By Anthony Sarinana

This morning, the CIF-Southern Section boys basketball playoff brackets were announced, marking a significant milestone for the teams as they advance to the coveted elite third phase of the season. Among the notable teams in the Open bracket are Harvard-Westlake, Corona Centennial, Sierra Canyon, St. John Bosco, Roosevelt, Serra, Mater Dei, and Saint Pius Matthias.

In the Division One bracket, the Damien Spartans secured their first-place finish in the Baseline League with an impressive overall record of 24-4. This achievement grants them a bye week in Round One play, setting the stage for an exciting Round Two matchup against the winner from Crossroads vs. Rancho Christian. Etiwanda Eagles, finishing second in the Baseline League with a commendable 23-5 overall record, will host Village Christian, the third-place team from the Olympic League.

Representing the Baseline League as well, the Rancho Cucamonga Cougars, rounding off with an overall record of 18-10, will face off against Canyon, the second-place team from the Crestview League with an overall record of 21-7. Meanwhile, the Walnut Mustangs from the Hacienda League will hit the road to challenge Rancho Verde, the second-place team from the Ivy League, boasting a strong overall record of 24-4.

Shifting to the Division 2AA bracket, the Diamond Bar Brahmas, securing the third-place position in the Hacienda League, will travel to match skills with the Coastal Canyon League champions, Oak Park, with an overall record of 18-9-0.

In Division 2A, the Hacienda League Champions, Los Altos Conquerors, will host Bishop Amat, the Camino Real third-place team, while the Glendora Tartans and the Ayala Bulldogs, both representatives of the Palomares League, will embark on challenging journeys to face formidable opponents in the tournament.

Moving into the lower divisions, the Bonita Bearcats, champions of the Palomares League, will showcase their prowess as they host Tustin from the Empire League in the Division 3AA bracket. The Rowland Raiders from the Hacienda League, as the At-Large team, will travel to face the Pacific Coast League champions, Woodbridge.

In the Division 4AA bracket, the Mt. Baldy League teams, including Don Lugo Conquistadors, Chino Cowboys, and Valle Vista League team Diamond Ranch Panthers, will defend their home court against worthy adversaries, promising riveting matchups for basketball enthusiasts.

Excitement and anticipation soar high as the high school basketball playoffs beckon. Stay tuned to Sportscenetv for comprehensive coverage of all the thrilling action, and be sure to engage with us on our social media platforms for real-time updates. It’s time to witness the magic of the playoffs unfold!