Harvard-Westlake rallies to defeat St. Joseph, advance to regional final

Junior guard Pierce Thompson hits key 3-pointers to lead Wolverines' comeback

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Down by 16 points in the first quarter and six points in the fourth, Harvard-Westlake rallied behind junior guard Pierce Thompson's clutch 3-pointers to defeat Santa Maria St. Joseph 56-52 in the Southern California Open Division regional semifinals. The Wolverines will now face top-seeded Sierra Canyon in the regional final with a trip to the state championship game on the line.

Why it matters

Harvard-Westlake's comeback victory over a tough St. Joseph squad showcases the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The Wolverines have now regrouped after a late-season slump and are one win away from reaching the state championship game, an impressive turnaround that has defied early-season doubts about the team.

The details

Pierce Thompson scored 15 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Joe Sterling added 18 points, and Cole Holden hit two late free throws to seal the win for Harvard-Westlake. St. Joseph led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but the Wolverines rallied with a 10-0 run to end the first quarter and led 31-27 at halftime. Two of St. Joseph's big men fouled out in the fourth quarter, and the team went cold from the field in the final minutes as Harvard-Westlake completed the comeback.

  • Harvard-Westlake trailed 19-3 early in the first quarter.
  • The Wolverines rallied with a 10-0 run to end the first quarter and led 31-27 at halftime.
  • St. Joseph took a 48-42 lead in the fourth quarter before Thompson's 3-pointers tied the game.
  • Joe Sterling and Cole Holden hit late free throws to seal the 56-52 win for Harvard-Westlake.
  • The Wolverines will face Sierra Canyon in the regional final on Tuesday night.

The players

Pierce Thompson

A junior guard for Harvard-Westlake who scored 15 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to lead the Wolverines' comeback.

Joe Sterling

A player for Harvard-Westlake who scored 18 points in the win.

Cole Holden

A player for Harvard-Westlake who hit two late free throws to seal the victory.

Malcolm Price

A player for St. Joseph who scored 20 points in the losing effort.

Julius Price

A player for St. Joseph who scored 12 points.

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What they’re saying

“I feel once I see one go in, the next is also going in. I feel this year I had to step out of my comfort zone and have confidence to step up and make shots.”

— Pierce Thompson, Junior guard, Harvard-Westlake (latimes.com)

“We're taking it personally. We're grinding every day.”

— Pierce Thompson, Junior guard, Harvard-Westlake (latimes.com)

What’s next

The winner of Tuesday's regional final between Harvard-Westlake and Sierra Canyon will advance to the state championship game in Sacramento.

The takeaway

Harvard-Westlake's comeback victory showcases the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity, defying early-season doubts and proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the state playoffs.