The postseason began Wednesday night for boys basketball in Merced as Merced High hosted Tracy High in the first round of the 2026 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division II Boys Basketball Playoffs. With a spot in the next round on the line, and the loser done for the season, both teams entered ready for a high-energy matchup.
Tracy set the pace early as senior Cam Breckenridge opened the scoring with a three pointer, followed by a basket from Gabriel Canalita and two free throws from Maximillian Russell. Russell added another layup to extend the lead while Merced responded with baskets from Valentin Vasquez and Jordan Thomas and a pair of free throws from Aiden Matsuo. The pace stayed fast throughout the quarter, with Canalita getting another three pointer for the Bulldogs, and Russell continuing to attack inside. Vasquez answered with a three of his own, and Thomas added another basket as the Bears tried to keep pace with the swift Tracy squad. Despite Merced’s efforts to close the gap, Tracy’s defensive pressure and balanced scoring helped the Bulldogs finish the first quarter with a 16-9 lead.
Tracy continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, beginning with strong defensive possessions and a key rebound from Gabriel Canalita. Valentin Vasquez answered with a layup and completed a three point play, then later went two for two at the line to keep Merced within reach. Maximillian Russell responded with another layup for the Bulldogs. The pace remained high as Vasquez hit a deep three pointer that brought the home crowd to its feet, but Tracy answered immediately with a three pointer from David Goularte to stop the momentum. Tracy’s Lars Lindroos added a contested layup through heavy defense, and Russell continued to dominate inside the paint and at the line. In the final seconds, Russell achieved a halfcourt shot just before the buzzer, sending Tracy into halftime with a 35-24 lead over Merced.
Tracy came out strong to start the second half as Lars Lindroos finished a layup inside. Merced answered behind Valentin Vasquez and Aiden Matsuo, who combined for several baskets as the Bears looked more composed offensively. Cam Breckenridge added another three pointer for the Bulldogs, while Joviann Martinez contributed a layup to keep Merced within reach. Maximillian Russell continued to find points for the Bulldogs, scoring inside and knocking down a three pointer to stretch Tracy’s lead. Diego Aguilar and Jarrod Brown added late baskets for the Bears, but Tracy’s rebounding and quick ball movement created opportunities that they utilized. By the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs had pushed their lead to 59-43.
Merced opened the fourth quarter looking to cut into the score as Valentin Vasquez knocked down a three pointer and continued attacking offensively. Tracy answered quickly with a layup from Lars Lindroos, followed by a steal and fast break finish from Cam Breckenridge that kept the Bulldogs in control. Jordan Thomas and Jared Smith added baskets for the Bears as Merced tried to build momentum, but Tracy responded each time. Breckenridge connected on another three pointer, and Russell continued making shots. As the final minutes ticked down, the Bulldogs secured a 77-57 victory, ending Merced’s season and advancing Tracy to the next round of the playoffs.
After the game, Tracy senior Maximilian Russell reflected on what the win meant for the program. “…We’re just trying to keep it going for as long as we can and trying to be the best team in our school’s history.” Russell also addressed the team’s performance on the court, noting, “I think we defended well. They got a few guys that can go, and we did a good job on shutting them down.” Russell is taking in each moment as he appreciates his final season explaining, “Every game I’m grateful for because I’ve been with these guys for 3 years now and I just try and stay present and enjoy every minute of each game,” before adding, “I’m excited we get to do it again Friday!”
With the win, Tracy advances to the second round of the playoffs and will travel to face the Jesuit Marauders at their home gym on Friday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m. The Bulldogs will look to carry their momentum forward into the next round. Merced closes their season having finished strong in league play, securing first place in the CCC standings, and while their playoff run ends here, the Bears can take pride in winning another CCC title and the competitive effort shown throughout the year.
- Photos by Grace Gallegos. ↩︎
