It’s the second straight St. John Bosco linebacker who is getting state’s top defensive honor, this time for the 2023 season. Viliamu-Asa also is the fourth in a row from the Trinity League.
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Cal-Hi Sports Insider Blog
Quick-hitting, behind-the-scenes news and notes from the CalHiSports.com staff, including previews of upcoming content and events.
State Defensive Player of Year: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
What to Do While Waiting for Next Football Game
Standing on the field, eagerly awaiting the kickoff of the next football game, the anticipation in the air is palpable. While the players warm up and the crowd buzzes with excitement, here are some engaging activities to make the most of your time before the game begins.
Impromptu Mini-Match
Gather fellow fans for a friendly impromptu mini-match. Whether it’s a quick game of touch football or a makeshift combine with 40-yard dash runs, this not only adds to the pre-game energy but also creates a sense of camaraderie among fans sharing the field. Extend the enjoyment by capturing these moments with photos and videos, creating lasting memories that can be shared with the larger fan community. As the laughter echoes across the field, spontaneous games become cherished traditions, making game day more than just a spectator sport.
Online Casino Excitement
For those looking to add an extra layer of thrill, consider exploring online casinos from the stands. Engage in the excitement of games like slots, roulette, and various other options. Notable examples include classic slot machines, live dealer roulette, and real money online pokies. Just remember to play responsibly and set limits to ensure a controlled and fun experience. Extend the entertainment by sharing your online casino adventures with friends, creating a shared experience even when physically apart. These digital diversions offer a unique blend of thrill and camaraderie, adding a virtual layer to the pre-game festivities.
Player Spotting and Autographs
Keep an eye out for your favorite players as they warm up or walk on to the field. This is a prime opportunity to get close and perhaps even snag an autograph or a quick selfie. It’s a thrilling way to connect with the game on a personal level and create lasting memories. Extend the excitement by sharing your player encounters on social media, connecting with fans who share similar admiration for the team. These shared moments create a digital scrapbook of fandom, fostering a sense of connection and shared passion for the sport.
Tailgate Games
Bring the tailgate vibe to the field by playing classic games like cornhole, ladder toss, or frisbee. Set up a mini tailgate area with snacks and drinks, turning the field into your own pre-game party zone. Extend the camaraderie by inviting nearby fans to join in the fun, fostering a sense of unity and friendship among supporters of the same team. As the tailgate games unfold, the field transforms into a vibrant social hub, where shared laughter and friendly competition become integral parts of the pre-game ritual.
Interactive Social Media Challenges
Harness the power of social media by organizing interactive challenges. Encourage fans to share their pre-game rituals, favorite team chants, or predictions for the game. This not only fosters a sense of community but also adds an element of friendly competition among fans. Extend the engagement by regularly updating the challenges and featuring the most creative fan contributions, turning the pre-game moments into a dynamic, ongoing experience for the entire fan base. As the challenges evolve, the online community becomes a dynamic extension of the in-person camaraderie, creating a shared space for fan creativity and team spirit.
TD Triumphs: Teams with Most Super Bowl Wins
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events in American sports, with millions of viewers tuning in each year to watch the top teams battle it out for the NFL title. Over the years, some teams have proven more successful than others, racking up multiple Super Bowl wins and cementing their place in NFL history. Statistics from JeffBet explore the teams with the most Super Bowl wins and examine what makes them so successful.
The New England Patriots dominated the NFL throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, winning Super Bowls in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, and 2019. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers have also had a long history of success, with the Steelers winning their first Super Bowl in 1975 and the 49ers dominating the 1980s and 1990s with four championships in 10 years.
While these teams have certainly had their fair share of triumphs on the field, their success is not just a result of luck or talent. It takes a combination of skill, strategy, and teamwork to win a Super Bowl, and the most successful teams have consistently executed on all fronts. Many factors contribute to a team’s success in the NFL, from top-notch coaching to talented players to a winning culture. In the following sections, we will examine the teams with the most Super Bowl wins and what makes them stand out.
History of Super Bowl Victories
The Super Bowl is the biggest annual sporting event in the United States, and it has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in sports history. Over the years, several teams have dominated the competition, winning multiple Super Bowls and cementing their place in NFL history. In this section, we will explore the history of Super Bowl victories and the teams that have achieved the most success.
