NBA Bloodlines Collide: Bryce James and Alijah Arenas Chase CIF State Glory in Final High School Showdowns
The CIF State basketball championships are set for a thrilling weekend in Sacramento, with two highly anticipated matchups featuring the sons of NBA legends. Sierra Canyon’s Bryce James, son of LeBron James, and Chatsworth’s Alijah Arenas, son of Gilbert Arenas, will step onto the court at Golden 1 Center for one last time in their high school careers.
Both players have carved their own paths, but their final high school games share the same goal—winning a CIF State title. Sierra Canyon will take on Stockton Lincoln in the Division I championship on Friday at 8 p.m., while Chatsworth faces Sacramento Jesuit in the Division II final on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Different Paths, Same Destination
James and Arenas play vastly different roles for their teams. James, an Arizona commit, has taken on a supporting role for a well-balanced Sierra Canyon squad. In Tuesday’s regional final victory over Redondo Union (74-68), James scored just three points, while his teammates Gavin Hightower (25 points), Maxi Adams (22 points), and Bryce Cofield (14 points) led the way.
Arenas, a McDonald’s All-American and USC commit, has been dominant all season, averaging 30 points per game. In Chatsworth’s regional final win over Bakersfield Christian, he delivered a strong all-around performance with 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and four blocks.
A Shot at Redemption and History
Sierra Canyon has yet to capture a CIF State title during the “James Era” (2019-2025), despite multiple deep playoff runs. The program’s best shot came in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic cut their season short before they could compete for a championship. Now, in their fourth CIF State final, Bryce James has the chance to finally bring home the elusive title.
For Arenas, this is about redemption. In last year’s Division IV final, he scored a record 44 points, but Chatsworth fell short against Monterey Trail, 74-66. Now, the Chancellors return to the championship stage—two divisions higher—hoping to finish the job.
Two players. Two legacies. One final chance to go out on top.
