UPDATE: The Bay Area News Group has just released its predictions for the highly anticipated high school basketball championships happening this Friday, February 11, 2026. After a week-long break for the Super Bowl, the team is back, and excitement is building as the East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) playoffs approach.
The championship games for both boys and girls are set to take place on Friday night, but the field will only be finalized after the Wednesday semifinals. Notably, the predictions are already generating buzz among fans and players alike.
San Ramon Valley is the clear favorite for the EBAL girls title, according to analysts Darren Sabedra, Christian Babcock, and Nathan Canilao. However, the boys’ championship is a different story, with a split decision emerging between top-seeded De La Salle and No. 2 seed Dougherty Valley. Sabedra and Babcock are backing De La Salle, while Canilao believes Dougherty Valley has the potential for an upset.
“I think De La Salle is still figuring some things out,” Canilao stated. “Dougherty Valley lost to Dublin last Friday, but they’ve been consistent throughout the EBAL season. Coach Mike Hansen really wants this one.” This insight adds an emotional layer, highlighting the determination of the teams and their coaches.
In another exciting matchup, the Los Gatos Wildcats will face off against the Los Altos Eagles in a rematch of their earlier SCVAL De Anza Division game, where Los Gatos emerged victorious. Sabedra and Canilao predict another win for Los Gatos, while Babcock is going against the grain, anticipating a motivated Eagles team to take the victory.
As the games approach, here are the key matchups to watch:
BOYS GAMES:
– **Thursday, February 10, 2026**
Priory (15-5) at King’s Academy (18-3), 7 p.m.
– Babcock: TBA
– Canilao: TBA
– Sabedra: TBA
– **Friday, February 11, 2026**
EBAL Championship TBD, 7 p.m.
– Babcock: De La Salle
– Canilao: Dougherty Valley
– Sabedra: De La Salle
Berkeley (14-10) at Bishop O’Dowd (17-7), 7 p.m.
– Babcock: O’Dowd
– Canilao: O’Dowd
– Sabedra: O’Dowd
St. Ignatius (19-2) at Bellarmine (15-6), 7:30 p.m.
– Babcock: St. Ignatius
– Canilao: Bellarmine
– Sabedra: St. Ignatius
GIRLS GAMES:
– **Wednesday, February 9, 2026**
Los Altos (19-3) at Los Gatos (16-5), 7 p.m.
– Babcock: Los Altos
– Canilao: Los Gatos
– Sabedra: Los Gatos
– **Thursday, February 10, 2026**
Piedmont (16-3) at Bishop O’Dowd (15-8), 5:30 p.m.
– Babcock: Piedmont
– Canilao: Piedmont
– Sabedra: Piedmont
– **Friday, February 11, 2026**
Menlo-Atherton (17-4) at Half Moon Bay (16-5), 6:15 p.m.
– Babcock: Menlo-Atherton
– Canilao: Menlo-Atherton
– Sabedra: Half Moon Bay
EBAL Championship TBD, 7 p.m.
– Babcock: San Ramon Valley
– Canilao: San Ramon Valley
– Sabedra: San Ramon Valley
As the predictions roll in, fans are encouraged to tune in for these thrilling matchups. The stakes are high, and the passion of the players will undoubtedly shine through.
Stay tuned for updates and results as the championship games unfold, and be sure to share your thoughts on who you think will take home the titles!
