Here’s a quick look at the top 10 teams that will be highlighted in this week’s new Cal-Hi Sports State Top 20 rankings for boys and girls basketball.
Note: For more complete breakdowns on each top 10 team and for the next 10 teams plus more teams on the bubble, all of that info is for our Gold Club members only. We do have a special three-month subscription going right now, however, that is just $9.99 and in addition to all of our rankings that also will include state record updates plus additional, exclusive Gold Club content. For details, CLICK HERE.
(After games of Monday, Jan.18)
(Previous ranking in parentheses)
(Ronnie Flores is our lead analyst for the boys; Harold Abend for the girls)
(Look for this week’s State Top 20 for boys on Tuesday and for the girls on Wednesday)
TOP 10 STATE BOYS
BASKETBALL TEAMS
1. (1) Chino Hills 17-0
Win over High Point Christian of North Carolina at Monday’s Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., highlighted by Lonzo Ball’s 22 assists, one of which was on a 90-foot pass chosen as ESPN’s Play of the Night.
De’Anthony Melton of Encino Crespi hoists a smooth-looking jumper during CIF D4 state final. Photo: James Escarcega.
2. (2) Bishop Montgomery (Torrance) 18-0
The Knights won two league games last week to stay on course for Jan. 30 showdown against Chino Hills at the Fairfax State Preview Classic, which is now going to be played at Cerritos College.
3. (3) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) 14-3
Late word Tuesday is that soph transfer Marvin Bagley was not granted eligibility from the CIFSS office. The Trailblazers also lost twice last week but they were to FAB 50 national No. 2 Oak Hill Academy and FAB 50 national No. 3 Montverde Academy. The state ranking, therefore, stays same.
4. (5) Foothills Christian (El Cajon) 11-3
Similar to Chino Hills, Sierra Canyon and Mater Dei, T.J. Leaf and company played before a national audience at the Hoophall Classic and its 82-80 victory over previous FAB 50 No. 16 Sacred Heart Cathedral propels San Diego County’s top-ranked team in front of Mater Dei.
5. (4) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 17-3
Loss on Monday to Oak Hill Academy wasn’t that close (74-55) but Monarchs will get to play Foothills Christian in the Nike Extravaganza on Feb. 7.
6. (6) Modesto Christian 15-1
The Crusaders could have their toughest league test this week against Beyer of Modesto.
7. (7) Crespi (Encino) 18-1
Coach Russell White’s boys added Mission League wins last week against Loyola and Chaminade and will play state-ranked Alemany on Friday.
8. (8) De La Salle (Concord) 14-1
The Spartans closed out the week on Monday with a 54-44 triumph over Orange Lutheran in their own MLK Classic held at Cal.
9. (9) Redondo Union (Redondo Beach) 12-3
The Seahawks defeated Inglewood, 58-53, in a key Bay League victory and came back three nights later with an easy 80-49 victory over Morningside of Inglewood.
10. (10) Folsom 16-2
There was thought that the Bulldogs might lose at Woodcreek of Roseville on Friday. Didn’t happen. They rolled on 61-48.
TOP 10 STATE GIRLS
BASKETBALL TEAMS
1. (1) St. Mary’s (Stockton) 18-0
In wins over Alemany and Palisades at their own MLK Showcase on Saturday and Monday, the Rams were still not quite up to usual standards. The depth, however, remains amazing.
Alaysia Styles of La Jolla Country Day and Sydni Stewart of Richmond Salesian wait for free throw during MLK Showcase in Stockton. Photo: Mark Tennis.
2. (2) Miramonte (Orinda) 15-0
After beating No. 5 Mater Dei with relative ease, the Matadors have be looked at as a national title contender as well especially if they were to play and beat St. Mary’s later on in NorCal Open Division.
3. (3) Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) 12-3
A tweet about possibility of St. Mary’s and Miramonte both being unbeaten in NorCal Open Division final did not go unnoticed by Mitty fans. Of course, we know the Monarchs are strong enough this season to spoil that scenario.
4. (5) Long Beach Poly (Long Beach) 14-3
The Jackrabbits blew out three teams during the week and then Lakeside of Elsinore of Monday. Their only in-state loss was in the first game when they weren’t at full strength.
5. (4) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 17-2
There’s no need to drop the Monarchs any further than fifth after their loss to Miramonte. The Matadors just may be that good.
6. (7) Brea Olinda (Brea) 13-2
Ladycats won a matchup on Monday over Fullerton Troy that brought together two of the top teams in Orange County.
7. (6) Chaminade (West Hills) 17-3
There was a loss to Fairmont Prep of Anaheim on Saturday, but that was without Neah Odom. With her (a McDonald’s All-American), the Eagles beat Alemany and Bishop’s.
8. (8) Pinewood (Los Altos Hills) 12-2
Considering the front line size of state-ranked Alemany, the comeback win Monday by the Panthers in Stockton was impressive.
9. (10) Mission Hills (San Marcos) 15-3
Still just ahead of La Jolla Country Day, the Grizzlies have continued to win since their win over the Torreys.
10. (11) La Jolla Country Day (La Jolla) 14-4
Yes, they lost a one-point game to Salesian of Richmond, but wins over previous No. 9 Bishop O’Dowd and previous No. 13 Bishop’s still makes it a strong week for the Torreys.
Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle: @CalHiSports
One Comment
Looking forward to Mitty matching up with someone in the finals. Sue gets the best out of her girls.