Milestone Wins
The first Super Bowl was held in 1967; since then, there have been 57 editions of the event. Over the years, several milestone victories have left a lasting impact on the sport. One of the most memorable was Super Bowl III, where the New York Jets defeated the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts, 16-7. This victory was seen as a major upset and helped to establish the legitimacy of the American Football League (AFL).
Another milestone victory was Super Bowl XXV, in which the New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20-19. This game is often remembered for the dramatic final moments, in which the Giants’ defense stopped the Bills from scoring a game-winning touchdown. This victory also was the second Super Bowl win for the Giants, cemented their place as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
Dominant Eras
Over the years, several teams have dominated the Super Bowl, winning multiple championships and establishing themselves as dynasties. One of the most dominant teams in Super Bowl history is the New England Patriots, who have won six Super Bowls since 2002. Led by Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have consistently and excellently won championships in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Another dominant team in Super Bowl history is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have won six championships since 1975. Led by legendary head coach Chuck Noll and a roster of Hall of Fame players, including Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, and Franco Harris, the Steelers established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. Their victories in Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL, and XLIII are remembered as some of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history.
In conclusion, the Super Bowl has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in sports history, and several teams have achieved great success in the competition. From milestone victories to dominant eras, the history of Super Bowl victories is a testament to the skill, determination, and excellence of the greatest football teams in the world.
Teams with the Most Super Bowl Wins
Regarding the Super Bowl, some teams have dominated the competition more than others. This section explores the top teams with the most Super Bowl wins, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have won six Super Bowls, which is tied with the New England Patriots for the most in NFL history. The Steelers’ Super Bowl wins came in 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2006, and 2009. The team is known for its tough, physical style of play and has produced some of the greatest players in NFL history, including Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, and Joe Greene.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have also won six Super Bowls, with their most recent win coming in 2019. Led by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots have been a dominant force in the NFL for the past two decades. In addition to their six Super Bowl wins the Patriots have also appeared in three other Super Bowls, making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. Both Brady and Lynn Swann of the Steelers are from the same California high school — Serra of San Mateo.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have won five Super Bowls, with their most recent win coming in 1995. The team is known for its innovative offensive schemes and has produced some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, including Joe Montana and Steve Young. The 49ers’ Super Bowl wins came in 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1995.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have also won five Super Bowls, with their most recent win in 1996. The team is known for its high-powered offense and has produced some of the greatest players in NFL history, including Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. The Cowboys’ Super Bowl wins came in 1972, 1978, 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Overall, these four teams have been the most successful in Super Bowl history, with a total of 22 Super Bowl wins.
Influential Coaches
Regarding Super Bowl victories, coaches play a crucial role in the success of their teams. Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches ever. With six Super Bowl wins under his belt, Belichick’s attention to detail and strategic game planning has proven to be a winning formula time and time again.
Another legendary coach is Chuck Noll, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl wins in six years during the 1970s. Noll’s emphasis on a strong defense and a balanced offense helped the Steelers become one of the most dominant teams of the decade.
The 49ers’ rise to the top in the 80s was led by West Coast offense innovator Bill Walsh. Two of the team’s later Super Bowls were won under head coach George Seifert.
Legendary Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks are often the face of their respective teams and have played a crucial role in many Super Bowl victories. Joe Montana, who won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers, is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. His pinpoint accuracy and clutch performances in big games helped lead the 49ers to victory on multiple occasions.
Tom Brady is another quarterback who has left an indelible mark on the Super Bowl. Brady has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history with seven Super Bowl wins to his name. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure has helped him repeatedly lead his teams to victory. He won an additional Super Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Defensive Game-Changers
While quarterbacks and coaches often receive the lion’s share of the credit for Super Bowl victories, it’s important not to overlook the contributions of defensive players. Lawrence Taylor, a linebacker for the New York Giants, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. His ability to disrupt offenses and make game-changing plays helped lead the Giants to two Super Bowl wins in the 1980s.
Another defensive game-changer was Reggie White, a defensive end who played for the Green Bay Packers in the 1990s. White’s ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing offenses helped the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.
Overall, it’s clear that successful Super Bowl teams are often led by a combination of talented coaches, quarterbacks, and defensive players. By working together and executing their game plans perfectly, these individuals have helped their teams achieve greatness on football’s biggest stage.
Impact on Popular Culture
The Super Bowl has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States, drawing in millions of viewers yearly. It is the biggest entertainment event in the country and has evolved from being just an NFL championship game into a national holiday. The Super Bowl significantly impacts popular culture, ranging from music to advertising to food and beverages.
