In an highly anticipated matchup tonight boys’ basketball, 12-15, will be going against their all-time rivals the Palisades Dolphins in the first round of the CIF LA Open Division playoffs at L.A.C.E.S. 7 P.M.

This comes after their previous encounter with the Dolphins this past Valentine’s day, defeating them by 30 points, 79-49. “There isn’t any other team I would want to play against other than Pali,” said senior Rodrigo Trujillo, a co-captain alongside his twin brother Luca Trujillo. 

According to Trujillo, this is the Gondoliers’ second time in history going into the Open Division. “It’s a really big deal, and it’s the second highest we’ve ever placed, top five seed in the city section.” 
The seeding is almost on par with each other, with the Dolphins being seeded fifth while the Gondos hold fourth.

Trujillo expects the game to be up in the air, feeling that “it’s going to be one of those games where anything can happen.”

“There’s going to be a lot of trash talk, a lot of fouls, but I do think the better team tomorrow will win, which will be Venice,” he said.

Going into the game tonight, Trujillo is confident in the Gondoliers’ performance.

“We just beat Pali by 30. I feel like we’re at the top of our team’s game right now, we’re priming at the perfect time,” he said. 

For if the Gondoliers’ defeat their longstanding rivals, they would go against the number one team in the city, Chatsworth.

“That’s the game we want, we’re not ducking smoke. We want the best first to test us first, and if we win – we can beat anyone,” Trujillo said.

With the Gondoliers being in the Open Division, they would move onto regionals irregardless if they win or lose. This allows for their season to continue.

“If we win the regional championships, we would go all the way to state, which would be our second time ever,” said Trujillo.