San Joaquin League lives up to its billing as one of the county’s toughest leagues

Fairmont Prep celebrated a CIF title, but three teams from the league have had quite a playoff run. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Going into post-season play, the San Joaquin League already had a reputation as one of the best boys basketball leagues in Orange County.

After Saturday’s CIF finals, that point was proven once again.

The league boasted two CIF champions and one runner-up. Fairmont Prep and Capistrano Valley Christian took home titles. Fairmont Prep defeated Pacifica Christian 52-49 in the 4AA title game. (To see the game story, photos and video, please click here)

Capistrano Valley Christian defeated Palm Springs 43-33 in the 3A championship game. (To see the game story and photos, please click here)

Fairmont Prep won the San Joaquin League, Capo Valley Christian was second and Pacifica Christian third.

All three teams headed into the CIF Division III regionals which began Tuesday night.

“Our league is tough,” Fairmont Prep Coach Joedy Gardner said after Saturday’s finals. “We have three teams in the finals. Capo Valley (Christian) wins their division, we win our division and we will see those guys again.

“Our league is growing and getting better and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

All three teams were at home Tuesday night. No. 4 Fairmont Prep hosted No. 13 Palm Springs, No. 5 Pacifica Christian hosted No. 12 Bakersfield Christian and No. 7 Capistrano Valley Christian hosted No. 10 Rancho Buena Vista.

Fairmont Prep won on Tuesday over Palm Springs 51-41 and Pacifica Christian defeated Bakersfield Christian 69-68 in overtime to set up a second round match-up Thursday night between Fairmont Prep and Pacifica Christian. The game will be at 7 p.m. at Fairmont Prep.

This will be the fourth time the two league rivals have met this year. Fairmont Prep has won all three games, including two league contests.

Gardner said he has tremendous respect for the PacifIca Christian program, coached by Jeffrey Berokoff.

“They’ve only been around for four or five years and they’ve done a terrific job. You saw their fans, they’re terrific,” he said. “Both games (in league) were sold out when we played each other and Jeff is an excellent coach, they’re well coached and they have some Division 1 players.”

The Fairmont Prep coach said he and his players are excited about the state tournament.

“We’re looking forward to that challenge. Our goal was to win CIF first and then go to state. So hopefully we can make some noise at state.”

Capistrano Valley Christian’s season ended Tuesday night when the Eagles lost to Rancho Buena Vista 66-58.

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