One of the most notable cultural impacts of the Super Bowl is its halftime show, which features some of the biggest names in the music industry. The halftime show has become a platform for artists to showcase their talent and reach a massive audience. It has also become a cultural event in its own right, with people tuning in specifically for the halftime show.
Another impact of the Super Bowl on popular culture is its commercials. Companies pay millions of dollars for a 30-second spot during the game, and the ads have become just as much a part of the Super Bowl experience as the game itself. The ads are often funny, creative, and memorable, generating a lot of buzz and discussion on social media.
The Super Bowl also has a significant impact on food and beverage consumption. It is one of the biggest days for pizza delivery, and many people host or attend Super Bowl parties where they consume large amounts of snacks, beer, and other beverages. The Super Bowl has become a day for indulgence and celebration, a significant day for the food and beverage industry.
In summary, the Super Bowl significantly impacts popular culture in the United States. It is a cultural phenomenon that draws in millions of viewers yearly and has become a national holiday. The halftime show, commercials, and food and beverage consumption are just a few examples of the Super Bowl’s impact on popular culture.
Girls BB: Recognizing Some Classics
The Third Annual Recognize Game Classic at Merritt College in Oakland on Saturday had five teams ranked in the most recent Cal-Hi Sports State Top 25 rankings in action, and as expected four of the top-ranked teams that were favored came out victorious. We were honored to be asked to announce the six games contested and name each game’s MVP on behalf of Cal-Hi Sports.
Note: We hope you enjoy this free post on CalHiSports.com. The next Girls BB State TOP 25 update will be for Gold Club members only. All of our award-winning rankings writeups, analysis and predictions of what’s coming next for the rest of the 2023-24 season also ill be content for our Gold Club VIPs only. To become a member of our Gold Club so you can check out all of our girls basketball content, including state record updates and player rankings in each class, CLICK HERE.
No. 9 San Ramon Valley (Danville) 72,
No. 14 Sacred Heart Cathedral (SF) 52
After going back and forth early on, Cal-Hi Sports No. 9 ranked San Ramon Valley (7-1) opened the second quarter on a 16-0 run that turned an 18-13 first quarter lead to a 34-13 advantage that ended up at 41-17 at the half. From there, the Wolves pretty much coasted to the finish line.
San Ramon Valley senior Amanda Kerner had a game-high 18 points (four 3-pointers) but all but five of her points came in the second half when the Wolves were already pretty much on cruise control. Because she took charge of the game with all 13 points (three 3-pointers), eight rebounds with a block and an assist coming in the first two quarters, senior Sofia Bowes was named the MVP despite twisting an ankle early in the third quarter that sent her to the bench for the remainder of the game.
“Sofia took control early on in the game and her play was key in the first half,” said San Ramon Valley head coach Joe Cristano. “She deserved the MVP.”
Wolves senior Sierra Chambers had 14 points, five rebound and two assists, and senior Avery Knapp added 11 points, five rebounds, four rebounds and two assists.
Sacred Heart Cathedral (7-1) got 14 points and eight rebounds from junior Madison Eade and 12 points (two 3-pointers) with two steals from junior Aniyah Versosa.
New Mexico-committed Sacred Heart Cathedral senior guard Reza Po was swarmed by the San Ramon Valley defense and held to a single basket and two free throws.
No. 11 Acalanes (Lafayette) 77, Caruthers 51
The small school girls from Caruthers played their hearts out but they were no match for an Acalanes team that has a lone 5-point loss to No. 6 St. Mary’s of Stockton.
Leading 3-2, Acalanes (8-1) went on a 10-0 run and led by as many as 28 points in a decisive victory.
Junior center Ariana Hallstrom showed a complete game and earned MVP honors after going for what turned out to be a Recognize Classic Game high 26 points, including three 3-pointers, five rebounds, four steals and an assist.
Several other Dons had solid games. Standout juniors Sophie Chin and Dulci Vail added 21 points, six rebounds and three steals, and 12 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Caruthers had three girls with nine points — junior Mia Mola (six rebounds) freshman Jaylee Moore (five rebounds) and senior Gizelle Aguirre.
Caruthers (2-3) has not shied away from tough competition. Of its three losses, this was the most lopsided. The other two were to 49-42 to state No. 18 ranked Brentwood (Los Angeles) and 54-48 to a Texas Episcopal team that boasts Shaq’s daughter, Me’arah O’Neal.
