Gaels Bid Farewell to Winter Season After Hard-Fought Playoff Run

Posted February 25, 2026

It was a bittersweet week for Dublin High School athletics as three major programs saw their seasons come to an end in the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. Despite the early exits, the Gaels demonstrated the resilience and competitive spirit that defined their 2025-2026 campaigns.

Girls Basketball: A Season of Dominance Ends in Heartbreak

The Varsity Girls Basketball team entered the NCS Division 1 tournament as the #2 seed following a stellar 21-8 regular season and a third-place finish in the EBAL.

  • The Quarterfinal: After a “cozy” 53-38 opening-round win against College Park, the Gaels hosted #7 Heritage on February 20.

  • The Result: In a defensive battle that came down to the final possession, Dublin fell just short, losing 38-40.

  • Legacy: The team leaves behind a legacy of consistency, having won 13 of their last 16 games heading into the postseason.

Boys Basketball: Rebuilt and Resilient

The Boys Basketball program, which thrived this year despite massive roster turnover, saw its run end in the Division 1 quarterfinals.

  • The Journey: After defeating Berkeley 70-64 in a high-energy home opener, the #5 Gaels traveled to face #4 Liberty on February 20.

  • The Result: Facing a familiar postseason foe, the Gaels fought hard but were ultimately outpaced in a 55-66 defeat.

  • Stat Leaders: Senior PG/SG Aiden Li and standout Izaiyah Romero led the charge throughout the season, helping the Gaels maintain their status as a Bay Area powerhouse.

Boys Soccer: Battle-Tested to the End

The Boys Varsity Soccer team faced one of the most grueling schedules in the NCS this year. After celebrating an emotional Senior Night with a win over Dougherty Valley, the Gaels entered the Division 2 tournament looking to make a statement.

  • The Playoff Match: Dublin’s season concluded on February 17 in a tough road match against Castro Valley.

  • The Result: The Gaels were unable to find the back of the net, falling 0-3.

  • Class of 2026: The program bids farewell to a dedicated senior class, including leaders like Damon Petithomme and Dominic Daley, who were instrumental in navigating a season defined by “battle-tested” performances.