HHS Boys Basketball Heads to Championship for Just the Second Time in School History
Hesperia Boys Basketball Win Over Mater Dei (Courtesy HHS)Hesperia, California (Our Hesperia) — In a season that has captured the spirit and grit of the High Desert, the Hesperia High School (HHS) Boys Basketball team has earned its place in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 Championship. The Scorpions will face Bishop Amat on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. at Toyota Arena in Ontario — marking just the second time in school history that the team has reached this milestone.
This achievement marks just the second CIF Finals appearance in the program’s history — a milestone nearly two decades in the making. The last time Hesperia High reached the section championship, the city was still growing into the thriving desert community it is today. Their return to the finals is a proud reminder of the school’s growth, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.
Road to the Finals
Hesperia High entered the postseason as Co-Mojave River League (MRL) Champions, a title earned through resilience and execution on both sides of the court. Their path to the championship has been anything but easy, as the Scorpions took down some of California’s most respected basketball programs to reach this point.
Feb. 11 (Round 1): Defeated San Clemente, 52–41, before a packed hometown crowd.
Feb. 13 (Round 2): Snapped Elsinore’s undefeated 29–0 season with a commanding 77–62 road win.
Feb. 17 (Quarterfinals): Pulled out a nail-biter over Rancho Verde, 55–53.
Feb. 20 (Semifinals): Shocked perennial powerhouse Mater Dei, 57–52, in what local fans are calling one of the greatest games ever played in the Scorpions’ home gym.
This remarkable run places the Scorpions among an elite class of Hesperia athletes who’ve carried the city’s banner in statewide competition.
Leaders on the Court
The Scorpions’ rise has been powered by a disciplined lineup that blends senior leadership with tenacious defense and teamwork.
#5 Nolan Newman-Gomez — 26 points, 14 rebounds per game
#1 JJ Herd — 10 points per game
#3 Nate Hinojos — 8 points per game
#11 Kaisyn Talataina — 8 points per game
#4 Damian Byrd — 6 points per game
Each athlete has contributed to what local fans describe as “Scorpion basketball” — selfless play, relentless energy, and belief in each other.
A Tradition Revived
It’s been years since Hesperia High’s basketball program reached the CIF Finals, making this run particularly meaningful for long-time supporters. The Scorpions previously advanced to the championship game more than a decade ago, setting a standard that today’s players have proudly revived.
For Hesperia Unified School District (HUSD), the accomplishment reflects more than athletic success — it represents the dedication of educators, families, and community supporters who have invested in their youth and their future. Hesperia High’s climb to the top echoes the district’s motto: Preparing Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s World.
Ticket and Event Information
HUSD invites the entire community — students, alumni, and families — to cheer on the Scorpions as they take the court for the CIF Division 2 title.
Who: Hesperia High Scorpions vs. Bishop Amat
When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Where: Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA
Tickets: Available at GoFan.co
For information about Hesperia Unified School District programs and athletics, visit hesperiausd.org or follow them on social media via Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter).
