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Surprise Teams Advance in CIF-SS Basketball Quarterfinals
Several Orange County boys basketball teams exceed expectations in the playoffs
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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A number of Orange County boys basketball teams have exceeded expectations by advancing to the CIF Southern Section quarterfinals. Among the surprise teams are Canyon, Trabuco Hills, San Juan Hills, Valencia, and Samueli Academy, all of which were not expected to make it this far in the playoffs.
Why it matters
The CIF-SS playoffs often feature unexpected results, and this year's boys basketball tournament is no exception. These surprise teams from Orange County have defied the odds and proven that they can compete with some of the top programs in the region, showcasing the depth and talent of high school basketball in the area.
The details
Canyon, from the Crestview League, has reached the quarterfinals after beating Silverado and Oxnard in overtime. Trabuco Hills, not ranked in the final Orange County Top 25, has won playoff games over Chino and Saugus. San Juan Hills, despite a close loss to league champion San Clemente, has defeated Apple Valley and Irvine. Valencia, which struggled late in the regular season, has upset top-seeded Hemet. And Samueli Academy, with a 10-17 record, has won its first two playoff games.
- The CIF Southern Section quarterfinals will be played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- The CIF Southern California Regional playoffs will begin on March 3, 2026.
The players
Rami Awad
The leading scorer for Canyon High School, averaging 13 points per game.
Ryan Hull
The senior guard for Trabuco Hills High School, averaging a team-high 14 points per game.
Rocco Jensen
The senior forward for San Juan Hills High School, averaging 21 points per game.
Izan Hsu
The leading scorer for Valencia High School, averaging 15 points per game.
Zack Castruita
The senior guard for Samueli Academy, averaging 13 points per game.
What they’re saying
“Every basketball season there are surprises in the CIF-SS playoffs.”
— Steve Fryer, Author (ocregister.com)
“Having seniors in the playoffs always helps. Canyon has a couple of good seniors, including leading scorer Rami Awad, who averages 13 points a game.”
— Nate Harrison, Canyon High School Head Coach (ocregister.com)
What’s next
The CIF Southern Section championship games will be played on February 27 and 28 at Toyota Arena in Ontario and Azusa Pacific University. The Open Division final is scheduled for February 28 at 6 p.m. at Toyota Arena.
The takeaway
The unexpected success of these Orange County boys basketball teams in the CIF-SS playoffs showcases the depth of talent and competitive nature of high school basketball in the region. These surprise teams have proven they can compete with some of the top programs, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the postseason.
