In a heart-pounding showdown that left fans on the edges of their seats, the Vista Murrieta Broncos suffered a tough loss to Culver City High School in the Division 2AA playoffs Wednesday, Feb. 7. The night ended with a score that echoed the intensity of the night: 76-69. Despite the somewhat silent gymnasium as the final buzzer resonated, the accolades for the Broncos’ season cannot be subdued. With Cisco Munoz, the sharpshooting guard who led his team with a staggering 461 points over 27 games, the Broncos showcased a caliber of play that will be remembered.

Freshman phenom, Cisco Munoz, drives to the hoop in Vista Murrieta’s first round CIF Southern Section Division 2AA playoff game against Culver City. Valley News/Files Owens Photography

The Southwestern League teams representing the area in the boys’ basketball playoffs have been nothing short of thrilling, so far. Nearby Murrieta Valley seized a close 63-61 victory over Newport Harbor in Division 2A, and Great Oak took down Oakwood 60-52 in the Division 2AA brackets. Meanwhile, Temecula Valley stunned onlookers with a mammoth 120-27 win over Oak Grove in Division 4A.

Up next the Golden Bears will host Santiago, Murrieta Valley will travel to Chaminade, and Great Oak will host Crespi. All games will take place on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m.

Updates can be sent by email to sports@reedermedia.com.

JP Raineri
JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist, and head of the Sports Department for the Valley News. Over his time in the Temecula Valley, JP, a former Southwestern League head baseball coach, was also an on-air radio personality at Q103.3, KATY 101.3, Hot 103.9, and was a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When not covering local, or national sports, JP also serves as an Associate Baseball Scout with NSR.