Photos: Carlsbad beats Montgomery 56-47, claims first San Diego Section Open Division championship

Carlsbad won their second CIF title in three seasons and their first in the Open Division

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA — Facing big expectations as the San Diego Section's top basketball team to open the 2023-24 season, Carlsbad finished off the job on Saturday night by beating Montgomery for the Open Division crown.

Carlsbad used an 8-0 run to break a 6-6 tie at the end of the first quarter and held off several runs from the Aztecs in the second half to capture their first Open Division title.

The Lancers were eliminated by the Aztecs in the semifinal round last season and lost to Montgomery in December before starting their current winning streak that now sits at 19 games.

Jake Hall, Carlsbad's leading scorer and a two-time 1st team All-CIF selection, led the Lancers with 19 points in the victory. He knocked down two 3-pointers in the final two minutes of the game, helping Carlsbad pull away.

Montgomery junior JJ Sanchez led all scorers with 20 points in the loss.

(Check out all the photos from Justin Fine below)

Photo by Justin Fine

Photo by Justin Fine