Salesian and Riordan Boys to Meet for State Title Berth

The Northern California Open Division championship game will feature Salesian's stifling defense against Riordan's high-powered offense.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The boys Northern California Open Division title game will pit Salesian's lockdown defense against the high-flying, high-powered offense of Riordan. Salesian defeated St. Ignatius 61-41 in the semifinals, led by 14 points from Carlton Perrilliat Jr. and 13 points off the bench from Leon Powe Jr. Riordan, the top seed, scored 57 second-half points to blow past Modesto Christian 86-60 in the other semifinal. The winner of Tuesday's championship game will advance to the state championships in Sacramento.

Why it matters

This matchup between the two Bay Area powerhouses has been anticipated for months, as both teams have dominated their competition throughout the season. The winner will earn a berth in the state title game, a major accomplishment for the program and community.

The details

Salesian's defense was the story in their semifinal win, not allowing a single field goal in the fourth quarter and holding the sharp-shooting St. Ignatius Wildcats to a season-low 41 points. Salesian's leading scorer Elias Obenyah, a Stanford commit, took just one shot in the first half but finished with 11 rebounds and 6 assists, showcasing his all-around game. Riordan, led by USF signees Andrew Hilman and JP Pihtovs, erupted for 57 second-half points to pull away from Modesto Christian.

  • Salesian defeated St. Ignatius 61-41 in the NorCal Open Division semifinal on Saturday, March 6, 2026.
  • Riordan defeated Modesto Christian 86-60 in the other NorCal Open Division semifinal on Saturday, March 6, 2026.
  • The NorCal Open Division championship game between Salesian and Riordan will be played on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Salesian

A high school basketball team known for its lockdown defense and consistent success under longtime head coach Bill Mellis.

Riordan

A high school basketball team with a high-powered offense led by USF signees Andrew Hilman and JP Pihtovs.

Carlton Perrilliat Jr.

A Salesian player who scored a game-high 14 points in the Pride's semifinal win over St. Ignatius.

Leon Powe Jr.

A Salesian player who scored 13 points off the bench in the semifinal victory.

Elias Obenyah

Salesian's leading scorer and a Stanford commit, who played more of a facilitator role in the semifinal but still finished with 11 rebounds and 6 assists.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is the game that probably everyone wanted to see. I think in the back of everybody's mind, probably (Riordan's) too, this game was bound to happen.”

— Bill Mellis, Salesian boys basketball coach (San Francisco Chronicle)

“They were more annoying than Riordan. Their defense is suffocating, right? They were taking away (everything). They're just super physical, super athletic. They obviously made it hard on us. Unless you're knocking (3-pointers) down and putting them on their heels, you're not going to have success. And we just couldn't do it.”

— Jason Greenfield, St. Ignatius coach (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between the two Bay Area powerhouses has been highly anticipated, as both teams have dominated their competition throughout the season. The winner will earn a berth in the state title game, a major accomplishment for the program and community.