CCS public programs

[colhenrylives]

With a full understanding of the vast gulf between girls' hoops programs (private/parochial vs. public) in the Central Coast Section, it's no surprise that the most recent MaxPreps CCS ratings show the top 11 teams as all private/parochials. But what about the publics? From No.12 to No.23, the publics make a reasonable showing with 10 schools (a quasi-top ten if you will) named. Three of the top four are from the PAL In order, the publics are:

12. Half Moon Bay, 8-2.
13. Evergreen Valley, 10-3
15. Hillsdale, 11-1
16. Menlo-Atherton, 7-4
17. Watsonville, 12-2
18. Alisal, 8-4
19. Lynbrook, 10-3
20. Prospect, 8-2
22. Los Gatos, 5-7
23. Christopher, 9-2.

It is relevant to note that Los Gatos has, by far, the strongest SOS of any of the CCS publics. When it comes time to place teams in the CCS Open Division bracket, a good argument can be made to include only the top-tier private/parochials. Still, the odds of that happening appear to be quite slim if history is any indication. The section honchos always add a public sacrificial lamb or two into the Open mix. It's rarely pretty.

 

[ClayK]

In administrative reality, which is not to be confused with actual reality, the honor of being in the Open and getting blasted by Mitty is far superior to the same of being in Division 1.

 

[carsonjrt]

In administrative reality, which is not to be confused with actual reality, the honor of being in the Open and getting blasted by Mitty is far superior to the same of being in Division 1.

Curious as to whether or not any of the administrators in this "administrative reality" are lurkers in this forum. This has been a recurring gripe about the Open division and there has been no shortage of unhappy teams that get put into the Open only to get slaughtered by Mitty.

 

[Streak One]

I think in the beginning, the chance to go to Open and have an automatic NorCal spot was more coveted. But now a trip to CCS Open likely means going to NorCal D1 which isn't ideal for a number of teams either.

 

[ClayK]

And why won't CIF give NorCal Open teams a banner? It's for the best of the best, but they get nothing, while three teams every Open team could beat by 20 gets something to hang in the gym.

 

[cptmycpa]

Ironic that in the Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS) in the latest MaxPreps rankings for girls basketball, (January 13, 2025) there are only three (3) private schools in the Top 25. The very opposite of the CCS.
#4 St. Mary's - Stockton
#9 Christian Brothers - Sacramento
#25 Faith Christian - Yuba City

Also, since the SJS doesn't have an Open Division, each team in each division reaching the section semi-finals (winning their first two games--if no first-round bye) automatically get into the NorCal playoffs. Only one at-large birth is given in the SJS--the team with the highest MaxPreps rating that lost in the quarter-finals or round 2.

That means its possible how St. Mary's - Stockton is playing (8-8 record) and with their very tough upcoming schedule, if they have a sub-par game and lose in round 2 of the SJS against perhaps Lincoln-Stockton, Antelope, or Oak Ridge they might not make it to the NorCals, as they may not receive the one at-large birth because one of those three teams (or Atwater) could end up with a higher MaxPreps rating. That would be astonishing.
https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/sac-joaquin-section/basketball/girls/rankings/1/

 

[colhenrylives]

It's worth reiterating here that a public school has never played for a CCS Open Division title. The publics are routine cannon fodder for the private/parochials on an annual basis. It's ugly and goes against the notion of fair and balanced competition so beloved by the CIF powers-that-be. It's time _ past time _ for a six-team, all private/parochial CCS Open Division bracket. End the charade.

 

[ClayK]

In administrative reality, it all makes sense. Those public schools are dying for chance to compete against Archbishop Mitty. The honor of the challenge is all that matters, even if it results in a 50-point loss. Public school players and coaches are happy and proud to simply do their best.

 

[colhenrylives]

Here are the latest MaxPreps CCS rankings for top ten public programs:

10. Half Moon Bay, 11-2
13. Evergreen Valley, 11-3
14. Hillsdale, 12-1
16. Los Gatos, 6-7
17. Lynbrook, 11-3
18. Menlo-Atherton, 8-5
19. Alisal, 9-4
21. Branham, 7-5
22. Watsonville, 12-3
24. Prospect, 9-3

 

[colhenrylives]

In administrative reality, it all makes sense. Those public schools are dying for chance to compete against Archbishop Mitty. The honor of the challenge is all that matters, even if it results in a 50-point loss. Public school players and coaches are happy and proud to simply do their best.

NOT