With less than a month left in the regular season, the Golden Valley Boys’ basketball team has stepped into the top seed of the Foothill League.

Canyon has an identical 4-1 league record but is ranked second due to a loss to Golden Valley earlier in the season.

Golden Valley (13-7, 4-1) downs Valencia (6-13, 4-2)  80-62:

The Grizzlies delivered their best performance of the season with an impressive 80-62 victory over Valencia, marking their highest-scoring game of the year. 

Alex Villejo led the team with an outstanding 27-point performance, complemented by a block and a steal. Sophomore Donovan Webb also shone, achieving a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. 

Wyatt Printz contributed significantly to the team’s success, adding 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

With this win, Golden Valley claims the top spot in the Foothill League standings. However, their position is precarious, as Canyon holds an identical 4-1 league record. Golden Valley currently holds the edge due to a previous victory over the Cowboys, but a single misstep in league play could lead to a shift in rankings if Canyon secures its next win.

To maintain their hold on the number one seed, Golden Valley must secure a victory on Tuesday when they face West Ranch.

The Vikings are currently on a five-game losing streak, but with just two league losses so far, they still have an opportunity to turn things around and make a strong push for the Foothill League Championship.

The Vikings’ next game is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against Legacy Christian Academy, and they return to league play on Friday against Hart.

Canyon (16-4, 4-1) stretches winning streak to six games with victory over Castaic (9-8, 0-5):

The Canyon Cowboys extended their winning streak to six games with a 93-45 victory over Castaic. 

Eric Kubel and Isaac Yuhico led the way for Canyon, combining for an impressive 47 points.

The Cowboys have established themselves as one of the highest-scoring teams in the Foothill League, tallying 1,490 points this season. Their dominance has been evident in wins by scores of 109-41, 108-45, 94-80, and most recently, 93-45.

Castaic struggled to keep pace with Canyon’s relentless scoring power. While the Coyotes hold a decisive 9-3 record outside of league play, their Foothill League performance has been less successful, with a 0-5 record. 

As the season enters its final month, Castaic’s chances of finishing in the top three and earning an automatic playoff berth appear slim. However, a strong finish could still secure them an at-large bid.

Meanwhile, Canyon remains firmly in the hunt for the Foothill League Championship, making every remaining game critical. The Cowboys’ next test is Tuesday evening when they will play Hart.

Saugus’ (12-7, 3-2) four-game win streak comes to an end:

The Saugus Centurions saw their winning streak come to an end on Saturday as the Camarillo Scorpions handed them a 61-47 defeat.

Despite the loss, several players delivered strong performances. Junior Braydon Harmon led the way with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Bryce Mejia contributed 11 points and five rebounds. Max Guardado also had a solid showing, adding 10 points and nine rebounds.

Saugus has been enjoying a strong season overall, with their only league losses coming in early December. Since then, they have recorded victories over Golden Valley, Canyon, West Ranch, and Hart. While their win over Canyon came during a tournament and does not count toward league standings, it highlights the progress they have made since their initial matchup.

With the remainder of their schedule primarily consisting of league games, aside from one, the Centurions have a key opportunity to climb the Foothill League rankings. They will look to move closer to the top three when they face Castaic on Tuesday.

West Ranch (6-10, 2-3) falls to Pacifica Christian:

West Ranch has experienced an up-and-down season, starting strong with a three-game winning streak but facing challenges as the season progressed. 

Their most recent setback came in a 95-70 loss to Pacifica Christian. While the Wildcats’ playoff chances appear slim, they have an opportunity to keep fighting and finish the season with determination. Up next, they face a tough test against top-ranked Golden Valley on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Hart (8-12, 1-4) falls in a close battle against West Ranch:

The Hart Hawks delivered a spirited effort Friday night against West Ranch but fell just short in a 77-73 loss.

Hart edged West Ranch in the first quarter, 22-21, but struggled in the second quarter as West Ranch surged ahead. By halftime, the Hawks trailed 46-37.

In the third quarter, West Ranch outscored Hart 17-16, and while the Hawks rallied in the fourth with 20 points to West Ranch’s 14, the late push wasn’t enough to close the gap.

As the season progresses, Hart has yet to find its rhythm and reach its full potential. Close losses have become a recurring theme, including a three-point defeat to El Camino Real, a four-point loss to Vasquez, and another narrow game against Calabasas. 

Like West Ranch, Hart’s chances of securing a playoff berth appear slim, but there is still an opportunity to finish strong and build momentum heading into the offseason.

Hart can start the journey to a strong finish Tuesday when they host Canyon at 6:30 p.m.

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