UPDATE: The CIF-Southern Section girls basketball and soccer playoffs kicked off with intense matchups on Thursday, February 12, 2023, as 13 teams from the High Desert advanced to the second round. The excitement continues with six basketball teams and five soccer teams moving on, with six of those games set to take place in the High Desert this Saturday.
In girls basketball, the action was fierce. At Oak Hills, the Mira Costa Mustangs edged out the Bulldogs in a nail-biting finish, winning 45-39. The Bulldogs started strong with Bella Rincon scoring 12 points in the first quarter, leading 18-12. However, a challenging second quarter saw them score just two points, ultimately leading to their elimination. Mira Costa will face Valencia next, who dominated Chino with a score of 76-44.
In another thrilling game, Silver Valley pulled off an upset against the No. 2 seed, Valley Christian, with a final score of 54-51. Naomi Durrah was a standout performer, scoring 35 points and sealing the win with a crucial free throw. Silver Valley (17-8) will host Warren next, who defeated Fontana 50-37.
Barstow also celebrated victory, defeating Coastal Christian 47-45. Emily Franco led the Aztecs with an impressive 25 points, while University Prep triumphed over Anaheim 40-38 with Camila Zapeta hitting the game-winning shot just 19 seconds before the buzzer. University Prep (11-12) will host Norwalk next.
Victor Valley Christian broke a three-year playoff drought, winning against Saddleback 28-26. Olivia Metler led the Royals with 10 points, and they will host Santa Clarita Christian next.
In girls soccer action, Granite Hills emerged victorious over Culver City, winning 4-2 with Lianna Tsabur scoring all four goals for the Cougars. They will host Temescal Canyon next. Riverside Prep crushed Gahr 5-0, with Jimena Nunez contributing two goals. The Silver Knights will face Segerstrom next week.
Adelanto secured their place in the second round with a solid 3-0 win over Temecula Prep, marking their third consecutive year advancing in the playoffs. Destiney Olague, Giselle Perez, and Samantha Aguilar each scored, while they prepare to host top-seeded Beverly Hills next.
Other notable results include:
– Hesperia Christian fell to Westlake 65-35
– Oak Hills lost to Santa Monica 1-0 in soccer
– Sultana edged Liberty 1-0 in Division 5 soccer
The playoffs are heating up, and fans are eager to see which teams will continue their journey toward the championship. Stay tuned for updates as these thrilling matchups unfold!
