SBLive's Central Section Top 10 Boys Basketball rankings: Losses don't deter No. 1 St. Joseph

With the holiday tournaments in the rearview mirror, it’s time for phase 3 of the basketball season - league play.

St. Joseph from Santa Maria and Clovis West, at least among the Central Section pundits, are considered the top two teams in the section. Clovis North, Centennial-Bakersfield and San Joaquin Memorial could be considered in the next tier.

Below are the latest rankings in the Central Section.

1. St. Joseph

Last week’s rank: No. 1

Record: 8-3

The Knights three losses on the year are by a combined nine points, two of the losses were to SoCal powers Sierra Canyon (71-65) and Bishop Montgomery (62-60). Sophomore sensation Tounde Yessoufou averages 27.5 ppg and 11.4 reb and Luis Marin is second on the team at 11.3 ppg. They should breeze through the Mountain League (38-49 combined record) but play in the Jr. Sugar Bowl in New Orleans this upcoming weekend and have a tasty matchup with Modesto Christian on January 16.

2. Clovis West

Last week’s rank: No. 2

Record: 17-1

It took 17 games but Clovis West fell for the first time this season at the hands of Modesto Christian in the championship game of the Modesto Christian Tournament. Since the beginning of the season, the debate has raged between who’s No. 1 - these Golden Eagles or St. Joseph. Senior guard Issac Martinez was named tournament MVP in three tournaments. The Vance Walberg-coached squad’s winning margin is 20 with its next game at rival Clovis North on Jan. 10 to open up league.

3. Clovis North

Last week’s rank: No. 4

Record: 12-5

Seemingly undermanned and undersized, the Broncos continue to win and keep things close with a relentless attack. They performed extremely well at the Classic at Damien in the Gold Division, the second toughest division, going 3-1. Though listed at 6-3, senior Jalen Bryant (12 pts, 10 reb and 4 blocks in 64-56 win over Redondo Union). Freshman McKae Amundsen knocked down a 3-pointer with 20.8 seconds left in a 56-54 win over Redondo Union. They defeated San Joaquin Memorial 72-53 at home on Jan. 4.

4. Centennial

Last week’s rank: No. 5

Record: 13-3

The Golden Hawks have reeled off eight straight wins including Edison-Fresno 52-46 to win the Clovis Elks Tournament. Big and athletic, Centennial has relied on a 1-3-1 zone led by 6-6 Rippen Gill, 6-4 Jay Jay Jones and 6-4 Donn Bolton. They’ll play No. 8 Stockdale to open up league on Jan. 10.

5. Edison

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

Record: 11-4

The biggest jump in our rankings belong to the Tigers after winning nine straight before losing to Centennial 52-46 in the championship game of the Clovis Elks Tournament. First year coach Michael Fulford has the program headed in the right direction evidenced by their Hoover Holiday Invitational Tournament win over San Joaquin Memorial in the title game. Two football standouts are leading the team in scoring in Ray Brown (14.6 ppg, 710 receiving yards and 6 TDs) and Ya’J Vance (14.3 ppg, 3,059 passing yards, 27 TDs).

6. San Joaquin Memorial

Last week’s rank: No. 3

Record: 8-7

It was an up and down first half of the season for the Panthers evidenced by three straight losses to close out the Classic at Damien. The good news is heralded sophomore Julius Olanrewaju is now eligible and poured in 24 points in his debut, a 68-58 win over Pacifica Christian. Senior forward Mike Davis Jr and senior guard Amari Carraway are stallworts on both ends of the court. Lost to Clovis North 72-53 but the talent is there to win league and make a playoff run.

7. Stockdale

Last week’s rank: No. 8

Record: 16-1

The Mustangs started the season 7-0 before falling to Paraclete 64-56 on Dec. 9 and have since reeled off nine in a row, including the Tulare Kiwanis Tournament over Sierra Pacific. Strength of schedule has raised questions (they do have a strong win against Edison) but they’ll play No. 4 Centennial twice in league. Seniors Jhace Boston, Joaquin Rios and Karsten Adeleye have had strong seasons.

8. Bakersfield Christian

Last week’s rank: No. 6

Record: 5-6

Yep, a 5-6 team is ranked in the Central Section Top 10 and here’s why: sophomore Gabriel Gutierrez and junior Louis Duarte have been added after sitting out their 30-day sit-out. Add those two guards to the strong play of junior Bentley Waller and they’ll be well-prepared to defend its Division 1 title, despite the Open Division being abolished in the section.

9. Clovis East

Last week’s rank: No. 9

Record: 10-7

Despite losing four out of its last six the Timberwolves have displayed enough to stay in the Top 10. Freshman Dalen Felder has been lighting it up, scoring 28 points in a win over Turlock and two more freshmen, Lydell Farmer and Aidan Beechler, are providing excellent production.

10. Dinuba

Last week’s rank: No. 10

Record: 15-1

The Emperors continue to play quality basketball winning their own Andrew Bedoya Tournament and the Dave Morehead Invitational in Tulare. They’re led by Javier Torres, Keine Prendez and Anthony Harp.