Great Oak and Etiwanda delivered thrilling performances last week, highlighting their dominance as high school basketball races heat up in the Southwestern and Ivy Leagues. Both teams demonstrated grit, offensive firepower, and strategic depth as they battled for supremacy in their respective leagues.
The Great Oak girls’ basketball team rallied in dramatic fashion Friday night to secure a 54-51 win over Chaparral, taking sole possession of the Southwestern League lead.
Trailing by 11 points midway through the second quarter, the Wolfpack clawed their way back with a 16-7 surge, narrowing Chaparral’s lead to just two points at halftime. Senior guard Morgan Grayton’s on-court presence and determination electrified her team, even as she faced an injury late in the game. It was Great Oak’s 9-3 run in the fourth quarter that ultimately sealed the victory.
“I think the captains deserve full credit for helping us refocus after a tough loss earlier this week,” Great Oak coach Danny Kim said to the media afterwards. “This league is competitive, and the challenges we’ve faced will shape our performance in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.”
Grayton and Brianna Thomas led the charge for Great Oak, with Thomas posting a game-high 16 points. Her clutch shots, combined with key contributions from teammates like Taylor Fuson and Cienna Pierce, helped maintain Great Oak’s lead as Chaparral made a final push. Strong defensive plays in the final seconds, including a crucial turnover and blocked shot, ensured the Wolfpack emerged victorious.
With this hard-fought win, Great Oak now holds a one-game lead in the Southwestern League with two games remaining. This sets the stage for a critical final stretch as they aim for their third consecutive league title. Southwestern League standings have Great Oak at 6-2, Chaparral is 5-3, Vista Murrieta is 5-3, Murrieta Valley is 4-4, Temecula Valley is 4-4, and Murrieta Mesa is 0-8.
Meanwhile, in the Ivy League, Etiwanda delivered an explosive performance on Senior Night, defeating Rancho Christian 109-77. The game showcased Etiwanda’s offensive versatility, with the team scoring a staggering 37 points in the second quarter—their highest output since 2007—and cruising to their 17th consecutive win.
Led by seniors Aliyahna “Puff” Morris and Grace Knox, who scored 29 and 28 points respectively, Etiwanda overwhelmed Rancho Christian with precision shooting and relentless pace. Morris, bound for Cal, lit up the first half with 19 points, while LSU recruit Knox added 11 rebounds to her impressive stat line.
“I love fast-paced games,” Morris told the media. “We’ve gained great momentum, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as we close out the season.”
Rancho Christian, led by Gonzaga-bound Julia Wilson’s standout 35-point effort, kept the game competitive early but ultimately couldn’t match Etiwanda’s depth. Wilson’s aggressive drives and accuracy were complemented by Ebony Taylor-Smith, who added 15 points, including four three-pointers.
Despite Rancho Christian’s resilience, Etiwanda maintained a double-digit lead throughout the game, with contributions from underclassmen like Aliyah Phillips and Shaena Brew adding to their advantage. Etiwanda coach Delus acknowledged postgame areas for improvement, particularly on defense, but praised his team’s ability to adapt to Rancho Christian’s high-energy press.
With a final Baseline League showdown against Los Osos looming on Wednesday, Etiwanda is poised to claim yet another league title and continue their dominant run into the postseason.
Both Great Oak and Etiwanda have set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying finish to the CIF Southern Section basketball season. The final games hold significant implications for playoff seedings, with the official brackets set to be released on February 8. Fans can visit www.CIFSS.org for the latest updates.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
