Boys’ basketball: Best of the best from my neck of the woods

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So, we’re sitting around the office last week -- Editor Bob, Austin Knoblauch and myself --- chatting about the whole basketball scene when the topic of rankings came up. If I remember correctly, Knobs suggested we figure out the top 10 teams in the SF Valley/North region and list them accordingly. Thus, an idea was born. I’ll be doing the boys every Monday and Austin, the girls. So, without further delay, here it is:

1. Campbell Hall (15-4): No-brainer pick here. Jrue Holiday made the decision a whole lot easier.

2. Simi Valley (17-1): Lorne Jackson and the Pioneers are one of the few teams that could give C. Hall a run for its money.

3. Harvard-Westlake (14-4): Can make a big statement in Mission League tonight with a victory over visiting Loyola.

4. Crespi (11-6): Struggling a bit at the moment. Then again, Celts always play better once postseason rolls around.

5. Oaks Christian (15-2): Matt Johnson can do it all, giving the Lions chance to win it all in the Tri-Valley League.

6. Ventura (15-5): Not many in Ventura County can keep up with the Jones’, I mean the James’ -- James Staniland and James Ennis.

7. Hart (15-4): Lopsided loss to Valencia last week was puzzling. Indians have plenty to prove over next couple of days

8. Lancaster (11-6): Showdown against Highland on Wednesday will establish front-runner in Golden League.

9. Saugus (14-3): Impressive early on in season. Is there anything left in the tank?

10. Santa Barbara (10-10): Expected more from Roberto Nelson and the Dons. There’s still time to deliver though.

--Sean Ceglinsky