Sultans upset No. 1 seed Hilltop

By Ramon Scott
Updated: February 20, 2026

2025-26 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

SAN DIEGO CIF DIVISION IV QUARTERFINALS

SANTANA 48, HILLTOP 28

CHULA VISTA — Ninth-seeded Santana flipped the script on the top line of the SDS-CIF Division IV girls’ playoff bracket Thursday night, stunning No. 1 seed Hilltop, 48-28, in the quarterfinals.

The Sultans (17-12) advanced to the semifinals by turning the game into a defensive clinic, holding the Lancers to 21 percent shooting from the field (9-of-50) and just four points in the third quarter.

From the opening tip, Santana dictated tempo, physicality and shot quality — three pillars that have defined its postseason surge.

Santana led 15-8 after one period and never allowed Hilltop to settle in offensively.

The Lancers trimmed the margin to eight at halftime, 22-14, but the Sultans’ pressure defense squeezed the life out of any comeback bid in the second half. Hilltop managed just 4-of-40 shooting inside the arc and committed 17 turnovers, repeatedly forced into contested looks late in the shot clock.

Junior guard Harper Diaz set the tone early with assertive downhill attacks and perimeter shot-making, finishing with 13 points.

Sophomore Sam Mora added 15 points, including key baskets during an 8-4 third-quarter stretch that pushed the lead to double digits for good.

Junior forward Ashlyn Darrow delivered a strong two-way effort with 16 points, controlling the glass and converting in transition, while sophomore Brynn Warren chipped in four points and steady backcourt defense.

Hilltop was led by senior Kayli Salgado’s 15 points, but Santana’s defensive rotations limited her efficiency, forcing her into 5-of-23 shooting.

The Sultans also won the possession battle, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and converting at the free-throw line when the Lancers attempted to extend the game.

The victory marks Santana’s second straight postseason upset. The Sultans opened the playoffs by eliminating No. 8 Coronado, 57-20, before taking down the bracket’s top seed. Now, Santana advances to face No. 5 Point Loma in Tuesday’s semifinal.

The Pointers (17-10) enter after a 44-38 win over No. 4 El Camino and boast one of the division’s stingiest defenses.

For Santana, the formula is clear: defend, rebound, and let its balanced scoring carry the offense. If Thursday’s performance is any indication, the ninth seed is peaking at precisely the right time.