The energy inside the gym was electric. This wasn’t just another high school game—it was a battle of basketball bloodlines. Alijah Arenas and Tajh Ariza, sons of NBA greats, were set to clash once more, and the stakes had never been higher. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, knowing history could be made. This game could be the setup for an epic rematch between Chatsworth and Westchester—two LA teams with serious star power. After all, it wasn’t just Alijah and Tajh Ariza making headlines. Their last names carried weight, being the sons of former NBA stars Gilbert Arenas and Trevor Ariza.
The last time these two met, it was a battle to remember. Back in November, Alijah led Chatsworth to a nail-biting 58-56 win, dropping 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Ariza, on the other hand, put up 14 points. But when they clashed again in the City Section Open Division final, Westchester flipped the script. Ariza delivered with 19 points and eight boards, leading his squad to a 65-55 victory—their 16th City title.
Meanwhile, Alijah wasn’t going down without a fight. Even in the City title loss, he erupted for 33 points. But the season wasn’t over. Both squads punched their tickets to the CIF State playoffs—Westchester securing the No. 2 seed in Division II, while Chatsworth landed at No. 3. With everything on the line, it was a win-or-go-home battle.
But before talking about the recent game, something special happened off the court. LA Clippers star James Harden showed up to catch the action. And, of course, Gil was also at the arena. Before the game even started, both greeted the other with a warm hug. It was a moment that didn’t go unnoticed—one LA star acknowledging another.
James Harden pulled up to Chatsworth for Alijah Arenas final home game of his high school career pic.twitter.com/trG2RQgNUO
— Home Team Hoops (@HomeTeamHoops) March 7, 2025
Interestingly, Harden had just dropped 50 points in the Clippers’ 123-115 win over the Pistons, snapping their three-game losing streak. And as if it were destiny, Alijah followed in his footsteps. Just before the most anticipated rematch of the season, he delivered a massive performance of his own.
Alijah’s big game sets up the revenge match
On Thursday night, the Southern California regionals delivered exactly what fans had hoped for—another showdown between Alijah Arenas and Tajh Ariza. Both Chatsworth and Westchester took care of business in their Division II quarterfinals, locking in a high-stakes rematch of the City Section Open Division final.
With history between them and a ticket to the next round on the line, the hype couldn’t be any bigger. But before the much-anticipated game, Alijah made sure to send a message with his play.
He went off for 39 points in an 80-59 win over Francis Parker, leading Chatsworth to the State Championship. And as soon as the final buzzer sounded, he made his intentions clear. “I’ve got something for Tajh,” Alijah said, leaving no doubt that he’s ready for the rematch.
However, revenge isn’t the only thing fueling him. “Ever since we found out we can go to state, that was my motivation,” Alijah admitted. “This is just another stepping stone to get to my goal. I’m really trying to work hard to achieve that.” For him, the mission goes beyond one game—it’s about proving himself on the biggest stage.
So, can Alijah get his revenge? More importantly, can Chatsworth take down Westchester and keep their championship hopes alive? Only time will tell.
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