Looking Ahead - 2022-23-Top Returning NorCal Teams?

[ArmchairGOAT]

Assuming no incoming/outgoing transfers and Prep school poaching (highly unlikely, lol) and returning players, here's my first glance. SJS, Central and Northern folks, please chime in! No particular order:

• Modesto Christian
• Clovis North
• Archbishop Riordan
• Dougherty Valley
• Dublin
• Campo
• Salesian
• Branson
• Vanden
• Mitty

See you in November!

 

[ayalar09]

As much as I didn’t like them during this postseason Priory is a team I don’t want to face again for the next two years so long as they have that 6’9 kid.

Another team I hate but I have to admit we will face a ton next year it’s university. Returning their best player Joey Kennedy.

As long as Riordan has king jhsani-wilhite you can’t write them off either. Even though they are losing a lot.

 

[kiddman32]

As one might expect, I have a take or three on Campo...

The Cougs say goodbye to one of the best starting backcourts in NorCal, their starting C, a strong swingman reserve and a couple other seniors that gave added depth when needed.

BUT: They'll still have Shane O'Reilly, a hopefully healthy Logan Robeson, and sharpshooter Clay Naffziger. Add in rising juniors Diggy Mansour and Tyler Bergren and a host of newcomers from strong JV and frosh team, they'll still be quite competitive, especially with Coach Dyer handling the reins.

Lack of size might become a problem, but ya never know who might have a growth spurt...

Elsewhere in Campo's league: Miramonte loses practically all of its firepower, as does Northgate. CVC loses Dargan and Bamberger, but super-soph Moore returns and junior Jake King.

More comments on other stuff later on, but I gotta send out a HUGE "Thank you!" to everyone involved over Moraga way for some truly great times, not just last season, but for many years now.

 

[kiddman32]

Quick take on Modesto Christian and Clovis North... If they can "keep the band together" for next season, they are total no-brainers for deep playoff runs next year. Both have huge amounts of firepower expected to return.

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

As long as Riordan has king jhsani-wilhite you can’t write them off either. Even though they are losing a lot.

Crusaders have 6 returning players in addition to Wilhite who saw starting time and/or logged quality minutes. 6-5 kids in Chala, Wise and frosh Rencher, guards Woodson, Jones and Bundage.

Modesto Christian returns most of its lineup and gained value experience and confidence after their fine showing last night! Really impressed by Clovis North - really gritty team that gets after it and that soph guard has got game!

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

As one might expect, I have a take or three on Campo...

The Cougs say goodbye to one of the best starting backcourts in NorCal, their starting C, a strong swingman reserve and a couple other seniors that gave added depth when needed.

BUT: They'll still have Shane O'Reilly, a hopefully healthy Logan Robeson, and sharpshooter Clay Naffziger. Add in rising juniors Diggy Mansour and Tyler Bergren and a host of newcomers from strong JV and frosh team, they'll still be quite competitive, especially with Coach Dyer handling the reins.

Lack of size might become a problem, but ya never know who might have a growth spurt...

Elsewhere in Campo's league: Miramonte loses practically all of its firepower, as does Northgate. CVC loses Dargan and Bamberger, but super-soph Moore returns and junior Jake King.

More comments on other stuff later on, but I gotta send out a HUGE "Thank you!" to everyone involved over Moraga way for some truly great times, not just last season, but for many years now.

Shout out to the youngster who performed at halftime at the Cougar's lair vs Riordan. Good stuff!

 

[kiddman32]

Yeah, that kid was GREAT!

 

[larry legend33]

MC returns 90% of there offense but loses a great PG to graduation who did so much of the little stuff. I’m sure they will replace him with an underclass or transfer but don’t discount a floor general.

De la salle had a decent amount of seniors but they return a nice chunk and super fresh stud Blair’s.
I never count out DLS.

On a lower level , Justin sienna returns almost entire team that lost to what is basically a d1 team in scripps ranch for the d4 title. Justin will be really tough in d4.

sac area

Folsom has a lot of kids returning and a very good JV team. They don’t have any stars but a lot of very good players. I

Whitney and Rocklin were both almost all underclass programs this year.

 

[ayalar09]

That kid reminds me a lot of someone else around that age…….

