Top 25 California high school boys basketball rankings: CIF Southern Section (12/18/2023)

St. John Bosco remains No. 1, St. Pius rises, Village Christian debuts

The latest SBLive Top 25 high school boys basketball rankings as of Monday, Dec. 18.

1. St. John Bosco (7-0)

Brandon McCoy, Kade Bonam, Jack Turner, Elzie Harrington ... the Braves are an early favorite to win it all. But it's only December ...

2. Harvard-Westlake (11-0)

The Wolverines are unbeaten but the most difficult part of their schedule has yet to come. The loss of Jacob Huggins is apparent.

3. JSerra (12-0)

Can the Lions win the Trinity League?

4. Eastvale Roosevelt (12-1)

The Mustangs will play in the Classic at Damien Platinum Division and take on Santa Maria St. Joseph before its league opener at Corona Centennial Jan. 9. Big games ahead.

5. Mater Dei (8-1)

The Monarchs will receive the services of Brandon Benjamin, a transfer from Anaheim Canyon, next week; 6-foot-5 junior.

6. Corona Centennial

Eric Freeny dropped 40 in Idaho. He's bridging the gap between experience and youth on the Huskies.

7. Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks (7-0)

The Knights play fast. Mercy Miller shot 44 times, scored 68 points and had just one 3-pointer in 27 minutes last week. 

Master P's son Mercy Miller scores 68 points, sets Notre Dame (California) school record

8. Sierra Canyon (10-1)

The Trailblazers have been led by Justin Pippen, Noah Williams and Bryce Cofield while Isaiah Elohim stays sidelined (injured). Ethan Johnson, Stephen Kankole and Michael Baba - recent transfers - will be eligible next week.

9. St. Pius X

Tyrone Riley scored 33 points in a pivotal nonleague win over La Mirada last week.

10. Etiwanda (11-0)

Defense, defense, defense ... and good guard play.

St. Pius X’s quest to CIF Open Division playoffs picking up steam

11. Damien (11-1)

The La Verne offices of (Xavier) Clinton and (Nate) Garcia leading the Spartans.

12. La Mirada (11-3)

The Matadores will play anyone. Freshman Gene Roebuck had 25 points in the loss to St. Pius.

Gene Roebuck with a big rebound and putback, and-1. Big-time play for a freshman.

La Mirada holds a 40-37 lead over St. Pius with 5 to go in the 3Q. pic.twitter.com/7w4obi4MEB

— Tarek Fattal (@Tarek_Fattal) December 16, 2023

13. Redondo Union (6-1)

The Seahawks were idle last week. Only loss is to Sierra Canyon.

14. St. Bernard (4-0)

Not a big sample size thus far, but the Vikings look the part. Time will tell ...

15. Pasadena (8-0)

The Bulldogs start 4-0 in the Pacific League.

16. Crespi (13-1)

Joe Sterling is averaging 25 points per game, Peyton White is hovering around a double-double, and the Barnes twins (Isaiah and Carter) are proving they can impact winning as freshmen.

17. Windward (10-2)

Wildcats had two easy wins this past week over Providence and Venice.

18. Los Alamitos (10-3)

The Griffins' three losses are to Centennial, Etiwanda and De La Salle.

19. Mira Costa (10-2)

Mira Costa could climb up the rankings in the coming weeks.

20. Santa Margarita (9-3)

New, 4-star PG DeMarco Johnson is now eligible for the Eagles.

21. Village Christian (8-4)

The Crusaders debut in the Top 25 after knocking off West Ranch, 58-56. Sydney Natche led the way with 16 points.

22. Bishop Montgomery (6-1)

The Knights were idle last week.

23. Heritage Christian (8-4)

The Warriors are 3-0 at home and will be a threat to win 2AA with Tae Simmons and Dillan Shaw.

24. West Ranch (5-3)

The Wildcats are looking to challenge themselves outside of the Foothill League, but lost last week to Village Christian.

25. St. Anthony (9-2)

The Saints are making noise.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS

• Top 25 rankings, Dec. 12
• Top 25 rankings, Dec. 4
• Top 25 rankings, Nov. 27
• Top 25 preseason rankings