In all probability Mariposa’s varsity Grizzlies will host Linden’s Lions in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV basketball playoffs next Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Results from games this week could juggle the brackets, but if the power ratings released Tuesday hold true, Linden will be the Grizzlies first round foe.

Two other potential opponents are Highlands, winner of the Golden Empire League, and Ripon. Regardless, Mariposa will host a first round contest.

The Grizzlies, winners of the Southern Athletic League for the fifth straight year, are the only team representing the league that made the playoffs, which consists of the division’s top 16 squads.

Mariposa ranked sixth in the division as of Tuesday, but barely trailed Central Catholic in the seeding points. That means Central or Hilmar, which sandwich Mariposa at fifth and seventh, could move up or down.

“Linden is a pretty good match-up for us,” said head coach Trace DeSandres. The Lions compete in the tough Mother Lode League, which is sending three teams to the playoffs. “The difference is those MLL teams are in a dog fight every week,” DeSandres said. “That’s not something we get out of the Southern League right now.”

Linden is led by 6’7” 240- pound senior center Aaron Judge who averages 16.6 points per game and grabs an average of 13 rebounds per outing. The Lions don’t have another player averaging double digits, but 6’5” forward Joe Collins adds some strength in the paint an is averaging 5.3 points per game.

Mariposa, which hasn’t reached the second round of the playoffs since 2006, will be led by 6’5” 275-poud senior center Cody Wichmann. Wichmann averages 19.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Pierce Chaney, a smooth 6’3” senior forward is averaging 10.5 points per game, and will be relied on to boost Mariposa’s offensive output, as will senior point guard Jarrett Miller.

Whatever opponent Mariposa draws in the first round, it should be a packed house in the Loyd Hobby gymnasium and fans are urged to arrive early for the 7 p.m tip-off.