On February 12, 2026, Fullerton took down Santiago Canyon 93-79, to secure their 5th consecutive Orange Empire Conference title. Thursday night’s home victory extended their winning streak to 21 games and maintained their ranking as the top team in the state. The Hornets’ offense took control of the game in the second half, while getting stops on the defensive side of the ball.
Head Coach Perry Webster was especially pleased that the Hornets clinched the title against Santiago Canyon. Not only was Fullerton competing for the Conference title, but they had something to prove against Santiago Canyon, who they did not believe was the clear favorite to win the Conference.
“The sports information director for Santiago Canyon wrote an article early in the season, and he said that there was no clear favorite to win the league,” said Webster. “After winning it four times, we thought there was definitely a clear favorite. So that was kind of a rallying cry for us to beat them in this game and let them know who’s boss.”
Webster’s players came out focused and ready to play from the opening tip. The Hornets started off the game strong with a 3-pointer from guard Bishop Brooks. The game was very physical, with the refs blowing the whistle for the first foul after two possessions.
The Hornets did not let the bumping and pushing off phase them as guard forward Yoda Oke threw down a dunk while being fouled on the play. Oke finished the three-point play by shooting his free throw, making the score 6-3, Fullerton. Shortly after, forward Brayden Smith made a bank shot with two defenders swarming him.
Early in the first half, both teams were trading baskets, with the teams tied at 14-14 after five minutes into the game. As the game went on, the Hornets were able to go on a run of their own to build separation. Hornets guard forward Donovan Pitts was the key, as he made 9 points within two minutes, which would lead to the Hawks taking the lead again, 30-25.
Another key factor that allowed the Hornets to maintain their lead was their defensive rebounding. The Hornets took a 52-44 halftime lead into the locker room over Santiago Canyon.
The Hawks started off with the ball in the second half. Smith made his presence felt by swatting a shot attempt. The Hornets increased their lead as Hornets guard Jaedyn Patterson made a no-look pass to a wide-open Brooks in the paint for a layup.
For the majority of the second half, the Hornets were able to maintain a double-digit lead. The constant ball movement around the court kept the offense alive. One of the highlights of the game was when Patterson threw an alley-oop to Smith, who was able to slam it down for a dunk, keeping the Hornets’ lead 83-71.
“I feel like we were moving the ball well, and then when it came down to the last few possessions, we were able to stay composed,” said Oke. “[Pitts] made some big plays, and we ended up getting the dub.”
As the clock was winding down, the Hawks started to increase the intensity. Two minutes to go in the game, Santiago Canyon put a full-court press on the Hornets, attempting to force turnovers. They were unsuccessful, as two of their key players, guards Salim Semaan and Paris Lassiter, fouled out of the game.
Pitts put the game away for good with his two layups and finished with a game-high 25 points, which was a key factor in their win.
After the final buzzer, the Hornets were able to take home the win and conference title. As the season comes to an end, Oke and the rest of his teammates strive for more than a Conference title as they head into the playoffs.
“We want to keep that going, win the conference championship undefeated, and now we’re looking towards the state championship, but I’m happy”.
Fullerton will travel to Orange Coast on Wednesday, Feb. 18, for another conference matchup. The game time is at 5 p.m.
