Simply Basketball is excited to bring back the Battle of Norcal for year 3!

The event brings the best players from each region to rep their area!

Past 2 winners have been the 209
MVP's
2021 : BJ Davis & Miles Byrd - SDSU
2022 : Jamari Phillips - University of Arizona Commit

Who's next !?
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Rosters for 209 & 916 has been released !!

2024 RB/DB Wayshawn Parker has transferred from Elk Grove to Grant. Parker should be one of the best returners in the section

Trying something new this year. Will post this on Saturdays during the season but getting a day head start for week one. If there is a game you want on the Pick'em Schedule, post it here.

Not guaranteeing these games will get picked, but if there are certain games that people are excited about, I will try and get them in.

Thanks!

Best case: Cal and Stanford wind up in the B1G, ACC or Big 12.

No other option: Oregon State and Washington State land in the Mountain West.

Worst case: Stanford and Cal de-emphasize sports.

Even in the best case, those Power 5 scholarship slots that West Coast girls pursue are going to get cut back, perhaps by a lot. Now in the real world, there's not much difference in playing for Oregon State if they're in the Pac-12 or the MWC, but for parents who focus on what appears to them to be the big time, it's going to be a big deal.

But if Stanford, say, decides to just step back from college sports and essentially go D-3, Cal will probably have to do the same.

So how does this affect girls' basketball in Northern California? Do more opt for volleyball or soccer? Do more leave the West Coast? Or is there no significant change?

*Leagues are listed in alphabetical order*

Bay Valley Athletic League (North Coast Section)

Pittsburg is the class of the league, but there is intriguing parity behind them which should produce some fun league results. Liberty projects as the second best team, but also keep an eye on Heritage and Antioch.

Capital Athletic League (Sac-Joaquin Section)

Vista del Lago returns one of the best passing combos in the section, Capital Christian remains talented despite the coaching turnover and Christian Brothers is coming off a 10 win season. Throw in running back Lamar Radcliffe returning for Sacramento and this is a league to track.

Diablo Athletic League - Foothill Division (North Coast Section)

It starts with Campolindo and Acalanes, which fielded strong teams in 2022 and figure to stay in the mix of best teams in the NCS this fall. Does a strong third team emerge from Miramonte, Northgate and Las Lomas?

Delta League (Sac-Joaquin Section)

Long considered the second best league in the Sacramento area, the Delta will look to round into form despite some transfer losses. Elk Grove will look to defend its title with Jesuit boasting a nice returning core and Sheldon looking to build on back-to-back eight win seasons.

East Bay Athletic League - Mountain (North Coast Section)

It starts with De La Salle and follows with preseason Top 20 teams with San Ramon Valley and Clayton Valley Charter. All three of these programs have won NorCal titles in the past five years.

Pacific Coast Athletic League - Gabilan Division (Central Coast Section)

This has been a very competitive league at the top with Salinas, Palma, Aptos and Hollister. Salinas has won at least a share of the league title in every full season since its transition to the PCAL. However, Palma enters 2023 as the favorite.

Peninsula Athletic League - Bay Division (Central Coast Section)

The reshuffling of teams in this conference has led to the creation of a very good league. Los Gatos and Wilcox come over and join a pair of consistent contenders like Menlo-Atherton and Sacred Heart Prep. All four teams made the top two divisions of the CCS playoffs.

Sierra Foothill League (Sac-Joaquin Section)

The best league in Northern California has been dominated by Folsom and the Bulldogs start 2023 as the favorites. There isn’t a weak team in the league with Oak Ridge, Granite Bay and Del Oro all in the Top 20. Rocklin and Whitney also show potential.

Valley Oak League (Sac-Joaquin Section)

This league has given us some of the best games in recent years led by its top three of Central Catholic, Manteca and Oakdale. Kimball will look to make this a four team race with Central Catholic being the frontrunner.

West Catholic Athletic League (Central Coast Section)

A league with a rich history, the WCAL has seen Serra ascend to the top of the pecking order and has a very good team returning this fall. St. Francis and Riordan look to make up tier two with Bellarmine and St. Ignatius breaking in new coaches. Also, is Valley Christian poised for a bounce back year?

