A SPECIAL REPORT: HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Going for Three

Five teams from Ventura County will open California Interscholastic Federation Southern Regional tournament play tonight, needing three more victories to advance to the state finals, March 21-22. Best bet to be there: the Buena girls team, which is seeking its third state title under Coach Joe Vaughan. The Bulldogs (26-2) play host to Lynwood (20-11) in a Division I game at 7:30. In the same division, Oxnard (18-11) attempts to continue its Cinderella run against Crenshaw (23-3) at 6 at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Legendary Lou

The Santa Clara boys team, guided by 71-year-old Lou Cvijanovich, is going for its third state title. . . . Cvijanovich’s teams have won 14 section titles in 39 years. . . . The Saints (23-4) play host to Solana Beach Santa Fe Christian (16-12) at 7:30.

Rangers Return

Nordhoff (23-5) is making its second consecutive regional appearance. Paced by Nell Becker and Erin Barker, the Rangers play at Pasadena Muir (24-7) in a Division III game at 7:30.