Dynamic duo of brothers J.J. & Alek Sanchez has generated high hopes this season for No. 16 Montgomery of San Diego. J.J. averaged 19.8 ppg last season while Alek averaged 5.4 assists. Photo: Mark Tennis / Cal-Hi Sports.
It’s time to launch our winter basketball content on CalHiSports.com and we are doing it with a preseason Top 40 of the best boys teams from all across the state. This group is led by CIF San Diego Section open favorite and No. 16 Montgomery of San Diego and includes the rest of these teams down to No. 40 Clovis West of Fresno plus a list of 25 more teams that just missed.
To check out the teams we ranked from No. 1 to No. 15, CLICK HERE.
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16. (27) Montgomery (San Diego) 28-4
The Aztecs have been state ranked the past two seasons, but should field the finest team in school history after losing in the San Diego Section open title game the past two seasons to St. Augustine and Carlsbad. We rate the Aztecs higher than Carlsbad this time around at the start because of the return of their three big guns and the improvement of the role players. J.J. Sanchez (6-5, Sr.), is an all-state candidate and a walking matchup problem after averaging 19.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.2 apg and 3.3 spg. His brother Alek “Flako” Sanchez (6-4, Sr.) is more perimeter-oriented and a pass first player (8.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.9 spg), and as a tandem, their bump n’grind style make it hard to deal with by any opponent. Xair Mendez (6-2, Sr.) averaged 12.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 2.3 spg, is quick and crafty and is being under recruited by colleges. Devin Hamilton (6-5, Sr.) brings athleticism and rebounding (13.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg) while Jordyn Webster (6-4, Sr.) adds depth and more scoring punch. Montgomery also will look to make noise at both the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 18-21) and the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic (Dec. 26-30).
17. (15) Modesto Christian 28-6
Even though the Crusaders’ expectation level fell in 2023-24 to preseason No. 25 after they opened No. 3 in 2022-23 and No. 6 in 2021-22, they still made a statewide impact and that will be the case once again in 2024-25. After all, Modesto Christian once again won the CIF Sac Joaquin Section D1 title despite injuries and player defections and advanced to the NorCal open final for a record ninth time. It could happen again as the team returns Gavin Sykes (6-4, Sr.), an all-state underclass choice who averaged 21 ppg. Myles Jones (6-3, Jr.), who has already announced for Stanford, is an oozing talent who averaged 12 ppg and was an all-state sophomore choice. Elijah Payne (6-4, So.) averaged 8 ppg and head coach Bruce Fantazia (198-51) expects him to substantially ramp up his production. Ryan Atkins (6-7, Sr.) is a key cog inside and if Mason Brown (6-2, Sr.) can return to form from injury and this team develops depth, there is no reason a fourth section title and another run to the NorCal open title game won’t happen. This program also has won 14 games in the NorCal open playoffs, another regional record. Fantazia also will be coaching at Modesto Junior College this season.
18. (NR) Heritage Christian (Northridge) 26-10
The Warriors began at No. 27 in the preseason last year, but didn’t play up to expectations and with a senior-led group that should change this season. Head coach Paul Tait (204-94) had a club that lost in the CIFSS 2AA semifinals, but proved to be one of the best teams at Cali Live ’24 during the June Scholastic live period. With San Diego State-bound Tae Simmons (6-7, Sr.) and St. Mary’s-bound Dillan Shaw (6-7, Sr.), the Warriors have a fighting chance against any team around. Simmons is a menace in the post and too tough to handle one-on-one, while Shaw makes scoring and play-making look so easy. Simmons was all-state underclass and Shaw just missed but both should have standout seasons. Roman Fisher (Sr.) is another three-year starter while Max Hackney (6-6, So.) has a bright future. Watch out for Tae’s younger brother Eli Simmons (6-6, Fr.) down the line. For this team, however, the future is now as the Warriors look to make a playoff push especially with the Southern Section going away from pre-set divisions and will determine placing based on won-loss record and strength of schedule.
One of the very best teams seen last summer at Cali Live ’24 in Roseville was from Heritage Christian of Northridge. Team is starting out No. 18 this season after going 26-10 last season. Photo: Mark Tennis.
