El Dorado High School’s girls basketball team secured the CIF Southern Section Division 4 championship by defeating La Cañada High School with a score of 41-27 on February 27, 2026, at Azusa Pacific University. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Golden Hawks, as it is their second CIF-SS title, the first being in 1976.
The Golden Hawks, who entered the playoffs with a challenging season record of 12-14, faced a critical juncture before qualifying for the playoffs. They needed to win their final two regular-season games to achieve a .500 record and earn an at-large playoff berth. El Dorado not only accomplished that but went on to demonstrate remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs.
In the championship game, El Dorado’s defense proved formidable, especially in the fourth quarter, where they outscored La Cañada 13-2. The victory was an intense culmination of their playoff run, showcasing their ability to elevate their performance when it mattered most.
Key Players Shine in Championship Victory
Senior guard Delaney Shiring was a standout performer, leading all scorers with 19 points, including four successful three-pointers. In addition to her scoring, Shiring contributed significantly on the boards with five rebounds and facilitated plays with five assists. Her leadership on the court was instrumental in guiding the team through the high-pressure moments of the game.
Senior Kennedy Wood also played a crucial role, notching six assists and helping to orchestrate El Dorado’s offensive strategies. The team’s cohesion and determination were evident as they rallied together, particularly in the decisive final minutes.
For La Cañada, Diya Ahr emerged as the leading scorer with seven points but struggled to find consistent scoring opportunities against El Dorado’s tight defense. The Spartans concluded their season with a record of 19-13 and will also advance to the CIF Southern California Regional playoffs, with brackets expected to be released shortly.
A Personal Triumph for Coach Raya
Head coach Matt Raya expressed profound pride in achieving this championship, particularly as the gymnasium is named after his father, Joe Raya, who dedicated decades to the school’s athletic department. Matt’s brother, Gary, previously coached the girls’ basketball team in the 1990s. “To hang a championship banner in the gym named for my dad is going to be an unbelievable thing,” he remarked, highlighting the personal connection to this victory.
El Dorado demonstrated remarkable shooting accuracy in the game, successfully completing 7 of 21 attempts from three-point range, while La Cañada managed only 2 of 19. Despite a challenge on the boards, where El Dorado conceded 15 offensive rebounds, their strong offensive performance and defensive tenacity were enough to secure the championship.
The Golden Hawks’ triumph not only brings them a coveted title but also sets a hopeful tone for the upcoming regional playoffs, as they aim to continue their impressive run. Fans and supporters celebrated the team’s success, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for El Dorado basketball.
