Basketball Recap: Vista Falls Short of Otay Ranch in the Playoffs

It's hard to turn regular season success into postseason wins, a fact Vista can now relate to. They were dealt a 63-22 defeat at the hands of the Otay Ranch Mustangs on Wednesday. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 790th, while the Mustangs are ranked 190th).

Isabella Mosley

Steals

02/19/25 @ Otay Ranch	2
02/14/25 vs Canyon Crest Academy	4
02/12/25 @ San Dieguito Academy	4

Vista's loss came despite strong showings from Isabella Mosley and Ava Gonzalez. Mosley posted 12 points, while Gonzalez earned seven points. Mosley is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last three games she's played.

Otay Ranch's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Elisa Cruz led the charge by going 7-for-9 en route to 18 points and five rebounds. That's the most points Cruz has posted since back in December of 2024. Anaya Carter was another key player, putting up 11 points in addition to seven boards and five steals.

Vista's loss dropped their record down to 10-17. As for Otay Ranch, the victory was the ninth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 23-5.

Vista does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Otay Ranch, they will take on West Hills at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Otay Ranch has won 12 straight at home, while West Hills won ten straight on the road), something that'll have to change.