SBLive’s LA City Section Top 10 Boys Basketball Rankings: Narbonne jumps up to No. 3

Here’s a look at the top boys high school basketball teams in the LA City Section with the regular season wrapping up this week. SBLive’s LA City Section high school boys basketball rankings are compiled by SBLive California reporter Connor Morrissette and are released every Monday throughout the 2021-22 season.

SBLIVE LA CITY SECTION TOP 10 BOYS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

February 7, 2021

1. Venice (18-6)

Last week: 1

The Gondoliers are undefeated against teams from the City Section with wins over No. 4 Gardena (twice), No. 5 Birmingham, No. 7 Palisades and No. 8 Westchester so far this year. They’ll be the No. 1 seed in the Open Division LA City playoffs if they win out. Friday’s game against No. 6 Fairfax is a big one.

2. Taft (15-5)

Last week: 3

The Toreadors lost their first City game of the season against No. 5 Birmingham 59-56 on Jan. 26. Taft stays ahead of Birmingham in the top ten this week because the Toreadors beat No. 10 El Camino Real 66-45 last week and Birmingham lost to El Camino Real earlier this season.

3. Narbonne (14-9)

Last week: 5

The Gauchos beat No. 6 Fairfax on Dec. 20, and then avenged an earlier loss to No. 4 Gardena last week, winning 56-53 in overtime thanks to 33 points from senior Ijezie Anopueme. Narbonne's two City defeats have come against No. 4 Gardena and No. 2 Taft.

4. Gardena (20-6)

Last week: 2

Gardena has lost to No. 1 Venice twice and they fell to No. 3 Narbonne in overtime last week. Those defeats are the only three City Section losses for the Panthers this year. Gardena’s best win came against No. 3 Narbonne 53-49 on Jan 19. Gardena has also beaten Grant and Hamilton this season.

5. Birmingham (14-7)

Last week: 4

The Patriots have been up and down this season, but Birmingham is now healthy and the team has won four games in a row. Birmingham has beaten No. 2 Taft this year, but lost to No. 7 Palisades and No. 10 El Camino Real.

6. Fairfax (10-6)

Last week: 6

Fairfax has beaten No. 7 Palisades and No. 8 Westchester twice. The Lions play No. 1 Venice on Friday, which gives Fairfax a chance to move up in the rankings following their 51-47 loss to No. 3 Narbonne in December.

7. Palisades (8-8)

Last week: 7

Palisades has won four of their last five which includes a 38-32 win over No. 8 Westchester. Palisades has beaten No. 5 Birmingham and No. 9 King/Drew this season but lost to unranked Hamilton.

8. Westchester (12-9)

Last week: 8

Westchester splitting their two league games with No. 7 Palisades and beating No. 9 King/Drew in December gives the Comets a shot at the Open Division playoffs in the City Section. Expect Westchester to pick up more wins in the league before the season ends.

9. King/Drew (17-10)

Last week: 9

Kalib LaCount scored 46 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and 10 had assists in King/Drew’s 78-74 win over Lawndale on Jan. 22. He’s one of the favorites for City Section Player of the Year. King/Drew losing to No. 8 Westchester 56-53 on Dec. 28 may end up costing the Golden Eagles a spot in the Open Division though.

10. El Camino Real (10-13)

Last week: 10

El Camino Real is 3-1 in West Valley League play, which includes a win over No. 5 Birmingham and loss to No. 2 Taft. ECR stays at ten this week because even though they’ve lost to unranked Grant and No. 9 King/Drew this season, the Birmingham win and their overall West Valley League performance makes for a top ten resume.

In the mix: Grant, Hamilton, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Crenshaw, San Pedro, LACES