The Rancho Cotate boys and girls varsity basketball teams faced heartbreak on February 27, 2026, at Montgomery High School, falling short in their respective North Coast Section Division 4 championship games. Both teams aimed to secure their first titles in program history but were ultimately defeated by Mission San Jose and Branson, respectively.
The boys’ team suffered a 46-40 loss to Mission San Jose, marking a historic achievement for the Warriors as they claimed their first section title. Despite an early 13-point lead for Rancho Cotate, Mission San Jose capitalized on 20 turnovers to stage a comeback, led by senior forward Joseph Standfield, who scored 23 points, including crucial baskets in the final moments.
In a parallel struggle, the girls’ team lost to Branson, which secured its 12th section title with a 44-36 victory. The Cougars, trailing significantly in the first half, displayed remarkable resilience but could not bridge the gap despite a spirited second-half rally.
Boys’ Championship Highlights
The Rancho Cotate boys began the game strongly, establishing a quick 14-6 lead. However, as turnovers began to mount, Mission San Jose took advantage, closing the gap to just one point by halftime. Standfield’s pivotal contributions in the fourth quarter, including a vital three-pointer that shifted the momentum, allowed Mission San Jose to secure the win.
Despite the loss, Rancho Cotate head coach James Slade emphasized the significance of reaching the championship game. “No one in the county thought that we would be wearing that second-place medal,” he reflected. “We beat some good teams to get to where we are.” The Cougars will now prepare to enter the CIF state Northern California playoffs for the first time in their history.
Girls’ Championship Challenges
The girls’ game presented a different set of challenges. Rancho Cotate faced an uphill battle from the start, falling behind 26-11 at halftime. The situation escalated when senior guard Sierra Wilmes suffered an injury just before halftime, requiring medical attention and leaving her teammates shaken. Fortunately, after being taken to the hospital, early reports indicated she was showing signs of improvement.
Despite the emotional turmoil, the Cougars mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, led by Isabelle Ellison, who scored 17 points. The Cougars managed a 12-0 run, igniting their supporters and narrowing the deficit to five points. However, Branson’s Kate Spaulding, who finished with 17 points, ensured that the Bulls maintained control and ultimately secured victory.
Head coach Paulina Ceja praised her team’s spirit and emotional resilience. “Doing what they did in the third quarter, coming back after what happened to Sierra, shows an incredible amount of emotional maturity,” she stated.
Both teams will advance to the CIF state Northern California playoffs, marking a significant milestone for Rancho Cotate basketball. As they transition from disappointment to new opportunities, the future looks promising for both squads, who have made history in their pursuit of excellence.