A preseason look at Southland’s top 25 high school basketball teams:
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1. Sierra Canyon: The Pioneers can go 10 deep and have an elite trio of Maximo Adams, Brandon McCoy, and Brannon Martinsen.
2. Santa Margarita: Four returning starters, led by Georgia Tech’s Kaiden Bailey.
3. Harvard-Westlake: The Wolverines always find a way to grow in the off-season when top players graduate, and this season will be no different as Pierce Thompson becomes their newest star.
4. Sherman Oaks-Notre Dame: Led by San Diego State’s Zachary White, the Knights lack size but make up for it in intensity.
5. ST. John Bosco: At 6-foot-9, Christian Collins may be the top recruit in Southern California.
6. Redondo Union: SJ Madison leads a strong group of returners and newcomers.
7. Crespi: This is the third year for coach Derek Fisher and the Barnes twins, so watch out.
8. Mater Dei: Kansas State’s Luke Barnett scored 55 points per game last season, but he’s even better now.
9. Corona Centennial: It’s time for coach Josh Giles to unleash his newest group of shooters.
10. Fairmont Ready: A number of talented transfers could push this team into Open Division territory.
11. JSERRA: The Lions have a physical and talented big man who can lead the way.
12. Rolling Hills Ready: Nick Welch Jr., a 6-10 junior, will cause problems this season.
13. La Mirada: Junior Gene Roebuck is a prolific scorer.
14. Upwind: Davey Harris is ready to prove he’s the best player in the Gold Coast League.
15. Damian: This is Mike LeDuc’s 52nd year as a coach with a top player in Eli Garner.
16. San Gabriel Academy: All signs point to this being a team to consider.
17. Campbell Hall: If new coach Bon Webb can make a smooth transition, the Vikings’ veteran players will make an impact.
18. La Habra. It’s that simple. Trust your standout point guard, Asén Jimenez, to help you win.
19. Arcadia: Five starting pitchers return for the Apaches with big dreams and big plans.
20. Pasadena: 6-11 Josh Irving is poised for his best season yet.
21. Crossroads: Everything changes if Evan Willis and Shaylen Shepard become eligible after transferring.
22. Etiwanda: The Eagles have their veteran players thinking big.
23. Rancho Christian: Another ambitious schedule with games against Sierra Canyon, Etiwanda and La Mirada.
24. Long Beach Poly: 6-9 Jonas Oware is a Yale commitment.
25. ST. Francis: 7-4 Sherif Milogo will excite the fans and make a big impact.
