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 baseball and softball.
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 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 Saturday, May 28)
(Previous ranking in parentheses)
TOP 10 STATE
BASEBALL TEAMS
1. (1) Buchanan (Clovis) 28-1
The Bears blew past Liberty (Bakersfield) 9-1 in CIF Central Section D1 playoffs and meet Bullard (Fresno) in Tuesday’s semifinals. Title game set for May 31.
2. (2) JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) 25-6
Collin Quinn spun a masterful shutout as the Lions blanked Dana Hills (Dana Point) in first post-season outing.
3. (3) El Toro (Lake Forest) 24-5
Like top seed JSerra, the Chargers won their first CIFSS D1 playoff game by shutout (in their case 4-0 vs. La Palma Kennedy).
4. (4) De La Salle (Concord) 21-3
As with any very tough league, going unbeaten like the Spartans did in East Bay Athletic League is very impressive. They’ll start NCS D1 playoffs this week.
5. (5) La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad) 23-5
They’re hitting well, pitching well and the Mavs are team to beat in CIF San Diego Section Open Division.
6. (6) Redondo Union (Redondo Beach) 25-2*
The Seahawks had no trouble in first-round of CIFSS D3 playoffs (won 9-1 vs. Wilson of Hacienda Heights), but league rival Mira Costa stunned in 4-2 loss to El Segundo.
7. (10) Clovis North (Fresno) 23-6-1
Head coach Chris Patrick’s crew still has a chance to end the season 2-2 vs. No. 1 Buchanan with a CIF Central Section crown.
8. (8) Vista 22-6
With wins over La Costa Canyon and Rancho Bernardo, nonsensical San Diego Section power rankings didn’t even get the Panthers into its Open Division. D1 bracket not that much different, however.
9. (11) Lutheran (Orange) 21-8
It’ll be the Lancers playing defending champ Huntington Beach on Tuesday in CIFSS D1 playoffs.
10. (13) Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills) 23-5
Trojans won first two SJS D1 playoff games vs. Woodcreek and Davis and will play Elk Grove next.
TOP 10 STATE
SOFTBALL TEAMS
1. (1) Lutheran (Orange) 27-3
Not the top seed in CIFSS D1 bracket, but Lancers’ road to the semifinals still looks a bit easier than top seed Etiwanda.
2. (2) Los Alamitos 24-2
Griffins beat Long Beach Wilson 7-3 in first CIFSS D1 playoff game and get Chino next.
3. (4) Etiwanda 29-2
We’ll go ahead and flip Etiwanda and La Habra this week since the Eagles would be higher than the Highlanders in the final rankings if both teams were to run the table.
4. (3) La Habra 28-1
The top seed in the CIFSS D2 playoffs rolled over Arroyo Grande (10-0) and next plays Redlands East Valley.
5. (5) Grand Terrace 24-1
The Titans are the top seed in the CIFSS D3 bracket and won first playoff game 10-0 vs. Peninsula of Rolling Hills Estates.
6. (6) Mission Viejo 23-4
The Diablos matched La Habra with a 10-0 win in their first CIFSS D2 playoff game. They’d get No. 10 Oaks Christian if both win twice this week.
7. (8) Pioneer (San Jose) 24-2
It took extra innings but the Mustangs moved into the CCS D2 semifinals with win vs. Christopher of Gilroy.
8. (9) Norco 24-5
The CIFSS D1 defending champs moved up along with several others due to previous No. 7 Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) losing last week in its final regular season game.
9. (10) Sheldon (Sacramento) 26-2
It’ll all be over in a matter of days in the hectic CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D1 playoffs.
10. (12) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) 28-1-1
Always dangerous Camarillo will be next for the Lions in the CIFSS D2 playoffs after 10-3 win last Friday vs. Carter of Rialto.
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