19. (25) La Mirada 21-8
The Matadores took on strong competition last season and after losing to talented St. Bernard of Playa Del Rey in the CIFSS D1 second round, they were one of the most talented teams in the state that did not qualify for the regional playoffs. Head coach Randy Oronez hopes to avoid that this year in the CIFSS’ revamped playoff system and he’s got his big guns back to get the job done. UT-Rio Grande Valley-bound Julien Gomez (6-3, Sr.) averaged 26.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg as a sophomore, but with Gene Roebuck (6-5, So.) in the fold, his scoring average took a dip. Gomez’s overall play-making was as dangerous as ever. Roebuck, the returning Cal-Hi Sports State Freshman of the Year, averaged 24.1 ppg 4.4 rpg and 2.6 apg. Teams know what that duo brings to the table, so it will be up to players such as King Riley-Owens (6-2, Jr.) and M.J. Smith (6-4, Jr.) to take their game to the next level in order for this team to seriously compete for a CIFSS open playoff berth.
20. (18) San Ramon Valley (Danville) 29-8
The East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) has been one of the state’s best in recent seasons and SRV should be in the mix with No. 10 De La Salle for the league and North Coast Section open titles. The Wolves will also contend for a NorCal open playoff slot after last year advancing to the CIF D1 state final, where it fell to powerful John John Bosco. Head coach Brian Botteen (173-109) will miss three time all-EBAL honoree Seamus Deely, but returns three starters and nine lettermen, led by UC-Irvine-bound Luke Isaak (6-4, Sr.), a second team all-state underclass choice who is one of the state’s best shooters. Mason Thomas (5-11, Sr.), who scored 13 points in the state title game, is a four-year varsity performer. Elliot Conley (6-3, Sr.) and Thomas Coney (6-4, Sr.) are veterans, while Tyler Smith (5-11, Jr.) is a highly-regarded newcomer. SRV, which plays No. 29 Lincoln of Stockton at the NorCal Tip-Off Classic, is also playing in the Crusader Classic at Riordan (Dec. 5-7) and at the 70th Annual Gridley Invitational (Dec. 12-14). Isaak has been the Gold Division MVP of the Classic at Damien the past two years and the team will test itself with the big boys this year in the Platinum Division.
21. (10) Carlsbad 30-3
Jake Hall starts his fourth season for the Lancers and it could be extra-special. Last season, the Lancers and Hall started off at No. 20 and finished 10 spots better after defeating CIFSS open entrant St. Pius X-St. Matthias in the SoCal open playoffs before losing to eventual CIF open champ Harvard-Westlake, 73-72. The Lancers lost three big guns off last year’s team, but also lost early in the season in blowout fashion to the Wolverines so they’ll likely improve as the season wears on. Head coach Clark Allard’s club doesn’t have to be better than last season to win the San Diego Section open crown and earn a trip to the SoCal open playoffs, so as long as Hall (UC San Diego recruit) is in the lineup, Carlsbad has a chance within its section. Players such as Jayden Garner (6-2, Jr.), Trenton Mehl (6-1, Jr.) and Briggs Young (6-3, Jr.) will need to step up, but Hall is the engine that makes this team go. He might be the most unassuming player in the state, and will look to graduate as a two-time all-state choice and three-time San Diego Section Player of the Year. Last season he averaged 18.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 4.1 apg for the section open champs and should land on the state’s all-time scoring list with 2,166 points with a season to go.
22. (12) St. Pius X-St. Matthias (Downey) 24-7
The Warriors were a CIFSS open division team last year and finished in the exact spot it started in the preseason. Tyrone Riley (now at USF) was a key part of that, but head coach Donte Archie still has a formidable club that can move up in the rankings. Harvard-bound Doug Langford (6-8, Sr.) has few peers around the state as a pivotman (16.2 ppg, 12.3 rpg) and the complimentary players are hard-nosed. Dayvion Gates (6-5, Jr.) and Omari Cuffe (6-4, So.) played key roles last season and are improved. Transfer Jaden Erami (6-2, Sr.) from nearby Bosco Tech was all-state underclass and is one of the most skilled guards in SoCal, while Jahaz Wright (6-0, Jr.) from Lynwood knows how to excel in a secondary role. The Warriors will look to defend their platinum division title at the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 18-21) against a field that includes No. 1 Roosevelt, No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 11 Redondo Union among a plethora of other regionally ranked teams.
