High school athletes showcase their skills in the excitement of competition.
Orange County high school sports had a remarkable year with thrilling competitions, coaching changes, and notable achievements across various teams. Highlights included championship victories in baseball and football, along with significant changes in league structures and coaching staff, setting the stage for an exciting future in athletics. The tennis league expanded, and athletes celebrated individual achievements in volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and water polo. As the next season approaches, anticipation builds within the community for future competitions.
Orange County high school sports saw a remarkable year in 2024-25, filled with thrilling competitions and significant changes across various teams and leagues. Notable achievements include championship victories, coaching transitions, and shifts in league structure that will shape the future of athletics in the region.
On April 25, the Dana Hills baseball team staged a dramatic comeback, overcoming eight errors to defeat Aliso Niguel 9-8 in a close South Coast League game. The game culminated in a stirring conclusion with sophomore Ryan See hitting a line drive that brought home teammate Tommy Moro for the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
In football, Mater Dei, Edison, and Portola emerged as champions within the CIF Southern Section for 2024. Under new leadership, Raul Lara had a successful first season as head coach at Mater Dei, where he led the team to claim a CIF State championship.
The upcoming football season will see the introduction of several new coaches, including Carson Palmer at Santa Margarita, Mitch Olson at Fountain Valley, Erik Terry at Northwood, and Jason Jellerson at Foothill.
As part of their strategic planning, Servite is currently exploring multiple venues for home football games, including Orange Coast College and Santa Ana Stadium. This exploration is expected to enhance accessibility and support for their athletic programs.
In the administrative arena, Richard Shearer retired after a six-year tenure as the CIF-SS assistant commissioner responsible for football and baseball. Additionally, significant re-leaguing will occur for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 non-football sports seasons, which includes moving Laguna Beach to a North County conference.
The Trinity League continues to grow, incorporating new schools such as Crean Lutheran, Pacifica Christian, Sage Hill, St. Margaret’s, and reinstating Rosary into the league. This expansion is poised to bring increased competitiveness to the league’s athletic programs.
Mater Dei’s girls volleyball team secured its second consecutive CIF-SS Division 1 championship. In related news, Katy Daly resigned from her position as girls volleyball coach at Santa Margarita, creating opportunities for new leadership in the program.
In cross country, Holly Barker from Trabuco Hills won the CIF-SS Division 1 girls championship, while Dana Hills senior Evan Noonan achieved a remarkable third consecutive CIF State boys cross country championship.
The basketball scene was equally dynamic, with Fairmont Prep, Los Alamitos, and Santiago claiming CIF-SS boys basketball championships. Canyon senior Brandon Benjamin was named the Orange County boys basketball player of the year, while Mater Dei junior Luke Barnett set a new school record by scoring 55 points in a single game.
Coaching changes continue in basketball as Nate Klitzing takes the reins at Orange Lutheran, succeeding after a notable stint at Crean Lutheran. Additionally, Ringo Bossenmeyer resigned from Tustin’s boys basketball coaching position after an impressive 25-year career.
In wrestling, Sammy Sanchez from Esperanza won both CIF section and state championships in boys wrestling. Simultaneously, Aubree Gutierrez from Marina and Olivia Davis from Esperanza emerged victorious in the CIF State girls wrestling championships.
In water polo, Newport Harbor triumphed over JSerra 11-10 to secure the CIF-SS Open Division final, while JSerra later bested Newport Harbor 11-9 in the CIF Southern California Regional Division I final, handing Newport Harbor its lone defeat of the season.
The early preseason rankings for Orange County football and basketball highlight Mater Dei, Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Orange Lutheran, JSerra, and others as teams to watch. As the new season approaches, anticipation builds among athletes, coaches, and fans alike for the competitions to come.
This year also marks a period of reflection within the community, with notable individuals such as CIF historian John Dahlem and influential basketball coach Jerry DeBusk retiring from their positions.
Federal Judge Approves $2.8 Billion Antitrust Settlement in College Athletics
South Team Dominates North with 3-0 Win at Senior All-Star Classic
South Team Wins Orange County Softball All-Star Classic
Orange County Senior All-Star Softball Games Scheduled
Teagan O’Dell Named All-Orange County Girls Swimmer of the Year
New Stadium Construction Underway for Capistrano Valley High School
Orange Coast College Men’s Soccer Secures Home Victory
Anaheim Gala Honors Jessie Joy Rees for Philanthropy
Grace High School Baseball and Westlake Softball Achieve Playoff Victories
Construction Begins on New Stadium at Capistrano Valley High School
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