Community Corner
Video: Locals Reveal NCAA Tourney Picks
March Madness is heating up as teams inch closer to the title game, and Highland Park residents let us know what team they're rolling with.
For the past week, sports fans around the country have been tuned into the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. In that short amount of time, this year’s recently expanded field of 68 teams has already been whittled down to 16—the Sweet 16 to be exact. Local business owner Zach Crandell, who owns on York Blvd. said he’s noticed an increase in business since the tournament began. “I think people really like the level of competition and I think it’s a little bit more fun than professional basketball,” Crandall said.
We caught up with a five local residents to find out their favorite teams, tournament picks and predictions for which squad will cut down the nets and win this year’s national championship.
Highland Park-Mt. Washington Patch: Who are you rooting for in the tournament?
Find out what's happening in Highland Park-Mount Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Jacob Mendez: The UCLA Bruins, but unfortunately they already lost.
HPMWP: How do you think they faired through the first two rounds?
Find out what's happening in Highland Park-Mount Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
JM: I think they faired extremely well. They’re a very inexperienced team and they gained experience that will help them in the future seasons to come.
HPMWP: What team will win the national championship?
JM: Connecticut will win the whole thing.
Highland Park-Mt. Washington Patch: What team are you rooting for?
Lillian Salazar: San Diego State
HPMWP: There’s a lot of USC and UCLA fans in this area, why are you pulling for San Diego State?
LS: Because they are a really good team.
HPMWP: You bartend at , do you get a good crowd when games are on?
LS: When basketball is on, people come and watch it here. It doesn’t matter who is playing, people here like a lot of the teams.
Highland Park-Mt. Washington Patch: Are there any teams in the tournament that have surprised you?
Julian Reyes: Virginia Commonwealth and Richmond.
HPMWP: What player has stood out through the first few rounds?
JR: Jimmer Fredette from BYU. He’s a straight baller.
HPMWP: What teams do you think will make it to the Final Four?
JR: Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and VCU.
HPMWP: What team is going to win the NCAA national championship?
JR: North Carolina because they have experience, a good coach, and are just a flat out good team.
Highland Park-Mt. Washington Patch: What’s your favorite team?
Wes Kawamura: San Diego State
HPMWP: Have you always been a San Diego State fan?
WK: No, just this year.
