CIF BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: It’s round two on Valentine’s Day (full brackets)

Portola students packed their side for Wednesday’s playoff game vs. Dana Hills (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

It’s Valentine’s Day, and boys basketball coaches around Orange County are preparing their teams for the second round of the CIF playoffs.

There’s also a question what kind of an affect Valentine’s Day will have on attendance.

It’s a day when most typically like to spend time with their loved ones.

But is attending a high school basketball game part of the day?

Portola Coach Brian Smith, who leads his squad (18-10) against top-seeded Providence of Burbank (23-6) in the 3AA division second round game at Portola, wondered about that Wednesday after his Bulldogs defeated Dana Hills 62-52.

“Hopefully kids will come out, I know it’s Valentine’s Day, but bring your dates here,” he said.

Portola, in its second year of varsity competition, has built a strong fan base which also enjoys the support of a talented Portola jazz band. Smith hopes those fans return Friday night.

“It will be a great opportunity for us for a program that has been working as hard as we have,” Smith said. “I’m excited for this opportunity.”

Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

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