Boys’ basketball: Sierra Canyon is No. 1 in The Times’ top 25 preseason rankings

Chatsworth Sierra Canyon holds down the No. 1 spot in The Times’ preseason top 25 prep basketball rankings. The reason is the arrival of 6-foot-11 Marvin Bagley III, a junior who’s about as good a talent as there is for his age in the country.

But there are lots of teams capable of beating the Trail Blazers, starting with Bishop Montgomery. The Knights have been waiting for this season for three years. They’re a veteran team who competed tough with unbeaten Chino Hills last season.

There’s lots of teams prepared to break into the top 25, including Narbonne, Heritage Christian, La Canada, Crossroads, Brentwood, Windward and Bonita.

Several teams will be better after January when the transfer sitout period ends, and several teams are waiting for players to get healthy from injuries.

1. SIERRA CANYON. 6-11 Marvin Bagley III joins Cody Riley and Remy Martin to form imposing group.


2. BISHOP MONTGOMERY. All five starters return, led by Ethan Thompson, David Singleton, Jordan Schakel.


3. CHINO HILLS. The pace will still be fast and there’s still two Ball brothers around.


4. MATER DEI. If the guard play holds out, beware. Showed strong summer improvement.


5. LONG BEACH POLY. Has lots of height and Zafir Williams is becoming a standout.


6. SANTA MARGARITA. Eagles are ready to make Trinity League run at Mater Dei.


7. CRESPI Guards Brandon Williams and Taj Regans will be outstanding.


8. CORONA CENTENNIAL. UCLA-bound Jalen Hill leads Huskies.


9. FAIRFAX. Championships are won with guard play, and Lions are loaded.


0. EASTVALE ROOSEVELT. Watch and admire Cal-bound guard Jemarl Baker.


11. ALEMANY. Have experience, good guards, plus a 6-11 transfer student.


12. SANTA MONICA. 6-7 junior Rip Economou is ready to become big-time scorer.


13. HARVARD-WESTLAKE. Freshman Johnny Juzang joins soph Cassius Stanley to form exciting duo.


14. BIRMINGHAM. Patriots are legitimate City Section title contenders.



15. ETIWANDA. Guard Miles Oliver will lead improved Eagles.


16. CANTWELL-SACRED HEART. Lots of tough, physical players to compete in Del Rey League.


17. REDONDO. Ryse Williams leads team that plays hard.


18. ORANGE LUTHERAN. Lancers are young but will be very good at the end.


19. WESTCHESTER. Lots of experience for Coach Ed Azzam to work his magic.


20. DAMIEN. Coach Mike LeDuc will have them screening and making shots.


21. ST. JOHN BOSCO. JJ Watson and Makani Whiteside lead improved Braves.


22. OAK PARK. Riley Battin is ready to rebound, score and block shots.


23. VILLAGE CHRISTIAN. Transfers and returnees will make Crusaders tough.


24. LOS ALTOS. Five starters are back, led by sophomore Jarod Lucas.


25. LYNWOOD. Coming off 23-7 season and played well in summer ball.


For the latest on high school sports, follow @LATSondheimer on Twitter