I was at the first meeting between the Berkeley and El Cerrito boys basketball teams and I’ll be out there again tonight when the Yellow Jackets and Gauchos butt heads at Berkeley at 7 p.m. Here are a few things to consider as we get set for the game that could decide the ACCAL champion.

1. El Cerrito fans probably are clinging to the hope that, even though swingman Ken Rancifer was out the first time these two played, the Gauchos only lost by a point and could have won had a last-second shot by Alex Harris gone down. Tonight, Rancifer should play and it probably wouldn’t be prudent to expect Daymon Warren to be scoreless at halftime like he was in the first meeting.

2. At the same time EC fans are feeling good about their close call, Berkeley fans have to feel equally good because I can tell you without a doubt that the Yellow Jackets played well below their potential against the Gauchos. They were coming off the big emotional high of beating Salesian at Haas Pavillion one day earlier and I have a feeling going from the big gym at Cal to the cozy confines of Lovonya DeJean Middle School had something to do with their cold shooting. Now, the game is at Berkeley’s house and that could make a ton of difference.

3. Berkeley’s Mark Samuels is one of the best players you’ve never heard of. He fits extremely well in the Jackets’ up-tempo attack and is a good defender to boot. If there’s a big shot at the end of the game, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him taking it.

Just like most El Cerrito/Berkeley games, this one is too close to call at the moment. I’m looking forward to a good one.