UPDATE: The latest preseason rankings for high school boys’ basketball in the Southland have just been revealed, showcasing the elite talent set to dominate the court this season. These rankings, released by The Times, highlight the top 25 teams that fans and scouts will be watching closely.
1. SIERRA CANYON leads the charge, featuring a deep roster with the ability to field a team 10 players deep. The Trailblazers boast an elite trio: Maximo Adams, Brandon McCoy, and Brannon Martinsen, each poised to make significant impacts this season.
2. SANTA MARGARITA follows closely, with four returning starters, including standout Kaiden Baley, a Georgia Tech commit. Their experience could be crucial as they aim for a strong push this season.
3. HARVARD-WESTLAKE is known for its ability to rebuild, and this year will be no different. Pierce Thompson emerges as the latest star to watch, as the Wolverines look to continue their tradition of excellence.
The SHERMAN OAKS NOTRE DAME Knights, ranked 4th, may lack size but make up for it with intensity, driven by Zachary White, a San Diego State commit. Meanwhile, ST. JOHN BOSCO features Christian Collins, a 6-foot-9 player regarded as a top recruit in Southern California.
The competition intensifies with REDONDO UNION, led by standout SJ Madison, and CRESPI, where coach Derek Fisher enters his third season with the promising Carter twins.
At 8th, MATER DEI‘s Luke Barnett, bound for Kansas, returns after a jaw-dropping 55-point game last season, now expected to elevate his game even further. CORONA CENTENNIAL is set to unleash a new wave of shooters under coach Josh Giles.
Other notable teams include FAIRMONT PREP, with a slew of talented transfers, JSERRA showcasing physical big men, and ROLLING HILLS PREP with rising star Nick Welch Jr. at 6-10.
The rankings extend to LA MIRADA, where junior Gene Roebuck is a prolific scorer, and WINDWARD, where Davey Harris aims to prove himself as the top player in the Gold Coast League.
As DAMIEN marks year 52 under coach Mike LeDuc, the team eyes success with talent like Eli Garner. The SAN GABRIEL ACADEMY Eagles are also generating buzz as a team to watch, while CAMPBELL HALL hopes for a seamless transition with new coach Vonn Webb.
LA HABRA trusts standout point guard Acen Jimenez for victories, and ARCADIA returns with five starters, aiming for big dreams. 6-11 Josh Irving of PASADENA is set for his best season yet, while CROSSROADS could see significant changes if Evan Willis and Shalen Sheppard become eligible.
The ETIWANDA Eagles are looking to make a mark with veteran leadership, and RANCHO CHRISTIAN faces an ambitious schedule, including matchups against top teams. Finally, LONG BEACH POLY features Jonas Oware, a 6-9 Yale commit, and ST. FRANCIS anticipates excitement with 7-4 Cherif Millogo making a major impact.
As the season approaches, fans can expect thrilling matchups and rising stars. Stay tuned for all the action as these teams vie for supremacy on the court!