Ontario Christian girls basketball team pulls away from Sage Hill in Open Division semifinal

Knights advance to CIF Southern Section Open Division championship game against Sierra Canyon

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Ontario Christian girls basketball team defeated Sage Hill 86-54 in the CIF Southern Section Open Division semifinal on Tuesday night. Kaleena Smith scored a game-high 33 points, and Tatianna Griffin added 21 points despite early foul trouble, as Ontario Christian pulled away in the second half. The Knights will face Sierra Canyon in the Open Division championship game on Saturday.

Why it matters

This win sets up a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top-ranked girls basketball teams in the nation, as Ontario Christian and Sierra Canyon will battle for the CIF Southern Section Open Division title. The Knights are the defending champions and looking to capture their second straight section crown.

The details

Ontario Christian had to adjust its defensive strategy after Griffin and Dani Robinson picked up three fouls each in the first half. But the Knights' offense remained in high gear, with Smith and Chloe Jenkins combining for 23 points in the second quarter to build a 44-30 halftime lead. Ontario Christian's pressure defense forced 19 Sage Hill turnovers, including 8 each in the first and fourth quarters, which disrupted the Lightning's offensive rhythm.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Ontario Christian will face Sierra Canyon in the CIF Southern Section Open Division championship game on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Kaleena Smith

A standout player for Ontario Christian who scored a game-high 33 points in the semifinal win.

Tatianna Griffin

An Ontario Christian player who scored 21 points despite early foul trouble.

Chloe Jenkins

An Ontario Christian player who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Amalia Holguin

A Sage Hill player who led her team with 20 points in the loss.

Eve Fowler

A Sage Hill player whose size (6-foot-4) gave Ontario Christian problems early in the game, as she scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sage Hill is poised and a well-coached team, and they created some problems for us early in the game. We made the adjustments and learned from this game. I'm proud of Tati and Dani for staying on the court. They learned tonight how to play the game with fouls.”

— Aundre Cummings, Ontario Christian coach

“We had a pretty long talk at halftime. We did not play our best defense in the first half and knew we had to step things up at that end. I think we came out in the second half much more focused.”

— Kaleena Smith

“We kept the pressure and energy the whole game.”

— Kaleena Smith

“We kind have been waiting for this one all year. It's two top-five nationally-ranked teams. We've had a few of those this season, and they bring out the best in us. I'm excited for the match-up and opportunity for our team to play for another championship.”

— Dani Robinson, Ontario Christian player

What’s next

Ontario Christian will face Sierra Canyon in the CIF Southern Section Open Division championship game on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

This semifinal matchup showcased the strength of girls basketball in Southern California, with two nationally-ranked programs battling for a chance to win the CIF Southern Section Open Division title. Ontario Christian's ability to make adjustments and maintain its defensive intensity proved to be the difference, setting up an exciting championship showdown against Sierra Canyon.