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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
February 17, 2026
LCCN Staff Report
La Mirada (23-7) climbed back into the CIF-Southern Section Open Division conversation Friday night with a clutch 56-53 win over St. John Bosco, a result that dramatically reshaped the Matadores’ postseason outlook.
The Matadores had opened pool play with a 76-60 loss to Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, leaving them in must-win territory. Friday’s victory over Bosco not only restored confidence, it created a scenario where La Mirada still controls part of its destiny — but not all of it.
Now comes the waiting game.
La Mirada needs St. John Bosco to fall to Notre Dame in Tuesday’s pool finale. If Notre Dame wins, the Matadores remain in position to advance to the Open Division quarterfinals. But if Bosco pulls off the win, La Mirada’s path shifts — potentially knocking the Matadores out of the Open Division bracket and into a play-in game for a state playoff berth instead.
In short: Tuesday night’s Bosco–Notre Dame result could determine whether La Mirada continues chasing a CIF-SS Open Division title or begins preparing for the state play-in route.
What Friday proved, however, is that La Mirada belongs in the Open Division. The Matadores executed late, defended with intensity, and closed out one of Southern California’s powerhouse programs under pressure. That kind of performance carries weight in February — and it sends a message that La Mirada is not just happy to be here.
Now the Matadores wait to see how the final piece of the postseason puzzle falls into place.