Bollinger Canyon Little League from San Ramon beat Hawaii 3-0 tonight on ESPN to advance to the finals in San Bernardino. The 12 year-olds representing NorCal play the SoCal squad at 6:00 Friday on ESPN for the Williamsport berth after eliminating AZ Monday and Hawaii tonight.

Any truth to Capital Christian being shut down ??

I’ve heard that the school was purchased by Destiny Church in Rocklin and is undergoing major changes. Apparently Capital was/is being sued by past students, and was in danger of going under.

Is the school name being changed?
Are athletics being shut down as well?
How does that work for future division/league?

Any insight on the subject would be great, since I’ve only heard speculations.

@McQueen 8/18/23

@Oak Ridge 8/25/23

Reno 9/1/23

Inglewood 9/8/23

Burbank 9/15/23

McClatchy 9/22/23

Bye 9/29/23

River City 10/6/23

@Kennedy 10/13/23

@Monterey Trail 10/20/23

@Laguna Creek 10/27/23


Couple of good preseason games in Oak Ridge and Inglewood. Excited to see both of those games.

…from being one week away!

#2023

“Cradle of Champions,” a new book focusing on significant events, important figures and outstanding achievements in the history of San Mateo County athletics, is now available.

The book, which is sub-titled “A Selected History of San Mateo County Sports,” is authored by John Horgan, a career journalist who has spent 60 years writing about the county’s athletes, coaches, teams, administrators and others associated with competitive sports on the Peninsula and beyond.

“Cradle of Champions” features a trove of information in its 161 pages: 75 stories, 130 photos, 35 lists, 500 names, 40,000-plus words.

Those pages embrace copious statistics and data points involving a wide range of home-grown stars, including: Tom Brady, Tom Martinez, Wendy Brown, Bill Walsh, Mimi Arnold, John Naber, Pat Winslow Connolly, Dick Vermeil, Barry Bonds, Ann Kiyomura, Lynn Swann, Erik Van Dillen and a host of others.

The book, edited and published in concert with the San Mateo County Historical Association, also serves as a complement to the Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame, located at the county’s History Museum in downtown Redwood City.

“Cradle of Champions” is available for sale at the museum’s bookstore for $19.99.

It can also be purchased online at https://historysmc.org/online-store

All proceeds benefit the museum. Contact the museum at 650-299-0104 for more information.

American HS looking for a scrimmage.
Preferred date -
Saturday, November 18th @ American (Fremont) - times TBD
Offered up other dates

This is for both JV and Var
Please email me at ahsgirlsbasketball@gmail.com

*Player are listed in alphabetical order*

Luke Baker 5-foot-11, 180 pounds QB San Ramon Valley
Baker was a top quarterback in NorCal as a junior with 3,733 yards and 46 touchdown passes in leading the Wolves to a 2-A NorCal title. He is committed to Santa Clara for baseball.

Brooklyn Cheek 6-foot-2, 180 pounds WR/DB Central Catholic
Cheek figures to be a two-way standout for the Raiders. Last year, he had 37 tackles and three interceptions (eight for his varsity career) with 25 catches for 463 yards and three touchdown catches.

Drew Cunningham 6-foot-4, 210 pounds OLB De La Salle
Cunningham will be one of the best linebackers in NorCal this year after registering 56 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. He also could have some potential at tight end too.

Samson Hunkin 6-foot-0, 160 pounds QB St. Mary’s-Stockton
St. Mary’s has one of the most balanced rosters in the region, but Hunkin will have an impact with his arm and legs. As a junior, he threw for 1,982 yards and 21 touchdowns. He ran for 358 yards and five touchdowns.

Kingston Lopa 6-foot-5, 190 pounds WR/DB Grant
Lopa was a standout for Grant as the Pacers got back into the mix as one of the better teams in the region. He finished with 47 catches for 973 yards and 17 touchdowns. In the secondary, he added 29 tackles and an interception. Lopa is committed to Oregon.

Ryder Lyons 6-foot-2, 185 pounds QB Folsom
Though Lyons is just a sophomore and entering his first year as a starter, there is a long history of Folsom signal callers to be player of the year candidates and Lyons has shown a high end skill level.

