Full-Time Hoops Top 50: 26-20
We're on the eve of the season, so now is as good of a time as ever to release the final segment of our preseason rankings, our Top 26-50. There are a lot of solid teams on this list, and my confidence level with my picks gets lower as we get deeper into the top 50, but this gives you a rough idea of where I think teams will slot as the season unfolds.
Here's the best of the rest in San Diego:
26. University City
Preseason League Rank: 3rd Eastern
Key Players: Jaeden Robley, Jr. W; Ben Gavani, Jr. C; Ash Aska, Jr. PG; Jesse Wood, Jr. G; Landon Carlson, Sr. G;Lucas Anzaldua-Bertholdo, Jr. G; Dylan Griffin, So. W; Brody Lelis, Sr. G
Outlook: The Centurions might be ranked too low, as they have depth and size on the interior. Guard play will be the deciding factor.
27. Poway
Preseason League Rank: 3rd, Avocado
Key Players: Justin Lubisich, Sr. G; Christian Gentilucci, Sr. G; Mikey Knapp, Sr. G; Ifiok Ekiko, Jr. G; Campbell Flight, Sr. W; Gabe Menck; So. G; Aaron Avila Lopez, Sr. G; Joey Pancheri, Sr. G;
Outlook: Poway has a new coach in Corey Clark, and there's renewed energy after the program's second consecutive losing season. Shooting will be a concern, but the Titans play hard and come at you in waves.
28. San Dieguito Academy
Preseason League Rank: 4th, Avocado
Key Players: Tucker Oien, Sr. W; Troy Whatnall, Sr. G; Jaxen Sladavic, Jr. G; Finn Mendelsohn, Sr. G; Cal Corn, Jr. W; Brighton Kerkhoff, Jr. W; Jacob Munden, Jr. C; Kylan Snyder, Sr. W;
Outlook: The returning Division 3 champions don't have a lot of big-name players, but they return a slew of juniors who were key role players on the title team. The question will be how quickly they embrace their new roles as leading men.
29. Ramona
Preseason League Rank: 4th, Coastal
Key Players: Dalton Norvell, 6-1 Sr. G; Chase Newman, 6-5 Jr. F; Aaron Moe, Sr. G; Carson Ward, Sr. G; Cohen Armstrong, Sr. G; Azlan Enriguez, Sr. G;
Outlook: Coach Steven Jones has his best team of his tenure and they are one of the favorites to win Division 3. The league ranking is deceiving, as all four teams have a chance to win it depending on the matchups.
30. Bonita Vista
Preseason League Rank: 5th, Mesa
Key Players: Mikeal Pink, Sr G; Diego Figueroa, Jr. G; Jesus Figueroa, Sr. G; Michael Barragan, Sr. W; Michael Hansen, Sr. F; Treyvon Davis, So. G; Aaron Owens, So. F; Isaiah Diaz, So. G; Torrean Smalley, Jr. W; Gavin Hormaechea, Sr. G; Bo Cortez, Sr. G; Aaron Rosillo, Jr. W*, Kenny Jordan, So. G
Outlook: The Barons bring back a ton of depth from a team that competed in - and lost - a lot of close games last year. If this team can figure out how to win the final four minutes of games, they are dangerous. Watch out for Smalley, who has breakout star potential.