No. 12 Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) 58,
Oakland Tech 40
The final score doesn’t really indicate the competitiveness of this game we dubbed “the battle for Oaktown” after Bishop O’Dowd pulled away in the fourth quarter over an Oakland Tech team that’s been taking its lumps.
Both teams were missing top players. O’Dowd is without solid sophomore guard Lizzy Quinteros indefinitely. She suffered a knee injury in a late November win over Sacramento McClatchy. Oakland Tech has been without senior star Taliyah Logwood. According to Bulldogs head coach Leroy Hurt and confirmed by Logwood, she should be back from a non-season ending knee injury in approximately two weeks.
Sophomore guard Jayla Stokes led Bishop O’Dowd (4-1) with a game-high 19 points on five three-pointers with six steals and four rebounds. For her efforts Stokes was named the MVP of the game.
The only other Dragons’ player in double-figure scoring was senior Savannah Jones with 13 points plus four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
O’Dowd ran out to a 13-2 lead but Tech fought back with a 10-0 run to close it to 15-12 after one quarter. The run got to 21-6 and the Bulldogs took their biggest lead at 23-19 midway through the second quarter. However, in a game of runs, the Dragons closed the half on a 10-0 run and led 29-23 at the intermission.
Oakland Tech had a 6-0 run to open the second half to knot things at 29-apiece, but O’Dowd answered with a 10-2 run to make it 39-31 midway through the third quarter.
The Bulldogs closed it to 41-35 near the end of the third but that would be as close as they would get. From there they kind of ran out of gas and gave up a 9-0 run that made it 50-35, and at that point the deal was pretty much done.
Oakland Tech (4-6) got solid production from its two sophomore stars, Terri’A Russell and Jhai Johnson, but only four other girls scored and ball handling was and has been a problem for the Bulldogs this season, particularly with Logwood out. Russell had 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block, and Johnson added 13 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
No. 15 Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 72,
Liberty (Brentwood) 26
This one was pretty much the Kate Schat show after the Cardinals’ junior standout scored the game’s first seven points and 13 in a first quarter alone that saw Newman bolt out to a 19-5 lead that got to 45-14 at the half. In the end it was the only game at the Recognize Game Classic to go to a running clock after Newman stretched it to 66-23 after three quarters.
Schat probably could have gone for a lot more points but Cardinals head coach Monica Mertle emptied the bench and removed Scat after she dropped in a three-pointer early in the third quarter.
Schat, who is starting to get some additional college interest after a solid summer and fall, was an obvious MVP after finishing with 24 points (three 3-pointers), five assists and two rebounds.
Cardinal Newman (8-2) was an overwhelming favorite coming in, and it seemed like an odd match-up for a showcase event, and Mertle knew that coming in, but she took it in stride.
“I’m ok with it,” Mertle remarked. “It gave me a chance to play my young ones.”
Besides Schat, nine other Cardinals scored led by senior Janelle Pena with 15 points plus seven rebounds and two steals.
Liberty (2-6) got seven points from senior Lea Salinas Beamen.
Eureka 75, McNair (Stockton) 41
The Eureka girls from Behind the Redwood Curtain bolted out to a 13-0 lead and never looked back in an easy victory.
McNair got it down to 20-12 in the early second quarter but by halftime it was 38-19 and a 13-4 run by Eureka to open the second half allowed the Loggers to coast home.
Junior Samara Gaither took home MVP honors after leading Eureka (11-1) with 20 points. Senior Isis Poteet added 14 points and senior Kaitlin Giacone finished with 13 points.
McNair (1-8) was led by sophomore Anjulie Navarro with 16 points including four three-pointers.
Priory (Portola Valley) 69,
Cornerstone Christian (Antioch) 46
Priory (5-2) opened an 8-0 lead that ballooned to 13-1 and by the end of the first quarter it was 25-11 and that would be the closest McNair would get.
Sophomore point guard Adelaide Chan had nine of her game-high 18 points (three 3-pointers) in the first quarter and earned MVP honors for the game mostly due to the fact she took charge early and set the tone for the game.
The young Panthers, with only one senior on the roster, had three other players in double-figure scoring led by Ugreat Daniels with 17 points. Sophomore Jordyn Moss and senior post Carmela Fontes had 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Cornerstone Christian (9-1) lost for the first time this season. The Cougars were led by the Alexander sisters. Sophomore Laila Alexander had 13 points and senior Mecca Alexander added 12 points.
