High School Basketball Triumphs at the 2025 CIF State Championships

Mar 15, 2025 at 9:56 PM

The annual CIF State Basketball Championships for both boys and girls took place over two exhilarating days at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Highlighting this year's tournament was Carondelet's nail-biting victory over Sage Hill in the girls' Division I final, winning with a score of 51-48. Meanwhile, Sierra Canyon showcased their dominance by defeating Lincoln in the boys' Division I category with a score of 58-53. These games featured not only intense competition but also star appearances, such as LeBron James cheering courtside for his son Bryce James.

On March 14, 2025, the girls’ championship game saw Carondelet secure their title against Sage Hill. Throughout the match, Phoebe Weaver demonstrated remarkable skill, making crucial shots that kept her team ahead. Celeste Alvarez played a pivotal role as well, engaging fiercely in rebounds and maintaining team morale. The atmosphere was electric, culminating in an emotional celebration after Carondelet’s hard-fought win.

The following day brought another thrilling matchup when Fresno Christian faced Priory in the boys’ Division IV game. Kasten Eggers from Priory made significant plays despite challenges posed by Fresno Christian’s Trevor Engelman. This contest underscored the athletes' resilience and dedication to their sport. Similarly, in the girls’ Division IV game between Half Moon Bay and Whitney, every play counted, leading to Whitney’s decisive triumph with a score of 48-40.

LeBron James added a celebrity flair to the event, celebrating alongside fans during Sierra Canyon’s successful campaign. His presence highlighted the growing influence of high school basketball on professional levels, inspiring young players who dream of achieving greatness.

Beyond the scores and statistics, these championships symbolize the relentless spirit of student athletes across California. Each participant contributed uniquely to their teams’ successes or lessons learned, embodying teamwork, perseverance, and passion for basketball. As the curtains closed on another memorable CIF State Championship, it became clear that these moments will inspire future generations to strive for excellence in sportsmanship and performance alike.