San Diego's Top High School Athletes Shine in Wrestling, Soccer, Basketball

Weekly roundup highlights standout performances across multiple sports

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The top high school athletes in San Diego were recognized this week, with stars emerging in wrestling, soccer, and basketball. Highlights include a 1,000-point scorer in girls basketball, dominant pins in girls wrestling, a pair of goals from a boys soccer standout, and a 29-point outburst in boys hoops.

Why it matters

This weekly roundup showcases the depth of talent in San Diego's high school sports scene, with athletes excelling across a variety of disciplines. It celebrates the hard work and dedication of these young competitors while also providing the community with updates on the top performers.

The details

In girls basketball, Safiyah Sugapong of La Jolla Country Day surpassed 1,000 career points in a big win over Bishop's. In girls wrestling, Madison Vandiver of Brawley and Elisa Najera of Olympian each recorded quick pins to help their teams to section titles. Declan Houston of University City scored twice in a lopsided boys soccer victory, while Diego Ortiz of Mira Mesa dropped 29 points in a boys basketball win.

  • Safiyah Sugapong surpassed 1,000 career points on February 8, 2026.
  • The CIF San Diego Section Division 2 girls wrestling title was decided on February 7, 2026.
  • Declan Houston's two-goal performance came on February 6, 2026.
  • Diego Ortiz's 29-point game was on February 5, 2026.

The players

Safiyah Sugapong

A senior girls basketball player at La Jolla Country Day who recently surpassed 1,000 career points.

Madison Vandiver

A girls wrestler at Brawley High School who recorded a quick pin to help her team win the CIF San Diego Section Division 2 title.

Declan Houston

A senior boys soccer player at University City High School who scored two goals in a lopsided victory.

Elisa Najera

A girls wrestler at Olympian High School who recorded a 30-second pin to clinch her team's CIF San Diego Section Division 1 championship.

Diego Ortiz

A senior boys basketball player at Mira Mesa High School who scored 29 points in a win over St. Augustine.

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What they’re saying

“Surpassing 1,000 career points in the second quarter, the senior scored 25 points to lead the Torreys to a 55-50 victory over No. 1-rated Bishop's, moving into a tie atop the Coastal League.”

— Safiyah Sugapong (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“It took the 235-pounder just 24 seconds to pin her opponent. It proved crucial as the Wildcats won their eighth consecutive CIF San Diego Section Division 2 title, outscoring Poway 243-238.5 at San Ysidro.”

— Madison Vandiver (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Needing a triumph at 235 to capture Olympian's sixth consecutive section Division 1 championship, Najera needed just 30 seconds to win by fall and her team edged Mira Mesa, 194-188.”

— Elisa Najera (San Diego Union-Tribune)

The takeaway

San Diego's high school sports scene continues to produce impressive young talent across a variety of disciplines. These athletes' standout performances not only highlight their individual skills, but also the depth of competition in the region as teams vie for championships.