9:54: About 8 minutes until game-time. We’ll switch to another new post to get started with the live blogging from our first game — Berkeley vs. Kennedy-Sacramento.

9:52: Kennedy just took the court to the roar of the crowd. Definitely going to be a lot of support for the hometown team.

9:51: We have a Berkeley High sighting … finally. To be honest, they look a little sleepy. That’s what happens when you play at 10 a.m. They’re doing some calisthenic work right now.

9:48: Now at 13:00 and not moving. I don’t know what’s up.

9:46: The countdown at the clock is at 10 minutes right now. No one out on the court yet. I’m kind of surprised. I thought they’d be out here for a shootaround to get used to the court. They should be here soon. Oh wait, clock just went up to 15:00 and is counting down now. Each team is allowed 15 minutes warm-up time. Dang, clock reset again. Now at a resting 15:00. Geesh! I think they’re trying to mess with me.

9:40: Why am I surprised that Kennedy seems to be filling the stands at a quicker pace than Berkeley? The school’s in Sac, so I guess that makes sense. That adds a dimension that Berkeley will have to battle because this will definitely be a pro-Cougar crowd. We’ll see how the ‘Jackets handle it.

9:34: It looks like the doors to the arena have been opened because people are starting to file. in. Not much action in the media lounge yet. I don’t think they’re quite ready for us. I spotted a fridge with some bottled water in it and went to seize, but it was locked. Oh well.

9:27: It’s early, too early if you ask me. But I am sitting here courtside at Sacramento’s Arco Arena as we prepare for the CIF Division I NorCal girls basketball game between Kennedy-Sacramento and Berkeley. I’m wired up, Bower and Hoose are on the way and we’re ready to bring you today’s action.

I’ve yet to have a Berkeley High sighting. Right now the Kennedy cheerleaders are taking pictures and practicing out on the court. The arena is empty except for the cheerleaders and CIF and Arco Arena personnel. I’m going to go check out the media lounge and give you the lowdown and what we’ve got in there. Be right back.