EL MONTE – Arroyo and Rosemead high schools’ boys’ basketball teams battled through a competitive, 32-team bracket to set up an all-El Monte Union High School District championship game in the CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) Division 5A finale.

It marked the third meeting of the season between the Mission Valley League (MVL) opponents, with both teams splitting the regular season series. In the end, Arroyo High won the hard-fought CIF-SS championship game by a final score of 50-38 in front of a packed crowd at Azusa Pacific University on Feb. 28. Students, families, and alumni from both schools filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as fans rallied behind the players throughout the night.

It secured Arroyo’s first-ever CIF-SS title in boys’ basketball, while Rosemead made history of its own by advancing to a CIF-SS championship for the first time in the sport.

“This win is a testament to our team’s hard work, but more than that, it was a moment for our entire community,” Arroyo basketball coach Oscar Lopez said. “Our schools may be rivals, but there’s a deep mutual respect between us. Seeing students, families, and alumni come together to support both teams made this game truly special. At the end of the day, it’s about more than basketball—we’re building character, and that means more than any final score.”

Rhys Anderson, the MVL MVP, led Rosemead with 22 points and 14 rebounds. For Arroyo, Luis Ventura contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, while Elijah Gonzalez finished with a team-high 14 points. Kamren Dorantes added six points and led the team with 10 rebounds, playing a key role in the Knights’ success.

“Everything from the energy surrounding the competitions to witnessing our athletes get dialed in during practices is a step in a very positive direction for Arroyo High School athletics,” Arroyo athletic director Katy Melvey said. “Athletes here on campus work hard in the classroom and on the court every single day, and we are so proud of the example this team is setting for our underclassmen, who are striving to also make the CIF playoffs one day.”

Both Arroyo and Rosemead high schools advanced to CIF State Division V Championships and saw their seasons come to a close in the first round of the Southern California Regional on March 4. Arroyo High ended the year with a 17-12 overall record after taking third place in the MVL with an 8-5 mark. Rosemead High posted a 16-14 record and finished fourth in the MVL at 7-5.

“This championship game was a celebration of the hard work and commitment of our student-athletes, as well as the strong school spirit that defines El Monte Union,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Both teams represented their schools and community with excellence, and their journey to the championship is something to be celebrated. As we look ahead, we are excited for what’s next and proud of the continued dedication our students show both on and off the court.”

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EMUHSD_BOYS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP_1: Arroyo High School’s boys varsity basketball team celebrates after securing the CIF Southern Section Division 5A title with a 50-38 victory over Rosemead High School at Azusa Pacific University’s Felix Event Center on Feb. 28.