The Dragons made school history this season by winning the NCS CIF Division 6 Section Championship for the first time in years, securing their place in the state final in Los Angeles. As the No. 3 seed, the team defeated Mt. Diablo, St. Helena, Fortuna, and Chico to claim the title, completing a postseason run that showcased the program’s growth and determination.

Head Coach Hardy Nickerson said the victory represented a major milestone. “It’s something that hadn’t been done in a long time,” he explained, noting that the Dragons fell short in last year’s final before breaking through this season.

The team’s ability to handle the pressure of a championship environment played a major role in their success. Nickerson said the players “stayed focused, stayed together, and rose to the moment,” despite many experiencing a high-stakes atmosphere for the first time.

With the section title secured, the Dragons now advance to the CIF State Division 5 Championship in Los Angeles. Although the state bracket places them in a higher division than their NCS run, Head Coach Hardy Nickerson believes the team is prepared for the challenge. “Our preparation and mindset have us built for it,” he said.

While the division may change, the program’s standards will not. Nickerson emphasized the importance of consistency, saying the goals remain “focus, execution, and continual improvement.”

Support from students, families, and the broader community has fueled the team throughout the season. Nickerson described it as “tremendous,” adding that parent support in particular has helped lift the players during their playoff push.

As the Dragons head to Los Angeles for the state championship, Nickerson is keeping the message simple: “We’ve come too far. Let’s finish the job and bring home a championship.”

He also shared a message for younger athletes who hope to join varsity in the future: show up, work hard, and be ready to contribute. “You’re next,” he said.