Link to Full List of CIF-SS Boys Basketball Polls
Division 1 / Open Division
With the final week of league play underway, CIF released its final playoff polls ranking the top 16 teams in their respective divisions including a 13 team open division watch list.
It’s no surprise that nationally ranked Sierra Canyon and Centennial (Corona, Calif.) are ranked one and two in Division 1. However, there is potential controversy with Etiwanda at three instead of Rancho Christain who comes in at four.
The Eagles of Etiwanda are 24-2 on the season with an 8-0 league record looking to capture its third consecutive Baseline league title. It’s two losses came to Division 2 favorite Heritage Christian (12/6) and Sierra Canyon (12/8). Rancho Christian has suffered more losses on the season (20-5). However, the Eagles of RCHS have played nationally ranked competition, whereas Etiwanda has faced mainly other Southern Section Schools.
Both these teams are on the Open division watch list and could potentially end up in the same bracket if the rankings remain the same. The Open division playoff format will be as follows; two pools, 4 teams each, and the winner of pool play will face off for the Open Division title.
Rancho Christian was the number one seed in last year’s Open division bracket and were upset 54-50 by eighth seed Bishop Montgomery. Both teams ended pool play 2-1. The Knights won the tie-breaker and advanced to play Sierra Canyon in the title game.
Sierra Canyon featuring Bronny James has been the most covered team in Socal since Chino Hills featuring the Ball Brothers; Lonzo, Liangelo, and LaMelo Ball. However, James isn’t the focal point of a team that features two McDonald’s All Americans. Kentucky bound BJ Boston and top 10 recruit Ziare Williams have been the leaders for this powerhouse squad.
(Read more about Boston and Williams and where they stand in ESPN’s top 100)
The likelihood that they’ll repeat as Open Division champs is very high. The Trailblazer’s only loss to a Southern Section team was a 85-81 overtime thriller verses Rancho Christian in the championship game of The classic at Damien (12/30). This was their first game with Williams eligible after transfering. They got some sweet revenge in a rematch which the Blazers came on top 78-62 (1/11).
In all, it’s going to take a lot to dethrone a very deep and loaded Sierra Canyon squad come playoff time.
Division 2
Three Division 2 teams find themselves on the Open Division watch list. Santa Clarita Christian and Heritage Christian in Division 2AA, and Ribet Academy in Division 2A.
Ribet has surpassed expectations in Division 2A. Going into this final week they are 19-2 with losses to Sierra Canyon and Renaissance Academy. Keep an eye on the Fighting Frogs as they face off against Rancho Christian to end their season. An upset win would really shake up the polls.
Santa Clarita Christain and Heritage Christan both got impressive wins over top ranked teams this season (SCCS over Rancho Christian and HCHS over Etiwanda). However, their strength of schedule won’t earn them spots in this year’s open division. This is good news for both these programs. There is a good chance they will meet up in the finals of Division 2AA.
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