Etiwanda, Ontario Christian, Centennial in Open Division

The Etiwanda and Sierra Canyon girls basketball teams appear headed for another championship showdown this season, but Etiwanda coach Stan Delus said his team will not be overlooking anyone in the CIF Southern Section’s Open Division playoffs.

“Those teams have earned their way into the Open Division, and you have to respect that,” Delus said. “We have three other teams in front of us that we have to worry about first before even thinking about Sierra Canyon. We’ll take it a step at a time.”

Etiwanda and Sierra Canyon have squared off for the section’s Open Division championship in each of the past two seasons. Etiwanda captured the title in 2022 with a 69-57 victory, and Sierra Canyon beat the Eagles 70-57 in last season’s title game.

And another championship clash could emerge, with Sierra Canyon the No. 1 seed this season and Etiwanda the No. 2 seed.

Etiwanda’s Open Division pool includes two other Inland teams: No. 3-seeded Ontario Christian and No. 7-seeded Centennial. Bishop Montgomery is the No. 6 seed and the fourth team in that pool. Etiwanda will host games against Centennial (Feb. 10), Bishop Montgomery (Feb. 14) and Ontario Christian (Feb. 17). Ontario Christian will host games against Bishop Montgomery (Feb. 10) and Centennial (Feb. 14). Centennial’s third road game in pool play will be played at Bishop Montgomery (Feb. 17).

This is Etiwanda’s 10th selection for the Open Division since its creation for the 2014 season, tied with Sierra Canyon for the second most in the section. Mater Dei has been chosen for the Open Division all 11 seasons and is the No. 4 seed this year.

“We just have to keep believing in everything that we’ve done this year,” Delus said. “It takes preparation, staying healthy and even a little bit luck to win a title in this division. At the end of the day, we have to stay focused and play to our best abilities.”

Moreno Valley has been on the Open Division watch list all season, but the Vikings were not among the eight teams selected. Moreno Valley instead is the No. 1 seed in Division 2AA and will open the playoffs at home Thursday against Woodbridge.

Four other Inland girls basketball teams earned a Top 4 seeding in their respective playoffs divisions.

Santiago was an Open Division qualifier last season, and the Sharks earned the No. 3 seed in the Division 1 bracket this year. Santiago will host Cypress in a first-round game Thursday night.

Rancho Cucamonga finished third in the Baseline League behind Etiwanda and Los Osos, but the Cougars still received the No. 1 seed in the Division 4AA bracket. Rancho Cucamonga will have to travel to Garden Grove Santiago on Thursday.

Grand Terrace is the No. 2-seeded team in Division 5AA and will travel to Bethel Christian for Thursday’s opening round.

Hamilton is the No. 3 seed in Division 5A, but as an atlarge entry the Bobcats will travel to Silver Valley on Thursday night.