Santa Margarita girls basketball defeats Esperanza in playoffs

Madi Lam leads the way as Santa Margarita advances in CIF-SS Division 1 tournament

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 girls basketball playoffs, the Santa Margarita Eagles defeated the Esperanza Aztecs in Anaheim. Santa Margarita guard Taylor Black scored multiple baskets as the team secured the victory.

Why it matters

The win advances Santa Margarita to the next round of the CIF-SS Division 1 tournament, keeping their playoff hopes alive. High school basketball playoffs are an important part of the local sports landscape, generating excitement and community pride.

The details

Santa Margarita guard Taylor Black had a strong performance, scoring multiple baskets to help her team defeat Esperanza. The game was part of the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 girls basketball playoffs, a highly competitive tournament that determines the champion of the division.

  • The game took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Madi Lam

A player for the Santa Margarita girls basketball team who led her team to victory.

Taylor Black

A guard for the Santa Margarita girls basketball team who scored multiple baskets in the win over Esperanza.

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What’s next

Santa Margarita will advance to the next round of the CIF-SS Division 1 girls basketball playoffs, where they will face a new opponent.

The takeaway

The Santa Margarita girls basketball team demonstrated their skill and teamwork in defeating Esperanza, keeping their playoff hopes alive and providing excitement for the local community.