Sierra Canyon’s Strong Team Depth Boosts Their Playoff Chances in the Competitive Mission League
Sierra Canyon Trailblazers Dominate Basketball Season, Aim for Championships
Sierra Canyon’s basketball team boasts an impressive record this season, having won 25 of their 26 games. The Trailblazers are on track to secure a Southern Section Open Division and state championship, though a formidable challenge awaits from fellow Mission League teams.
The Mission League’s strength is evidenced by its dominance in the Open Division semifinals, with three of the four competing teams hailing from this league. Upcoming matchups include Sherman Oaks Notre Dame facing off against Sierra Canyon and an unexpected La Mirada against Harvard-Westlake.
“It continues to show that the Mission League is one of the toughest leagues in the country,” remarked Harvard-Westlake coach David Rebibo. “It pays to be in a quality league.”
As the playoffs approach, attention turns to Sierra Canyon, which holds a commendable record of 25-1.
Sierra Canyon coach Andre Chevalier expressed confidence in his team’s depth following a decisive 70-47 victory over Santa Margarita. The Quarterfinal clash, pitting the top-seeded Trailblazers against the No. 2 Eagles, highlighted the Trailblazers’ versatility. Nine players contributed to the score, with Brandon McCoy leading with 17 points and nine rebounds, supported by Brannon Martinsen with 13 points and Maxi Adams with 11. Both McCoy and Adams are McDonald’s All-Americans, showcasing the depth that could prove crucial as the season unfolds.
Emerging players also made an impact, with sophomore guard JJ Sati Greer scoring four baskets and Josh Lowery contributing seven points. Chevalier’s coaching style emphasizes discipline; players who stray from the game plan find themselves benched quickly, ensuring that any substitution can continue to make valuable contributions.
Looking ahead, Sierra Canyon is set to finally compete in their Mission League title game against Notre Dame, which had been postponed due to a tragic event.
In other notable news, La Mirada pulled off a stunning upset against No. 3-seeded Redondo Union, winning 73-70. Key players included Gene Roebuck, who scored 19 points, and Cisco Munoz, with 17 points. La Mirada, which missed the state playoffs last season, is now just one win away from contending for a section title.
Harvard-Westlake narrowly secured a 49-46 victory against Crespi, thanks to Joe Sterling’s 15 points and Pierce Thompson’s 13. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame clinched a hard-fought win over Corona Centennial, 59-56, propelled by NaVorro Bowman Jr.’s 23 points and Zach White’s double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.
“It’s testament to the quality of the coaching, the quality of the players,” remarked Notre Dame coach Matt Sargeant, reflecting on the league’s success this season.
As the playoffs heat up, the competitive landscape of high school basketball in the Mission League promises thrilling matchups and potentially historic outcomes.