He ended up Mascoting at USD for 3 years, and became the super fan of the current D5 State Champion, Stuart Hall Knights!!!!

I have to make sure to catch a game at Campo. Unfortunately Due to scheduling every night SHHS had a game so did Campo!

 

[kiddman32]

Dougherty Valley returns high-scoring guard combo Beasley and Sevilla. That right there is enough to confidently say they'll be tough next year. The five seniors they lose those combined for just 15 points per game. Also, their two 6'7" guys will be back. Should remain a contender if the two studs can stay healthy.

 

[kiddman32]

Dublin returns the bulk of their minutes, including Anderson, Cooks and super frosh Stokes. They do lose some key supporting parts to graduation, but their JV's were 16-5 and should be able to at least add some depth to next year's varsity.

 

[kiddman32]

SRV had a very young team go 18-10, and the JV's were 22-2 (including beating Dublin and DLS twice each). Can they get over the hump and into the high echelon of the EBAL? Dunno, but they'll have a big shot at it...

Speaking of that, it looks like the EBAL should be able to re-establish its position as the top league in the area next season. LOTS of really good teams!

 

[ankleassassin]

Dougherty Valley returns high-scoring guard combo Beasley and Sevilla. That right there is enough to confidently say they'll be tough next year. The five seniors they lose those combined for just 15 points per game. Also, their two 6'7" guys will be back. Should remain a contender if the two studs can stay healthy.

6'7 on dougherty? who?

 

[kiddman32]

Liberty (Brentwood) is one to watch out for... They had a fine season, going 19-5, and their JV squad ran the table, including a 15-point win over Dublin. No stats, but from the one game I saw (thriller OT loss to Moreau), it seems that they had a lot of underclassmen doing well.

 

[kiddman32]

6'7 on dougherty? who?

Oops, 6'7 and 6'6. Landon Edmond and Zach Draggoo. Edmund was 2nd on the team in rebounds with just under 5 rpg, but only scored 5 ppg. Draggoo played a lot less, but still averaged 2.2 rebounds per game.

So, yeah, they weren't exactly featured guys on this team, but they do provide a little size.

 

[Wagon44]

Modesto Christian returns Darius Smith as well next season. One of the best guards in the state with multiple offers. Imagine if MC had him this season!

 

[kiddman32]

Where was Smith this season?

 

[Cranky29er]

Can’t forget about University and Joey Kennedy. Really solid with nice group returning. The team that beat the D-5 state champions by 30…4 times. Might give Riordan a run for best team in City.

 

[H.E.A.T.]

I love the fact that nobody is considering Sheldon . Didn’t this year either. But somehow found their way to the 10th SJS championship in 12 seasons and their 7th open bid in 9 opens including 5 finals. Oh and by the way JV went 23-4 and Frosh 26-0. Guess we will wait and see….

 

[ankleassassin]

Can’t forget about University and Joey Kennedy. Really solid with nice group returning. The team that beat the D-5 state champions by 30…4 times. Might give Riordan a run for best team in City.

by 30? 4 times?

 

[NorCalBasketballFan]

Where was Smith this season?

Torn ACL

 

[NorCalBasketballFan]

I love the fact that nobody is considering Sheldon . Didn’t this year either. But somehow found their way to the 10th SJS championship in 12 seasons and their 7th open bid in 9 opens including 5 finals. Oh and by the way I’ve went 23-4 and Frosh 26-0. Guess we will wait and see….Can never count Sheldon out. Ever

I love the fact that nobody is considering Sheldon . Didn’t this year either. But somehow found their way to the 10th SJS championship in 12 seasons and their 7th open bid in 9 opens including 5 finals. Oh and by the way I’ve went 23-4 and Frosh 26-0. Guess we will wait and see….

Can never count Sheldon out. Ever

 

[ayalar09]

by 30? 4 times?

Yes, Uni beat us 4x by 30+. Guess what? Do they have a State Championship?
Nope.

We do. Honestly, I don't care who you are playing, you go 7-1 between NCS and CIF that is an accomplishment.

Also did we get helped by SJND beating Arcata, hence saving us a 10 hour roundtrip journey? Yes.

Did we catch a break when Priory beat 1-seed Cloverdale and we avoided having to go 3 hours roundtrip there? Yes.

