Capo Valley Christian’s boys basketball team tries to bring home first CIF title Saturday

Capistrano Valley Christian’s boys basketball team is in the CIF 3A finals Saturday (Photos courtesy Capistrano Valley Christian).

Capistrano Valley Christian’s boys basketball team began its journey to the CIF 3A championship game two years ago under Coach Christopher Childress.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Head coach Christopher Childress gives instructions to his team during a timeout.

Dylen Roberts (left), Austin Rapp and Bence Duka cheer on their teammates.

One of the Eagles leaders is 6-7 senior Festus Ndumanya.

Coach Christopher Childress leads the Capo Valley Christian team.

Scottie McDowell (No. 1) applies defensive pressure for Capo Valley Christian.

Festus Ndumanya takes a jumper for the Eagles.

That’s when the building blocks were established for the program. All the pieces fell in place and the team is now headed to the title game Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against Palm Springs at Azusa Pacific University.

Capo Valley Christian will be out to bring home the school’s first CIF title in boys basketball. The school is located in San Juan Capistrano.

“Two years ago when I met with the administration, our vision was aligned from the very beginning,” Childress said Wednesday. “We would start by changing the culture and allow everything else to follow. That’s exactly what we have done.

“It’s all about #TheBrotherhood. I have been around basketball a very long time and this is one of the closest groups I have ever seen. They do everything together. They go to the movies, basketball games and even come to the school on weekends to study together. It’s a beautiful thing to be a witness of.”

Capo Valley Christian (25-7 overall) advanced to the finals with a 48-34 victory over Palos Verdes in the semifinals Saturday night. The team opened with a 65-34 victory over Placentia, defeated Redlands 61-54,. Salesian 41-35 and Palos Verdes to reach the biggest game of the year against Palm Springs (26-5).

“I am so very proud of this group,” Childress said. “I have seen a group continue to grow in front of my very own eyes. Through any type of adversity they continue to step up big and rally behind each other.

“We have been talking about this opportunity since summer ball in June. Everything that we work for will give us an opportunity to play for a CIF championship. All of the 7 a.m. practices, strength and conditioning sessions, Brotherhood Meetings would pay off. We have given ourselves exactly that. We have given ourselves an opportunity to make history here at CVCS, by winning our first ever CIF championship in basketball.”

The top players on the team include senior Festus Ndumanya, who is averaging 19.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and two blocked shots a game; junior Luke Powell, who is averaging 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game; senior Blaine Petronis, who is averaging 7.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game; and senior Riely Petronis, who is averaging 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds a game.

Childress said there are many people who have helped the program reach the CIF title game.

“I want to thank my coaching staff for being such a great example to these young men,” he said. “Also, I would like to thank all the families, administration, and the fans for your continued support. None of this would be possible without a total team effort. What an exciting time to be an Eagle. God be the Glory.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com