Local High School Sports Highlights: February 26, 2026
Local high school sports teams showed strong performances this past week. Basketball playoffs continued with intense matchups. Meanwhile, wrestling championships concluded with state titles. Regional swimming meets also wrapped up.
Basketball Playoffs Advance
The high school basketball postseason is heating up. Area teams competed in critical regional semifinal games. Spectators witnessed thrilling contests across the district.
The Central High Panthers secured a key victory. They defeated the Westside Wolves 68-62. Junior guard Jamal Davis led all scorers. He put up an impressive 28 points. The Panthers now advance to the regional final. They will face Northwood High next Tuesday.
However, the Eastwood High Eagles’ season concluded. They lost a close game to Lakeside High. The final score was 55-52. Emily Chen was a standout player for the Eagles. She scored 18 points during the contest. The team fought hard until the final buzzer.
In girls’ basketball, the Southview High team dominated. They beat Riverbend High with a score of 70-45. Coach Sarah Miller praised her team’s defensive efforts. Their strong play earned them a spot. They will compete in the district final on Saturday.
Wrestling Crowns State Champions
The state wrestling championships finished last weekend. Local athletes achieved significant recognition. They showcased their skills and dedication.
Maplewood High celebrated a state champion. Junior Mark Johnson won the 145-pound division. He completed an undefeated season. Johnson’s performance was remarkable. Additionally, senior Sarah Lee earned a third-place finish. She competed in the 120-pound category.
Oakridge High also saw success. David Smith from Oakridge earned a silver medal. He competed in the 182-pound division. These wrestlers represented their schools with pride.
Regional Swimming Results Announced
Regional swimming championships took place on Wednesday. Several swimmers qualified for the state competition. Local pools hosted many talented student athletes.
The Lincoln High swim team achieved excellent results. Junior Captain Alex Rodriguez set a new school record. He broke the previous mark in the 100-meter freestyle. This win secured his spot at the state meet.
Other notable qualifiers emerged. Maria Gomez of Westside High will advance. She qualified in the 50-meter butterfly. Ben Carter from Eastwood High also moved on. Carter earned a spot in the 200-meter individual medley. The state swimming championships are scheduled for next month. These athletes will represent the region well.
Looking Ahead in Local Sports
The sports calendar remains busy. Basketball regional finals are scheduled for next week. State swimming championships are also quickly approaching. Furthermore, spring sports practices will begin soon. Baseball, softball, and track teams prepare for their seasons. Local fans anticipate more exciting athletic events.