Trevor Rogers 6-foot-3, 195 pounds WR Acalanes
The Cal commit is poised for an even bigger senior season after tallying 58 catches for 1,120 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022. He suits up for a Dons squad that was just on the outside of the preseason Top 20 rankings.

Maealiuaki Smith 6-foot-4, 200 pounds QB Serra
Smith is back at the helm of the Padres after throwing for 2,546 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior. Smith was the WCAL Quarterback of the Year in 2022 and is the top rated quarterback in the senior class.

Jewelous Walls 6-foot-3, 230 pounds DE/OLB Pittsburg
Walls was one of the region’s top defenders as a sophomore with 99 tackles and eight sacks. Walls will be a leader for a defensive group that should be one of the better units in Northern California.

Charlie Williams 6-foot-2, 175 pounds RB Marin Catholic
Even in limited carries last year due to numerous blowout wins, Williams still went for more than 1,000 yards. A highlight was the 233 yards and two touchdowns in the NorCal bowl loss to San Ramon Valley.

1. Serra

2022 season: 13-1, WCAL Champions, CCS Division I Champions, Open Division State Runner-Up

2023 Schedule: August 26 vs. Folsom, September 2 vs. De La Salle, September 9 at Central Catholic, September 22 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, September 30 vs. St. Francis, October 6 at Mitty, October 14 vs. Bellarmine, October 21 vs. Riordan, October 27 at Valley Christian, November 3 vs. St. Ignatius

Season Outlook: The past two seasons have been historic for the Padres with back-to-back Open Division State Bowl game appearances, a first win over De La Salle and its first undefeated run in the WCAL in five years. However, it isn’t until this fall that its stellar 2024 class reaches its senior years. The core includes quarterback Maealiuaki Smith, LB/RB Jabari Mann (San Jose State), LB/DB Danny Niu (San Diego State), defensive back Joseph Bey, RB/SS Marley Alapati (Army), offensive lineman John Holthaus (Colorado State), running back Jaden Green and TE/DE Cole Harrison. Serra is 42-5 over the past five seasons.

2. De La Salle

2022 Season: 10-4, NCS Open Division Champions, 1-AA NorCal Champions, 1-AA State Runner-Up

2023 Schedule: August 25 vs. Orange Lutheran, September 2 at Serra, September 8 at St. Francis, September 15 vs. St. Mary’s Stockton, September 22 at Folsom, September 29 vs. McClymonds, October 13 at San Ramon Valley, October 20 vs. Foothill-Pleasanton, October 27 at Monte Vista, November 3 vs. Clayton Valley Charter

Season Outlook: There were some highs (another NCS title and a NorCal title) and some lows (losing three of four games all to NorCal teams and losing in the state finals) in 2022. The Spartans graduated key senior leaders like Derek Thompson, Cooper Powers and Charles Greer, but returners to watch include 2024 Top 50 players linebacker Drew Cunningham and WR/DB Jonathan Guererro. The Spartans have a good junior group with quarterback Toa Faavae, running back Derrick Blanche, running back Dominic Kelley, defensive back Robert Santiago and defensive end Matthew Johnson. 2026 WR/DB Jaden Jefferson is also a player to watch.

3. Folsom

2022 Season: 12-2, SFL Champions, SJS Division I Champions, 1-AA NorCal Runner-Ups

2023 Schedule: August 18 at Monterey Trail, August 26 at Serra, September 1 at Edison-Stockton, September 8 at Turlock, September 22 vs. De La Salle, September 29 vs. Oak Ridge, October 6 at Rocklin, October 13 vs. Whitney, October 20 at Del Oro, October 27 vs. Granite Bay

Season Outlook: Folsom saw a deep and talented senior class move on and then saw an unexpected departure with quarterback Austin Mack deciding to reclassify to the 2023 class and sign with Washington. The Bulldogs remain talented with Army bound receiver Brian Ray, Top 50 safety RJ Whitten and 2026 quarterback Ryder Lyons, who will provide a dual threat option. Folsom also has a strong group of defensive linemen with 2024 Luke Farr, 2024 Lucas Hardeman, 2025 Nela Tupou and 2025 Theo Gruele to help bolster what was one of the region’s best defenses last year. The Bulldogs have won seven of the last nine SJS Division I titles.

