El Capitan Streaking Into Top 10

El Capitan High School, thanks to a pair of big victories last week, has moved into The Times’ Top 10 basketball rankings for the first time this season.

The Vaqueros (14-3 overall) improved their record to 11-1 in the Grossmont League by defeating second place Mount Miguel and third place Grossmont last week.

El Capitan lost its first league game of the season at Mount Miguel, but since has won 11 straight in league. Meanwhile, others in the Top 10 continued to win, leaving no room for the upwardly mobile.

Last week, however, previously ranked Mount Miguel lost twice to open the door for El Capitan. The other teams in the Top 10 continued to play well, and the top five positions remained unchanged this week.

Poway is still No. 1 followed by El Camino, Morse, Serra and Castle Park. Serra maintained its spot at No. 4 despite dropping a 69-64 overtime decision to No. 3 Morse Friday night.

If any teams falter this week, University could be the next team to move up the ladder.

The Dons (13-6) have won five straight games and lead the City Western League. University is currently among the Best of the Rest.

Here’s this week’s Times Top 10:

Pos. School (League) Record 1. Poway (Palomar) 16-3

2. El Camino (Avocado) 17-2

3. Morse (City Eastern) 13-3

4. Serra (City Eastern) 15-3

5. Castle Park (Metro-South Bay) 17-1

6. Oceanside (Avocado) 15-3

7. Sweetwater (Metro-Mesa) 13-6

8. Point Loma (City Eastern) 12-8

7. Mira Mesa (City Eastern) 12-7

10. El Capitan (Grossmont) 14-3

Best of the Rest: Mount Carmel 13-6, Kearny 13-8, Madison 10-7 and University 13-6.