Riordan and Salesian to Face Off in NorCal Basketball Playoff Rematch

The two teams will meet in the NorCal Open Division semifinals, renewing their postseason rivalry.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The CIF NorCal basketball playoffs are heating up, with a highly anticipated semifinal matchup between two powerhouse teams, Riordan and Salesian. The two squads have faced off in the postseason before, with Riordan winning a semifinal game last year on their way to a NorCal Open Division title. Salesian is looking to avenge that loss and advance to the championship game.

Why it matters

This game represents a rubber match between two of the top high school basketball programs in Northern California. The winner will move on to compete for the prestigious NorCal Open Division title, making this a must-see event for local fans and college scouts alike.

The details

Riordan and Salesian have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years, meeting multiple times in the NorCal playoffs. Last season, Riordan came out on top in the semifinal matchup, a game that Salesian head coach described as a "pretty awful environment" for his team. Now the two squads will face off again, with both looking to advance to the championship game and claim regional supremacy.

  • The NorCal Open Division semifinals will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Riordan

A high school basketball powerhouse in San Francisco, Riordan won the NorCal Open Division title last season.

Salesian

A respected high school basketball program in the Bay Area, Salesian is looking to avenge their semifinal loss to Riordan last year.

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What they’re saying

“It was a pretty awful environment for us”

— Salesian Head Coach (The Mercury News)

What’s next

The winner of the Riordan-Salesian semifinal will advance to the NorCal Open Division championship game, where they will compete for the regional title.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated semifinal matchup between Riordan and Salesian represents the latest chapter in a growing rivalry between two of Northern California's top high school basketball programs. The winner will have the chance to compete for the prestigious NorCal Open Division championship.