Modesto Christian boys basketball team begins march toward potential fourth consecutive Division 1 title as top seed in Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs

Modesto Christian already holds the record in the CIF-Sac-Joaquin Section for most boys basketball titles with 22, including the past three Division 1 championships.

The Crusaders are also tied with Sacramento Sheldon for most Division 1 crowns in section history with seven.

Modesto Christian (21-7) is looking to equal Sheldon’s success from 2010-13 by becoming only the second program in Division 1 history to win four consecutive championships.

Modesto Christian boys basketball team | Photo courtesy of Modesto Christan

The Crusaders, led by senior Gavin Sykes, junior Myles Jones and sophomore Trevor Dickson, received the top seed in the Division 1 playoffs and are scheduled to face the winner of Tuesday’s play-in game involving Pitman (23-5) and Tokay (16-12) in Wednesday’s opening round.

Quarterfinal games are scheduled for Friday, with the semifinals Feb. 25 and the championship game held Feb. 28 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Inderkum (26-1), which enters the postseason on a 20-game winning streak, earned the No. 2 seed and squares off Wednesday against the winner of Tuesday’s play-in matchup between Turlock (13-14) and Central Valley (16-12).

Inderkum boys basketball team | Dave Gershon photo

Modesto Christian secured a 64-56 semifinal victory last year against Inderkum, before prevailing by a 68-63 margin in the final against Stockton Lincoln to achieve a three-peat.

The Tigers, featuring sophomore Siincere Hudson plus seniors Malachi Johnson and Taylen Goodman, are still seeking the first boys basketball section championship in program history.

Folsom (24-3), highlighted by senior Chase Rawlins and junior Joven Dulay, grabbed the No. 3 seed and plays a first-round game Wednesday against No. 14 Enochs (18-9).

The Bulldogs haven’t won a Division 1 title since 2015.

Stockton Lincoln (25-3), with a strong senior trio of Anthony Moore, Donez Lindsey and Isaiah “Zeke” Davis leading the way, captured the No. 4 seed and matches up Wednesday in the opening round against Gregori (23-5).

The Trojans won their lone Division 1 championship in 1980.

Destiny Christian Academy of Sacramento (17-11) grabbed the top seed in Division 2 and awaits the winner of Tuesday’s play-in game involving Tracy (16-10) and Grace Davis (19-9) to determine its opponent for Wednesday’s first-round contest.

Christian Brothers (21-7) achieved the No. 1 seed in Division 3 and will compete Wednesday in the opening round against the winner of Tuesday’s play-in matchup between Oakdale (13-14) and Los Banos (14-11).

Natomas (21-7) is the top seed in Division 4 and will square off Wednesday against either Linden (13-8) or Highlands (15-7) following Tuesday’s play-in showdown.

Woodland Christian (23-5) was awarded the No. 1 seed in Division 5 and will compete Wednesday against the winner of Tuesday’s play-in contest featuring Vanguard College Prep (17-11) and Mariposa County (13-14).

Stone Ridge Christian (20-8) secured the top seed in Division 6, in addition to a first-round bye, and will prepare for either No. 8 Sacramento Adventist (14-13) or No. 9 Creative Connections Arts Academy (6-10) in Friday’s quarterfinals.