23. (NR) Rancho Cucamonga 18-11
The Cougars look to challenge No. 10 Damien and traditional power Etiwanda for Baseline League supremacy. Head coach Bill Burke has one of the best backcourts in SoCal at his disposal and is hoping his team can rebound at the level necessary to challenge the state’s elite. Aaron Glass (6-3, Sr.) is one of the state’s top uncommitted prospects and is a D1 level scorer. Chu Chu Isiju (6-1, Sr.) is underrated but effective and the team received a boost when 20 ppg scorer McKee Shedrick (6-3, Sr.) transferred in from Hillcrest of Riverside. Tyler Pitts (6-5, Sr.) is the top front court player on a senior-oriented team.
Aaron Glass of Rancho Cucamonga went past 1,500 career points scored last season with one more still to go. Photo: @RCHSBasketball / X.com.
24. (NR) Inglewood 13-12
With coach Jason Crowe moving over from Lynwood, the Sentinels haven’t been this excited for hoops in over 10 years and it gives the hoops-crazed city something to cheer about since crosstown Morningside will be closing at the end of the school year. Jason Crowe Jr. (6-4, Jr.), of course, comes over from Lynwood with dad and the returning all-stater (state-leading 37.4 ppg) is already a two-time divisional State Player of the Year while on pace to one day be the state’s all-time leading scorer. Inglewood can be a statewide threat because of the size and ability of Parker Jefferson (6-9, Sr.), who moves in from Waxahachie (Texas). Also look out for budding star David Conerly (6-5, So.) from L.A. Westchester and Dwayne Boston (6-4, Sr.) from Gardena.
25. (30) Rolling Hills Prep (San Pedro) 27-7
Similar to No. 22 St. Pius X, the Huskies opened eyes with its 4-0 mark during the June Scholastic Live period in Arizona and will be a tough out in the CIFSS playoffs just as it was last season. Veteran head coach Harvey Kitani (957-300 not including forfeits) has coached a plethora of all-state talents, but goes to bat for Mateo Trujillo (6-0, Sr.) as much as anyone because of his grades, steady play and ability to come through when it matters. Nick Welch Jr. (6-9, So.) was an all-state freshmen and is much improved. Kawika Suter can score in bunches and Terrell Hopkins (6-4, So.) also has plenty of talent and experience.
The Next 15
26. (11) Clovis North (Clovis) 28-7
The Broncos start just a tad lower than last year when they began at No. 22 and should once again be in the race for the CIF Central Section D1 title. They did suffer some graduation losses, but have a nice core to once again challenge No. 4 St. Joseph for the Valley crown. Loukas Jones (6-3, Sr.) and McKae Amundsen (5-9, Jr.) have been in the trenches and know what it takes to win. Elias Gish (6-6, Jr.) is a much-improved talent and Jhalil Montgomery (6-2, So.) and Josh Padilla (5-10, Jr.) add skill and depth.
27. (NR) Destiny Christian (Sacramento) 23-9
We place Destiny Christian (formerly known as Capital Christian) ahead of Sacramento in the Capital Athletic League, where the Lions went 11-1. That’s for good reason, as head coach Michael Lorente returns four starters. Leading the way is guard Jaylen Valdez (6-2, Sr.), an all-state candidate who averaged 19.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.4 apg and 2.1 spg. Other veterans include Myles Wiggins (6-5, Jr.), Fred Blue (6-0, Jr.) and Danny Panda (6-7, Sr.)
28. (31) St. Augustine (San Diego) 25-6
This club started on the bubble last season after some big graduation losses, and if it didn’t limp into the playoffs, Saints would have finished plenty higher in the final rankings. We won’t make that mistake this time around as veteran head coach Mike Haupt always has his team prepared to battle the state’s best. The San Diego Section semifinalist is led by Jaden Bailes (6-3, Jr.), one of the state’s best scorers. One of the state’s best shooters, Lincoln Grogan (6-3, Jr.), comes over from Mater Dei of Chula Vista and Anthony Etheridge (6-4, So.) has plenty of talent.
Anthony Moore helped Lincoln of Stockton go all the way last season to the Golden 1 Center for an appearance in the CIF SJS D1 championship game. Photo: Lincoln HS / MaxPreps.com.
