Sierra Pacific, Memorial capture state titles

High school basketball teams from the Central Valley win Division II state championships

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:50am

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The Sierra Pacific girls basketball team and the San Joaquin Memorial boys basketball squad both captured Division II state titles on Saturday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Sierra Pacific beat St. Joseph from Santa Maria 56-47, while San Joaquin Memorial edged Bakersfield Christian 46-45.

Why it matters

The state championship wins for these two Central Valley high school teams showcase the strength of the region's basketball programs and their ability to compete at the highest levels. The victories also provide a source of pride and excitement for the local communities.

The details

Sierra Pacific was led by the Ayuen sisters - senior twins Nyang (11 points) and Apajok (15 points), and younger sophomore Ayak (13 points) - who combined for 39 points and 21 rebounds. San Joaquin Memorial overcame a five-point deficit after three quarters, with senior guard Sajjin Sidu hitting a clutch jumper in the final minute to give the Panthers a two-point lead they would hold on to.

  • The games were played on Saturday, March 15, 2026 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
  • Sierra Pacific previously won a Division V state title in 2018.
  • San Joaquin Memorial also won a Division II state title in 2023.

The players

Sierra Pacific

The girls basketball team from Sierra Pacific High School in California's Central Valley region.

San Joaquin Memorial

The boys basketball team from San Joaquin Memorial High School in California's Central Valley region.

Nyang Ayuen

Senior twin sister who scored 11 points for Sierra Pacific.

Apajok Ayuen

Senior twin sister who scored 15 points for Sierra Pacific.

Ayak Ayuen

Sophomore sister who scored 13 points for Sierra Pacific.

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What they’re saying

“They proved me wrong and they showed me that they truly wanted it more.”

— Victor Chavarin Jr., Sierra Pacific head coach (yourcentralvalley.com)

“Picking up my teammates, just keep going and push to your full extent. And just have a lot of energy with this game, and we did. That's why we won.”

— Kimora Gardner, Sierra Pacific junior guard (yourcentralvalley.com)

“You know, it's memorable because these kids, a lot of these kids didn't get to experience the first one. To get two of these (state titles), some people aren't even able to come to one of these, you know. So to get two of them in four years, and sharing it with this group, they really enjoy playing for each other.”

— Brad Roznovsky, San Joaquin Memorial head coach (yourcentralvalley.com)

“First half was a little bit rough, but my teammates didn't go away from me. They kept finding me. Coaches didn't go away for me. I think it just came down to playing within the flow of the game. And just when times get tough, you know, I want that ball in the in my hands because I feel like I work on that all the time.”

— Sajjin Sidu, San Joaquin Memorial senior guard (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The championship wins for Sierra Pacific and San Joaquin Memorial will likely generate increased interest and excitement around their basketball programs, potentially leading to more resources, attention, and opportunities for the teams and players.

The takeaway

The state title victories for these two Central Valley high school basketball teams demonstrate the depth of talent and coaching in the region, and highlight the ability of local programs to compete and succeed at the highest levels of competition.