CalHiSports pre-season team rankings

CalHiSports offers up pre-season rankings of the top high school teams in California. Some tidbits from Part One and Part Two:

10. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose) 27-5
Big-game experience, coaching and the presence of dominant pivot man Ben Kone (6-8, Jr.) lands the Monarchs in the top 10. Kone, who weighs over 235 pounds, continues to improve and is the top player in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL). There are enough pieces around Kone to make the Monarchs the favorites to capture another CIF Central Coast Section Open Division title. Mitty also defeated No. 16 Modesto Christian and No. 20 Moreau Catholic during the regular season on the way to its section title. How much of a chance coach Tim Kennedy’s club will have against Bishop O’Dowd in potential regional playoff game will depend on building depth and the development of forward Sebastian Much (6-7, So.). Dakari Monroe (6-2, Sr.), a fine all-around athlete, heads up the backcourt.

7. El Cerrito 28-5
The Gauchos are a bit similar to No. 15 Maranatha — you know they are talented but it’s hard to gauge until all of the pieces are on the floor in a regulation game. For now, we’ll start El Cerrito lower than Modesto Christian since the Crusaders beat them last season 73-64 and won a game in the CIF NorCal Open Division regional whereas the Gauchos did not. Coach Michael Booker welcomes back four-year starting guard Tyrell Alcorn (6-0, Sr.) and his 16.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.6 steals per game. Sayeed Pridgett (6-4, Jr.) is a versatile wing who excels inside and out and in transition, while Aaron Banks (6-8, So.) could have a breakout year. Carlos Johnson (6-4, Jr.) is the X-factor, as this rugged inside player can take this team to the next level. He transferred in from Shadow Mountain of Phoenix after helping that program win an Arizona state title. As he displayed during the NorCal Clash over the summer, Johnson has a unique set of talents and will quickly develop into one of the state best underclass players.

34. De La Salle (Concord) 21-9
A young team that lost plenty of close games (seven by single digits) should turn some of those into wins this season. Coach Frank Allocco welcomes back Jordan Ratinho (6-3, Jr.) and Nikhil Peters (6-3, Jr.) on a good shooting team, but he’s a bit concerned with the lack of size, plus it looks like national level football recruit Devin Asiasi (6-4, Jr.) won’t be playing basketball this winter.