29. (34) Lincoln (Stockton) 26-7
The CIF Sac Joaquin Section D1 runner-ups to Tri-City Athletic League foe and No. 17 Modesto Christian showed plenty of ability during Cali Live ’24. Weber State-bound Anthony Moore (6-6, Sr.) was an absolute recruiting steal and the all-state underclass choice averaged 16.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg and 2.0 spg as a junior. Zeke Davis (6-5, Sr.) was also a double-digit scorer (10.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg), while Donez Lindsey (5-9, Sr.) is a three-year regular, super quick on drives into the paint and a menace on-ball defender. Kenneth Simmons (6-4, Fr.) has a bright future and will contribute as the season wears on for head coach Anthony Matthews.
30. (13) Windward (Los Angeles) 29-5
After beginning at No. 24 last year, Windward actually performed better than expected, finishing as CIFSS D1 runner-up to No. 5 Notre Dame. The Wildcats were expected to begin in the Top 10 for the state in 2024-25, but all-state guard Gavin Hightower transferred to Sierra Canyon. All is not lost for head coach D.J. Gay as he returns a solid core of Jeremiah Hampton (6-4, Sr.), Louis Bond (6-5, Sr.) and J.J. Harris (6-6, Sr.), the latter who hopes to be 100 percent after nagging injuries over the past six months.
31. (20) Centennial (Corona) 21-14
The Huskies began at No. 1 in 2022-23 and at No. 6 last year, but took too many losses to be anywhere near that level at the end of the season. This year, expectations are tempered because of graduation and transfers out, but this is a dangerous unit that state No. 1 Roosevelt won’t take lightly in Big VIII League play. Head coach Josh Giles (503-150) has a youthful unit led by guard Isaiah “Slim” Rogers 6-3, Jr.), a second team all-state underclass choice. Other contributors from a talented junior class include Chris Richardson Jr. (5-10, Jr.), Tariq Iscandari (6-4, Jr.), and Jaidynn Smith (6-6, Jr.). The future is also bright with a group of four freshmen who will get better as the season wears along.
32. (NR) Canyon (Anaheim) 22-8
The Comanches defeated No. 23 Rancho Cucamonga in the CIFSS D1 playoffs, then fell big to No. 14 Los Alamitos in the next round. This team, however, has a chance to be plenty better now that University of San Diego-bound Brandon Benjamin (6-5, Sr.) is back after a season at Mater Dei. He might be the best all-around player in Orange County and is flanked by a good core. Staf Yilmazturk (6-1, Sr.) and Noah Kim (6-0, Sr.) are cagy veterans and Pierce Haugen (6-6, Jr.) will be counted on upfront.
33. (NR) Oakland Tech 30-5
Last year’s D2 state champs will look to make noise after capturing the program’s first ever state title. Ardarius Grayson (6-0, Sr.), one of the best uncommitted prospects in NorCal, had 20 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and five steals in the state final and Caleb Rollins (5-9, Sr.) also made a big impact vs. Bakersfield Centennial. Xan Meyer-Plettner (6-7, Sr.) has improved and there is added depth via transfers.
34. (NR) San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno) 20-12
We give No. 26 Clovis North the nod as the No. 2 CIF Central Section club behind St. Joseph (Santa Maria), but don’t be surprised if the Panthers move up and challenge both clubs by the end of the season. They have a good nucleus and if they shore up the point guard position, watch out. Julius Olanrewaju (6-5, Sr.) contributed heavily to the D2 state title team as a sophomore and Abram Potts (6-3, Sr.) is another talented guard. The improvement of Parker Spees (6-8, Jr.) will be key, he’ll be helped on the inside by Clovis transfer Jackson Scarborough (6-9, Jr.) and Sajjin Sidhu (6-3, Jr.) is another player head coach Brad Roznovsky can count on.
35. (29) St. Anthony (Long Beach) 25-8
The Saints won the CIFSS D2AA title last season, the program’s first since 1999-2000, and were better than expected in the preseason. This time around, head coach Alan Mitchell’s crew is right in the range where it finished last year, but gets dinged a few notches because of the graduation of division player of the year Quincy Phillips and the transfer of guard JoJo Wicker to Long Beach Millikan. There is still plenty of talent in the fold, most notably with guards Donovan Pitts (6-3, Sr.) and Darius Williams (5-10, Sr.), wing Aman Haynes (6-6 Sr.) and transfer Jayshawn Kibble (6-0, Jr.) from L.A. King-Drew.
