Top 25 boys basketball CIF Southern Section rankings (11/27/2023)

La Mirada, Los Alamitos and Crespi move up after hot starts; Westlake joins the fold after winning Coach C Classic in Ventura County

Author:
Tarek Fattal, SBLive Sports
Updated:
Nov 27, 2023 3:08 PM EST
Original:
Nov 27, 2023

The high school basketball season is underway, and after two weeks of play games, here are the latest boys basketball rankings in the CIF Southern Section.

1. Harvard-Westlake (4-0)

The defending CIF State Open Division champs are yet to be tested this season, but will play La Mirada Tuesday night at 8 p.m. in the Ryse Williams Pac Shores Showcase at Redondo Unioon.

2. St. John Bosco (1-0)

Braves only win this year is against Long Beach Poly, 71-61. Junior Brandon McCoy had 17 points.

3. Eastvale Roosevelt (5-0)

Brayden Burries is arguable the best junior in the state. He recently had 28 points in the team's 77-72 win over Archbishop Riordan on Nov. 25.

4. Corona Centennial (2-2)

The Huskies received the services of Carter Bryant last week after being cleared by the CIF. Corona's two losses are to out-of-area teams, Concord De La Salle and Sunnyslope (AZ).

5. Mater Dei (2-0)

The Monarchs have yet to be challenged, scoring more than 100 points in their first two games

6. JSerra (4-0)

The Lions came into the season a preseason Top 10 team and they'll stay there after nice 4-0 start. Big game against Eastvale Roosevelt Tuesday at Redondo Union at 6:30 p.m.

7. Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks (4-0)

Mercy Miller is scoring as expected. Lino Mark is developing into a major threat, but the development of sophomore Zach White has been impressive. Beating Mira Costa 71-55 on Saturday was a quality victory.

8. Sierra Canyon (4-0)

The Trailblazers are waiting for the return of Isaiah Elohim (Arkansas commit), but in the mean time has been getting quality play from Justin Pippen, Bryce Cofield and Noah Williams. Bryce James could be eligible for Wednesday's home game against Moopark (7 p.m.).

9. Los Alamitos (7-0)

The Griffins are off to a hot start, including a win over Mira Costa on Nov. 18, 68-56. Big test against Corona Centennial on Wednesday.

10. La Mirada (7-0)

Freshman Gene Roebuck is averaging 21 points per game, including an impressive clip of 48% from downtown. The narrow 55-54 win over Damien on Nov. 18 proves the Matadores belong. Next test: Harvard-Westlake Tuesday (8 p.m.)

11. Damien (5-1)

Nate Garcia continues to dominate the inside. Xavier Clinton is showing great perimeter skills.

12. St. Pius X-St. Matthias (1-0)

The Warriors are just getting started. Tyrone Riley had 31 points in the team's season opener.

13. St. Bernard (2-0)

Tajh Ariza was the player of the game in the team's win over Bullard at the Heart of California Holiday Classic at Fresno State on Saturday. He scored 30 points.

14. Crespi (5-0)

The Celts deserve a spot in the Top 15 after their start under new coach Derek Fisher. Crespi has beaten Village Christian (69-67) and Windward (72-60). Joe Sterling had 35 points, including eight 3s in the win over Windward.

15. Santa Margarita (1-1)

The Eagles dropped a game to one of San Diego's top teams in Carlsbad, but the upcoming opponents could help them rise in the rankings. Games against Windward and La Mirada coming on Nov. 29 and 30, respectively.

16. Windward (2-1)

Windward can bounce back from Crespi loss with big win over Santa Margarita Wednesday. The Wildcats will look to Gavin Hightower.

Windward junior Gavin Hightower is one of SoCal's standout guards to keep an eye on this season.

17. Heritage Christian (3-2)

The Warriors went 1-2 in Illinois, but haven't lost in California yet this season. Dillan Shaw and Tae Simmons are growing into impressive recruits - both were named all-tourney at the KB Memorial tournament in Peoria.

18. Mira Costa (4-2)

Mira Costa has tested itself early, and it will pay off later in the season, especially in Bay League play. Losses to Los Alamitos and Notre Dame will improve the Mustangs' guard play.

19. Etiwanda (1-0)

The Eagles' only win thus far is a gutty overtime win over Campbell Hall on Nov. 18. Etiwanda will pick up play in the IE Classic this week.

20. Redondo Union (2-0)

SJ Madison had 15 points and five rebounds in Redondo's last win over Grant High of Sacramento in the Heart of California Holiday Classic at Fresno State Saturday.

21. Rancho Cucamonga (2-0)

The Cougars aren't on a lot of radars from local pundits, but have a strong junior class in Aaron Glass, Chu Chu Osuji and Tyler Pitts that could anchor a big season.

22. West Ranch (1-2)

James Evans looks great early. However, playing against St. Joseph's Tounde Yessoufou is no easy task. The 5-star recruit had 43 points to help St. Joe's beat West Ranch in the Heart of California Holiday Classic at Fresno State Saturday afternoon, 76-54.

23. St. Anthony (5-0)

Tandem guards Quincy Phillips (senior) and Jojo Wicker (sophomore) have the Saints unbeaten through the first two weeks of the season.

24. Bishop Montgomery (4-0)

No surprise. Coach Doug Mitchell has the Knights getting better every day and every game.

25. Westlake (4-0)

Junior Austin Maziasz has been leading the hot start for the Warriors. He averaged 25 points and eight rebounds this season. Also shooting 63% from 3.

Christian Horry (left) and Trent Perry of Harvard-Westlake.

Redondo Union's Chris Sanders is one of the Southland's standout freshmen to watch.

Mater Dei boys basketball coach Gary McKnight, who's entering his 42nd year, talks with Tarek Fattal on CIF Southern Section Sitdown.