Hosted by Cardinal Newman High School
John Fitzgerald Gymnasium
The tradition continues this week as Cardinal Newman High School hosts the 57th Annual Rose City Basketball Tournament at the historic John Fitzgerald Gymnasium. This year's field is one of the strongest in recent memory, featuring eight programs off to impressive starts. Below is a preview of Thursday's opening-round matchups.
Game 1 — 3:30 PM
Analy vs. Enochs (Modesto)
Analy returns to the Rose City Tournament under head coach Nic Pedersen, a proud Cardinal Newman alum. The Tigers are off to a 5–1 start and bring good balance and experience into the opener.
Enochs (Modesto) enters with a 6–1 record and is coached by former Cloverdale standout Craig Bernardi. The Eagles play fast, defend well, and arrive in Santa Rosa with one of the most talented rosters in the bracket.
Game 2 — 5:00 PM
Santa Rosa vs. San Marin
This matchup features two well-built teams off to strong starts.
Santa Rosa returns nearly all of its core from last season and is coming off a 2nd-place finish at the Napa Tournament last weekend.
San Marin enters at 3–1 and should continue to improve now that the Mustangs' roster is fully assembled following the conclusion of football season.
Expect a physical, competitive game between two North Bay programs with postseason potential.
Game 3 — 6:30 PM
Napa vs. San Rafael
Napa returns to the Rose City after placing 4th in last year's tournament. The Grizzlies are led by 6'8" post Will Flynn, one of the top interior players in this year's field.
San Rafael is an emerging MCAL contender playing a challenging preseason schedule. The Bulldogs are led by senior guard Luke Shapiro, a dynamic scorer capable of taking over games.
Game 4 — 8:00 PM
Shasta vs. Cardinal Newman
Shasta makes its annual trip to Sonoma County with a veteran lineup and a new head coach guiding a group that had no seniors on last year's roster.
Cardinal Newman, winners of the last three Rose City championships, enters at 5–1 following a tournament title at the McKinleyville Tip-Off Tournament. With strong guard play, depth, and home-court energy, the Cardinals look to defend their title in what is expected to be a very competitive field.
