Bay Area High School Teams Gear Up for State Championships NOW

UPDATE: March has officially arrived, and high school basketball teams across the Bay Area are preparing for the crucial state championship tournament. The stakes could not be higher as teams battle for the coveted title at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento starting today, March 3, 2026.

Dozens of local squads have endured a grueling season, but only the strongest will emerge victorious. With every match a do-or-die scenario, the pressure is palpable. Prominent basketball analysts from the Bay Area News Group, including Christian Babcock, Nathan Canilao, and Darren Sabedra, have made their predictions on which teams will dominate the NorCal regionals and vie for the state title.

The trio showed unanimous support for the Mission San Jose boys to clinch the Division V championship, buoyed by their status as the top seed. Canilao confidently stated, “I think they’re going to win state too.” This bold prediction underlines the high expectations for the team.

On the girls’ side, the competition is just as fierce. Analysts have overwhelmingly favored Archbishop Mitty to triumph in the NorCal Open Division, a team that has steamrolled through its opponents this season. “Do we have to think about it?” Sabedra remarked, reflecting the consensus among the analysts.

As the games unfold, fans can expect thrilling matchups. Here’s a quick snapshot of the boys’ and girls’ anticipated games:

Boys Open Division
– Babcock: Archbishop Riordan
– Canilao: Salesian
– Sabedra: Archbishop Riordan

Girls Open Division
– Babcock: Archbishop Mitty
– Canilao: Archbishop Mitty
– Sabedra: Archbishop Mitty

These predictions underscore the emotional investment from players and fans alike, as the battle for state honors commences. The excitement is building as games tip off across the region, making it a pivotal moment for high school basketball enthusiasts.

Check out the video below for expert analysis and further insights into upcoming matchups.

The opening round is set with the following key games:
– **Boys:**
– Archbishop Riordan (26-1) vs. St. Ignatius (24-3) at USF, 7 p.m.
– Milpitas (25-1) vs. Los Gatos (21-5), TBDB
– Bishop O’Dowd (22-7) vs. Granada (21-7) at San Leandro High, 5 p.m.

– **Girls:**
– Miramonte (17-13) vs. Benicia (20-9) at Alhambra High, 7 p.m.
– Los Gatos (20-6) vs. Menlo-Atherton (20-5), TBDB
– Carondelet (24-5) vs. San Ramon Valley (25-3) at Dublin High, 7 p.m.

As the tournament progresses, fans will be on the edge of their seats, eager to see if the analysts’ predictions hold true. With the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat hanging in the balance, March Madness is officially in full swing.

Stay tuned for live updates and results as teams fight for glory in the coming days!