Hamilton girls basketball team has big aspirations as top seed in L.A. City Section Open Division playoffs, reigning champion Birmingham receives No. 2 seed

Since the Open Division was introduced in the City Section girls basketball playoffs a decade ago, three schools from the Western League – Fairfax, Palisades and Westchester – have combined to win seven championships in the elite bracket.

Hamilton (23-2) is looking to add to that legacy this season, receiving the top seed in the Open Division playoffs and opening the postseason Thursday against No. 8 Granada Hills (16-12).

Semifinals are scheduled for Feb. 25, with the championship game held March 1 at Pasadena City College.

The Yankees, led by seniors Jade Fort, Kinidi Curl and Micah Lemons, enter the playoffs on a 16-game winning streak.

Hamilton girls basketball team | Photo courtesy of Hamilton

Hamilton last captured a City Section title by winning the Division 2 crown in 2018.

The Yankees suffered setbacks in the Open Division championship game in 2020 and 2021 against Palisades.

Granada Hills won the 2019 Open Division crown and lost in the 2023 final against Westchester.

Birmingham (21-6), the reigning Open Division champion and winner of two of the past three titles, secured the No. 2 seed and squares off against No. 7 King-Drew (14-12).

The Patriots, featuring freshman Kayla Tanijiri, senior Lili Martinez and junior Kamora Coleman, have won 11 in a row and are attempting to become the first back-to-back winner of the Open Division championship since Palisades in 2020 and 2021.

Birmingham girls basketball team | Photo courtesy of Birmingham

King-Drew is still searching for the first City Section girls basketball crown in program history.

Westchester (20-5) earned the No. 3 seed and will play host to No. 6 Garfield (20-4).

The Comets have advanced to the past three Open Division finals, winning the 2023 title.

Westchester, highlighted by seniors Reigne Waugh and Monroe Anderson as well as sophomore Savannah Myles, could become the first school in City Section history to reach four consecutive Open Division girls basketball championship games.

Reigne Waugh of Westchester girls basketball team, left, against Jada Fort of Hamilton | Photo courtesy of Westchester

El Camino Real (13-13) achieved the No. 4 seed and will match up against No. 5 Palisades (14-14).

The Dolphins, led by Ayla Teegardin, Elly Tierney and Sincere Aubrey, have captured the most Open Division titles with four, but are seeking their first since 2021.

El Camino Real, which won the Division 1 crown in 2022, has only reached the Open Division final once in program history, losing to Palisades in 2016.

The Royals are led by seniors Laila Bowens and Taryn Watrin, in addition to junior Amirah Smith.

Verdugo Hills (21-6) grabbed the top seed in Division 1 and plays Wednesday against No. 16 Marshall (11-11).

The Dons won three consecutive City Section titles from 2020-22, all in different divisions, but are attempting to capture their first championship in Division 1.

Banning (13-8) is the No. 1 seed in Division 2 and competes against No. 16 Lincoln (8-10).

The Pilots won the Division 3 crown last season and have the opportunity to secure back-to-back titles for the first time in program history.

Lakeview Charter (14-8) achieved the top seed in Division 3 and plays No. 16 Math and Science College Prep (9-8).

Hawkins (9-4) collected the No. 1 seed in Division 4 and opens the playoffs Friday against the winner of Wednesday’s contest involving No. 16 Triumph Charter (9-5) and No. 17 Dymally (2-8).

Sotomayor (8-9) secured the top seed in Division 5 and awaits the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between No. 16 Annenberg (15-1) and No. 17 Stern (11-8) to determine its opponent in Friday’s second round.