Article - CIF Sac-Joaquin

Jesuit High School made history Saturday night, securing its first-ever state basketball championship with a 66-53 victory over Chatsworth in the CIF Division II Boys Championship. Jesuit (27-9) controlled the pace of the game from the outset, shooting 51% from the field and holding Chatsworth to just 53 points—nearly 20 below its season average. The defensive effort was a point of emphasis for head coach Tim Kelly, whose team bounced back from a heartbreaking loss in the Section Championship to claim the state title. “That was our talk this morning in shootaround,” Kelly said. “We’ve had some hard moments this season. We’ve taken tough losses, but those tough times teach you lessons. These guys have taken those moments, used those lessons, and they just keep getting better.” Jesuit’s ability to dictate tempo proved to be the difference. The team’s defense set the tone early, limiting Chatsworth’s offensive rhythm and ensuring that standout Alijah Arenas, a McDonald’s All-American, faced tough, contested shots all night. “Our goal was to keep them under 50,” Kelly said. “We knew if we did that, we’d have a good chance to win. It’s tough to do in a state championship game, but our guys executed it perfectly.” Brandon Williams led the Marauders with a balanced effort, while Luke Browne and Mason Phillips each contributed key plays on both ends of the floor. The team’s chemistry and unselfish play were on full display, recording assists on every field goal in the game. “That’s one of the stats I’ll treasure the most,” Kelly said. “We talk a lot about limiting dribbles, cutting hard, and playing off the ball. It’s hard to guard when you move like that.” The historic victory marked a defining moment for Jesuit basketball, a program steeped in tradition but without a state title until now. Players reflected on the significance of the moment, emphasizing the strong bond that carried them through the season. “We just have a special connection,” freshman guard Maison Phillips said. “We work so well together as a team, and we put our heads down and go to work. That’s what made this possible.” The championship run capped off a season in which Jesuit defied expectations. Kelly acknowledged that outside observers didn’t foresee this outcome, but signs of potential were evident to those within the program. “The names weren’t big coming into the season, but there were moments—quarters, halves—where we saw something clicking,” Kelly said. “Once we put it together for an entire game, we knew we had something special.” Jesuit’s victory was more than just a win; it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to playing the game the right way. And for the Marauders, it was the ultimate reward for a season filled with challenges, hard work, and belief in each other.

Jesuit captures first CIF state title with gritty defensive performance