The SJS has NO Open Division at the SJS level. For the SJS, twenty-three (23) schools will advance to the CIF NorCal level. At the SJS level to advance to the CIF NorCal level a school must be a finalist or semi-finalist in each division for D1-D5, be the two finalists for D6, plus one at-large berth to the highest ranking MaxPreps team not making the semi-finals (2nd round of 8 loser). FOR FUN, here are my predictions using 2-3-2023 MaxPreps data and current league standings:
Division 1:
Predict #1 seed, Folsom - finalist
Predict #2 seed, St. Mary's - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #3 seed, Antelope - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #4 seed, McClatchy - semifinalist or at large berth (due to highest MaxPreps ranking)
Predict #5 seed, Oak Ridge - semifinalist or possible at large berth (due to MaxPreps ranking)
Note: in 2nd round of 8 or quarterfinals, #5 seed plays at #4 seed
Division 2:
Predict #1 seed, Christian Brothers (1st in league) - finalist winner
Predict #2 seed, St. Francis (1st in league) - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #3 seed, Vista del Lago - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #4 seed, Woodcreek - semifinalist or out (#4 hosts #5 in 2nd round)
Predict #5 seed, Ponderosa, El Capitan, or Whitney - semifinalist or out
Note: If St. Francis and D1 Oak Ridge both don't reach the semifinals round, St. Francis would get the at large berth due to a higher MaxPreps ranking over Oak Ridge, if it stays like that.
Division 3:
Predict #1 seed, Vanden - finalist winner
Predict #2 seed, Kimball (Tracy) - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #3 seed, Lincoln (Lincoln) - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #4 seed, East Union (Manteca) - semifinalist
Division 4:
Predict #1 seed, Colfax - finalist winner
Predict #2 seed, Calaveras - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #3 seed, Hughson (1st in league) - finalist or semifinalist
Predict #4 seed, Liberty Ranch - semifinalist or out (#4 hosts #5 in 2nd round)
Predict #5 seed, Marysville or Riverbank - semifinalist or out
At the CIF NorCal level, due to competitive equity, of speculation would be the following:
1) what SJS team(s) will be placed in the OPEN division
2) if Christian Brothers wins the SJS D2, will its stay in D2 (last season did not make NorCals)
3) if Vanden wins the SJS D3, will it be placed in D2 or D1 (last season placed in D1)
4) if Colfax wins the SJS D4, will it be placed in D3 (last season stayed in D4)