Inland Teams Gear Up for CIF State Playoffs in Basketball and Soccer

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has announced the pairings for the much-anticipated state basketball and soccer playoffs. A total of 28 teams from the Inland region have qualified, including 13 boys’ basketball teams, nine girls’ basketball teams, four girls’ soccer teams, and two boys’ soccer teams. This year is notable as it marks the first time true state championship games will be held in soccer, featuring champions from the Southern and Northern regionals.

In the girls’ basketball Open Division, the Ontario Christian Knights are looking to recover from their recent loss to Sierra Canyon in the CIF Southern Section finals. They will face the three-time defending Open Division state champion, Etiwanda, in a regional semifinal on Saturday. This matchup adds to the excitement as both teams are known for their competitive spirit and skill on the court.

Rancho Christian secured the No. 2 seed in the Division I girls’ basketball regional bracket and will host Bakersfield Christian in a first-round game on Tuesday. Other notable matchups include No. 5-seeded Centennial, who will host Valencia, and No. 13-seeded Moreno Valley, traveling to Fairmont Prep for their opening game.

In Division III, Murrieta Valley earned the top seed and will play at home against Burbank Burroughs. Meanwhile, San Jacinto holds the No. 11 seed in Division IV and will face Granada Hills Kennedy, while Hillcrest, seeded No. 13, will travel to Reseda Cleveland. Patriot rounds out the Division V bracket as the No. 8 seed, hosting Chadwick on Tuesday.

The boys’ basketball scene is equally competitive. Centennial received the No. 2 seed in Division I and will host Hesperia on Tuesday night. Other first-round games include No. 6-seeded Damien hosting Inglewood and No. 12-seeded Rancho Christian heading to Chula Vista Victory Christian Academy. Roosevelt, as the top seed in Division II, will host Bakersfield, while Murrieta Mesa is the No. 7 seed and will play at home against Reseda Cleveland.

In Division III, the action heats up as Colony, the No. 5 seed, welcomes No. 12 Norte Vista for an all-Inland showdown. Ramona, seeded No. 8 in Division IV, will host Ramona from San Diego County, while No. 13 seed Moreno Valley travels to Visalia Central Valley Christian.

On the soccer front, the girls’ competition features Roosevelt as the No. 8 seed in Division I, set to challenge Santa Margarita, the champions of the Open Division. This match promises to be an exciting clash between the best teams from the Southern Section.

In Division III girls’ soccer, Ayala holds the No. 3 seed and will host Crescenta Valley, while San Jacinto, also seeded No. 3 in Division IV, will take on Oceanside Mission Vista at home. Webb, with the No. 4 seed in Division V, will face LA Bravo.

For boys’ soccer, Fontana is the No. 3 seed in Division II and will host Chula Vista Hilltop. Ontario Christian stands out as the top seed in Division V and will face LA Roosevelt at home.

As the playoffs commence, the Inland teams are primed for intense competition, with hopes of advancing to the state championship games. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups that showcase the talent and determination of these young athletes.