Harold Abend is the associate editor of CalHiSports.com and the vice president of the California Prep Sportswriters Association. He can be reached at marketingharoldabend@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @HaroldAbend
CIF State Football Title Game MVPs
We have picked one for every game we’ve seen since the first one of the modern era in 2006, and have chosen one based on posted stats & media coverage for every other state final. Perhaps the hardest one this year was for Woodland Christian in D5-A. We also have one freshman and three sophomores who are joining our collection.
FOR SATURDAY GAME WRITEUPS AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE, PASADENA CITY COLLEGE & EL CAMINO COLLEGE, CLICK HERE.
FOR FRIDAY GAME BREAKDOWNS AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE, PASADENA CITY COLLEGE & EL CAMINO COLLEGE, CLICK HERE.
Note: We hope you enjoy this free post on CalHiSports.com. After the preseason, all weekly and final state rankings are available only to our Gold Club members as well as our state stat star of the week honor rolls. To check out getting a Gold Club membership to see all of those rankings plus all of our updated state record lists, totally authentic historical features, recruiting player ratings and more, CLICK HERE.
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FINAL CIF Regional Projections
There’s no time to explain all of these placements as they have been done late on Saturday night after all results are in and the actual pairings by the CIF will be out by Sunday afternoon. We’ll have reactions to those in a full post on Sunday night.
Also, remember we don’t know which teams if any have opted out of these games. We are not official by the CIF in any way and these are done just to give folks a guide to what possibly may happen on Sunday. All of these teams are section champions. Which teams are home or away also are unknown. Every section will have home games and teams that traveled one year for a regional game are likely to be at home the following year.
Congratulations to all teams who have earned their spots on this board. Compiled as of Saturday night, Nov. 25.
TO SEE OUR FULL STATEWIDE CIF SECTION SCOREBOARD WITH HIGHLIGHTS & BREAKDOWNS FOR MANY OF THESE TEAMS, CLICK HERE.
PLEASE CHECK OUT GETTING A GOLD CLUB SUB TO THIS WEB SITE FOR ALL STATE RANKINGS, ALL OF THE UPCOMING ALL-STATE TEAMS, STATE RECORD UPDATES, STATE STAT STAR LISTS, AND MORE. TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE.
OPEN DIVISION
Mater Dei of Santa Ana (CIFSS D1) 12-1 vs.
Serra of San Mateo (CCS Open) 12-0
DIVISION 1-AA
De La Salle of Concord (NCS Open) 10-2 vs.
Clovis North of Fresno (Central Sec D1) 13-0
Mission Viejo (CIFSS D2) 11-3 vs. Granite Hills of El Cajon (SD Open) 12-0
DIVISION 1-A
Folsom (Sac-Joaquin D1) 11-2 vs. Pittsburg 13-0 (NCS D1)
St. Bonaventure of Ventura (CIFSS D3) 11-3 vs. La Serna of Whittier (CIFSS D4) 11-3
DIVISION 2-AA
Rocklin (SJS D2) 12-1 vs. Grant of Sacramento (SJS D3) 11-2
St. Augustine of San Diego (SD D1) 10-4 vs. Orange Vista of Perris (CIFSS D5) 11-3
DIVISION 2-A
Los Gatos (CCS D1) 11-2 vs. El Cerrito (NCS D2) 11-1*
Central Valley Christian of Visalia (Central Sec D2) 13-1 vs. Del Norte of San Diego (SD D2) 11-2
DIVISION 3-AA
Acalanes of Lafayette (NCS D4) 9-4 vs. McClymonds of Oakland (Oak) 8-2*
Birmingham of Van Nuys (L.A. City Open) 11-2 vs. Simi Valley (CIFSS D6) 9-5
DIVISION 3-A
Escalon (SJS D4) 11-1 vs. Marin Catholic of Kentfield (NCS D3) 12-1
Mayfair of Lakewood (CIFSS D7) 10-3 vs. Mt. Miguel of Spring Valley (SD D4) 12-1
DIVISION 4-AA
Casa Roble of Orangvale (SJS D5) 12-1 vs. Soquel (CCS D2) 11-2
Jurupa Hills (CIFSS D8) vs. Mission Oak of Tulare (Central Sec D3) 9-5
DIVISION 4-A
Pleasant Valley of Chico (Northern Sec D2) 9-3 vs. Palma of Salinas (CCS D3) 6-7*
Rio Hondo Prep of Arcadia (CIFSS D9) 13-1 vs. Torres of Madera (Central Sec D4) 11-3
DIVISION 5-AA
Hughson (SJS D6) 10-3 vs. Miramonte of Orinda (NCS D5) 9-3
La Jolla Country Day (SD D3) 11-3 vs. Torrance (CIFSS D10) 10-4
DIVISION 5-A
Woodland Christian (SJS D7) 13-0 vs. Palo Alto (CCS D4) 8-5
Banning of Wilmington (LA City D1) 8-6 vs. Ramona of Riverside (SS D11) 9-5
DIVISION 6-AA
St. Vincent de Paul of Petaluma (NCS D6) 11-2 vs. Orland (Northern Sec D3) 11-1
