SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

DIVISION III-AA

Defending champion--Santa Margarita.

Top teams--Sonora (23-3), Lakewood Artesia (20-3), Moreno Valley Rancho Verde (20-6), Redondo Beach Redondo Union (19-6), Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World (19-6), Servite (17-8).

Dark horses: Torrance Bishop Montgomery (15-7), Yermo Silver Valley (16-6), Culver City (15-10), Savanna (15-10).

Key players: Craig Clark (Sonora), Brian Helton (Santa Barbara San Marcos), Jeff Sand (Troy), Mike Wahle (Rim of the World), Rashad Williams (Pomona).

Notes: After losing to Servite in the semifinals last year, Sonora--which has a first-round bye--would love a rematch. The teams could meet in the semifinals again this time. . . . There are eight county teams in this division. Along with Sonora and Servite, Troy appears to have the best chance of advancing deep into the playoffs.

DIVISION III-A

Defending champion--Pacifica.

Top teams--North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake (23-2), Estancia (23-3), Goleta Dos Pueblos (22-2), Santa Paula (22-2), Duarte (20-4), Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (18-3), La Canada (18-7), San Dimas (18-7), Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon (17-8).

Dark horses: Inglewood Morningside (15-9), Covina (16-9), San Luis Obispo (16-7), Moorpark (16-7).

Key players: Kevin Byrne (Estancia), Jason Collins (Harvard-Westlake), Erron Maxey (Temescal Canyon), Steve Nary (Cathedral City), Charlie Petit (La Canada), Matt Williams (Goleta Dos Pueblos).

Notes: A highly competitive bracket, with 10 of the 27 teams having at least 17 victories. . . . A final matchup between Estancia and Harvard-Westlake is not guaranteed since both have several potential minefields in their brackets. . . . The other county teams in this division--Rancho Alamitos, Pacifica and La Quinta--will find it difficult to get past the second round.