4. St. Mary’s-Stockton

2022 Season: 10-1, undefeated regular season, lost in SJS Division I quarterfinals

2023 Schedule: August 18 vs. Clovis West, August 25 vs. Central Catholic, September 1 vs. Manteca, September 15 at De La Salle, September 22 at Bishop Amat, September 29 vs. Lodi, October 6 at West, October 13 at Tracy, October 20 vs. Tokay, October 27 at Lincoln-Stockton

Season Outlook: Throughout the Rams’ undefeated 2022 regular season (convincing wins ove Central Catholic and De La Salle), the thought was St. Mary’s is really good and might be a year away. However, an early playoff exit halted the momentum that will start again later this month. St. Mary’s returns 2024 quarterback Samson Hunkin, 2024 running back Asante Carter, 2026 wide receiver Kenneth Moore III and Harvard bound safety Omari Gayles. After going a combined 13-10 in 2018 and 2019, the Rams have gone 20-4 in the past two full seasons.

5. Oak Ridge

2022 Season: 10-3, SJS Division I Runner-Up

2023 Schedule: August 18 vs. Spanish Springs, August 25 vs. Grant, September 1 vs. Madison, September 9 vs. Clayton Valley Charter, September 15 at Pleasant Valley, September 29 at Folsom, October 6 at Del Oro, October 13 vs. Granite Bay, October 20 at Whitney, October 27 vs. Rocklin

Season Outlook: Entering year three under head coach Casey Taylor, the Trojans are looking to build off last year’s section title game run. They will be strong on the offensive line led by Fresno State-bound Ethan Dasmann and Zane Roeder. Oak Ridge also boasts one of the region’s best overall players in junior tight end Kaleb Edwards. Defensively, Oak Ridge brings back nose guard Markus Hoffman and will have a very good kicker in Alex Henslee. With section titles at Capital Christian (year two) and Del Oro (year four), is year three the time for Taylor and the Trojans?

Coaches,

The Bay Area Basketball Coaches Association (BABCA) and Miramonte HS are inviting you attend our inaugural Coaches Clinic on 9/23 at Orinda Intermediate School, 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda, CA. As you can see below we have an outstanding roster of coaches lined up.

BABCA was founded in 2021 as part of the "Let Them Play" movement and is incorporated as a 501c3. Our mission is to be an advocate for high school basketball coaches and players in NorCal and the Bay Area in particular. We recently sponsored the Girls California Live 23 NCAA sanctioned tournament in Roseville and hope to host a boys event in 2024. We are currently lobbying for changes to the NCS playoff system. We are now partnering with Miramonte HS to host our inaugural Coaches Clinic on September 23rd. Note we do not have a profit motive and our goal with our activities is to cover costs while supporting high school basketball. With that in mind we are asking for a $25 contribution to cover our costs including lunch.

If any of you are interested in getting more involved in BABCA please let us know. All coaches in NorCal from all levels (Boys and Girls) are welcome.

Thanks for your support!

Bay Area Basketball Coaches Association

Chris Lavdiotis
Miramonte HS
510 610 3430

Randy Bessolo
University HS
415 418 4568

Jason Greenfield
St. Ignatius HS
415 217 9623


http://www.babca.org

Orinda Intermediate School
80 Ivy Drive
Orinda, CA
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Featuring:
​

Justin Argenal Dominican University Topic TBA
Randy Bennett St. Mary’s College Topic TBA
Greg Clink Chico St. University Ball Screen Motion Offense
Craig McMillan Santa Rosa JC ½ court Man Defense
Bryan Rooney Cal State U East Bay Transition/Advantage Actions

Doors Open 8:00 for fellowship with coffee and donuts
Each speaker will present for one hour (9:00; 10:00; 11:00; 1:00; 2:00)
Lunch at 12:00 noon

ON-COURT DEMONSTRATIONS WITH PLAYERS!​

BABCA requests a $25 contribution to cover costs and a BABCA membership

The actual times for each speaker will be announced at a later date

BABCA was founded in 2021 as a part of the “Let Them Play California'' movement to advocate for a return to high school sports.