Sweetwater of National City (SD D5) 7-6 BYE
DIVISION 6-A
Colusa (Northern Sec D4) 12-0 vs. South San Francisco (CCS D5) 12-1
Cerritos (CIFSS D12) 9-5 vs. Wasco (Central Sec D5) 8-5
DIVISION 7-AA
Portola (Northern Sec D5) 12-0 vs. Ferndale (NCS D7) 9-4
St. Monica of Santa Monica (CIFSS D13) 11-3 vs. Fairfax (LA City D2) 10-4
DIVISION 7-A
Lincoln of San Francisco (SF) 9-3 vs. Strathmore (Central Sec D5) 10-4
Bell Gardens (CIFSS D14) 9-5 vs. Jordan of Los Angeles (LA City D3) 11-3
Five of the Most Fun Sports-Related Things to Do in California
California is the ultimate sports state. It has 21 major professional sports franchises across football, ice hockey, soccer, and other popular sports, as well as a ton of sports-related landmarks for you to check out. As a sports fan, you’re spoiled for choice, which is why visiting California should be at the top of your “to-do list.” If you already live in Cali, then that’s even better. So, what are the best sports-related activities to do in California? Let’s take a closer look.
Watch the LA Lakers
The LA Lakers are one of the most popular and successful sports franchises of all time.
When you think about the NBA, the first team that comes to mind is always the LA Lakers. With 17 NBA titles, 32 appearances in the NBA Finals, and some truly iconic players (including the likes of Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson), it’s impossible not to be in awe of the Lakers’ NBA history. This is why thousands of passionate fans head to the Crypto.com arena every season to watch the Lakers play — and you should do, too.
LA Lakers tickets typically start at around $30 but average out at around $261 per seat. If you can get your hands on a ticket to go and watch them play, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime and definitely won’t regret it.
After arriving at the arena, you should soak in the atmosphere, hang out with other fans, and even play some real money online slots on your phone after taking your seat. Usually, there’s a long buildup to NBA games as well as lots of intervals, which is why lots of Lakers’ fans play online slots in between the action.
Play Beach Volleyball
California is home to some of the world’s best beaches, including: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, Capitola Beach, Huntington Beach.
When the sun is shining and the vibes are great, you should head down to one of these beaches to play beach volleyball with your friends. It’s a classic Californian activity to do, which is why you’ll typically see lots of people playing beach volleyball at the weekends.
Enjoy an Oracle Park Stadium Tour
Home to the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is an awesome stadium and a treat for any MLB fan to visit.
If you enjoy watching baseball, you should definitely try to get tickets to watch a game at Oracle Park. And if you can’t get your hands on tickets, don’t worry — go on an Oracle Park Stadium Tour instead.
During the Oracle Park Stadium Tour, you’ll get to see behind-the-scenes places where only the players go, including the dugout and trophy room. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might get to meet some San Francisco Giants players.
Head to an LA Galaxy Game
Are you a fan of soccer? If the answer is yes, you have to go and check out LA Galaxy while you’re in California. Each MLS season, LA Galaxy plays at the iconic Dignity Health Sports Park, and the average ticket price is only $45, so it’s super affordable to watch them play.
Visit a Golf Course
If you love golf, then visiting one of California’s golf courses should be a priority.
To start with, it’s recommended you go to Cypress Point at Pebble Beach, which is widely regarded as the best golf course in California. Remember to bring your ‘A’ game, though, because there are a lot of good players there.
Five Ways to Enjoy Your Passion for Sports Online
With the digital revolution, enjoying your passion for sports has become easier and more exciting than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the internet offers a multitude of ways to engage with your favorite sports. From catching live games to connecting with fellow enthusiasts, here are five fantastic ways to immerse yourself in the world of sports online.
