The Cathedral Catholic High School boys varsity basketball team takes on Torrey Pines High School today at 7:30 p.m. in the Rimac Arena at the University of California, San Diego in the San Diego Section California Interscholastic Federation Open Division Championship.

CCHS (23-7) (7-1) has met TPHS (26-4) (10-0) once this season, achieving a 58-51 victory.

The Dons are excited and prepared to face off with TPHS on the biggest stage of the season.

“We are very much looking forward to this rematch to be able to show our talent and hopefully have a strong showing,” Narcy said.

CCHS respects its neighbors on Del Mar Heights Road.

“TPHS is a fantastic team and they’re playing in this game for a reason,” CCHS shooting guard Scotty Prunty ‘20 said. 

CCHS, boasting San Diego County’s top seed, has cruised through the playoffs defeating Christian High School and the Francis Parker School at home.

The TPHS Falcons took down Poway High School and showed grit defeating St. Augustine High School by two points on the road last Wednesday. 

The preparation of the Dons proved critical during the season and playoffs.

“The biggest thing has been our ability to execute consistently at a high level,” Prunty said. “By the time the games come around, we are prepared for our opponent because of the game plans our coaches have put in place.”

The Dons, riding a four-game win streak must play solid on both sides of the ball to be successful in the finals.

“Defensively, we have to be locked in with their personnel and understand what their guys do as far as tendencies,” Prunty said. “On offense, I think it comes down to getting good shots due to our defense and taking care of the ball.”

Offensively, CCHS and TPHS compare, contributing 2,053 and 1,927 points, respectively.

The Dons have been united all year and are beginning to play their best basketball of the season. 

“The whole team is mentally prepared for the game,” CCHS team manager Kellen O’Donnel ‘21 said. “The team has played the strongest in these past couple games.”

CCHS fosters valuable experience, as many of the players contributed to winning the San Diego Section California Interscholastic Federation Division I title last season. 

The Dons took down the Francis Parker School 47-46 in the finals last year, thanks to a game saving putback layup by Obina Anyanwu ‘21. 

CCHS hopes for a similar result today, but it knows the task at hand.

“Having the opportunity to compete in a CIF Championship game, especially in the Open Division, is something we’ve worked so hard for all season,” Prunty said. “We’re honored to be a top two program, but we know the job isn’t finished yet and there is a tough challenge ahead.”

CCHS head coach Mr. Will Cunningham will be coaching in his second San Diego Section California Interscholastic Federation Open Division Championship as he looks to add CCHS’ 12th Section Championship.