Mahamadou Diop looks to score (left) for preseason No. 19 San Gabriel Academy during last March’s CIF D3 state final. At right, preseason No. 16 Folsom’s Jack Shull (22) and Joven Dulay (1) celebrate with graduated teammate Chase Rollins (4) after they won CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D1 title. Photos: Sam Stringer / Cal-Hi Sports & Doug Guler / Gold Country Media.
Here’s the rest of our look at the preseason Top 40 of the best boys teams from across the state. This group is led by CIF Sac Joaquin Section favorite and No. 16 Folsom and includes the rest of these teams down to No. 40 Clovis North plus a list of 15 more teams that just missed.
To check out the teams we ranked from No. 1 to No. 15, CLICK HERE.
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16. (14) Folsom 28-4
The Bulldogs weren’t on our preseason 2024-25 radar, but we are not going to make that mistake again, as they return a solid nucleus. They also have the coaching of Mike Wall that can’t be overlooked, as the defending CIF San Joaquin Section D1 champs are led by Joven Dulay (6-5, Sr.) and Parks Weaver (6-3 Soph.). Dulay is the returning leading scorer (13.5 ppg), while Weaver (6-3, Soph.) is good enough to make the all-state sophomore team and should greatly improve on his 6.3 ppg average. Jack Shull (6-4, Sr.) should hit for double figures and Alec Day (6-4, Sr.) will need to step up for a team that doesn’t have a big interior threat. Folsom wants to get off to a good start and will face talented Cornerstone Christian of Antioch at the NorCal Tip-Off Classic (Nov. 29).
17. (12) JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) 24-11
The Lions were nationally ranked for a brief time in 2024-25 and even handed NorCal champ Riordan one of its two losses, but finished tied for second place in the Trinity League with No. 9 Mater Dei. Coach Keith Wilkinson (153-67) has a nice mix of talent, but it’s still very young and the only veteran in the backcourt is second team all-league choice Earl Bryson (6-3, Jr.). Ryan Doane (6-9, Soph.) will have an increased role and the Trinity League’s top freshman is one of the best prospects in his class nationally. Godschoice Eboigbodin (6-6, Jr.) was the Trinity League’s top newcomer two years ago and will play a big role, especially since the football season ended at JSerra with no playoffs this season. The top newcomer is Jaden Bailes (6-2, Sr.), a dynamic scorer who would have been the top player in San Diego County and could make a similar impact as B.J. Davis-Ray (now at SMU) did in his lone season with the program. Isaiah Hill (6-2, Soph.) and Serbian transplant Sibin Gujanicic (6-7, Jr.) are other talented newcomers for a team that plays a rugged schedule. After opening the season at the Rumble On The Hill Tournament at Troy in Fullerton, JSerra takes on top-ranked Sierra Canyon at the Trinity-Mission League showcase at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion (Nov. 22).
Players from JSerra, including key transfer Jaden Bailes from St. Augustine of San Diego (in white shirt), went to recent L.A. Clippers game at Intuit Dome and took a photo near where their jersey is hanging up along with all of the others in the state. JSerra’s jersey has been placed next to Hollywood High. Photo: @JSerra_Hoops / X.com.
18. (32) Inglewood 25-5**
This is the team, of course, led by the incomparable Jason Crowe Jr. (6-4, Sr.), who is on pace to easily become the state’s all-time leading scorer and is the leading Mr. Basketball State Player of the Year candidate. Entering his senior year, J2 is averging more points per game than any player in California history (35.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.1 apg, and 3.1 spg as a junior) and his stamina might be the best we’ve seen since Jason Kidd was at Alameda St. Joseph over 30 years ago. There is good talent around him, led by athletic David Conerly (6-6, Jr.) and terrific shooter Cayim White (6-1, Sr.), who should drain 100 plus 3-pointers for the second consecutive season. Another fast-riser is Kevin Singleton (6-3, Jr.), a strong driver who should take some pressure off Crowe. Ironically, there is a chance J2 could break Tounde Yessofou’s all-time scoring mark (3,659) at his old home gym at St. Joseph of Santa Maria at the Elite 8 event that will be held on Dec. 11-13.
