Sanger West tames the Mira Monte Lions

FRESNO – After their first playoff victory in program history, Sanger West came out ready to prove they’re no longer just a feel good story. The Hornets want everyone to know they’re now playoff contenders.

Led by the terrific trio of juniors Kharon Parks, Jordan Ruffin and senior Justin Armbrister, top-seeded Sanger West prevented #8 seed Mira Monte (Bakersfield) from taking a serious swat at The Hive. With their 84-40 victory against the Lions in the quarterfinals of the 2025-26 Central Section D IV Championships on Feb. 17, Sanger West proved that they belong on this stage.

“We have a whole cast of teammates and players – I’m just glad that all of us are putting it all together,” said Sanger West head coach Mike Paredes. “If one guy’s having a bad game, hopefully somebody else can pick him up. And I’m glad that works.”

It’s games like this that have defined the Hornets all season. Collapsing the opposition on defense with man-to-man pressure, constant double teams and finishing on both ends of the court have defined a Sanger West team that, as the Lions found out the hard way, are no longer a work in progress.

“We’ve been lucky enough to be able to put on the gas – but you know what? It never is enough,” said Paredes.

From the opening whistle, Sanger West made sure to shave the Lions’ mane with a lot more than just Parks’s play in transition, Ruffin’s power in the paint and Armbrister’s two-way play on offense and defense.

Toss in some timely treys from behind the arc by sophomore Aedan Norton, and the hustle of fellow sophomore Benjamin Gutierrez, and the Hornet’s first-half flurry left Mira Monte more than dazed and confused with a 43-17 half time gut punch heading into the locker room at half time.

Sanger West’s continued relentless play in the second half suffocated Mira Monte. With the Lions pretty much down and out for the count, the Hornets bench took care of the rest.

“This is the culture that we’re establishing, and you got to get ready to go, because there’s only one way,” said Paredes.

For the Hornets (28-3), this is now the 19th game they’ve won by 20 points or more. And it does something more than extend their current winning streak to 10.

With just one game left before the Central Section D IV Championship, Sanger West’s victory puts them one step closer to Selland Arena for the chance to compete.

“We don’t switch the game plan, and I think we have the horsepower to keep pressing, to keep doing what we’re doing,” said Paredes.