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Sierra Canyon Dominates High School Basketball

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 19:02 GMT by Los Angeles Daily News
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Sierra Canyon Remains Atop the Mountain (20-2)

Unsurprisingly, Sierra Canyon continues to hold the number one spot. Their impressive 20-2 record speaks to a consistently dominant performance. Led by senior guard Khalil Watson, a four-star recruit committed to UCLA, and sophomore phenom Mateo Alvarez, Sierra Canyon boasts a potent offensive attack and a stifling defensive presence. The Trailblazers' strength lies in their depth - a roster filled with talented players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. Their remaining schedule includes tough matchups against Oak Park and Harvard-Westlake, which will test their claim to the top spot. Experts predict Sierra Canyon is a national contender, poised to make a serious run at the coveted DICK'S Sporting Goods High School Basketball Tournament.

The Contenders Emerge: Oak Park and Harvard-Westlake

Sitting at number two, Oak Park (18-4) isn't backing down. The Eagles have built a reputation for their disciplined play and sharpshooting. Senior forward Jalen Harper is averaging over 22 points per game and is a key component of their success. Oak Park's four losses this season have come against top-tier competition, suggesting they have the potential to upset Sierra Canyon.

Harvard-Westlake (17-5) rounds out the top three. The Wolverines, traditionally a basketball powerhouse, are rebuilding under new head coach, former NBA player, Darius Johnson. While they've experienced some growing pains, their impressive record demonstrates their ability to compete with the best. Junior point guard Ethan Reynolds is a player to watch, displaying exceptional court vision and playmaking skills. Their upcoming game against Notre Dame will be a crucial test.

The Middle Tier: Battles for Playoff Seeding (Positions 4-10)

The teams ranked fourth through tenth are engaged in a fierce competition for favorable playoff seeding. Notre Dame (16-6), West Hills Chaminade (15-7), Etiwanda (16-6), St. John Bosco (14-8), Crescenta Valley (13-9), Beverly Hills (12-10), and Taft (12-10) all present unique challenges. Chaminade's reliance on three-point shooting makes them a dangerous opponent, while Etiwanda's physicality and defensive prowess consistently frustrate opposing offenses. St. John Bosco, known for its athletic players and fast-paced style, is a dark horse contender. The remaining teams in this tier are all vying for advantageous matchups in the playoffs, and every game is critical.

The Bubble Teams: Fighting to Stay Relevant (Positions 11-15)

The final five spots in The Daily News Top 15 represent teams fighting to secure a playoff berth and potentially make some noise. Santa Monica (11-11), Rancho Cucamonga (11-12), Cathedral Catholic (10-12), Palisades (9-13), and El Camino Real (8-14) are all battling to avoid early elimination. These teams, while not currently considered championship contenders, possess the talent and potential to pull off upsets. A strong finish to the regular season and a favorable playoff bracket could see them make a surprising run.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

The coming weeks will be pivotal. The CIF Southern Section playoffs are scheduled to begin February 20th, and teams are now laser-focused on securing the best possible seed. The competition will be fierce, and upsets are inevitable. Beyond the top three, the playoff bracket is wide open, with several teams capable of making a deep run. The Daily News will continue to provide updated rankings and comprehensive coverage as the season progresses. The Southland high school basketball landscape is vibrant and competitive, promising a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 season.