Going up from the lower half of last week’s State Top 20 into the top half of this week’s rankings are Bellarmine, Clovis, Glendora and Gregori. And oh by the way, there’s a new No. 1 with Huntington Beach.
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(Through games of Saturday, April 29; Previous ranking in parentheses)
1. (2) Huntington Beach 22-3
Already No. 1 in the L.A. Times Top 25 for two weeks, they are our new No. 1 team in the state this week with previous No. 1 Buchanan of Clovis losing. Last week they swept a three-game series against Fountain Valley and it would be hard to top them for the top spot in our final state rankings should they capture the CIFSS Division I championship.
Casey Schmitt of Eastlake will play next at San Diego State. Photo: hometeamsonline.com.
2. (3) Rancho Bernardo (San Diego) 22-2
Following Huntington Beach up a spot is the Broncos as they won both games last week against Poway and are now ahead of previous No. 1 Buchanan of Clovis. Key to their success this season has been pitching despite losing a key member of their rotation due to elbow problems.
3. (1) Buchanan (Clovis) 23-2
Splitting a pair of games against Clovis West of Fresno causes the Bears to fall from the top spot. It was their first loss this season to a team from California. They will have two big games this week against No. 7 Clovis.
4. (7) Eastlake (Chula Vista) 22-3
Moving into the top five at the No. 4 spot is the Titans, who won four games last week and are a perfect 5-0 in Metro Mesa League play. Since a loss to Newbury Park in extra innings, they have won eight straight.
5. (10) Clayton Valley (Concord) 18-0
Going up five spots to the No. 5 position, the Ugly Eagles are now the only unbeaten team that is projected to be in the CIF North Coast Section Division I playoffs. While they have not played a tough schedule compared to some of the other top teams they could end up facing both Foothill of Pleasanton and De La Salle of Concord in the playoffs.
6. (11) Bellarmine Prep (San Jose) 19-5
Winning three games last week, the Bells defeated St. Ignatius of San Francisco, Serra of San Mateo and Archbishop Riordan of San Francisco. They will have a big league game against St. Francis of Mountain View later this week and also face No. 1 Huntington Beach in the Boras Classic state final.
7. (12) Clovis 22-3-1
Getting ready for two big games this week against No. 3 Buchanan of Clovis this week, the Cougars won twice last week against Central of Fresno.
8. (13) Glendora 21-4
Now with a 10-game winning streak, the Tartans won both games last week against Bonita of La Verne. They are currently are in first place in the Palomares League by one game over previous state top five South Hills of West Covina.
