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Softball  | General  | 4/26/2022

HS Playoff Preview: California

Jerry Miller     
Photo: Perfect Game
Long the standard bearer for fastpitch in the country, softball in the Golden State is once again primed for an exciting run to two state titles.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoff structure is a bit different than the traditional high school format set up in the rest of the country. The state is divided so that teams play geographically for a Northern and Southern California State Championship. There is no one true state champion. Teams play regular season ball in sections. When playoff time arrives, qualifying teams play in divisions, depending on school size, and advance to and through regional play to an ultimate championship in each division. The state championships will be held from May 31 thru June 4.



There are a number of outstanding squads in California this spring who have posted unbelievable records. There are no days off during the regular season, even for the very best. Traditionally strong programs know full well that no opponent can be overlooked. Just about every club has an “ace” pitcher who can beat any team at any time. The clubs that ultimately come out on top and win their final game of the year, emblematic of a state title, will have certainly earned their championship.

In the North Coast Section, Granada (Livermore), Heritage (Brentwood), and Livermore have put together solid seasons and are primed for a long playoff run.

Northern Section clubs East Nicholaus (Nicholaus), Sutter, Wheatland, and Yreka appear to be the frontrunners coming out of that area.

Del Oro (Loomis), Vanden (Fairfield), and Folsom lead the charge from the Sac-Joaquin Section, while Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), Del Norte (San Diego), and Bonita Vista (Chula Vista) are the frontrunners and favorites coming out of the always-competitive San Diego Section.

The most competitive, and traditionally the area that produces the top individuals and teams in the state, is the Southern Section. This year is no different. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) is currently undefeated and appears on a mission to capture the crown. Also in the mix coming out of the tough Southern Section are Roosevelt (Westvale), Villa Park, Mesa (Murietta), Camarillo, Norco, Canyon (Anaheim), Westlake (Westlake Village), and Centennial (Corona). There is unquestionably a club or two not mentioned who could be a sleeper that could upset any favorite along the way. Whoever comes out of the Southern Section and advances through the playoff tournament will have earned their way.

The state’s No. 1 ranked club as of this writing, playing out of the Central Section, is Clovis North HS. The powerhouse club is currently undefeated, and a team ranked in the top-5 nationally. Clovis High School and Central (Fresno), also from the Central Section, appear geared to make a substantial run towards a championship.

Traditional powers Saint Francis (Mountain View), Archbishop Mitty (San Jose), and Notre Dame (Salinas) look to have once again set the standard in the Central Coast Section and are all primed for a deep playoff run, while El Camino Real (Woodland Hills), Granada Hills Charter (Granada Hills), and Smidt Tech (Los Angeles) have set the pace out of the LA City Section.

Other schools that have had a sound run through the regular season which can impact the playoffs include Orange Lutheran (Orange), Chino Hills, Los Alamitos, Beaumont, South (Torrance), Buchanan (Clovis), Mission Viejo, Capistrano Valley, Yorba Linda, Trabuco Hills, El Toro, Northwood, Buena Park, Capistrano Valley Christian, and Huntington Beach.

There are certain to be a few upstarts not mentioned that can find their way into the winner’s circle next month. There are so many outstanding programs in this softball-mad state that it would be tough to mention them all. It would not be a stretch or a surprise that one of the pre-tourney favorites gets upset early. It would also not be surprising if one of the traditionally powerful club’s ran the gamut.
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