SBLive’s California Girls Basketball Top 20: Windward debuts at 12

Here are SBLive California’s statewide girls basketball rankings for the week of Dec. 6. To begin the season, the rankings include 20 teams, and we will extend it out to 25 teams before long. SBLive’s statewide California high school girls basketball rankings are released every Monday throughout the season.

SBLIVE CALIFORNIA TOP 20 GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Dec. 6, 2021

1. Etiwanda (4-0 – 1st)

The Eagles stay at No. 1 after a bye-week.

2. La Jolla Country Day (6-1 – 2nd)

LJCD bounced back from the loss against Etiwanda by routing Santiago (Corona), Pacifica Christian, and Millennium (AZ).

3. Corona Centennial (3-1 – 3rd)

Cen10 also took a bye-week, and will be heavily favored in an exciting showdown with Viewpoint on Monday.

4. Cathedral Catholic (2-2 – 4th)

Yet another team that didn't play last week, Cathedral has an opportunity to pick up three big wins with Carlsbad, Westview, and Windward on deck.

5. Mater Dei (2-0 – 5th)

Continuing with the theme here, the Monarchs have their first game in over a week on Tuesday against Troy. That'll be a battle of the top two teams in Orange County not waiting until playoff time to face off.

6. Sierra Canyon (7-0 – 6th)

After beating Westlake by 28 on Tuesday, the Trailblazers cleaned up at the McDonald's Classic against out-of-state teams. They beat Coronado (El Paso, TX) by 41, New Hope Academy (MD) by one point, and Christ the King (NY) by 17.

7. Stockton St. Mary’s (2-0 – 7th)

In their lone game last week, St. Mary's crushed Pinole Valley. The Rams will be at the She Got Game Classic in Washington D.C.

8. Troy (4-0 – 8th)

Troy is still 4-0 and still eighth. This week includes heavyweight tests against Mater Dei, Serra (Gardena), and San Clemente.

9. Pinewood (2-0 – 10th)

So far this season, Pinewood's 59-32 blowout of San Ramon Valley last week was one of the top statement wins of the California season. Elle Ladine dropped 35 points and 13 rebounds on 15-24 shooting. The Wildcats also pounded Lick-Wilmerding.

10. Clovis West (7-0 – 11th)

Speaking of statement wins, the Golden Eagles trounced Oak Ridge 73-36. Their other six wins this season come by a combined score of 449-139.

11. Salesian College Prep (2-0 – 9th)

The Pride smoked Oakland Tech and Damonte Ranch (NV) to open the season. They drop two spots because the two teams right behind them blew out juggernauts, but Salesian will have plenty of chances to rise as its schedule develops.

12. Windward (6-1 – Unranked)

Windward, we're sorry we doubted you. The Wildcats have been in the "also in consideration" section every week of the season, but they announced their presence with a near-upset of Corona Centennial, a close win against Rosary, and five other wins that were all impressive.

13. Archbishop Mitty (4-0 – 13th)

The Monarchs haven't had any major tests yet, but they've blown out four good teams so far.

14. Rosary Academy (2-2 – 12th)

The Royals suffered a slight upset at the hands of Windward, but they still have two great wins on the season. With an away game at Sierra Canyon looming Saturday, their schedule isn't getting any easier.

15. Carondelet (1-0 – 16th)

Carondelet still only has one game under its belt, but its schedule is about to pick up.

16. Esperanza (2-0 – 17th)

Yet another squad that didn't play last week, Esperanza will be at the Orangewood Academy Annual Spartan Classic this week with the opportunity to pick up some statement wins.

17. Bishop O’Dowd (0-0 – 18th)

The Dragons finally tip off this week.

18. Oaks Christian (6-0 – Unranked)

After knocking off Viewpoint last week, Oaks is 6-0, and a dark horse CIFSS Open Division playoff threat. The Lions have also beaten Chaminade.

19. San Ramon Valley (1-1 – 15th)

The Wolves got smoked by Pinewood, but that's Pinewood for ya'. SRV previously blew out Clayton Valley Charter, so we'll see if they bounce back and stay in the top 20.

20. Camarillo (9-0 – Unranked)

Camarillo has been right on the bubble of our top 20 since before the season started. The Scorpions haven't played any elite teams yet, but they've beaten some very good ones such as Palisades, Marlborough, Westchester, West (Torrance), and Brentwood.

Also in consideration:

Oak Ridge, Mission Hills, La Cañada, Viewpoint, Antelope, Folsom, Bonita Vista, Roosevelt (Eastvale), Ontario Christian, Bishop Montgomery, St. Ignatius, Cajon, Mater Dei Catholic, El Camino (Oceanside), Granada Hills Charter, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), Mount Miguel