Preseason Boys Basketball Top 20
1. Sheldon (24-11)
The Huskies are the two time defending NorCal Open Division champions and have made the NorCal Open finals three straight years. They are flush with talent led by Marcus Bagley (Arizona State), Xavion Brown, Josh Williams, Pierce Davis and Yaru Harvey.
2. Salesian (31-1)
The Pride had its undefeated season ended in the NorCal Open Division semi-finals to Modesto Christian. Shane Bell, Tejon Sawyer, Tyler Brinkman and Demarshay Johnson are the top returners. Salesian also has one of the top freshmen in Courtney Anderson Jr.
3. Mitty (18-9)
Nigel Burris joins the Monarchs from Stuart Hall, but senior guard Devan Sapp left after being named WCAL Player of the Year as a junior. Still at Mitty is senior guard Marcus Greene, junior post Arrish Bhandal and sophomore Aidan Burke.
4. De La Salle (29-4)
The Spartans are led by two sophomore wings in Jeremiah Dargan and Chris Bunch, who are two of the best 2022 prospects in NorCal. They are flanked by shooter Jack Byers and fellow sophomore Noah Clifford, who gives them some more size.
5. Weston Ranch (31-2)
Coming off an Open Division appearance, Weston Ranch brings back the core of its team led by Gavin Wilburn, Donjae Lindsey and Mi’Son Coilton. The Cougars also got some added size in Jordahn Johnson.
6. Modesto Christian (26-9)
Graduation and injuries have stunted some preseason expectations, but the Crusaders remain one of the top teams in NorCal. Alex Merkviladze (Cal State Northridge), Michael Pearson, Oziyah Sellers and Baljot Sahi (Stanislaus State) are players to watch. Modesto Christian also has call-up Chris Fan and incoming transfer Jaden Phillips.
7. Riordan (18-9)
When you return a guard tandem like Bryce Monroe (Sam Houston State) and Jelani Clark, you are going to be in the top half of the preseason rankings. Add in Lee Hubbard, Riiny Riiny, Robert Vaihola and Mor Seck and the Crusaders are poised for a big year.
8. Bishop O’Dowd (23-9)
Coming off a big summer, Cal bound Monty Bowser comes back as the leader of the Dragons and one of the top players in the region. He is joined by junior Marsalis Roberson, who has picked up offers this fall. Inside, look for freshman Jalen Lewis.
9. Campolindo (27-7)
While leading scorer David Ahazie graduated, Campolindo returns the majority of its key contributors. Sophomore Aidan Mahaney is one of the top sophomore guards on the West Coast, Carter Mahaney is a solid get for Northern Arizona and Matt Radell averaged six points and five rebounds as a freshman.
10. Capital Christian (17-13)
Matt Filer has taken over for the Cougars, which return a host of ranked prospects led by senior Evan Johnson, junior Caden Flowers, junior Sione Lose, junior Jonah Alvarez and sophomore Darrion Williams. Will the Cougars get back to the Open Division?
11. Dublin (25-6)
Dublin boasts a deep squad with a bevy of returners like Anthony Roy, Jaden Saunders, Patrick Renane, Devon Jackson, Malik Jackson and Jalen Pierce. The Gaels are a dark horse contender to receive an Open Division bid.
12. Vanden (20-9)
Led by Sacramento State bound wing Teiano Hardee, Vanden is one of the top teams in the section. Joining Hardee is forward Takai Emerson-Hardy and guard Isaac Montgomery as part of 10 returners from last year.
13. Grant (26-8)
The Pacers graduated much of its size, but strong guard play will keep them in the mix. Corey Yerger and AJ McGee lead the attack. Other forwards to watch are Davell Brown and Jon Jon Schooley, who has transferred in from Inderkum.
14. Bellarmine (20-8)
The Bells have a good collection of returning players and start the year as the top challenger to Mitty/Riordan in the West Catholic Athletic League. Quinn Decker will lead the backcourt and is joined by Ryan Kiachian, Constantijan Cole and Josiah Ajiake.
15. Franklin, Elk Grove (19-10)
The Wildcats boast one of the top guard tandems in the region with sophomore Davion Wright and fast rising senior Marquis Hargrove, who comes over from Sheldon. Franklin graduated just two seniors and have 18 wins in the Delta the past two wins.
16. Dougherty Valley (19-9)
Another team that should rely on strong guard, Dougherty Valley starts the year in the Top 20 as it welcomes in Montana bound Robby Beasley. Donovan Sevilla also returns for the Wildcats, which have won 19 games in each of the past two years with winning records in the East Bay Athletic League.
17. Folsom (26-7)
The reigning Sierra Foothill League champion bring back Tiler Fears, Malik Rose and Cameron Wall. Folsom has won at least 22 games in six straight seasons. They open against Spanish Springs before traveling to the Wild West Shootout in Reno.
18. St. Patrick-St. Vincent (20-12)
The Bruins boast one of the top post threats in Dishon Jackson and two solid guards in Jalen Scott and Jaden Alexander. They will need to replace senior Akil Edwards, who averaged 19 points last year.
19. Moreau Catholic (26-8)
The Mariners had four seniors who averaged double digits last year, but will look for expanded roles out of junior DJ Johnson and sophomore Trey Knight. Moreau Catholic has won at least 20 games for six straight seasons.
20. Jesuit (21-9)
Junior Isa Silva showed his prowess on the circuit this summer and returns as one of the top players in the region. He is joined by fellow junior guard Chris Holley but they need to replace the scoring punch of Jack Jones. Junior Brandon Rutherford was expected to return but has transferred to Inderkum.