Live Streaming and Highlights
The convenience of live streaming and highlight videos can’t be overstated. With platforms like YouTube and dedicated sports streaming services, you can watch your favorite teams and athletes in action.
These platforms offer a wide range of options, from full game broadcasts to condensed highlights, making it easy to stay updated and relive memorable moments. It’s like having a front-row seat to the most thrilling sports events worldwide.
Sports Betting
As an example of how the online world can complement your sports passion, let’s consider the world of sports betting. While it’s important to gamble responsibly, sports betting can add an extra thrill to the games you follow. Many reputable online sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options, including match outcomes, player statistics, and more.
If you have a keen interest, you might want to explore the top online casino to elevate your sports betting enjoyment. However, always exercise caution and ensure that you never wager more than your budget allows.
Gaming and Esports
Esports or electronic sports, have gained immense popularity in recent years. Online gaming platforms allow you to not only play sports-themed video games but also watch professional esports tournaments. You can follow your favorite teams and players as they compete in games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Rocket League. This unique fusion of sports and technology offers a fresh and entertaining way to enjoy your passion.
Additionally, it introduces you to a new dimension of sports entertainment, where the boundaries between traditional athletics and digital prowess blur. Whether you’re competing in virtual matches or cheering for esports superstars, it’s a captivating realm that adds a modern twist to your sports enthusiasm.
Engage with Online Communities
The internet is home to countless sports forums, social media groups, and fan websites where you can interact with fellow sports enthusiasts like those through Cal-Hi Sports. Share your insights, discuss game strategies, or simply banter with like-minded fans. These online communities are a great way to stay connected and exchange views on your favorite sports, making it a more immersive experience.
Moreover, they offer a platform for staying updated with the latest news, rumors, and behind-the-scenes stories, fostering a sense of belonging within the global sports community. Whether you’re celebrating victories or commiserating over losses, these online forums provide a sense of camaraderie that enhances your sports passion.
Fantasy Sports Leagues
For those seeking a more hands-on experience, fantasy sports leagues are a great option. You can create your own virtual team, draft real-life players, and compete against others based on their actual performance. Websites and apps dedicated to fantasy sports make it easy to manage your team and track player statistics, adding a new layer of excitement to every game.
This unique blend of strategy and sports knowledge allows you to step into the shoes of a team manager, making decisions on player selections, trades, and tactics to outwit your opponents. It’s not only an engaging way to follow your favorite sports but also a way to test your sports acumen against fellow enthusiasts.
Boys BB: 2023-24 Transfer Rundown
Here’s a quick-hitting list of transfers that will impact this year’s boys basketball state rankings. It’s been a hectic off-season and we offer a rundown of where some of California’s elite players ended up, including some who left the state, and some who just transferred as recently as the past week. Look for our preseason Cal-Hi Sports state rankings on November 9. The 2023-24 season officially begins November 13. The CIF state basketball championships are scheduled to take place March 8-9, 2024. Read more…
Boys BB: Preseason FAB 50 Show
Our Managing Editor Ronnie Flores, who takes the lead on our boys basketball content as well, was an analyst and producer for the recently-released “Preseason FAB 50 Show” by Ballislife.com. The hour and a half long show broke down the boys basketball preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings Flores produces each year (CLICK HERE to view rankings). This is the 37th consecutive season for the FAB 50, which started as the National Prep Poll by high school hall of fame journalist Doug Huff of West Virginia in 1987-88. Cal-Hi Sports Editor Mark Tennis combined forces with Huff to create the FAB 50 for the 1999-2000 season and the trio worked on it together until the conclusion of the 2011-2012 season.
The show’s other analyst is Texas scout Ani Umana and it’s hosted by former San Diego State standout and WNBA player Chelsea Hopkins.
The California teams in the preseason FAB 50 this year are defending CIF open champ North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake at No. 11, Bellflower St. John Bosco at No. 19, Santa Ana Mater Dei at No. 42, Eastvale Roosevelt at No. 44, and Chatsworth Sierra Canyon at No. 46.
Look for Flores’ Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings (including the West Region) on November 7 and for our preseason state rankings by November 9. The 2023-24 season will be the 44th consecutive season that Cal-Hi Sports/ CalHiSports.com will provide state rankings in boys hoops.