We got the breaks, they fell our way. We took every opponent in front of us in the playoffs, and defensively shut them down. I think teams averaged under 40 PPG against us in NCS/CIF (excluding Uni).

Next season Uni will be right up there with Riordan as best team in the city. But Stuart Hall, while losing their two top scorers, the defense I saw gives me belief that another CIF trip next year isn't out of the question.

 

[ayalar09]

Can never count Sheldon out. Ever

I really like Josiah Johnson. Small, but kid plays with a ton of heart.

 

[ankleassassin]

Yes, Uni beat us 4x by 30+. Guess what? Do they have a State Championship?
Nope.

We do. Honestly, I don't care who you are playing, you go 7-1 between NCS and CIF that is an accomplishment.

Also did we get helped by SJND beating Arcata, hence saving us a 10 hour roundtrip journey? Yes.

Did we catch a break when Priory beat 1-seed Cloverdale and we avoided having to go 3 hours roundtrip there? Yes.

We got the breaks, they fell our way. We took every opponent in front of us in the playoffs, and defensively shut them down. I think teams averaged under 40 PPG against us in NCS/CIF (excluding Uni).

Next season Uni will be right up there with Riordan as best team in the city. But Stuart Hall, while losing their two top scorers, the defense I saw gives me belief that another CIF trip next year isn't out of the question.

there is no US. you didnt play a second. so you do not have a state title either.

 

[ayalar09]

there is no US. you didnt play a second. so you do not have a state title either.

Do you ever say anything positive?

Im not a moron. But the kids won this for the Stuart Hall/Convent Community. We are a family first, and a team second.

Really sad you can't let these kids have their moment without denigrating the D5 Champs and first team in San Francisco to win a State Title since 2017.

 

[kiddman32]

there is no US. you didnt play a second. so you do not have a state title either.

Honestly... I HATE that narrative. If you're emotionally invested in a team, that team IS "we". In Ayalar's case, even more so, since he graduated from the Hall. If you want to say that about me and Campo since I didn't matriculate there, I guess you have the teeniest, tiniest argument... But not really.

People's teams are "we".

As an example, you are a Lakers fan. You've never ever said "we" when referring to the Lakers?

As in, "We get to hang a banner in Staples!" If you say "Nope, not even once!", I'd say you're lying.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Yup I too a won state D3 football title this year without throwing a single pass or lacing up a single football cleat. Give it a rest SoCal boy. Let a real fan like Ayalar have his joy. Meanwhile you should stop pretending to have 17 LA Laker titles. You only have 12.

 

[ankleassassin]

Do you ever say anything positive?

Im not a moron. But the kids won this for the Stuart Hall/Convent Community. We are a family first, and a team second.

Really sad you can't let these kids have their moment without denigrating the D5 Champs and first team in San Francisco to win a State Title since 2017.

the rams won the super bowl= that is positive.

 

[ankleassassin]

Yup I too a won state D3 football title this year without throwing a single pass or lacing up a single football cleat. Give it a rest SoCal boy. Let a real fan like Ayalar have his joy. Meanwhile you should stop pretending to have 17 LA Laker titles. You only have 12.

i aint ya boy.

 

[ankleassassin]

Honestly... I HATE that narrative. If you're emotionally invested in a team, that team IS "we". In Ayalar's case, even more so, since he graduated from the Hall. If you want to say that about me and Campo since I didn't matriculate there, I guess you have the teeniest, tiniest argument... But not really.

People's teams are "we".

As an example, you are a Lakers fan. You've never ever said "we" when referring to the Lakers?

As in, "We get to hang a banner in Staples!" If you say "Nope, not even once!", I'd say you're lying.

i havent. i wont. they hang banners. i buy shirts. my coach told us dont let anyone wear my jersey to any game. she didnt sweat a sweat or bleed for that jersey. aint no we.

 

[larry legend33]

Honestly most of the schools that have built perennial powers year in and out will be back in 2022-23. You can almost guarantee the SJS will have Sheldon and MC in the open.

Salesian fell the hardest last year to me. Injuries and Covid hurt. Will they be back?

Jesuit was a school that was a big disappointment to me.
Figure it out!

