Top Girls' Basketball Teams Stand Out in Southern California

The Southern California high school girls' basketball playoffs are here. Three teams, Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, and Sierra Canyon, are playing very well. They are expected to have exciting games against each other.
By Newsroom | Sports, Southern California |

The Stakes for Top Teams

As the high school girls' basketball playoffs get underway, a clear hierarchy has emerged in Southern California. Three teams – Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, and Sierra Canyon – have set themselves apart, creating intense anticipation for potential matchups between them. Their consistent performance suggests a challenging path for any other team hoping to reach the pinnacle of the sport. The Southern Section Open Division, in particular, is shaped by their presence, with their games often determining the ultimate outcome of significant tournaments.

A Season of Separation

Throughout the current season, Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, and Sierra Canyon have consistently demonstrated superior play, establishing themselves as the teams to beat.

Prep talk: Can any girls' basketball team topple Ontario Christian, Etiwanda or Sierra Canyon? - 1

  • Ontario Christian has secured the No. 1 seed in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division for the first time in their program's history. The team boasts a strong record, including an 8-0 start to the season and a significant win streak.

  • Etiwanda, the reigning Open Division section champion, has also earned a high seed. They are pursuing back-to-back championships and have a history of success, including winning two consecutive Open Division state titles.

  • Sierra Canyon, despite facing tough competition, remains a top contender in the Open Division playoffs.

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These teams have not only dominated their regular season schedules but have also advanced deep into critical playoff stages, setting the stage for highly anticipated contests.

Key Matchups and Results

The path to the championship has already seen several pivotal games involving these top teams.

Prep talk: Can any girls' basketball team topple Ontario Christian, Etiwanda or Sierra Canyon? - 2

  • In a Southern California Regional semifinal of the Open Division state playoffs on March 9, 2025, Ontario Christian outlasted Sierra Canyon in overtime, securing a 69-57 victory. This win propelled Ontario Christian to the regional final. During the game, Sierra Canyon was unable to score a field goal in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Ontario Christian’s Alanna Neale made a crucial tying three-pointer with 1:27 left in regulation, forcing overtime where they then scored the first 10 points.

  • Another report from March 9, 2025, indicates Ontario Christian defeated Sierra Canyon 62-52, leading to Ontario Christian reaching the CIF-Southern Section Open Division title game. In this contest, Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian took the final shot of regulation which missed, sending the game to overtime.

  • A CIF-Southern Section Open Division title game was scheduled for March 1, 2025, featuring Ontario Christian against Etiwanda. This game was to take place at Toyota Center in Ontario.

Ontario Christian's Ascendancy

Ontario Christian has experienced a remarkable season, marked by a historic achievement of securing the top seed in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

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  • The team's journey includes winning the Southern Section Open Division championship in the previous season, followed by a loss to Etiwanda in the regionals.

  • Kaleena Smith, a junior, and Tatianna Griffin, a sophomore, have been instrumental in the team's success, leading them to an 8-0 start and victories in significant tournaments like the Troy tournament. Smith is recognized as a top junior guard.

  • Aundre Cummings, the coach, has expressed satisfaction with his team's defensive performance, particularly evident in their overtime victory against Sierra Canyon.

Etiwanda's Championship Pedigree

Etiwanda enters the playoffs with a strong track record and a clear objective: to defend their championship titles.

Prep talk: Can any girls' basketball team topple Ontario Christian, Etiwanda or Sierra Canyon? - 3

  • As the reigning Open Division section champion and winner of back-to-back Open Division state titles, Etiwanda holds a significant legacy.

  • The team secured the No. 2 seed in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

  • They were slated to face Ontario Christian in a key matchup on March 1, 2025, at Toyota Center.

Sierra Canyon's Challenge

Sierra Canyon remains a formidable opponent, consistently appearing in discussions of top teams, though they have faced defeats against fellow elite programs.

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  • The team has qualified for the Open Division playoffs multiple times, indicating their sustained strength.

  • They experienced a tough overtime loss to Ontario Christian in a regional semifinal, where they failed to score a field goal in the latter stages of the game.

  • Despite these challenges, players like Jerzy, who scored a game-high 24 points in a contest, and Emilia, noted for her defensive impact, highlight the team's talent. Payton Montgomery and Tati are also mentioned for their contributions.

Expert Commentary

The performance of these top teams has drawn attention from sports analysts.

"The high school girls’ basketball playoffs begin on Thursday, and the only question that needs to be answered is who wins when Etiwanda faces Sierra Canyon in the Southern Section Open Division semifinals on Feb." - Los Angeles Times (February 12, 2026)

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This quote underscores the expected intensity and high stakes of any potential matchup between these leading programs.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The 2025-2026 girls' basketball season in Southern California is defined by the exceptional performance of Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, and Sierra Canyon. These teams have not only dominated their respective schedules but have also met in critical playoff games, showcasing the high level of competition.

  • Ontario Christian's historic top seeding and strong play suggest they are serious contenders for the championship.

  • Etiwanda's established winning tradition and pursuit of consecutive titles make them a perennial threat.

  • Sierra Canyon, despite recent setbacks, possesses the talent to challenge any opponent.

The results of their head-to-head matchups, particularly the overtime thriller between Ontario Christian and Sierra Canyon, indicate that games between these top teams are often close and hard-fought. As the playoffs progress, further contests between these powerhouses are anticipated, promising exciting basketball for fans.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which teams are the best in Southern California girls' basketball?
Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, and Sierra Canyon are the top teams this season. They have played very well and are expected to compete strongly in the playoffs.
Q: Has Ontario Christian done well this year?
Yes, Ontario Christian is the No. 1 seed in their playoff group. They have won many games and are having a historic season.
Q: What about Etiwanda and Sierra Canyon?
Etiwanda is the champion from last year and is trying to win again. Sierra Canyon is also a strong team that has reached the playoffs many times.
Q: Have these top teams played each other?
Yes, Ontario Christian and Sierra Canyon played a close game that went into overtime. Ontario Christian also played Etiwanda in a championship game.
Q: What makes these teams so good?
These teams have strong players and have shown they can win important games. They have been playing at a very high level all season.