High school athletics across El Dorado County are entering a new phase as winter playoff competition wraps up and spring sports programs begin their early schedules for the 2026 season.
Over the past several weeks, local basketball teams competed in the Sac-Joaquin Section postseason brackets while other programs concluded their winter seasons. At the same time, spring teams—including baseball, softball, boys volleyball and track and field—have begun nonleague play and preseason meets.
Winter Sports Postseason
Several El Dorado County programs made appearances in the Sac-Joaquin Section basketball playoffs following competitive regular seasons.
At Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, the Trojans boys basketball team finished the year with a 16-13 record while competing in the highly competitive Sierra Foothill League. The team earned a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoff brackets in mid-February.
Meanwhile, El Dorado High School in Placerville saw its girls basketball team advance into postseason competition, including a matchup against La Cañada in early March.
The Ponderosa Bruins of Shingle Springs also remained active in the section playoff picture through February. One highlight of their regular season came in late January with a notable victory over Woodcreek.
Winter athletics also included youth competition at the El Dorado County Sports League (EDCSL) wrestling championships, held Feb. 14 at El Dorado High School. The event featured elementary and middle school athletes from across the county competing for league titles.
On the slopes, alpine ski racers representing South Tahoe-area schools and other local programs competed in league races at Sierra-at-Tahoe during mid-February meets.
A Sac-Joaquin Section athletics representative noted the strong participation from foothill schools this winter season.
“Schools throughout the foothills continue to show strong participation and competitive spirit across multiple sports,” the section said in a statement following the winter playoff brackets. “The transition to spring athletics is always an exciting time for student-athletes.”
Spring Sports Season Begins
With winter sports concluding, attention has shifted quickly to the start of spring competition.
Several teams have already begun their seasons:
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Oak Ridge boys volleyball opened the year with a strong 3-0 record, establishing early momentum.
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El Dorado boys volleyball has started the season 1-2 in early nonleague play.
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Ponderosa softball enters the season preparing for league matchups after earning a top-25 preseason ranking.
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Oak Ridge baseball opened the year against a challenging schedule and currently sits at 1-3.
Track and field programs across the county—including teams from Ponderosa, El Dorado, and Oak Ridge—have also begun preseason training and early meets as the outdoor season ramps up.
Meanwhile, stunt cheer programs are entering their competitive phase after tryouts held earlier this year, including those conducted by Ponderosa High School in February.
Busy Months Ahead for Local Athletics
The coming weeks will bring the start of league competition across several sports as teams settle into their spring schedules. Baseball and softball league games typically begin later in March, while track and field meets will continue throughout the season leading toward section championships in May.
For athletes, coaches and fans, the seasonal shift marks one of the busiest periods on the high school sports calendar.
Across El Dorado County campuses, the transition signals a familiar rhythm—winter champions crowned and a new generation of spring athletes stepping onto the field.
