Boys’ basketball: Beware of these unseeded teams

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There can’t be a Southern Section basketball playoffs without some teams not seeded in the top four teams knocking off the big boys. Here are some teams that could get hot:

Valencia West Ranch. First-year Coach Shant Bicakci isn’t afraid of anyone. He’s got youth, confidence and a little fearlessness going for him. And he has two improving junior standouts in guard Kevin Harris and 6-foot-7 enforcer Ako Kaluna to cause problems in Division 1A.

South Pasadena. La Canada never loses the Rio Hondo League championship. But this season, South Pasadena got a share of the title under a promising coach, Timothy Brown. That hasn’t happened in more than 20 years. The team is 15-11 and will be in 3A.

Santa Maria Righetti. At 21-4 in 2A, Righetti has a terrific freshman in 6-6 Cameron Walker. Road trips to Righetti won’t be easy.

Anaheim Servite. The Friars went 0-10 in the tough Trinity League. Now they get to play in one of the weakest divisions, 3AA. Don’t be surprised if they start winning and winning.

Beverly Hills. The Normans are 17-9 and finished third in the Ocean League. They have an outstanding shooting guard in Austin Mills. They’re in 3AAA.

Tesoro. At 13-13, the Titans played in the competitive South Coast League and have some excellent young players. They’re lurking in the bottom half of 2AA. Beware.

Santa Monica. This is a team that few mention with the likes of Mater Dei, Long Beach Poly, Etiwanda and Loyola in 1AA, but Santa Monica fears no one and gives everyone a tough game.

Brentwood. First-year Coach Ryan Bailey learned plenty from a rough Alpha League season. Watch standouts Leland King and Tra Holder take charge.

-- Eric Sondheimer