Ramona Rams boy’s basketball after their 64-62 victory over Southwest San Diego High in the first round of the State Tournament. (Courtesy of Ramona Basketball)
Local athletes are making headlines with standout performances on the mat, the court, and the road to state championships. From ML King’s Giada Tanahara’s impressive run at the CIF State Wrestling Championships to CBU and UCR basketball teams fighting for postseason glory, here’s a look at the top stories and games to watch this week.
Boy’s Basketball CIF State Tournament
The Ramona Rams and Poly Bears both played second-round games on Thursday night in the CIF State Boy's Basketball Tournament.
The Bears hosted St. Augustine from San Diego. The game was close, with several lead changes in the fourth quarter. Standout Senior Guard Chris Holland secured the 68-67 victory with a clutch jumper at the buzzer. The Rams also kept it close at the end but weren't able to secure the away victory and lost 61-63 vs. Fresno Christian.
Congratulations to all the boys. Bears, we will see you on Saturday in the semifinal.
CIF Girl’s Wrestling
ML King Junior Giada (Gigi) Tanahara finished sixth overall in her weight class at the State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield, California, last weekend. Tanahara finished third in the 110-pound division at the Master’s meet to earn her spot in the Championship Tournament. Gigi is one of only six girls in the history of the school to wrestle for a state title. Congratulations on an incredible season, GiGi. We will be watching you close out your high school career next year.
CBU/UCR Basketball Postseason Tournament
All of our Division 1 Basketball teams, both Men and Women, are headed to their conference tournaments next week. While postseason play is guaranteed, important games are still to be played this weekend that will determine tournament seeding. Teams that play in mid-major conferences, like the Highlanders (Big West) and the Lancers (WAC), are unlikely to earn at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, so winning their conference tournaments represents the only path to March Madness.
Games Of The Week
College Basketball
UC Riverside Men @ Cal State Fullerton, Saturday, March 8, 6 p.m.
CBU Men vs. UT Arlington, Saturday, March 8, 5 p.m.
UC Riverside Women vs. Cal State Fullerton, Saturday, March 8, 4 p.m.
CBU Women @ UT Arlington, Saturday, March 8, 12 p.m.
