Athletic League final.

Moreau Catholic (21-5) earned the No. 1 seed in Division 2 and starts the playoffs Wednesday.

Ross Branson (17-10) achieved the top seed in Division 3 and opens Tuesday.

Piedmont (12-14) grabbed the No. 1 seed in Division and competes in the first round Wednesday.

International School of San Francisco (17-11) secured the top seed in Division 5 and plays Tuesday.

St. Bernard’s from Eureka (19-5) captured the No. 1 seed in Division, along with an opening-round bye to advance to the Feb. 22 quarterfinals.