Jaguars Edge Gators in Playoff Battle

The Canyon View Jaguars survived a tense Open Division Round 1 battle on the road, holding off Xavier College Prep for a 54–49 playoff win in a game that stayed tight all the way into the closing minutes.

Canyon View came out sharp and aggressive, setting the tone early with a 15–8 first-quarter lead. Xavier College Prep answered in the second, finding more rhythm offensively and trimming the deficit as the Jaguars carried a 32–28 edge into halftime.

The third quarter kept the pressure high as both teams traded baskets, stops, and momentum swings. Canyon View stayed just in front, taking a narrow 39–37 lead into the final frame with everything still up for grabs.

In the fourth, the Jaguars delivered when it mattered most. Canyon View created just enough space late and executed down the stretch to close out the five-point win, punching its ticket forward in the Open Division bracket while Xavier College Prep battled to the very end.

For Xavier College Prep, S. McNabb finished with 11 points and 6 assists, G. Cloud added 10 points, M. James scored 9 on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, and S. Charles chipped in 8 points with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. E. McLaughlin added 5 points in the playoff fight.