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Mater Dei Dominates, Secures Commanding Victory

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 23:03 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Division I: Powerhouses Prevail

Division I saw a display of strength from established programs. Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks secured a 62-53 victory over Los Altos, showcasing a balanced attack. However, the most dominant performance of the day undoubtedly came from Mater Dei, who trounced Santa Margarita with a commanding 78-45 win. Mater Dei's consistently strong program continues to be a force in Southern California basketball. Oakland also showed their mettle, edging past San Ramon Valley 65-58 in a tightly contested match. Sierra Canyon, known for attracting top talent, continued their winning ways with a 70-55 defeat of Birmingham, further cementing their status as a contender for the state championship. The early rounds of Division I are shaping up to be a battle between these historically strong programs, with little room for error.

Division II: New Challengers Emerge

Division II offered a slightly more unpredictable set of results. Rancho Cucamonga pulled off a solid 68-59 win against Etiwanda, demonstrating their potential to make a deep run. Brentwood delivered a convincing performance, defeating Crescenta Valley 72-56. Westlake edged out Agoura 60-52 in a local rivalry showdown. Perhaps the most decisive game of the division was St. John Bosco's resounding 75-48 victory over Mayfair. St. John Bosco's performance is raising eyebrows and suggesting they could be a dark horse in the competition. The division appears more open than Division I, potentially leading to a more exciting and unpredictable championship chase.

Division III: Close Contests Define the Round

Division III proved to be the most competitive of the day, with several games decided by narrow margins. Lompoc narrowly defeated Santa Barbara 61-57, in a back-and-forth affair. Santa Cruz also had a close call, scraping past Salinas 59-55. Pleasant Valley took down Chico 63-54, demonstrating a strong offensive push. Bellarmine, a perennial powerhouse in Northern California, continued their tradition of success, overcoming Valley Christian 71-62. The tightly contested nature of these games suggests that any team in Division III has the potential to upset a higher seed.

Division IV & V: Upset Potential and Regional Battles

Division IV and V highlighted the diversity of California high school basketball, with schools from various regions competing for playoff glory. Mission Prep defeated Arroyo Grande 66-58, while La Verne Lutheran secured a 64-56 victory over Temple City. In the North, St. Mary's-Albany overcame Moreau Catholic 55-52. Lincoln defeated University 60-54. In Division V, Pinole Valley secured a 62-56 win over Alhambra, and Salesian edged past St. Patrick-St. Vincent 65-58. Ripon Christian defeated Central Catholic 60-55, and Desert Mirage beat Palm Springs 68-61. These divisions often see exciting regional rivalries and potential for underdog stories to unfold.

Looking Ahead

The CIF playoffs are known for their intensity and unpredictable nature. While established programs like Mater Dei and Sierra Canyon appear strong in Division I, the competitiveness of Divisions II and III suggests a more open field. The smaller school divisions are ripe with potential for upsets and compelling storylines. As the tournament progresses, expect more nail-biting finishes, standout individual performances, and the emergence of new contenders. Fans can stay up-to-date with the latest scores and bracket updates through the provided links. The next round of games promises even more excitement as teams battle for a chance to reach the regional and state championships.