Etiwanda girls basketball routs Sierra Canyon to claim 2024 CIF Southern Section Open Division crown

McDonald's All-American Kennedy Smith helps Etiwanda win second Open title in three years in win over Sierra Canyon

Tarek Fattal | Feb 23, 2024

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA - It wasn't just the CIF Southern Section Open Division final. It was a rubber match.

Sierra Canyon and Etiwanda girls basketball would clash yet again in the almighty final for a third straight time after splitting the previous two championship games.

Given the nature of the rivalry and the underclassmen that fill both rosters, for now, let's just say – advantage, Etiwanda – with the assumption they'll meet again in years to come.

The Eagles rolled to a 65-44 victory over Sierra Canyon at Cal Baptist University Friday night, winning their second Open Division crown in three years.

Etiwanda (29-3) won the 2022 final, 69-57. Sierra Canyon (30-2) won last year's final, 70-57.

(photos by Andy Holzman)

Junior Grace Knox imposed her physical presence in the second half en route to a 19-point, 12-rebound performance.

"They're a physical program. That's what they do. That's a staple of their program," Sierra Canyon coach Alicia Komaki said of Etiwanda.

Four players scored in double figures for Etiwanda, led by Knox. McDonald's All-American Kennedy Smith (USC signee) tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds. Aliyahna Morris and Mykelle Richards each added 13 points.

The Eagles shot 41% (22 of 54) from the field and made five (of 13) 3-pointers.

Despite starting the game 1 of 8 from the field with eight turnovers, Sierra Canyon clung to a 20-15 deficit after falling early, 11-4.

But Etiwanda made its move in the third quarter, outscoring the Trailblazers 20-10, including a 12-2 run that anchored a 40-23 advantage. In the fourth quarter, Etiwanda matched another 17-point lead (53-36) with 3:45 to play.

Sierra Canyon's McDonald's All-American, MacKenly Randolph, notched an impressive double-double herself, scoring 14 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. But the standout senior was just 5 of 15 from the field.

Etiwanda vs. Sierra Canyon in the CIF Southern Section Open Division girls basketball final at Cal Baptist University on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. — Etiwanda vs. Sierra Canyon in the CIF Southern Section Open Division girls basketball final at Cal Baptist University on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 / Photo by Andy Holzman

Sophomore Jerzy Robinson will be one to watch in the future after tallying 17 points and 15 rebounds. Randolph, Robinson and Izela Arenas (11 points) were the only players in double figures for the Trailblazers.

The Trailblazers shot 25% (15 of 60) from the field and didn't convert on any 3-pointers despite 14 attempts. Etiwanda was 16 of 25 from the free throw line to Sierra Canyon's 14 of 18.

Etiwanda's largest lead was 65-42 late in the fourth quarter.

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Etiwanda’s Grace Knox takes a charge.

Etiwanda leads Sierra Canyon 11-4 at the end of the first quarter. Eagles have made three 3s. pic.twitter.com/him7Lhk6Aj
— Tarek Fattal (@Tarek_Fattal) February 24, 2024

Jerzy Robinson.

Rebound. Stop and pop. pic.twitter.com/DcWiRU89pU
— Tarek Fattal (@Tarek_Fattal) February 24, 2024

Published Feb 23, 2024

TAREK FATTAL

Tarek Fattal has been covering high school sports since 2015 in Southern California and primarily in Los Angeles, covering notable athletes such as Bronny James, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alyssa Thompson. He was with the LA Daily News for eight years, which included being the beat reporter for the UCLA men's basketball team. Tarek can be seen on TV regularly on CBS/KCAL as a sports analyst with Jim Hill.