19. (NR) San Gabriel Academy 21-13
Winning a second straight CIF D3 state crown may not happen for the Eagles but that’s more because of the damage they should do in a higher division with the experience gained in last year’s title run. It begins with Mahamadou Diop (6-10, Jr.), last year’s D3 State Player of the Year who had 20 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocked in a one point victory over King’s Academy of Sunnyvale in the state title game and 16 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks in the SoCal final vs. Maranatha of Pasadena. He’s complemented nicely by Mo Traore (6-4, Sr.), who can score on the wing, and inside by Mohamed Toure (6-8, Jr.). If Toure shows big improvement, watch out because Oumar Dabo (6-7, Soph.) is a big-time talent that can take this team to another level. Keeping the defenses honest from the outside is Xavier Wang (5-11, Jr.) while Zach Arnold (5-10, Fr.) will be a name to watch down the line. SGA lost to No. 15 Amador Valley in their Cali Live title game, but that was without Diop.
20. (NR) Long Beach Poly (Long Beach) 23-7
The Jackrabbits earn their preseason highest ranking since the shortened spring 2021 season (No. 13) and look to play at a level similar to when they won 13 consecutive Moore League titles between 2010-2022. Poly will look to battle for its first CIFSS open berth since 2016-17 (when it opened No. 13) behind the talents of Jonas Oware (6-9, Sr.). He’s much improved and a student of the game headed for Yale. Nana Ofoegbu (6-2, Sr.) is a veteran guard and he’s flanked by John Chansey (6-0, Sr.) as the primary ball-handler and Julian Calderone (6-2, Sr.) at shooting guard. Isaac Hagens (6-6, Jr.) is a veteran up front and it will be hard for veteran coach Shelton Diggs to keep Jakobi Oware (6-5, Soph.) off the floor. Jonas’ younger brother is a terrific wing talent and down the line could be recruited at the level graduated guard Jovanni Ruff (now at Cal) was.
21. (NR) San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno) 25-7
The Panthers get the nod as the No. 2 team from the CIF Central Section over perennial contender Clovis North and Bakersfield Christian. Head coach Brad Roznovsky (269-123) has a well balanced club that had a terrific summer showing. Parker Spees (6-9, Sr.) is much improved and with his 1410 SAT is headed to UC-Irvine. Dominick Olanrewaju (6-5, Soph.) is a quality scorer while all-leaguer Saijin Sidhu (6-3, Sr.) is a key cog because he can man either guard position on a team without a true lead guard. Watch out for Ty Schalk (6-2, Jr.), who will complement Sidhu and could have a breakout season.
22. (1) Roosevelt (Eastvale) 35-2
Our preseason No. 1 last season and the defending CIF Open Division state champs take a step back this year because of heavy graduation losses. Three-time state champion coach Steve Singleton also recently stepped down, but the cupboard is not exactly bare for new coach Johnny Dukes, who was previously at Moreno Valley Rancho Verde. Cam Anderson (6-4, Soph.) had a terrific freshman campaign, but had no pressure on him and now must step up when the defense keys on him. Montana-bound Jackson Haggins (6-2, Sr.) is a knock down shooter who gets better in pressure situations. Christian Benjamin (6-8, Sr.) showed flashes, but has to gain consistency and is flanked up front by Carson Butler (6-8, Jr.), a physical specimen who is learning the game. The backcourt is bolstered by Etiwanda transfer Sloane Harris (6-1, Jr.) while Darius Dixson (5-9, Soph.) adds depth. The team is also bolstered by the return of Oluwafende Thomas (6-3, Sr.), an athletic talent who was on the team in 2024-25.
Raymond Whitley is a key returnee at St. Ignatius of San Francisco and has been a top player for the Wildcats since he was a freshman. Photo: @ClutchElite20 / X.com.
23. (25) St. Ignatius (San Francisco) 22-9
For the second straight season, the Wildcats rate as a solid No. 2 from the powerful West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) behind No. 8 Riordan. The only difference this year is the gap between the Crusaders and the Wildcats might not be as wide, as SI won two games in the NorCal D1 playoffs before losing to eventual region champ Lincoln of Stockton and should be much improved. Ray Whitley (6-3, Sr.) is a returning all-WCAL choice, while Steele LaBagh (6-2, Sr.) and Ty Landers (6-7, Sr.) could be in line for some post-season honors. Alex Moore (6-8, Soph.) was injured at times during the summer, but if he takes his game to the next level this team could quickly move up in the rankings.
