Here is a brief breakdown of Thursday's first-round matchups, all at 6:30 p.m.

No. 14 Sheehan at No. 3 Wilbur Cross - Sheehan played Cross much tougher in its second matchup (lost by six) than its first (18-point win for Cross). Cross will have waited almost a week to think about its season finale, a loss at home to Lyman Hall. That does not bode well for Sheehan.

The pick: Wilbur Cross

No. 13 Notre Dame-West Haven at No. 4 Lyman Hall - Lyman Hall swept the season series here, both by double digits. I have a feeling Notre Dame will play better in this one, but still come up short.

The pick: Lyman Hall

No. 12 Hamden at No. 5 Fairfield Prep - During its mid-season swoon, Fairfield Prep dropped a close game at Hamden. But the Jesuits were dominant in their home win (22-point spread) and, following a two-point loss at Branford in its season finale on Monday, I expect Fairfield Prep to be in the quarterfinals.

The pick: Fairfield Prep

No. 11 Hand at No. 6 Xavier - This is one the matchups where the two teams did not face one another during the regular season. I expect a low-scoring battle where the winner might not reach 50 points. If this were in Madison, I may have predicted Hand, but the game is being held in Middletown.

The pick: Xavier

No. 10 Cheshire at No. 7 Branford - These two teams are squaring off for the first time as well. Cheshire has been one of the season’s pleasant surprises, turning it around after an 0-4 start. Branford had a pair of tough losses last week to Law and Shelton but upset Prep at home.
This is the toughest game to call in the entire first round. But based on Monday’s performance...

The pick: Branford by five.

No. 9 Foran at No. 8 Amity - Amity won both games by 20 points or more during the season, so this has all the makings of a blowout. But I think it will be much closer this time around and will still be a game in the final 2 minutes. In fact...

The pick: Foran in an upset - just a hunch.