It’s a Season-Long Climb to the Top

Defending state Division I boys’ basketball champion Crenshaw and City Section runner-up Westchester are in Philadelphia this weekend, participating in a showcase tournament against some of the best teams in that city.

When they return, there will find plenty of powerful teams waiting for them.

Westchester, with a solid returning nucleus and an influx of transfers, is regarded as perhaps the most talented team. But several teams have what it takes to be considered No. 1.

Here is a look at the top 10 teams:

* WESTCHESTER

* 1996-97 record: 25-7.

* Coach: Edward Azzam.

Senior guards Tony Bland, who says he will attend Syracuse, and Albert Miller return from a team that lost in the City Section final to Crenshaw. USC-bound David Bluthenthal transferred from Venice, senior guard Brandon Granville transferred from Playa del Rey St. Bernard and junior forward Chris Osborne transferred from Fairfax.

* COMPTON DOMINGUEZ

* 1996-97 record: 29-5.

* Coach: Russell Otis.

Forward Tayshaun Prince, who is headed to Kentucky, and USC-bound Jason Thomas have helped lead the Dons to consecutive state championships. Tyson Chandler, a 7-foot freshman, is the top newcomer.

* CRENSHAW

* 1996-97 record: 27-3.

* Coach: Willie West.

The Cougars, a perennial power on the local and national levels under West, figure to challenge Westchester for the city title. Crenshaw is led by 6-3 Brandon Hawkins and 6-4 Anthony Garrison.

* COMPTON

* 1996-97 record: 24-6.

* Coach: Ron Palmer.

David Hamilton, a 6-9 senior who will attend Auburn, and DeAndre Moore, a 5-9 guard headed for Vanderbilt, give the Tarbabes a solid 1-2 punch.

* LAKEWOOD ARTESIA

* 1996-97 record: 28-4.

* Coach: Wayne Merino.

The Pioneers, the Southern Section II-A runner-up, are led by 6-7 Jason Kapono, considered by many the top junior in the state. Seniors Jamal O’Quinn and James Murdock are also key players.

* LONG BEACH POLY

* 1996-97 record: 27-5.

* Coach: Ron Palmer.

Ricky Anderson, a 6-8 forward who will attend Arizona, is the top player for the Jackrabbits. Senior guards Mike McIntyre, who has signed with Hawaii, and Shelton Diggs, give Poly a solid backcourt.

* SIMI VALLEY

* 1996-97 record: 23-4.

* Coach: Dean Bradshaw.

Rafael Berumen, a 6-8 junior, is one of the top juniors in the state. Ian Boys, a transfer from Ventura Buena, give the Pioneers two outstanding scorers.

* FREMONT

* 1996-97 record: 23-5.

* Coach: H.D. Sullivan.

Ronell Mingo, a 6-8 senior, is expected to keep the Pathfinders in contention with Westchester and Crenshaw for the City Section championship.

* GLENDORA

* 1996-97 record: 25-3.

* Coach: Mike LeDuc.

Junior Casey Jacobsen, a 6-6 forward, is one of five returning starters from a team that advanced to the Southern Section Division I-A quarterfinals last season.

* SANTA MARGARITA

* 1996-97 record: 18-8.

* Coach: Jerry DeBusk.

All five starters return, including guards Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Craig Rice and T.J. Williams.