 

[HSWIZARD73]

I am gonna join this a tad further. I don’t understand how two city teams aka Riordan and University are given such seeds, in University case they won NCS D4 beating the NCS D5 who ended up winning a state title and had to play in D2. This system is garbage and trust me I have been out the loop for a while, but ain’t no way a D5 team should be glad a 0-11 league team helped them cause they pulled off a upset. The 0-11 St Joes 5-18 overall is known in the east bay where I now live as one of the worse Pilot teams if all time. They should have never played Arcata nor been in the playoffs. This CIF system is broken. Riordan won CCS had to travel, garbage, University smoked Stuart Hall in D4 and won it, but had to play in D2, garbage while the other got a pass to D5, garbage. Fact is this new CIF system in place is terrible. It needs a total upgrade. I miss sitting on the floor watching the elite of the elite play. Since my health is better, guess it’s best to buy floor seats to the open, and make a trip up to Gridley for once. Cause lord knows this basketball junkie isn’t watching 10-12 loss teams play for state titles. Peace out until next season.

 

[ankleassassin]

I am gonna join this a tad further. I don’t understand how two city teams aka Riordan and University are given such seeds, in University case they won NCS D4 beating the NCS D5 who ended up winning a state title and had to play in D2. This system is garbage and trust me I have been out the loop for a while, but ain’t no way a D5 team should be glad a 0-11 league team helped them cause they pulled off a upset. The 0-11 St Joes 5-18 overall is known in the east bay where I now live as one of the worse Pilot teams if all time. They should have never played Arcata nor been in the playoffs. This CIF system is broken. Riordan won CCS had to travel, garbage, University smoked Stuart Hall in D4 and won it, but had to play in D2, garbage while the other got a pass to D5, garbage. Fact is this new CIF system in place is terrible. It needs a total upgrade. I miss sitting on the floor watching the elite of the elite play. Since my health is better, guess it’s best to buy floor seats to the open, and make a trip up to Gridley for once. Cause lord knows this basketball junkie isn’t watching 10-12 loss teams play for state titles. Peace out until next season.

so basically if riordan or university played D5 they would be state champions. they should hang a banner for that since they are 120 points better.

 

[HSWIZARD73]

so basically if riordan or university played D5 they would be state champions. they should hang a banner for that since they are 120 points better.

I think every team should play within the enrollment period. Didn’t say Riordan should play D5. But how can two teams play D4, one is penalized and moves to D2 and the other is rewarded and moves to D5 and that team didn’t even make the finals. This doesn’t make any bit of sense. Play your division. If you want a open or D1 as it was back in the day, petition up. But the movement in all of this is hilarious to me and explains why one dude in the junior and senior class combined nationally ranked was in the building. Sure many have gone the prep school route. But many pros and not time college players stay. Riordan back in the day knocked out two future NBA players in D3. Bring that back. To watch a a few teams with 10 or more losses in a state title game is pretty weak in my book. And to have a team like St Joes who is 0-11 in league to even be in the conversation, come on. I love the Pilots, but why are they even in the sectionals.

 

[Coach55Coach]

I really like Josiah Johnson. Small, but kid plays with a ton of heart.

I was at the game vs Modesto Christian. I'm told he'll be 19 before the season starts.

 

[Coach55Coach]

Assuming no incoming/outgoing transfers and Prep school poaching (highly unlikely, lol) and returning players, here's my first glance. SJS, Central and Northern folks, please chime in! No particular order:

• Modesto Christian
• Clovis North
• Archbishop Riordan
• Dougherty Valley
• Dublin
• Campo
• Salesian
• Branson
• Vanden
• Mitty

See you in November!

Inderkum returns 4 starters. As I look at Max Preps. How are they not on this list?

 

[H.E.A.T.]

I was at the game vs Modesto Christian. I'm told he'll be 19 before the season starts.

So what is your point . And if your a coach you would know this doesn’t matter

 

[larry legend33]

Inderkum returns 4 starters. As I look at Max Preps. How are they not on this list?

Oversight. You are right. Claxton is a big loss however. He must have averaged 25ppg or more in that offense. But they will be a force in sjs again.

 

[vukovich]

I was at the game vs Modesto Christian. I'm told he'll be 19 before the season starts.

He will turn 19 before the school year starts. I was under impression that would make one ineligible but HEAT posted below that is not the case.