24. (NR) Damien (La Verne) 21-11
The Spartans had high hopes to earn a CIFSS open berth last season but it came crashing down when big man Nate Garcia missed the season with injury. This year, the expectations are more tempered but legendary head coach Mike LeDuc (now 1,095-281 since 1979-80) welcomes back three players with all-Baseline credentials. Eli Garner (6-5, Sr.) is going to get a D1 scholarship and could be the loop’s best. Elijah Smith (5-10, Sr.) is a veteran point guard and Zaire Rasshan (6-2, Jr.) is an off-guard with loads of potential. If Rasshan takes his game to the next level and newcomers JoJo Mariles (6-3, Fr.) and C.J. Murray (6-2, Soph.) are as good as advertised, this team could be a sleeper CIFSS open contender.
25. (NR) Pasadena 25-4
There hasn’t been this much excitement surrounding Bulldogs’ basketball since Pasadena finished No. 21 in the state in 2017-18 behind the talents of future pro players Bryce Hamilton and Darius Brown III. That team lost in the CIFSS D1 final and regionals to the Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu and Chino Hills and coach Tony Brooks is hoping Texas A&M-bound Josh Irving (6-10, Sr.) has a Big O-type impact for his senior season. Irving had a monster summer, now the challenge is for that to translate to high school season production. The team also received a boost when Timmy Anderson (6-0, Sr.) and his 2,502 career points transferred over from nearby Blair. This team is also motivated and has something to play for since some on the roster, including Coach Brooks, had their lives impacted by the devastating Eaton Fire last January.
The Next 15
26. (NR) Rancho Christian (Temecula) 15-13
Similar to No. 28 Crossroads, this is a team that hovered around .500 last year that we project will take a major jump because of transfers. Jeremiah Profit (6-5, Jr.) transfers over from Temecula Valley, along with his younger brother Josiah Profit (6-2, Soph.), and could emerge as an all-stater this season. The rest of the state is going to see how good Jaizahn Lewis (6-2, Soph.) is as well if the Eagles make a run in the CIFSS D1 playoffs because the Murrieta Valley transfer is an excellent talent. Also coming over from Murrieta Valley is Tony Rutledge (6-5, Jr.). Up front, the leading veterans are Dave Mapey (6-9, Sr.) and Daniel Wol (6-8, Jr.).
27. (30) Rolling Hills Prep (San Pedro) 22-6
The Huskies have one of the best frontlines in the CIFSS and will have to keep their ball-handling sharp to compete for a section D1 title. When this team jells after the 30-day sit put period, watch out, because veteran coach Harvey Kitani (979-306 career coaching record, not including forfeits) has a team that can rebound and play good team defense. Getting eligible later is point guard Carter Fulton (6-1, Jr.), scorer Josahn Webster (6-3, Sr.) and Andre George Jr. (5-10, Sr.). Cole Nakata (5-10, Jr.) will look to get the ball inside to all-state candidate Nick Welch Jr. (6-9, Jr.) while Kawika Suter (6-7, Sr.) and Terrell Hopkins (6-4, Jr.) are experienced and versatile talents who will take pressure off the new backcourt.
28. (NR) Crossroads (Santa Monica) 15-13
Optimism derives for the Roadrunners from the arrival of sophomores Shalen Sheppard (6-8, Soph.) from L.A. Brentwood and Evan Willis (6-7, Soph.) from Mater Dei of Santa Ana. Sheppard was the Gold Coast Player of the Year as a mere freshman and could repeat, while Willis is one of the most bouncy players in SoCal and not far behind Sheppard as a prospect. Crossroads also has a solid senior returning nucleus, including Luca Magnus (6-4, Sr.), Noah Kurian (6-4, Sr.) and sniper Jake Aronson (6-2, Sr.). We are projecting here for coach Anthony Davis’ club to be much improved from last season.
Josiah Johnson from Mayfair of Lakewood seems to collect more D1 college offers every time he comes back from a major showcase. Photo: ballislife / Instagram.com.