COST: Your $25 voluntary contribution will help us defray the costs of this Clinic and give you a one-year membership for October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024.
Payments can be made to: (Venmo @Randy-Bessolo; checks payable to BABCA, 50 San Rafael Way, San Francisco 94127)
Visit BABCA.org

CONTACT: Chris Lavdiotis, Miramonte High School; 510-610-3430
RSVP coachlavdiotis@aol.com Walk-ins welcome!

The NCP Pick’em Contest is back for the 2023 fall season. We will play for 12 weeks (Week of August 18-Week of November 3).

Scoring:

Each week, there will be 10 games to pick. You pick the winners and assign a confidence rating for every game. Your most confident pick is given the 10 point spot. The next most confident pick is for 9 points and all the way down to your least confident pick for 1 point. A perfect week will get you 55 points.

Season Long Prizes:

1st Place: Free Year to NorCalPreps.com
2nd Place: 6 months to NorCalPreps.com
3rd Place: 3 months to NorCalPreps.com

If you play every week, you will be put in a drawing for a free month on NorCalPreps.com. (Top three finishers aren't eligible)

Picks:

Games will be posted by 12:00 PM on Monday. Picks will be due by 7:00 PM on Friday. Games that are canceled/postponed prior to Thursday at 12:00 PM will be replaced. If they are canceled after that time, we will play with a shortened schedule.

Happy Picking!

6. Pittsburg

2022 Season: 12-3, NCS Division I Champions, 1-A NorCal Champions

2023 Schedule: August 26 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, September 1 at Granite Bay, September 8 vs. Monterey Trail, September 15 vs. California, September 29 at Los Gatos, October 6 vs. Deer Valley, October 13 at Freedom, October 20 vs. Heritage, October 27 at Liberty, November 4 vs. Antioch

Season Outlook: It is a season of transition for the Pirates as they have seen off a star studded senior class and longtime head coach Vic Galli. Taking over the program is longtime assistant coach Charlie Ramirez, who does have a talented group led by TE/DE Jewelous Walls, WR/DB Jadyn Hudson, running back Elijah Bow, defensive back Etene Pritchard and WR/DB Noah Quesada. Quarterback Marley Alcantara figures to be the starting quarterback as the Pirates play a pair of Top 20 teams in the preseason.

7. St. Francis-Mountain View

2022 Season: 8-4, CCS Division I Semifinalists

2023 Schedule: August 25 vs. Helix, September 1 at Monterey Trail, September 8 vs. De La Salle, September 22 vs. Mitty, September 30 at Serra, October 6 vs. St. Ignatius, October 13 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, October 20 vs. Valley Christian, October 27 vs. Riordan, November 3 at Bellarmine

Season Outlook: The Lancers bounced back from a slow start in 2022 to play well in the second half of the season before taking an overtime loss to Mitty in the CCS Playoffs. They bring back a pair of key backfield players in quarterback Aaron Knapp and running back Kingston Keanaaina, who was their leading rusher as a sophomore. Mack Mrowka is back at defensive back following a three interception junior campaign. He is joined on the backend by sophomore Sefanaia Alatini. Since going 4-7 in 2019 and a 3-2 record in the spring season, St. Francis has gone 19-5 the past two seasons.

8. Central Catholic

2022 Season: 8-5, VOL Champions, SJS Division I semifinalist

2023 Schedule: August 18 vs. Merced, August 25 at St. Mary’s-Stockton, September 1 at Bishop Manogue, September 8 vs. Serra, September 22 vs. Pleasant Valley, September 29 at East Union, October 6 vs. Kimball, October 13 at Oakdale, October 20 vs. Manteca, October 27 at Sierra

Season Outlook: The Raiders rebounded from a rough start against a tough schedule to beat Manteca for the VOL title and reach the SJS Division I semifinals after moving up divisions. They lose a 2,000 yard rusher in Tyler Jacklich, but return 2024 quarterback Tyler Wentworth (also a talented baseball player), 2024 WR/DB Brooklyn Cheek (California) and 2024 WR/DB Trace Hernandez. They also are bringing in Modesto Christian offensive lineman transfer Manasse Itete, who is committed to USC. The Raiders have had a different leading rusher in each of the last eight years.

