It was an exciting first round for local teams that advanced to the postseason of the CIF Southern Section boys’ basketball playoffs, especially at the Murrieta Valley versus Linfield Christian game, which came down to the finals seconds. Nighthawks coach Brian Weathers returned to one of his previous head coaching stops before taking over at his high school alma mater. While Murrieta Valley fell to Linfield Christian 59-56, Weathers told media afterwards that he was proud of well the two teams competed.
Other local teams advancing to the second round included Vista Murrieta with their win over No. 11 Crespi, Temescal Canyon defeated Yorba Linda, the Liberty Bison kept their first-year playoff hopes alive with a convincing win over San Bernardino, and Temecula Prep, as well as Rancho Christian, will both play this upcoming Friday as well.
Here is a complete list of the firsmatchups and scores. (Games scheduled for 7 p.m. but subject to change)
DIVISION 1
No. 4 JSerra – 64, Great Oak – 53
DIVISION 2AA
Vista Murrieta – 55, Crespi (No. 11) – 44
Linfield Christian (No. 1) – 59, Murrieta Valley – 56
Round 2
Oxnard – 62, Vista Murrieta – 51
Rancho Verde – 54, Linfield Christian – 49
Quarterfinal-round
Tesoro – 40, Rancho Verde – 37
DIVISION 2A
Rancho Christian (No. 1) – 59, Norco – 42
Round 2
Rancho Christian 76, Palm Desert – 40
Quarterfinal-round
Rancho Christian – 44, Aquinas – 41
Semifinal-roundÂ
Rancho Christian vs. AGBU (2/17)
DIVISION 3A
Temescal Canyon (No. 5) – 55, Yorba Linda – 45
Valley Torah (No. 4) – 75, Murrieta Mesa – 59
Round 2
San Gabriel Academy – 53, Temescal Canyon – 45
DIVISION 4AA
Hacienda Heights – 59, Santa Rosa Academy – 55
DIVISION 4A
Yucca Valley – 71, Lakeside (No. 15) – 65
Liberty – 83, San Bernardino – 53
Round 2
Jordan – 76, Liberty – 69
DIVISION 5AA
Temecula Prep – 63, Calvary Chapel Downey – 24
Perris – 66, Loma Linda Academy – 49
Round 2
Don Bosco Tech 85, Temecula Prep 43
Hillcrest Christian 63, Perris 57
DIVISION 5A
San Gorgonio (No. 6) – 101, Cornerstone Christian – 44
Here is the remainder of the playoff calendar:
Second round: Friday. Feb. 10
Quarterfinals: Tuesday, Feb. 14
Semifinals: Friday, Feb. 17
Finals: Friday, Feb. 24 or Saturday, Feb. 25