29. (15) Modesto Christian 24-9
This proud program is undergoing a coaching change, but you can’t count out the Crusaders as they usually find a way to win games in the Sac Joaquin Section playoffs and NorCal regional. In addition to former head coach Brice Fantazia going full-time at Modesto Junior College, MC lost its two best players (including re-class Myles Jones to Stanford). New coach Chris Teevan, however, has been around the program and the transition should be easier than most normal coaching changes. It also helps to have talents such as Sincere Hudson (6-1, Jr.) and Cole Martin (6-3, Jr.) in the fold from Inderkum of Sacramento and Turlock, respectively. Hudson has been one the state’s top Class of 2027 players the past two years. Trevor Dickson (6-2, Jr.) and Elijah Payne (6-5, Jr.) are the top returnees and both are capable of averaging 10-12 ppg for a program that has been preseason ranked each of the past 10 years.
30. (NR) Mayfair (Lakewood) 22-8**
The optimism surrounding the Monsoons hasn’t been this high since right before the outbreak of COVID-19 when future NBA guard Josh Christopher led the program to the 2018-19 CIFSS D2AA title and a No. 13 preseason ranking the next season. That 2019-20 team didn’t live up to expectations and coach Donnell Meekins is hoping this team can come up in the rankings slowly but surely. The ringleader is terrific guard Josiah Johnson (6-3, Sr.), who didn’t play much travel ball but is a surefire D1 player. Ism’ail Abdul Rahman (6-7, Sr.) provides an athletic punch on the interior and depth is provided by Damon Boykin (6-5, Soph.) and D.J. Meekins (6-4, Fr.), a physical specimen with scoring pop and the coach’s son. Jahaz Wright (6-1, Sr.) is a well-traveled talent with big game experience.
31. (NR) Fairmont Prep (Anaheim) 22-10
The defending CIFSS 2AA champions return the division’s player of the year in David Abisogun (6-9, Sr.). As long as coach Joedy Gardner has him in the lineup the Huskies have a chance to be competitive and move up. Bith Jack (6-9, Sr.) is another load to handle up front, while Eric Gong (6-8, Sr.) gives this team size many in this rankings range doesn’t contain. Obviously, guard play will determine which playoff division the Huskies ultimately land in among the CIFSS’ 10 divisions.
32. (NR) Etiwanda 17-12
Last season was the first time since 2018-19 that the Eagles didn’t begin in the preseason state Top 25 and ultimately they were not good enough to move in. Coach Danny Ryan is now in his fourth year and this team is good enough to make some noise on a statewide level if the youngsters develop as expected. Guards Devin Mitchell (6-3, Soph.) and Jacob Coleman (6-4, Soph.) have plenty of talent, but it’s Achilles Orji (6-7, Soph.) who is oozing with potential. If his game matures, watch out. Sam Funn (6-1, Sr.) also is a veteran guard for a team that will battle No. 24 Damien for the Baseline League title.
33. (NR) Arcadia 17-12
Similar to No. 32 Etiwanda, the Apaches will rely on their youth to carry them to a strong season alongside a nice blend of veterans. Noa Eteuati-Edwards (6-3, Sr.) and Mattelo Ingersoll (6-7, Sr.) are the veterans who return as double-digit scorers. The key will be the development of Owen Eteuati-Edwards (6-7, Soph.) and Nick Wallace Jr. (5-11, Soph.), the point guard and coach’s son. The lineup is bolstered as well by transfers Ajani Balogun (6-7, Soph.) and Tyler West (6-0, Jr.).
34. (28) Windward (Los Angeles) 22-8
Head coach D.J. Gay lost a terrific senior trio that finished as 2025 CIFSS D1 runner-ups after starting No. 30 in the state, but of the those three, two of them have younger brothers that will be mainstays on this team. Jordan Hampton (6-2, Jr.), younger brother of Jeremiah Hampton, has steadily improved while Davey Harris (6-5, Jr.), young brother of J.J. Harris, has rapidly improved. Harris has a chance to be one of the best player’s in California’s 2027 class. Another veteran is point guard Djordan Hall (6-0, Jr.) while newcomer Zion Willis (6-5 Jr.) will help on the interior.
