Best of the best in boys’ basketball from my neck of the woods

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Redemption, how sweet is. Got to admit, I’m feeling pretty good about last week’s SF Valley/North regional rankings for Southern Section boys’ basketball. The again, they couldn’t have been as bad as the previous attempt.

Anyways, don’t expect to see a whole lot of changes this time around. The teams towards the top of the poll are solid, virtually set in stone. However, a minor shakeup in the second half of the top 10 is necessary after a couple of surprising upsets.

Must come clean about one other thing before we get started. I’ve been a big fan of Ventura and Santa Barbara for quite some time now, but can no longer give either program the benefit of the doubt, not until they prove themselves with a couple of quality wins. I’m tired of taking one for the team. So, without further delay, here’s the new rankings:

1. Campbell Hall (18-5): Let’s keep it real, Vikings are the best around.

2. Simi Valley (20-1): These guys have a cool website to boot.

3. Harvard-Westlake (18-4): Can essentially wrap up Mission League this week.

4. Thousand Oaks (15-6): Defending Marmonte League champs won’t go away.

5. Crespi (15-7): Big game tonight against Renaldo Woolridge and the Wolverines.

6. Saugus (18-4): Was in complete control of Foothill League. Not any longer.

7. Lancaster (16-6): Atop Golden League standings by two games.

8. Dos Pueblos (16-7): Has emerged as front-runner in Channel League.

9. Oak Park (14-6): Bobby Hillard and his buddies are ballin’ right now.

10. Valencia (16-6): Once this John Otavka guy gets hot, look out.

-- Sean Ceglinsky