Del Lago races past Pacific Ridge in Coastal League showdown

Del Lago improves to 20-5 overall and 4-0 in league heading into first-place matchup with Army-Navy

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Del Lago Academy boys basketball team, ranked No. 2 in the San Diego Section's Division 3, raced past Pacific Ridge 62-40 in a key Pacific League game on Friday. Del Lago, led by 6-8 junior Maddox Mendoza's 21 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks, improved to 20-5 overall and 4-0 in league play, setting up a first-place showdown with Army-Navy on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Del Lago's dominant performance over a good Pacific Ridge team showcases their size, talent and depth as they look to win the league title, the San Diego Section championship and a state title this season. The upcoming matchup with Army-Navy will be a key test as both teams have multiple players 6-foot-6 or taller.

The details

Del Lago started slow but then pulled away, outrebounding Pacific Ridge 36-19. In addition to Mendoza's big game, 6-7 junior Kyeler Burns scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Del Lago has four players 6-foot-6 or taller, giving them a significant size advantage. Pacific Ridge was hampered by the flu, with three players out last week against Army-Navy and the team not even practicing on Wednesday due to so many sick players.

  • Del Lago beat Pacific Ridge 51-37 in the first round of league play on January 15, 2026.
  • Del Lago and Army-Navy will face off in a first-place showdown on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Maddox Mendoza

A 6-8 junior for Del Lago who had 21 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks in the win over Pacific Ridge.

Kyeler Burns

A 6-7 junior for Del Lago who scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Malick Jallow

A 6-11 player from England who had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks for Pacific Ridge.

Chris Burman

The head coach of Pacific Ridge, whose team was hampered by the flu leading up to the game.

Lizardo Mendoza

The head coach of Del Lago, whose team is focused on winning the league, section and state titles this season.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, 100%, that's our focus.”

— Kyeler Burns (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“Army-Navy is a very good team. That will be a good game, a game both teams are probably looking forward to.”

— Lizardo Mendoza, Del Lago head coach (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“This isn't an excuse because every team goes through it, but the flu has hit us hard. We need to get well and shoot better. And we'll be OK.”

— Chris Burman, Pacific Ridge head coach (sandiegouniontribune.com)

What’s next

Del Lago and Army-Navy will face off in a first-place showdown on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Del Lago's dominant performance over Pacific Ridge showcases their size, talent and depth as they look to win the league title, section championship and state title this season. The upcoming matchup with Army-Navy will be a key test as both teams have multiple players 6-foot-6 or taller.