https://www.ocregister.com/2020/02/07/ocvarsity-basketball-student-section-rankings-capistrano-valley-cage-tops-the-final-o-c-top-25/

OCVarsity Basketball Student Section Rankings: Capistrano Valley Cage tops the final O.C. Top 25

Capistrano Valley fans shot their love for Conner Gleason after a fade-away jumper during Capo’s 41-40 victory over Mission Viejo in a South Coast League boys basketball game in Mission Viejo on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

By MANNY ALVAREZ | preps@ocregister.com | Correspondent / Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: February 7, 2020 at 10:13 pm | UPDATED: February 7, 2020 at 10:16 pm

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Orange County fans don’t have to wait for the basketball playoffs to start to find out who won the biggest prize this winter.

We’re talking about being named the Orange County Basketball Student Section of the Year.

With the regular season over, we’re ready to announce the champion for the 2019-20 season and the final O.C. Top 25 Rankings.

This year’s list includes seven student sections that were not in the O.C. top 25 last season, including a fast-rising group that shot up all the way to No. 8.

Capistrano Valley fans cheer on their team during Capo’s 41-40 victory over Mission Viejo in a South Coast League boys basketball game in Mission Viejo on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

But we also had to leave out several sections that made a strong impression this season. The Trabuco Hills Stampede, San Clemente Loud Crowd, El Modena Rowdy Rooters, Beckman Patriot Pit and Sunny Hills Lancer Nation will have to try again next year.

If you’re wondering, why wasn’t our student section included in the Top 25? We’d tell you that nearly every section that got noticed this year was active on social media and made sure I knew about them.

Enough talk, let’s get to the rankings.

OCVARSITY TOP 25

1. Capistrano Valley Cage (Last Year’s Ranking: 5)

At home or on the road, the Cage rattled anyone who stood in their way.

Beware of the Cage, because they will get in your head with their chants and the crazy-loud noise.

The Cage never shuts down or gives up, much like their basketball team.

It doesn’t matter how far the Cougars have to travel, the Cage will be there.

The Cage caught my attention in an intense battle at Mission Viejo where the game went down to the wire. The game ended with the fans rushing the court after a dramatic victory by the Cougars.

CVHS CAGE@CVHSCAGE

The best student section ever! So proud of the Cage and the boys tonight! LETS KEEP THE ENERGY GOING!! @SoCalSections @MAlvarez02 @CapoValleyHS

44

9:41 PM - Jan 8, 2020

Twitter Ads info and privacy

See CVHS CAGE's other Tweets

Capo Valley HS@CapoValleyHS

The @CVHSCAGE representing for tonight’s home game vs @SCHSTritons @SoCalSections @ocvarsity #WeAreCV

7

7:06 PM - Jan 10, 2020 · Mission Viejo, CA

Twitter Ads info and privacy

See Capo Valley HS's other Tweets

The Cage kept the intensity at the same high level and battled with the best of them, and for that, the Capo Valley Cage is the 2020 OCVarsity Basketball Student Section of the Year!

“Yes!!” Cage leader Brooke Larsen said. “We are so excited to be the OCVarsity the Student Section of the Year! The Cage is the strongest it’s ever been and we are so honored to receive this award!”