News Summary

The CIF playoffs are showcasing thrilling high school basketball action in Southern California. Ontario Christian and Etiwanda delivered standout performances with victories over Sierra Canyon and Mater Dei, respectively. As the playoffs progress, fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming clash. Excitement also extends nationally as key games unfold in Florida, Utah, and Indiana. The top 25 ranked girls high school teams are lighting up the courts, highlighting a vibrant season of talent and competition across the country.

High School Basketball Playoffs Heat Up in Southern California

The CIF playoffs are in full swing, and basketball fans are buzzing after some thrilling games in Southern California. This past week witnessed epic showdowns as teams clashed for coveted victories to propel themselves further into the tournament. Two standout performances came from Ontario Christian and Etiwanda, who each secured vital wins, setting the stage for an intense matchup in the next round.

Ontario Christian Triumphs Over Sierra Canyon

In a nail-biter, Ontario Christian faced off against Sierra Canyon, coming away with a commendable 62-52 victory. Leading the charge was the phenomenal Kaleena Smith, a rising star in the 2027 ESPN class, who showcased her skills with an impressive 21 points and 10 assists. Not to be outdone, Tatianna Griffin, an excelling 2028 ESPN recruit, contributed significantly with 19 points and 8 rebounds, proving that Ontario Christian’s success is a collective effort.

On the other side, Jerzy Robinson shone for Sierra Canyon, lighting up the scoreboard with 24 points. Unfortunately, his efforts fell short against the well-rounded team of Ontario Christian. The clash had audiences on the edge of their seats, but ultimately, the skill and teamwork from Ontario Christian rewarded them with a spot in the next round.

Etiwanda Edges Out Mater Dei in Thrilling Encounter

Meanwhile, over at Etiwanda, fans were treated to another thrilling contest as Etiwanda squared off against Mater Dei. In a dramatic finale, Etiwanda clinched victory with a tight score of 63-60. Key players played critical roles in their comeback, with Aliyahna Morris, an ESPNW 100 No. 24 and California commit, and Grace Knox, an ESPNW 100 No. 6 and LSU commit, proving why they’re McDonald’s All-Americans. Morris and Knox’s contributions were pivotal as they navigated Mater Dei’s defenses effectively.

Etiwanda’s standout player, Arynn Finley, offered unwavering support, leading the team with 17 points throughout the match. Mater Dei’s Addison Deal, a strong contender in the 2025 class who’s committed to Iowa, managed to score 14 points and facilitate 9 assists, but it just wasn’t enough to tip the scales in their favor this time.

Upcoming Clash Between Powerhouses

The excitement doesn’t end there as the stage is now set for a highly anticipated showdown between Ontario Christian and Etiwanda in the next round on Saturday, March 1. Fans can expect a closely contested game as both teams bring formidable talents to the floor—making it a must-watch event for high school basketball enthusiasts.

Notable Performances from Across the Nation

It’s not only in Southern California that great basketball is being played. In Florida, Montverde narrowly defeated IMG Academy 65-57 in a fierce rivalry that kept spectators on their toes. Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 recruit in the ESPN class of 2026, scored an impressive 26 points, while IMG’s Kelis Fisher countered with 21 points of her own, showcasing the depth and talent within these elite basketball academies.

In a game that echoed vengeful spirits, Sidwell Friends triumphed over Bullis with a final score of 67-62, marking a satisfying redemption after two previous losses to the same team. Notably, Autumn Fleary, the No. 14 recruit in the 2026 class, played a crucial role in Sidwell’s journey to victory.

Utah and Indiana Championships Approaching

Elsewhere, Emilee Skinner, an ESPNW 100 No. 7 and Duke commit, helped Ridgeline claim their third consecutive state title in Utah with a 65-46 victory over Snow Canyon. Skinner proved unstoppable, notching up 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, contributing to Ridgeline finishing their season unbeaten at 28-0.

Meanwhile, Indiana is readying for its semifinals and championship games as various classifications prepare for a thrilling week. Among them, Warsaw (Class 4A), Norwell (Class 3A), Rensselaer Central (Class 2A), and Lafayette Central Catholic (Class 1A) are taking their place in the spotlight after hard-fought battles to the state finals.

Spotlight on Rankings

As tournament fever grips the nation, the top 25 ranked girls high school basketball teams are capturing attention, with teams like Ontario Christian and Montverde appearing prominently. The excitement surrounding high school basketball has never felt more vibrant, and as the season continues to unfold, all eyes are glued to the talented young players showcasing their skills on the national stage.

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