35. (NR) Bakersfield Christian 25-8
The Eagles come in as the No. 3 CIF Central Section team, but must prove it can win at the section D1 level. All eight of the teams in the section’s D1 bracket get auto bids to the regionals and Bakersfield Christian did not win a section playoff game last year. That should change with returning talents such as Jeremias Killebrew (6-5, Jr.) and the backcourt of Braelyn Smith (6-1, Soph.) and Caiden Jackson (6-1, Jr.). Smith is smooth and talented, while Jackson can really get in a stance and shut down the opposition’s top offensive threat. Taiwo Daramola (6-8, Jr.) is a talent colleges coaches are keeping an eye on and he should be primed for an excellent junior campaign.
36. (8) De La Salle (Concord) 28-5
Head coach Marcus Schroeder loses a ton from last season, led by four-year standout and first team all-state Alec Blair, plus Braddick Kjellesvig, David Balogun and more. Regardless, the Spartans shouldn’t fall that far and they do have returning point guard Ibrahim Monawar (6-3, Sr.) who has been among the top 30 in the state’s Class of 2026 recruits. Another to watch who had a big summer is power forward Mariano Lopez Aarden (6-8, Sr.).
Prolific scorer Tavid Johnson and team at Parker of San Diego hope to make noise this season in the CIF San Diego Section Open Division. Photo: X.com.
37. (NR) Parker (San Diego) 19-12
San Diego County’s top preseason club beats out Mission Bay, Torrey Pines, and St. Augustine as the early favorite to capture the CIF San Diego Section Open Division title. With Jaden Bailes now at JSerra in Orange County, Tavid Lee Johnson (6-2, Jr.) also could be the section player of the year with a big season. The backcourt also is steady with talents such as Kai Jones (5-11, Jr.) and Ezekiel Walker (6-3, Sr.) in the fold while the front court is manned by Deven Dubois (6-7, Sr.).
38. (NR) Palisades (Pacific Palisades) 21-12
The once dominant L.A. City Section is down, but the Dolphins have optimism and plenty to play for. They attend class at an old Sears building in Santa Monica as the school recovers from the devastating fire last winer. Coach Jeff Bryant has a solid big man to work with in Julian Cunningham (6-9, Jr.) and an infusion of talent. Newcomers from Las Vegas are twins E.J. Popoola (6-5, Jr.) and Olujimi Popoola (6-5, Jr.), whose father Christian played at the school before attending UNLV, plus talented incoming freshman Phil Reed (6-1, Fr.). Other LA City Section open contenders are L.A. Jordan and L.A. Washington.
39. (NR) Branson (Ross) 21-11
While the Bulls may have some trouble with size up front, they will be dynamite in the backcourt. N.J. Gray (6-1, Jr.) is a playmaker supreme at point guard and has listed offers from Cal, Stanford, Pepperdine and San Jose State. Heath French (6-4, Jr.) operates on the wing and excels at drives to the hoop with an improving jumper. The Bulls also won their bracket last summer at the Section 7 event in Arizona.
40. (35) Clovis North (Clovis) 24-8
The Broncos should be a force in the CIF Central Section, not just due to their returnees but grad losses at both Buchanan and Clovis West. Elias “Swish” Gish (6-6, Sr.) doesn’t just have a cool nickname, but a cool game. He scored at a high clip both inside and outside throughout the summer. Clovis North also has an elite point guard with McKae Amundsen (5-10, Sr.), who has signed with Idaho State. Josh Padilla (5-10, Sr.) and Miles Tucker (5-11, Jr.) also look ready to have breakout seasons.
20 More Teams To Watch
(NR) Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) 14-13
(NR) Bishop Montgomery (Torrance) 14-13
(NR) Bellarmine (San Jose) 17-11
(NR) California (San Ramon) 23-8
(NR) Clayton Valley (Concord) 23-13
(NR) Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) 21-9
(34) Campbell Hall (North Hollywood) 19-10
(NR) Cornerstone Christian (Antioch) 23-6
(16) Lincoln (Stockton) 31-5
(NR) Mission Bay (San Diego) 21-10
(NR) Mitty (San Jose) 15-14
(38) Moreau Catholic (Hayward) 26-6
(NR) Oak Hills (Hesperia) 25-5
(27) Oakland Tech (Oakland) 25-5
(NR) St. Pius X-Matthias (Downey) 18-11
(NR) Village Christian (Sun Valley) 16-11
To check out the teams we ranked from No. 1 to No. 15, CLICK HERE.
Ronnie Flores is the managing editor of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at ronlocc1977@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores
