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Playoffs: Outbracket breakdown, KDJ predictions

The Outbracket Round of the Section 1 boys basketball tournament gets underway on Wednesday. There are 3 Class AA games on the slate and 10 Class A matchups, which is the product of 25 teams making the postseason in the conference.

In fact, there are 76 schools that boys basketball in the section. And 67 of them made the playoffs, with Edgemont among the teams on the outside. The Panthers qualified but opted not to enter.

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: Section 1 Boys Basketball Scoreboard

Bracket Central: Read, download printable brackets

OUTBRACKET ROUND

Class AA
No. 17 White Plains (6-14) at No. 16 John Jay-EF (8-12), 5 p.m.
These teams met in their season openers back in early December back on Dec. 4 in a game Eisaiah Murphy scored 26 and Miles Hardy dropped 19. These teams are drastically different now. White Plains endured a difficult schedule and enters having lost seven out of eight. But the win in there was a victory over Arlington, which won Jay’s league title.
KDJ’s Pick: White Plains 64, John Jay-EF 60

No. 19 Yorktown (7-13) at No. 14 Ossining (10-10), 4:15 p.m.
The league rivals split their regular-season meetings and both limped into the playoffs. Yorktown ended a five-game losing streak with a win over Port Chester in the finale while Ossining has dropped four out of five. The Pride seem due for a good showing and have a dynamic player in Jacob Toppin.
KDJ’s Pick: Ossining 54, Yorktown 52

No. 18 Ramapo (6-14) at No. 15 Ketcham (10-10), 5 p.m.
Ramapo was a team most wrote off in the regular season after starting the season 3-12. But they more than handled their own in the competitive Rockland County league schedule and should give Ketcham a scare here, if not win the game. Ketcham closed the season with a surprising win over Fox Lane and are 8-4 since December. This is a classic matchup of the hot team against a seasoned one.
KDJ’s Pick: Ketcham 52, Ramapo 48

CLASS A

No. 17 Pearl River (8-12) at No. 16 Gorton (10-10), 4:30 p.m.
The Wolves are going to give Pearl River a far bigger challenge than some might expect. Gorton has an explosive scorer in Josh Battle, who is among the area’s most underrated players. Pearl River will likely go on the road and win but it won’t be easy.
KDJ’s Pick: Pearl River 62, Gorton 61

No. 25 Nanuet (5-15) at No. 8 Ardsley (13-7), 4:30 p.m.
Redemption for Ardsley begins here. After an early-playoff upset last season, the Panthers enter the playoffs confident after beating Horace Greeley and Rye in the final weeks of the regular season and nearly defeating Byram Hills. Julian McGarvey and Zeke Blauner are primed to make a statement here.
KDJ’s Pick: Ardsley 60, Nanuet 48

No. 24 Sleepy Hollow (5-15) at No. 9 Somers (12-8), 5 p.m.
The Tuskers were dealt an unfortunate blow late in the season when point guard Gio Tradito was lost for the year with a broken ankle. But don’t expect Somers to get tripped up here. Lorenzo Bicknese and Jack Gilroy have big performances and Somers advances.
KDJ’s Pick: Somers 69, Sleepy Hollow 55

No. 20 Yonkers (10-10) at No. 13 Beacon (11-9), 4:30 p.m.
Beacon played really well in the second half of the season, highlighted by wins over Hen Hud, Cornwall and Albertus Magnus. When they’re clicking, the Bulldogs are a scary team. Don’t expect them to get tripped up.
KDJ’s Pick: Beacon 62, Yonkers 53

No 21 Lakeland (6-14) at No. 12 Nyack (10-10), 4:30 p.m.
The Hornets limp into the postseason and face a Nyack team that has rollercoastered through the final month. Nyack should be able to get back on track behind Justin Bridgewater and Justen Rodrigeuez.
KDJ’s Pick: Nyack 54, Lakeland 47

No. 19 Brewster (9-11) at No. 14 Albertus Magnus (12-8), 6 p.m.
Brewster closed the regular season with an emotional win over Arlington on a buzzer-beater from Harrison Dignan (video above). But the Falcons have two players capable of going over 30 points in a game in Cameron McGrath and Baylen Rodriguez. The homecourt advantage could be the difference.
KDJ’s Pick: Albertus Magnus 70, Brewster 64

No. 22 Peekskill (6-14) at No. 11 Pelham (11-9), 4:30 p.m.
The Red Devils feature a prolific scorer in Shion Darby, who recently topped 1,000 points. He and Bruno Barbosa could be a fun head-to-head showdown. The difference here, though, is how well the Pelicans have defended late in the season.
KDJ’s Pick: Pelham 50, Peekskill 45

No. 26 Roosevelt (4-16) at No. 7 Poughkeepsie (13-7), 4:30 p.m.
The question for another section title for Poughkeepsie, which won the Section 9 Class A crown last year, begins with what should be a convincing win. The Pioneers actually closed their regular season with a strong effort against New Paltz on Tuesday. Momentum in the postseason matters.
KDJ’s Pick: Poughkeepsie 79, Roosevelt 55

No. 23 Eastchester (7-13) at No. 10 John Jay-CR (10-10), 6 p.m.
Jay was angling for a Top 6 seed before losing its final three games and five out of seven. The Indians are a physical team that can push the tempo. Sean Donnellan is a difficult matchup for Jay but the Indians should find a way in a tight game.
KDJ’s Pick: John Jay-CR 60, Eastchester 56

No. 18 Lincoln (9-11) at No. 15 Harrison (9-11), 6:15 p.m.
The Huskies are a scary team entering the postseason because of the physicality they can play. And now they have confidence after splitting with Byram Hills in the final week. Don’t expect an upset here.
KDJ’s Pick: Harrison 67, Lincoln 54

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