Catalina Foothills girls basketball team returns after semifinal run

The Falcons look to build on last year's success with a more balanced team approach.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:55am

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The Catalina Foothills girls basketball team, ranked No. 5 in 5A, defeated No. 21 Canyon del Oro 63-27 at home on Wednesday night. The Falcons, who made it to the 5A semifinals last year, lost some key players to graduation but have reloaded with a more complete team approach under head coach Jake Martinez. Canyon del Oro, which was moved up to 5A two seasons ago, kept the game close in the first quarter before the Falcons pulled away. Catalina Foothills had five players score in double figures, led by Sophia Dodd with 13 points and Abigail Peterson, Jaidyn Saucedo, and Kayanna Chief each adding 12 or more. The two teams will meet again on Friday night at Canyon del Oro.

Why it matters

Catalina Foothills is looking to build on its semifinal run from last season, despite losing some key players to graduation. The Falcons' balanced scoring attack and improved team chemistry could make them a contender in the 5A division this year. Meanwhile, Canyon del Oro is continuing to improve after being moved up to the 5A level two seasons ago, and a strong showing against a top-5 team could help their chances of making the 5A Play-In Tournament.

The details

In Wednesday night's game, Catalina Foothills jumped out to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter and then extended it to 31-12 at halftime and 57-25 after three quarters. Canyon del Oro standout Gianna Kokoskie led her team with 12 points, but the Falcons had five players score in double figures - Sophia Dodd (13 points), Abigail Peterson (12), Jaidyn Saucedo (12), Kayanna Chief (11), and Jamie Meyer (10).

  • The Falcons lost to eventual state champion Canyon View 58-48 in the 5A semifinals last year.
  • Catalina Foothills is now 11-2 in ranking games and 5-0 in the 5A Sonoran Region.
  • Canyon del Oro is now 6-7 overall and 3-2 in the region under head coach Chris Garcia.
  • The two teams will meet again on Friday night at Canyon del Oro.

The players

Jake Martinez

The head coach of the Catalina Foothills girls basketball team.

Clara-Mae Hager

A former playmaker for Catalina Foothills who is now playing at Concordia Moorhead.

Mercy Martinez

A former inside standout for Catalina Foothills who is now an outside hitter on the volleyball team at Adams State.

Chris Garcia

The head coach of the Canyon del Oro girls basketball team, who played basketball for Canyon del Oro.

Gianna Kokoskie

The standout player for Canyon del Oro, who led her team with 12 points in the loss to Catalina Foothills.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The two teams will meet again on Friday night at Canyon del Oro. The Falcons are ranked No. 16 in the Open Division, while the Dorados are fighting for a spot in the 5A Play-In Tournament scheduled for Feb. 19.

The takeaway

Catalina Foothills has reloaded after losing some key players from last year's semifinal team, showing they have the depth and balance to remain a contender in the 5A division. Meanwhile, Canyon del Oro continues to make strides in its second season at the 5A level, and a strong showing against a top-5 team could boost their chances of making the postseason.