Greyhounds boys basketball advances to CIF Central Section Division II championship

By Atascadero News · Thu Feb 26 2026

No. 1 Atascadero routs Hoover 69-52 in semifinal behind Shea Buckley’s 34 points; faces No. 2 Clovis on Friday

By Elizabeth Hickcox

Special to The Atascadero News

ATASCADERO — Top-seeded Atascadero High School punched its ticket to the CIF Central Section Division II boys basketball championship with a commanding 69-52 semifinal victory over Fresno's Hoover High School on Thursday night, riding a wave of momentum from a raucous, sold-out home crowd.

The Greyhounds (20-9) seized control early and never looked back, using defensive pressure and balanced scoring to methodically wear down the Patriots (17-9). Senior guard Shea Buckley delivered a signature performance, pouring in a game-high 34 points, including four 3-pointers, while adding seven rebounds and three assists.

Buckley’s offensive outburst further cemented his place in school history. The senior recently surpassed Atascadero’s single-season scoring record set in 2014 and has been the offensive engine all winter, averaging more than 22 points per game. Against Hoover, he set the tone early, attacking the rim in transition and knocking down perimeter shots that ignited the home crowd.

Junior forward Damon Mitchell provided a steady interior presence with 14 points and eight rebounds, controlling the glass and converting second-chance opportunities. Timothy Kyle Foster added 12 points off the bench, delivering timely buckets during a decisive 12-2 third-quarter run that pushed the Greyhounds’ lead to 18 and effectively put the game out of reach.

Atascadero shot 48 percent from the field and forced 15 turnovers, holding Hoover to 38 percent shooting. The Greyhounds’ defensive intensity, particularly on the perimeter, disrupted the Patriots’ rhythm and limited open looks.

“The energy in the gym was electric,” head coach Augie Johnston said in a statement after the game. “Our guys fed off the crowd and executed our game plan perfectly. This win is a testament to their hard work all season.”

Johnston, a former Greyhound standout who graduated in 2004 before playing professionally overseas, has steadily rebuilt the program in his fifth year at the helm. Assistants Brad Zimmer and Sid Rodriguez have played key roles in developing a roster that blends senior leadership with emerging underclassmen.

Thursday’s semifinal triumph marked another chapter in a season defined by resilience. The Greyhounds weathered a challenging midseason stretch that included a three-game losing streak — falling to St. Joseph, San Luis Obispo, and Mission College Prep — before regaining their footing with a 76-64 win over Arroyo Grande on Feb. 10. That victory snapped the skid and helped propel Atascadero into the playoffs as Division II’s No. 1 seed.

In the quarterfinal round on Feb. 17, the Greyhounds overwhelmed Sanger 82-41, placing five players in double figures and showcasing their depth. Buckley led with 22 points in that contest, while Mitchell and Foster combined for 28. The convincing win set up Thursday’s semifinal clash, where Atascadero once again demonstrated its ability to peak at the right time.

Now the Greyhounds turn their focus to No. 2 seed Clovis High School (23-9), whom they will face at 8 p.m. Friday at Selland Arena in Fresno. The neutral-site championship setting will test Atascadero’s poise away from its home floor, but the team enters riding a three-game playoff winning streak.

Clovis advanced to the final with a 67-60 semifinal win over Bakersfield, powered by sophomore standout Anthony Smith, who scored 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Senior forward Jackson Scarborough added nine points and nine rebounds, helping the Cougars control the boards. Clovis averages 35 rebounds per game and prides itself on balanced scoring and physical defense — traits that could pose challenges for the Greyhounds.

The teams met earlier this season on Dec. 12, when Atascadero secured a convincing 70-50 home victory. Buckley scored 28 points in that matchup, and the Greyhounds held Clovis to under 40 percent shooting.

For Atascadero, a victory Friday would mark the program’s first Central Section title since 1979 under legendary coach Arthur Wilmore. The Greyhounds last reached a section final in 2018 but came up short. With a veteran core anchored by Buckley and strong contributions throughout the rotation, the opportunity to make history is within reach.

As anticipation builds across the community, students and supporters are expected to travel to Fresno to cheer on the Greyhounds in what promises to be a high-energy atmosphere. Selland Arena will host multiple Central Section championship games over the weekend, placing Atascadero on one of the section’s biggest stages.

While the boys prepare for their title shot, the Atascadero girls basketball team saw its own impressive postseason run conclude Thursday night in the Division IV semifinals. The No. 2-seeded Greyhounds fell 43-26 to No. 3 Tulare Union in a hard-fought contest that showcased the team’s grit and determination.

Though the loss ended their championship aspirations, the girls’ season featured memorable moments, including a dramatic quarterfinal comeback against Garces Memorial on Feb. 18. In that game, Atascadero outscored the Rams 25-3 in the fourth quarter to secure a 44-37 victory, fueled by standout performances from Lainey Arnold, McKenna Nichols, and Mia Purchase.

Head coach Steve Gee and his staff guided the team through a competitive campaign marked by steady improvement and resilience. Senior Audrey Cohen’s leadership helped shape the group’s identity, leaving a strong foundation for the future.

As the boys look to cap their playoff surge with a championship, the Atascadero community has rallied behind both programs, celebrating a winter season defined by determination and pride. For the Greyhounds, Friday night represents more than a game — it is a chance to etch a new chapter into school history.

Feature Image by Rick Evans/ATN