Sonoma Academy boys roll past Roseland University Prep in playoff opener

Top-seeded Coyotes win 79-41 in first round of North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The top-seeded Sonoma Academy boys basketball team cruised to a 79-41 victory over No. 16 Roseland University Prep in the first round of the North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs. It was the Coyotes' third win against the Knights this season, with the previous two coming during regular-season North Central II League play. Sonoma Academy led 21-6 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 41-15 by halftime, playing a full-court press for much of the game and tallying 13 steals.

Why it matters

Sonoma Academy, the division's top seed, proved it deserves that ranking with the dominant win. The Coyotes' success this season has come against their league rival Roseland University Prep, which was making its first playoff appearance in six years under first-year head coach Cade Stan.

The details

Sonoma Academy seniors Theo Schneiderman and sophomore Marcel Nsizoa Ndi led the way offensively, each scoring 16 points. Schneiderman also had 8 rebounds. Sophomore Luke Boatright came off the bench and scored 12 points for the Coyotes. Sonoma Academy head coach Kevin Christensen said the team's full-court press was a key factor, putting pressure on the Knights and leading to 13 steals. Roseland's sole senior, Rudy Garduno, led the Knights in scoring with 11 points.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Sonoma Academy

The top-seeded boys basketball team in the North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs.

Roseland University Prep

The No. 16 seed in the North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs, making its first playoff appearance in six seasons.

Theo Schneiderman

A senior at Sonoma Academy who scored 16 points and had 8 rebounds in the game.

Marcel Nsizoa Ndi

A sophomore at Sonoma Academy who scored 16 points in the game.

Kevin Christensen

The head coach of the Sonoma Academy boys basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“They are the second-best team in our league, so it just shows how dominant we've been.”

— Theo Schneiderman, Sonoma Academy senior (Press Democrat)

“With the 1 seed, we're really blessed because we have the games in our home court. We expect nothing but competitive games starting Friday and it could go either way.”

— Kevin Christensen, Sonoma Academy head coach (Press Democrat)

“Whether shots are falling or not, we really put an emphasis on defending and the boys answer the call every game. We brought it out here.”

— Kevin Christensen, Sonoma Academy head coach (Press Democrat)

“What we're just trying to do is play a more up-tempo game against teams. Really trying to put pressure in the full court and they can dribble into traps they don't see.”

— Kevin Christensen, Sonoma Academy head coach (Press Democrat)

“He's a great leader. He's been here before, so he directs us into the right position.”

— Marcel Nsizoa Ndi, Sonoma Academy sophomore (Press Democrat)

What’s next

Sonoma Academy's second-round game Friday night is against Middletown, which handed the Coyotes one of their five losses earlier this season. The Mustangs beat Sonoma Academy 54-51 on Jan. 10.

The takeaway

Sonoma Academy's dominant win over Roseland University Prep in the playoff opener showcases the Coyotes' strength as the top seed in the division. Their full-court press and balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Knights, setting up a rematch with Middletown in the next round that could go either way.