9. San Ramon Valley

2022 Season: 12-3, NCS Division II Champions, 2-A NorCal Champions

2023 Schedule: August 25 at St. Ignatius, September 1 at Acalanes, September 8 at Elk Grove, September 15 vs. McClymonds, September 22 vs. Liberty, October 6 at Clayton Valley Charter, October 13 vs. De La Salle, October 20 at California, October 27 at Foothill-Pleasanton, November 3 vs. Monte Vista

Season Outlook: The Wolves made the 2-A State Bowl game last year and its team one sheet starts off strong with the return of quarterback Luke Baker. Zack Dodson is back after the two connected for 718 yards and six touchdowns. San Ramon Valley brings back four of its top six tacklers led by junior national recruit Marco Jones. Their 12 wins last season was the first time they won double digit games since 2011.

10. Grant

2022 Season: 12-2, SJS Division III Champions, 3-AA State Champions

2023 Schedule: August 18 at McQueen, August 25 at Oak Ridge, September 1 vs. Reno, September 8 vs. El Cerrito, September 15 vs. Burbank, September 22 vs. McClatchy, October 6 at River City, October 13 at Kennedy-Sacramento, October 20 at Monterey Trail, October 27 vs. Laguna Creek

Season Outlook: The Pacers took a major step back to its perch among the top teams in Northern California last season and are primed for another step in 2023. While they will need to replace key spots at quarterback and the offensive line, Grant does return 2024 WR/DB Kingston Lopa (Oregon) as well as UNLV bound RB/WR/DB Devin Green (transfer from Sheldon) and 2024 RB/DB Wayshawn Parker (transfer from Elk Grove) in a big incoming transfer group. More returners to note include 2024 linebacker Hakim Reynolds, 2024 defensive back Solomona Malae, 2024 wide receiver Kyle Jones and 2024 running back Semaj Mafu-Hart.

More turnover at Capital Christian heading into this season

We have 2 open contests - multiple potential dates - listed below.

Options:
1. Thur Dec 7th @ American
2. Fri Dec 8th @ American
3. Fri Jan 5th @ your place
4. Sat Feb 6th @ your place

These games are for 2 levels - JV and Var
Please email me at ahsgirlsbasketball@gmail.com

As a token of our appreciation, with the launch of our new Ad Lite add-on subscription we are gifting a no-obligation two month free Ad Lite add-on to all existing annual subscribers.

Basically what this means is that you can view the site with limited national/Yahoo!/Rivals ads. You will still see the local advertising from the companies that sponsor our stories and features on the message board, but Ad Lite will reduce the nationally placed ads on the site.

Thank you for supporting our site. We have not raised subscription fees for over 20 years, and by adding new features and new subscription options like Spy on your Rival, All Access (which includes Ad Lite!), and Ad Lite we offer you guys new opportunities to show your support for us, so we can keep bringing you the best coverage around. And it's also a great time to add those other features to give you access to other message boards in the network for a small fee. Existing subscribers can add the All-Access Pass or 3-Site Bundle in your account profile, under the subscriptions tab.

If you have any questions about this or any other subscription issues, you can reply here or contact me at norcalpreps@yahoo.com. If I don't know the answer, I'll get you an answer as soon as I can.

11. Clayton Valley Charter

2022 Season: 8-5, NCS Division I runner-ups

2023 Schedule: August 25 at Salinas, September 1 vs. Higley-Arizona, September 9 at Oak Ridge, September 15 at Turlock, September 29 vs. Jesuit, October 6 vs. San Ramon Valley, October 13 vs. Foothill-Pleasanton, October 20 vs. Monte Vista, October 27 at California, November 3 at De La Salle

Season Outlook: Offensively, the Ugly Eagles should be potent and multi dimensional with Mason Lovett stepping in at quarterback to go with wide receivers Daven Amos and Hank Phifer. Josh Rodriguez is back on defense after grabbing four interceptions in 2022. Clayton Valley Charter has also brought in TE/LB Tony Keck as a transfer from College Park. This will be the first year of Nick Tisa as the solo head coach with Tim Murphy stepping down during the offseason.