36. (38) Inderkum (Sacramento) 23-8
The Tigers lost in the Sac Joaquin Section D1 semifinals to Modesto Christian and has the horses to challenge the Crusaders and No. 29 Lincoln once again for the coveted title. Siincere Hudson (6-1, So.) was the best freshman in NorCal last year and went over 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in seven games. Malachi Johnson (6-9, Sr.) is a double-double waiting to happen and is being recruited by D1 schools, while Jaden Goodman (6-6, Jr.) is a dunking machine. Also look out for defensive stalwart Talen Goodman (6-7, Sr.) and transfer Corey Hazewood Jr. (6-5, Sr.).
Former NBA star Derek Fisher returns to lead the program at Crespi of Encino. Photo: @CrespiCarmelite / X.com.
37. (NR) Dougherty Valley (San Ramon) 21-11
The battle for the EBAL title is fierce and the Wildcats will look to battle No. 9 De La Salle, No. 20 San Ramon Valley and hold off always tough Granada of Livermore and Dublin. We like this club because of the additions of UC-Davis-bound Jalen Stokes (6-5, Sr.), a transfer from Dublin, and Rashad Cotton Jr. (6-0, Jr.), a talented, well-traveled guard with big game experience previously at Modesto Christian. Also expect improvement from Rylan Sevilla (6-1, So.) and Camden McKinney (6-7, So.) for head coach Mike Hansen, our State Coach of the Year from two seasons ago.
38. (NR) Crespi (Encino) 24-8
The Celts were the fourth place team in the rugged Mission league and took an early exit in the CIFSS 2AA playoffs. Coach Derek Fisher’s club, which captured a title at the Section 7 exposure event in Arizona this past June, will be competitive once again with Nevada-bound Peyton White (6-6, Sr.) as the anchor. Twins Carter Barnes (6-0, So.) and Isaiah Barnes are improved while Jayden Xu (6-6, Sr.) and Preston Cole (6-8, Sr.) are impact transfers.
39. (32) St. Ignatius (San Francisco) 21-8
The Wildcats rate as a solid No. 2 from the powerful West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) behind No. 8 Riordan. The gap between the Crusaders and the rest of the contenders could be wide, but the league’s top teams traditionally step up in the post-season and you can bet one will get a key win over a North Coast or Sac Joaquin Section team. S.I. returns three starters in honors candidate Raymond Whitley (6-3, Jr.), Steele LaBagh (6-2, Jr.) and Vince Crisp (6-4, Sr.). The interior is bolstered by transfer Ty Landers (6-7, Sr.) and Alex Moore (6-6, Fr.).
40. (28) Clovis West (Fresno) 28-7
New head coach Nick Podesta takes over the reigns of one of the most storied programs in the CIF Central Section from longtime previous head coach Vance Walberg (the new head coach this season at Fresno State). Podesta comes from Weston Ranch of Stockton and is known for the same high energy full-court press, three-point shooting style that Clovis West has had under Walberg. The cupboard isn’t bare, either. All-state underclass D.J. Stickman (6-1, Sr.) will be one of the top players in the section. Also on hand should be key returnees Michael Espinoza (6-0, Sr.), Jace Kellogg (6-1, Jr.) and Myron Pondexter-Johnson (6-2, Jr.).
25 More Teams To Watch
(NR) Alemany (Mission Hills) 25-15
(NR) Bishop Montgomery (Torrance) 11-16
(NR) Buchanan (Clovis) 19-9
(NR) Bullard (Fresno) 26-9
(NR) Campbell Hall (North Hollywood) 13-17
(37) Clayton Valley (Concord) 23-10
(23) Etiwanda 25-6
(21) Granada (Livermore) 25-5
(NR) Long Beach Poly 24-11
(NR) Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach) 18-11
(NR) Mission Bay (San Diego) 22-12
(NR) Monterey 25-6
(39) Monterey Trail (Elk Grove) 27-5
(NR) Moreau Catholic (Hayward) 21-8
(NR) Oak Hills (Hesperia) 18-11
(NR) Oakland 25-9
(NR) Pasadena 25-4
(NR) Poly (Riverside) 18-13
(NR) Sacramento 25-8
(NR) San Marcos 26-8
(NR) Santa Barbara 24-9
(NR) St. Monica (Santa Monica) 18-11
(NR) St. Paul (Santa Fe Springs) 9-19
(NR) Temecula Valley (Temecula) 19-15
(NR) Westchester (Los Angeles) 20-9
To check out the teams we ranked from No. 1 to No. 15, CLICK HERE.
Ronnie Flores is the managing editor of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at ronlocc1977@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores
