SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS PREVIEWS : 2-AA : Whittier Christian Might Be a Surprise

Cabrillo, Cathedral, Bellarmine Jefferson and Banning high schools all have the impressive records and dominating talent to win the Southern Section 2-AA boys’ basketball championship.

But Whittier Christian Coach Bob Brown said he has the team with heart. And that be might what it takes for the Heralds to take the title.

“The timing might be just right,” Brown said. “I feel like we are starting to play some of our best basketball right now.”

Whittier Christian (18-6), which took second place to Orange Lutheran in the Olympic League, has bitter memories of last year’s playoffs--memories that Brown hopes will motivate the team.

“We have many players returning from last season, when we were upset in the first round by Cathedral--a team not quite as good as us on paper,” Brown said. “I hope they remember that feeling.”

Whittier Christian, led by Paul McKinley and Scott Ferguson, first will focus on today’s opponent Aquinas (13-10). Assuming the Heralds avoid a first-round upset, chances are they will go on to face nothing but the top teams.

That includes Cabrillo (21-2), the top-seeded team and No. 1-ranked team in Division 2-AA much of the season; Bell-Jeff (19-4), a possible opponent in the quarterfinals; and Cathedral (20-4) and Banning (19-4) two teams most likely to advance from the lower bracket to the final March 4 in the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

2-AA IN A BOX Top teams: Cabrillo (21-2), Banning (19-4), Cathedral (20-4).

Dark horses: Bellarmine Jefferson (19-4), Whittier Christian (18-6).

Top players: Paul McKinley (Whittier Christian), Kelvin Nelson (Banning), Donnell Porter (Aquinas), Nick Sanderson (Bellarmine Jefferson).

Best first-round game: Whittier Christian (18-6) at Aquinas (13-10).

Final Four prediction: Cabrillo vs. Whittier Christian, Cathedral vs. Banning.