12. Granite Bay

2022 Season: 9-5, SJS Division II runner-ups

2023 Schedule: August 18 at Elk Grove, August 25 at Manteca, September 1 vs. Pittsburg, September 8 vs. Antelope, September 15 at Vacaville, September 29 vs. Del Oro, October 6 at Whitney, October 13 at Oak Ridge, October 20 vs. Rocklin, October 27 at Folsom

Season Outlook: The top of the roster is strong for the Grizzlies with Washington State bound linebacker Frank Cusano and running back tandem Carter Jackson (2025 Cal commit) and Isaiah Ene (2026 standout). They also return their top three receivers, including Cusano and incoming junior Joseph Cattolico. Prior to head Joe Cattolico taking over, Granite Bay won more than seven games just once in the last five full seasons. Under Cattolico, the Grizzlies have won 17 combined games the past two years.

13. Palma

2022 Season: 8-3, Lost in the first round of the CCS Division I Playoffs

2023 Schedule: August 24 vs. Soledad, August 31 at King City, September 8 vs. Yuma Catholic-Arizona, September 15 at Alisal, September 22 vs. Monterey, September 29 at Hollister, October 12 at Aptos, October 20 vs. Soquel, October 27 vs. Salinas, November 3 at Alvarez

Season Outlook: The Chieftains return the majority of their starters including Notre Dame bound receiver Logan Saldate, Cornell bound lineman Tommy Ducker and quarterback Thomas Nunes. Other players to track this fall include RB/LB Noah Orozco and WR/DB Drew Molinari as Palma is vying its first double digit win season since 2018.

14. Windsor

2022 Season: 10-3, NCS Division III runner-ups

2023 Schedule: September 1 vs. Escalon, September 8 at Campolindo, September 15 vs. Dublin, September 22 at Ukiah, September 29 at Eureka, October 6 vs. Santa Rosa, October 13 at Rancho Cotate, October 20 vs. Montgomery, October 27 vs. Analy, November 3 at Cardinal Newman

Season Outlook: Windsor has been one of the big winners of the summer and should boast a high octane passing game. Quarterback Judson Anderson is back after throwing for more than 1,700 yards. He will be joined by running back Wyatt Morris and a full receiver group in junior Hayden Anderson and senior Ananias Walker, who transferred in from Rancho Cotate. The Jaguars have won 21 combined games the past two years.

15. Del Oro

2022 Season: 9-3, Lost in the SJS Division II semifinals

2023 Schedule: August 18 at Inderkum, August 25 vs. Reed-Nevada, September 1 at Placer, September 8 vs. Lincoln-Stockton, September 15 at Casa Roble, September 29 at Granite Bay, October 6 vs. Oak Ridge, October 13 at Rocklin, October 20 vs. Folsom, October 27 vs. Whitney

Season Outlook: It was a bounce back year for the Golden Eagles’ program, who won more than seven games for the first time since 2018. It was led by dual threat quarterback Caden Pinnick, who threw for 1,679 yards and 22 touchdowns. He will have his top target back in Sacramento State bound receiver Tommy Poe. Defensively, Robert Garcia is back after logging 69 tackles and two interceptions.

Cool story of Latu (Jesuit) coming back from a really bad injury to be a potential draft prospect in 2024

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If you are a high school coach and you have potential scholarship kid that has interest from schools, are you calling those coaches to help push “offer” process along or are you waiting for coach to call you.. asking for a friend🤔

16. Los Gatos

2022 Season: 8-3, Lost in the First Round of the CCS Division I Playoffs

2023 Schedule: August 25 vs. Soquel, September 1 at Liberty, September 8 at Live Oak-Morgan Hill, September 15 vs. Palo Alto, September 29 vs. Pittsburg, October 6 vs. Sacred Heart Prep, October 13 vs. Mountain View, October 20 at Burlingame, October 27 at Wilcox, November 3 vs. Menlo-Atherton

Season Outlook: The Wildcats will look to rely on their defense this year with returners like WR/DB Jaylen Thomas, OL/DL Ryan Vernale and LB/RB Spencer Burg. They have won 20 straight league games as they transition to the Peninsula Athletic League - Bay Division with Sacred Heart Prep, Mountain View, Burlingame, Wilcox and Menlo-Atherton.

