What had sized up to be a “Battle of Bens” turned into a “Barrage of Brandons” in Thursday night’s Big Game.

Justin-Siena High School’s girls squad played some of its best basketball of the 2008-09 season during a four-minute stretch of the second quarter Thursday night.

Justin-Siena High School competed in the Rancho Cotate Tournament in Rohnert Park and came back with four medals. Christian Platt (137 pounds) and Chris Troiano (121) both had first-place finishes. George Torassa finished third at 132 pounds and Mike Deely also medaled at 217, taking a fourth place. Pictured left to right are assistant coach Scott Rachfal, Torassa, Deely, Troiano, Preston Laurence, Platt and Braves head coach Wayne Law.  Submitted photo

Like an 18-wheeler rolling downhill, the Super Bowl hype machine has been well underway for the better part of the past couple of weeks.

Pacific Union College Prep’s Tyler Thesman, the Register’s Player of the Year in boys basketball last winter, had one of the best games of his career on Thursday night against Tomales.

Middle School Girls

Ericka Hornsby scored 20 points as the Storm fell. Jackie Willis and Jessica Zeller each scored eight points.

Waterfowl hunters in Northern California will remember the 2008-2009 season for its clear views of many spectacular sunrises.

NOTES AND QUOTES for a Friday in the Napa Valley: