The prep boys’ basketball scene in our area erupted last week with standout performances, thrilling games, and playoff positions taking shape in three competitive leagues.
The Temecula Valley Golden Bears boys’ basketball team fired on all cylinders Wednesday night, surging to a dominating 85-64 victory over the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks to seize sole possession of first place in the Southwestern League. The Golden Bears, typically known for their high-paced style of play, found their rhythm from the very start, leaving the Nighthawks struggling to keep pace.
Senior guard Taj Jackson set the tone from the opening tip-off, steering Temecula Valley to an explosive 33-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. “Taj is our pace car,” head coach James Profit said after the game, emphasizing Jackson’s critical role in setting the tempo. Jackson finished with 16 points, but it was forward Jeremiah Profit who led the scoring, tallying 24 points as the Golden Bears improved to 4-2 in league action.
Murrieta Valley entered the game riding high but struggled to match Temecula Valley’s intensity. The Nighthawks’ freshman phenom Jaizahn Lewis, a consistent threat all season, was held to just eight points, well below his 21-point average. Nighthawks head coach Brian Wethers acknowledged his team’s challenges after the game. “They brought more energy and toughness. We’ve got to be ready for that in this league,” Wethers said.
The Golden Bears’ victory also avenges a difficult recent history against Murrieta Valley, who had won eight of the last nine meetings. While their win placed them firmly in the driver’s seat, the week ended with a three-way tie at the top as the teams all head into the second half of league play.

Meanwhile, the Ivy League witnessed its own dose of drama on Tuesday, as the Rancho Christian Eagles clawed their way to a thrilling 66-62 victory over league rival Riverside Poly. Senior guard Nikoloz Abuladze sealed the critical win by sinking two clutch free throws with just seven seconds on the clock. “I just kept telling myself, I’m built for this moment,” Abuladze later said of his game-sealing shots.
Rancho Christian got off to a fast start, building a 10-point halftime lead thanks to hot shooting from beyond the arc. Jaiden Agbo carried the load with 21 points, while Daniel Wol and Abuladze provided key support in the victory. The two-time defending Ivy League champions now sit at 5-1 in league play, tied with Riverside Poly atop the standings.
Poly’s standout performance came from James Croy, who carried his team with a stellar 23 points and 10 rebounds but fouled out in the game’s critical moments. Despite the loss, Poly remains in strong contention for the league title as both teams head into the season’s crucial stretch.
Further north, the Linfield Christian Lions secured a vital victory against the Hoover Cardinals in Ambassador League action, winning 57-44. This marked the Lions’ third straight victory, a streak fueled by standout performances from Xavier Cox, who delivered a game-high 21 points, and Daniel Crawford, who added 15 points of his own. The Lions now sit tied at the top of the league standings alongside Arrowhead Christian.
Linfield Christian’s victory has provided much-needed momentum as they prepare to defend their home court against Woodcrest Christian. With Woodcrest Christian struggling on a five-game skid, the Lions look primed to extend their winning streak and solidify their place as league leaders.
The stage is set for an electrifying finish to the basketball season across the region. Teams like Temecula Valley, Rancho Christian, and Linfield Christian are all peaking at the right time, positioning themselves for deep postseason runs.
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