Salesian boys edge De La Salle to advance to NCS Open championship game

The historic rivalry between the two basketball powerhouses continued with a close semifinal matchup.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:08pm by Ben Kaplan

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In a tightly contested North Coast Section Open Division semifinal game, the Salesian High School boys basketball team edged out De La Salle High School 54-51 to advance to the championship game. The matchup between the two longtime rivals was the latest chapter in their storied history of close, hard-fought battles on the court.

Why it matters

The Salesian-De La Salle rivalry is one of the most intense and historic in Bay Area high school sports. Both programs have won multiple state championships and produced numerous Division I college players over the years. This latest playoff clash is significant as it determines which team will play for the prestigious NCS Open Division title.

The details

In a game that came down to the wire, Salesian managed to eke out the 54-51 victory over their longtime foes from De La Salle. The game was tied 51-51 late before Salesian scored the final three points to secure the win. The victory sets up a championship showdown between Salesian and Clayton Valley Charter, another powerhouse program, on Saturday.

  • The NCS Open Division semifinal game was played on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The NCS Open Division championship game is scheduled for Saturday.

The players

Salesian High School

A private Catholic high school in Richmond, California that has one of the top boys basketball programs in the state, having won multiple state championships.

De La Salle High School

A private Catholic high school in Concord, California that also has a storied boys basketball tradition, having produced numerous Division I college players over the years.

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What they’re saying

“This was another classic battle between two of the best programs in the region. Both teams played their hearts out and it came down to the final possession.”

— Mitch Stephens, Sports Reporter (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The winner of the NCS Open Division championship game between Salesian and Clayton Valley Charter will advance to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Northern California Regional tournament.

The takeaway

The Salesian-De La Salle rivalry continues to produce thrilling, high-stakes matchups that showcase the depth of talent and competitive spirit in Bay Area high school basketball. These programs' sustained excellence over decades is a testament to their commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.