Ventura County High School Basketball: First Round Upsets and Playoff Outlook
The CIF-SS boys basketball playoffs kicked off on February 11, 2026, with a mix of expected victories and surprising upsets for Ventura County teams. While some squads cruised into the second round, others saw their seasons end in heartbreak. Here’s a breakdown of the key results and what they mean for the local landscape.
Division 4 Drama: Santa Paula Falls in Overtime
The Santa Paula Cardinals, Citrus Coast League champions, put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell to Corona 95-91 in a thrilling overtime battle. Despite a strong season, the Cardinals were unable to secure the win, being outscored 14-10 in the extra period. This marks the end of a memorable season for Santa Paula.
Moorpark Dominates, Advances to Round Two
Moorpark showcased an impressive offensive performance, defeating Godinez with a commanding score of 101-75. The Musketeers’ high-scoring game propels them into the next round of the Division 4 playoffs.
Oxnard Survives Close Contest
In a nail-biting Division 2 matchup, Oxnard narrowly defeated North Torrance 45-43. The Yellowjackets demonstrated resilience on the road, securing a hard-fought victory and advancing to the second round.
Westlake Powers Through
Westlake delivered a strong performance, defeating Burbank 65-39 in Division 2 action. This win positions them well as they move forward in the playoffs.
Rio Mesa Holds On for Victory
Rio Mesa overcame a late challenge from Arrowhead Christian, winning 63-56 in the Division 5 playoffs. A strong finish, outscoring their opponent 14-4 in the final minutes, secured their spot in the next round.
St. Bonaventure Secures Win
St. Bonaventure defeated Western 58-42 in Division 6, marking a successful start to their playoff journey. The Seraphs, having previously competed in Division 3AA, are making a strong push in their modern division.
Challenges for Marmonte and Coastal Canyon Leagues
The Marmonte League experienced a mixed first round, with only Westlake securing a win out of four teams. The Coastal Canyon League fared slightly better, with Moorpark advancing. This suggests a potential shift in competitive balance within these leagues.
Soccer Playoff Updates
Alongside the basketball action, the boys soccer playoffs similarly saw several games conclude. Calabasas, Oxnard, Channel Islands, Camarillo and Thacher all advanced to the second round. Westlake and Ventura secured their advancement through penalty shootouts after drawing their matches. Unfortunately, Oak Park, St. Bonaventure, Moorpark, Newbury Park Adventist, and Ojai Valley were eliminated.
Looking Ahead: Trends and Key Takeaways
The Rise of Competitive Balance
The varied results across different divisions suggest a growing level of competition within CIF-SS basketball. Upsets are becoming more frequent, indicating that traditional powerhouses can no longer rely on past success.
Importance of Home-Court Advantage
Several teams, like St. Bonaventure, benefited from playing at home, demonstrating the significant advantage of familiar surroundings and fan support. This highlights the importance of securing favorable seeding in future tournaments.
The Impact of League Championships
Teams that won their league championships, such as Santa Paula and Oxnard, demonstrated a level of consistency and skill that translated into playoff success, even if not always resulting in a win. League titles remain a strong indicator of potential playoff performance.
FAQ
Q: Where can I find more detailed information about the CIF-SS playoffs?
A: Visit the CIF-SS website for brackets, schedules, and results: https://www.cifss.org/
Q: What divisions are the local teams competing in?
A: Local teams are competing in Divisions 1 through 8 for basketball and Divisions 3 through 8 for soccer.
Q: How can I stay updated on local high school sports?
A: Follow Dominic Massimino on Twitter and Instagram (@vcsdominic) and check the Ventura County Star for ongoing coverage.
Did you recognize? The Ventura County Star provides comprehensive coverage of local high school sports, including live updates and in-depth analysis.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on teams that excel in head-to-head matchups during the regular season, as these games often provide valuable insights into potential playoff outcomes.
Stay tuned for further updates as the CIF-SS playoffs continue! Share your thoughts on the first-round results in the comments below.
