-Editorial
The Calexico Bulldogs boys’ basketball team is gearing up for an action-packed 2024-25 season, with a challenging schedule that will test their skills and determination. Under the leadership of head coach Hugo Estrada, the Bulldogs aim to build on last year’s success and make a deep run in the CIF playoffs.
Estrada serves as the head coach of the Calexico High School (CHS) varsity basketball team, leading the Bulldogs with a strong focus on teamwork and competitive excellence. Supporting him are a dedicated group of assistant coaches: C. Moreno, Tyler Gentry, J. Rodriguez, C. Contreras, and Franco Nunez, who each bring valuable experience and expertise to the program. The team competes in the Imperial Valley League and represents Division 3 in CIF competition, consistently striving for success both on and off the court.
The Calexico Bulldogs basketball team boasts an impressive record, including 15 Imperial Valley League championships, a 2020 CIF San Diego Section Division 4 title, and a strong presence in CIF San Diego Section Division 2 competition.
The season opened with a non-league game on November 21, as the Bulldogs host Foothills Christian at 6 PM. They’ll then hit the road for tournaments, including the Imperial Tiger Classic (Dec. 4-7) and the Rancho Mirage Holiday Classic (Dec. 26-30). Key early matchups include games against Xavier Prep (Nov. 23), Eastlake (Nov. 25), and Steele Canyon (Nov. 27).
League play begins on January 14 when the Bulldogs face Calipatria at home. Other league highlights include battles against rivals Central (Jan. 24, Feb. 12) and Vincent Memorial (Jan. 21, Feb. 6). The team’s performance in league games will be crucial as they aim to secure a strong seed in the CIF playoffs, which begin February 17.
The Calexico Bulldogs varsity boys’ basketball team faced a challenging 2023-2024 season, finishing with an overall record of 12-14 and a league record of 2-6 in the Imperial Valley League, according to MaxPreps. Their league performance placed them fourth in the standings, behind Central (5-3) and ahead of Palo Verde Valley (1-7). In the competitive San Diego Section Division 2, Calexico ranked near the middle of the standings with their 0.462 overall winning percentage, trailing teams like Helix, which excelled in league play with a 6-2 record. Despite the setbacks, the Bulldogs demonstrated resilience and are eager to build on this season for a stronger showing in the next campaign.
Fans can catch home games at Varner Gym, where the Bulldogs will look to defend their court and energize the community.