17. Vacaville

2022 Season: 8-4, Lost in the SJS Division II Quarterfinals

2023 Schedule: August 18 vs. Davis, August 25 vs. Sheldon, September 1 at Cardinal Newman, September 15 vs. Granite Bay, September 22 at El Cerrito, September 29 at Rodriguez, October 6 vs. Vanden, October 13 vs. Fairfield, October 20 at Armijo, October 27 at Wood

Season Outlook: Vacaville has produced some of the best ground attacks in the region in the past decade and are poised for another strong offense in 2023. The Bulldogs return Air Force bound quarterback Brody Fortunati and running back Christian Diosdado, who is coming off a 1,000 yard season. They also have TE/DE Noah Siaosi, who has committed to San Jose State. Vacaville has won eight games in each of the last three full seasons.

18. Riordan

2022 Season: 3-7, Missed Playoffs

2023 Schedule: August 25 vs. Sacred Heart Prep, September 1 at Moreau Catholic, September 9 vs. St. Bonaventure, September 23 vs. St. Ignatius, September 30 vs. Valley Christian, October 6 at Bellarmine, October 14 vs. Mitty, October 21 at Serra, October 27 at St. Francis, November 3 vs. Sacred Heart Cathedral

Season Outlook: There is no team that has generated as much buzz this summer than the Riordan Crusaders. With Division I level talent on both sides of the ball, the Crusaders will look to crack the top three in the WCAL in starting the year in the rankings for the first time ever. They bring back quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. with receivers Tyrone Jackson and Chris Lawson. Riordan also expects to have strong line play with players like Peter Langi and San Jose State bound Kalolo Kaihea.

19. Marin Catholic

2022 Season: 13-1, NCS Division IV Champions, NorCal 2-A runner-ups

2023 Schedule: August 26 vs. Freedom, September 2 vs. Spanish Springs-Nevada, September 8 at San Joaquin Memorial, September 15 at Logan, September 23 vs. Bishop O’Dowd, October 7 vs. Tamalpais, October 14 at Archie Williams, October 21 at Redwood, October 28 vs. San Rafael, November 4 vs. San Marin

Season Outlook: Marin Catholic graduated a strong senior class featuring its starting quarterback and offensive line stalwarts. The Wildcats do bring back RB/DB Charles Williams, who is one of the best big play threats in the region. The defense should be led by Greer Arthur and Zach Taylor after both were named second-team, all-league at linebacker. The Wildcats have lost four combined games over the past four seasons.

20. McClymonds

2022 Season: 12-2, 2-AA NorCal Champions

2023 Schedule: September 1 at Bellarmine, September 8 vs. Bishop O’Dowd, September 15 at San Ramon Valley, September 29 at De La Salle, October 13 vs. Castlemont, October 20 vs. Skyline, October 27 vs. Oakland, November 3 at Fremont-Oakland, November 9 vs. Oakland Tech

Season Outlook: 2023 will start with more questions at the skill positions than usual for McClymonds, but they start the season at No. 20 as one of the most consistent winners of the past decade. The Warriors return quarterback Deontae Faison and have some linemen to watch with Sione Vailea and Charles Adams. They will also have Tajir Golden as their top skill player. McClymonds will hit the road with three of their first four games including at De La Salle to end September.

Best of luck to all teams as the season unfolds. The journey is the reward. Let's Go!!!

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Will be adding players with NorCal HS ties to the list, but I'm sure I will miss a few connections too

#12 Arizona takes Tommy Troy (Los Gatos/Stanford)
#21 St. Louis takes Chase Davis (Franklin Elk Grove/Arizona)
#65 Colorado takes Cole Carrigg (Turlock/San Diego State)
#73 Pittsburgh takes Garret Forrester (Bella Vista/Oregon State)
#127 Baltimore takes Kiefer Lord (Menlo/Washington)
#101 NY Mets takes Kade Morris (Pitman/Nevada)
#183 Tampa Bay takes TJ Nichols (Oakmont/Arizona)
#239 White Sox takes Eddie Park (Valley Christian/Stanford)
#243 Tampa Bay takes Drew Dowd (Serra/Stanford)
#248 Cleveland takes Jonah Advincula (Mitty/Washington State)