As the boys’ races intensify, the girls’ leagues are heating up as well. In the Foothill League, Valencia has emerged as the team to beat with an undefeated league record.

Over in the Heritage League, Santa Clarita Christian School (SCCS) sits in fourth place but remains firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish.

Valencia (14-3, 4-0) vs. Canyon (10-9, 3-1)

Valencia enters Friday riding high after an 82-29 blowout win over West Ranch. Cara McKell led the Vikings with 23 points, while sophomore Kamilla Basyrova added 21.

Defensively, Valencia was just as dominant, recording 18 steals and four blocks.

Canyon is coming off a statement win of its own, dismantling Golden Valley 71-27. The night belonged to sophomore Darby Dunn, who became the first girls’ basketball player in Foothill League and Santa Clarita Valley history to reach 1,000 career points. 

Dunn finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and nine steals in a performance that further solidified her status as one of the area’s elite players.

With both teams carrying momentum and potential implications for the league standings, Friday’s matchup should be a compelling one as Valencia hosts Canyon at 5 p.m.

Saugus (12-5, 4-1) at Golden Valley (10-7, 1-3)

Second-place Saugus has built momentum with back-to-back wins over Birmingham and Hart. The victories came in contrasting fashion, as the Centurions edged Birmingham 57-52 before cruising past Hart 50-11.

Golden Valley has found success in non-league play but has struggled against Foothill League competition. The Grizzlies’ recent results reflect that trend, including a loss to Canyon followed by a 60-34 win over Marshall. With time still left in the season, Golden Valley will look to turn things around in league play when the two teams tip off Friday at 5 p.m.

West Ranch (14-3, 2-3) vs. SCCS (5-7, 2-3)

West Ranch and SCCS are set to meet on Thursday at 5 p.m. in a non-league matchup. The Wildcats are looking to bounce back after their six-game winning streak was snapped Tuesday by Valencia. With 14 wins, West Ranch remains one of the Foothill League’s most successful teams this season.

SCCS, meanwhile, has played just 12 games and sits just under .500. The Cardinals’ 2-3 Heritage League record keeps them in contention for a top-three finish, with Vasquez currently holding third place at 4-1-1.

Castaic (4-10, 0-4) at Hart (6-13, 1-3)

Castaic is coming off one of its most dominant performances of the season, a 49-18 win over Lakeview Charter. Freshman Charlotte Wheeler led the Coyotes with 26 points.

Hart, on the other hand, is looking to rebound after a tough 50-11 loss to Saugus. The Hawks will aim to get back on track when they host Castaic on Friday at 5 p.m.

Trinity Classical Academy (10-6) at Heritage Christian (7-12)

Trinity Classical Academy is the only Santa Clarita Valley team that has yet to play a league game, placing the Knights at the bottom of the Heritage League standings for now. With the majority of their remaining schedule consisting of league matchups, each game will be critical as Trinity looks to make a late push up the standings.

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