In February, the Serrano High School Boys Varsity Basketball team qualified for the CIF Southern Section Finals. Completing their regular season with an even record of 5 wins and 5 losses, they secured a respectable 3rd place in the highly competitive Mojave River League, trailing just behind Oak Hills and Hesperia High School.
This achievement marks the second consecutive year, in a row, that the Serrano Boys Varsity Basketball team has made it into the CIF playoffs. Last year, in 2024, they showcased their talents by advancing to the second round, only to face defeat against Foothill Tech High School from Ventura.
Serrano’s first game at this year’s playoffs was a thrilling first-round matchup against Ramona High School from Riverside on Wednesday, February 12th, played at Serrano’s home court. Head Coach Jon Beck, a proud alumnus of Serrano, expressed the weight of the challenge ahead, “I think we’re ready for it and the team is ready to play their best game of the year so far”. Ramona boasted an impressive season, finishing 2nd overall in the River Valley League with a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. With that in mind Coach Beck’s optimism shone through as he pointed to the seasoned leadership within his team, highlighting that 6 out of the 12 players on the roster were seniors ready to seize the moment.
Serrano began the game with a shaky start as they struggled to find their groove trailing 27-40 by halftime. During the second half of the game, they continued with a valiant effort but ultimately, losing the game with a final score of 60-73. Nevertheless, that night showcased one of their highest-scoring performances of the season, though it was not enough to overcome Ramona High School, who advanced all the way to the CIF semi-finals beating Elsinore High School in a close game of 82-80 and making it to the Final Championship game where they lost against Santiago High School on March, 1st with a score of 64-49.
Two of Serrano’s outstanding players were also picked for the Mojave River League All-League 2025 in February. Serrano Junior, Frank Maldonado (#4) was picked for the MRL All-League 1st Team while Sophomore, Guillermo Sanchez (#35) was picked for 2nd team.
Congratulations to the 2025 Serrano Boys Varsity Basketball team for their impressive journey to another CIF playoff, representing their school and community with pride and spirit. The 2025 team roster includes:
– Jamaal Larry (10th) #0
– Tyson Gage (11th) #1
– Dom Ramos (12th) #3
– Frank Maldonado (11th) #4
– Jontae Blandon (12th) #5
– Willie Fizer (10th) #12
– Tommy Larry (12th) #13
– Adam Gomez (12th) #20
– AJ Chivara (11th) #23
– Jojo Shorts (12th) #33
– Guillermo Sanchez (10th) #35
