Middle School Math Team Advances to State

The Team, consisting of Baer B. '28, Niko B. '28, Erik G. '28, Rener L. '28, Thomas L. '28, Ren M. '29, Kate M. '28, Aleksi R. '30, and Yianna Z. '28, competed on Saturday, February 10, against 17 schools and over 150 students, earning a spot at the MATHCOUNTS California State Competition at Cal Baptist University on March 23. Led by Sierra Canyon faculty and coaches Tyler Elbin and Chris Tillman, these Trailblazers have been training since the start of the school year, ready to tackle complex problems individually in the Sprint and Target Rounds and collaboratively in the Team Round.

After placing 5^th overall following the individual components of the exam, these mathletes rallied during the Team Round. They successfully solved 9 out of 10 questions in just 20 minutes—an extremely challenging task—propelling them past the previously 3^rd and 4^th-placed schools. Their dynamic finish illustrates the hard work they have put in over the last six months. 

Sierra Canyon 8^th Grade student Baer also achieved individual success and recognition in the contest, tying for 10^th place overall based on his Sprint and Target Rounds performances. He solved some of the most challenging problems and earned a seat in the final Countdown Round, where students go head-to-head in elimination, solving problems in front of the entire audience.

Best of luck to the Middle School Math Team as they prepare for State, and a huge congratulations to all the Sierra Canyon students for their exceptional achievement at this year's MATHCOUNTS contest!