On Nov. 8, CHS varsity boys basketball won the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 2A championship title against Sonora High School at the Honda Center in Anaheim.  The final score was 66-47, with Austin Smith scoring 19 points, Conner Longmire scoring 17 points and Larry Bush scoring 12 points.

This is the team’s second championship in three years– they beat South Torrance 69-39 in 2012. Varsity head coach Jon Palarz helped lead the team to victory, with this win being his fourth section championship.  The use of strong defense and extensive pre-game preparation contributed to the overall victory for the CIF trophy.

“We really try to get focused on certain aspects of the game when we prepare,” said Palarz.  “At this time of year when the games are so intense, any game is a good win.”

The opposing team first considered Longmire a weak link, but they were proven wrong when Longmire helped carry CHS to victory by scoring the second highest amount of points.  This was Bush’s first CIF win, but it is his third time competing for the coveted CIF title.  Lieberman played with a sprained ankle, yet he still scored four points and had six assists.  The determination and perseverance of the players ultimately led to their victory, paving the way for future teams to rise above obstacles and find success.

“It is exciting and sad to be so close to the end of the season,” said Palarz. “It’s been a great season.”

While the varsity team has played well all season, their time in the playoffs came to an end when they lost 45-43 to Mater Dei Catholic at the Division II Southern California Regional playoffs.

Although the team will not move on in the playoffs, they demonstrated extraordinary teamwork, sportsmanship and skill on and off the court.  Winning CIF was an amazing achievement for the varsity team, and this will not be the last championship title for the Coyotes.