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Orange County Girls Basketball Teams Shine in CIF-SS Finals
County teams win 4 titles, the most since 2012, with impressive average margin of victory
Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:55am
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Orange County girls basketball teams had an outstanding showing in the CIF-Southern Section finals, winning a combined 4 out of 6 titles. St. Margaret's, El Dorado, Savanna, and Kennedy all claimed championships, with the county's champions winning by an average of 19.5 points. Savanna and Kennedy captured their first-ever section titles, while the strong performances were attributed to the teams' tough non-league schedules and playing in competitive leagues.
Why it matters
The success of Orange County teams in the CIF-SS finals highlights the depth and quality of girls basketball in the region. With four titles, the most for the county since 2012, it demonstrates the strength of the programs and their ability to compete at the highest levels. The wins by Savanna and Kennedy also show the growth of the sport and provide inspiration for other programs looking to break through and win their first championships.
The details
Orange County teams went a combined 4-2 in the CIF-SS finals, with St. Margaret's (Division 3), El Dorado (Division 4), Savanna (Division 6) and Kennedy (Division 7) all claiming titles. The four championships are the most for the county since 2012, and the county's champions won by an average of 19.5 points. Savanna and Kennedy captured their first-ever section titles. Coaches credited the teams' success to playing tough non-league schedules and competing in competitive leagues, which prepared them for the playoffs.
- The CIF-SS girls basketball finals took place on March 3, 2026.
The players
Savanna High School
A high school in Orange County that won its first-ever CIF-SS girls basketball championship in Division 6.
Kennedy High School
A high school in Orange County that won its first-ever CIF-SS girls basketball championship in Division 7.
Ramez Michail
The head coach of the Savanna High School girls basketball team.
Josh Markum
The head coach of the St. Margaret's High School girls basketball team.
Taylor Francois
The point guard for the St. Margaret's High School girls basketball team.
What they’re saying
“It gave the girls an opportunity to make a choice, to stick together and keep improving or to give up.”
— Ramez Michail, Savanna High School Head Coach
“I'm so proud of each and every single one of our girls, coaches and parents for seeing it all the way through.”
— Ramez Michail, Savanna High School Head Coach
“It was a tremendous help. We've been playing tough competition all leading up to the playoffs.”
— Taylor Francois, St. Margaret's High School Point Guard
What’s next
The CIF Southern California Regional playoffs will begin following the CIF-SS finals, with several Orange County teams expected to make deep runs, including Fairmont Prep, Rosary, and Kennedy.
The takeaway
The strong performance by Orange County girls basketball teams in the CIF-SS finals demonstrates the depth and quality of the sport in the region. The wins by Savanna and Kennedy, in particular, show the growth of the game and provide inspiration for other programs looking to achieve championship success.
