ONTARIO – In a historic victory at Toyota Arena, the Temecula Valley Golden Bears boys’ basketball team triumphed over Northview High School by a score of 53-40 to claim their first-ever CIF Southern Section title Saturday, Feb. 24. The Golden Bears wrote a new chapter in their school’s archives with this crowning basketball achievement.
Having closed their Southern Section season with a solid 19-14 overall record and a respectable 7-3 record in Southwestern League play, the victory not only represents a milestone for the team but also an inspiration for the programs budding athletes.
The path to the championship was nothing short of impressive. The Golden Bears commenced their playoff conquest with a staggering 120-27 win against Oak Grove, maintaining momentum with a succession of wins—76-54 against Santiago, a nail-biting 78-73 quarterfinals win over Cabrillo, and a decisive 95-79 victory in the semifinals against Estancia. Their strategic play and unyielding spirit set the stage for the grand finale against Northview.
In their championship game, the Golden Bears opened with a dominant lead, outscoring the Vikings 15-7 in the first quarter, 10-5 in the second, and 13-11 in the third. Though the competition tightened with Northview’s 17-15 response in the fourth, the Bears kept their lead, clinched by their staunch defense and precise offense, to finish the game with a 13-point advantage.
Freshman Jeremiah Profit led Temecula Valley with a remarkable 18 points as Taj Jackson and Liam Hodgkinson both added a critical 10 points each, aiding in sealing the team’s historic win. On the Northview side, Aaron Arreola topped his team’s scoresheet with 9 points, while teammates Caleb Mckendrick contributed 7, and Adrian Almaraz added 8.
Assistant Coach Eric Willis of Temecula Valley praised the team’s tenacity: “We didn’t play our best game tonight, but we played well enough to win.”
The win not only marks the end of a successful season but also paves the way for the next challenge, as both teams gear up for the CIF State SoCal Regional tournament. While details surrounding opponents and Division placement remain unannounced as of this article being published, the Golden Bears, according to Willis, anticipate hosting their first-round match-up at home on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Although, the hometown squad will be looking to extend their postseason glory no matter where they wind up.
Stay tuned to local sports coverage for more information on the upcoming CIF State SoCal Region tournament and join us in cheering on the Golden Bears as they advance to the next stage of competition. With this championship title, the team has not just won a plaque but has earned their place as an enduring source of inspiration in the Temecula Valley. Brackets can be followed by visiting www.cifstate.org.
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