Long Beach Athletes Shine in Basketball and Water Polo

Millikan, Jordan, and Cabrillo High Schools celebrate standout performances and historic achievements.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Long Beach area has seen a surge of athletic success across high school basketball and water polo, with dominant individual and team performances. Millikan High School's boys' basketball team clinched their first outright Moore League championship since 1988, while Jordan High School's girls' team secured a co-league title. In water polo, Cabrillo High School achieved a historic milestone with their first-ever playoff win, showcasing the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport in the region.

Why it matters

These achievements highlight the depth of athletic talent in Long Beach and the increasing competitiveness of the Moore League. The success of previously underperforming teams, like Cabrillo's water polo squad, demonstrates the potential for growth and development in local high school sports programs with dedicated coaching and resources. The prevalence of clutch individual performances also suggests a growing emphasis on mental fortitude and pressure-situation training in youth sports.

The details

Millikan High School's boys' basketball team, led by Jojo Wicker's 27-point performance, clinched their first outright Moore League championship since 1988. Jordan High School's girls' basketball team, led by Janiah Lorn and Jah'asharee Moore, secured a co-league title for the first time since 1996. In water polo, Long Beach Poly and Millikan girls' teams both enjoyed significant playoff success, with Sequoia Newman and McKenna Rosenberg leading their respective teams. Cabrillo High School achieved a historic milestone with their first-ever playoff win in girls' water polo, led by the combined efforts of Flor Garibay and Roselyn Lucindo.

  • Millikan High School clinched their first outright Moore League championship since 1988.
  • Jordan High School's girls' basketball team secured a co-league title for the first time since 1996.
  • Cabrillo High School achieved their first-ever playoff win in girls' water polo.

The players

Jojo Wicker

A player on Millikan High School's boys' basketball team who scored 27 points, including seven three-pointers, to lead his team to the Moore League championship.

Janiah Lorn

A player on Jordan High School's girls' basketball team who helped lead her team to a co-league title.

Jah'asharee Moore

A player on Jordan High School's girls' basketball team who helped lead her team to a co-league title.

Sequoia Newman

A player on the Long Beach Poly girls' water polo team who scored eight goals in a dominant playoff win.

McKenna Rosenberg

A player on the Millikan girls' water polo team who scored seven goals in a playoff game.

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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 (Instagram)

The takeaway

The recent successes across multiple sports in Long Beach suggest several potential trends, including increased specialization in youth sports, growing competitiveness in the Moore League, and the potential for growth and success in previously underperforming teams with dedicated coaching and resources. These achievements highlight the depth of athletic talent in the region and the importance of well-rounded athletic programs that support a variety of sports.