WCAL Preview - Look who's in 1st place?

[jordan24]

Great WCAL preview from Ethan Kassel! https://www.prep2prep.com/article/50445
Only one game was played last night and that was Valley Christian @ Bellarmine. The Warriors get the upset over a injury and COVID depleted Bells roster. VC is all alone in first place! For now. Congrats to the Warriors for their first win at Bellarmine since 2005 and first place poll position since 2008!
Preview Takeaways:

• League is probably the most balanced in a decade. The fact that a favorite was not named in the Preview proves that!
• Bellarmine - currently battling injuries and COVID, but team depth makes them again a contender for the title and CCS Open spot.
• Mitty - top dog in the WCAL, until proven otherwise. Not as deep in years past, but have a solid 5 led by Aidan Burke and super junior Derek Sangster. CCS Open candidate
• Riordan - Only one starter returns, but the Crusaders have the talent, length and athleticism (7 players ranging 6-4 to 6-6) throughout the roster. Who will step up in scoring alongside returner King Wilhite? Kudos to Coach Curtin in providing a daunting non-league schedule to get this "new" team ready for league. CCS Open candidate
• SHC - new HC inherits a plucky team that is lacking in size, but certainly not skill. Limited non-league games and its best player coming off their State Title football team may take a bit of time until the Irish get rolling.
• Serra - Welcome back Coach Rapp! Serra is led by 6-8 Keyhani and returning pg Klepper. Some newcomers to the lineup and the Padres played host and current NorCal #2 ranked DLS close in finishing 2nd in the DLS Vontoure Classic.
• St. Francis - Probably returns the most offensive firepower next to St. Ignatius. The heavily senior laden Lancers led by 6-7 sharpshooter Barringer, guards Kerr and Banks and transfer senior Netane. SF also has a promising freshman that should make a contribution this year. Lancers got rolled by Campo, but got its D back into form taking its own tournament downing Santa Cruz. CCS Open candidate
• St. Ignatius - Senior heavy team that also returns a lot of firepower and is considered a WCAL title and CCS Open contender. Starting 5 very solid, but its bench needs to prove itself in order to make a strong run. Good non-league schedule handily giving Miramonte its only loss and a split over always tough Branson. CCS Open candidate
• Valley Christian - The Warriors pass the "team bus" test as they are tall and talented. Ray Townsend takes over for Coach DeLuca this season. Warriors get a promising player in transfer 6-8 Jacob Bannabie and a 6-5 transfer from Los Altos. VC's non-league schedule was not strong, losing to Granada. But its stock rose with last night's upset @ Bellarmine. Warriors considered a darkhorse.

CCS Open Candidates (non-WCAL)

• Sacred Heart Prep (a virtual lock)
• Santa Cruz
• Los Altos

 

[Streak One]

Riordan is a super interesting team to me. Didn't look good at all at the Tip Off Classic. Lost to SHP at their event (no shame losing to SHP but still a noteworthy result), but then reaches the Gridley finals.

 

[ayalar09]

Did the 6'5 Los Altos kid leave midseason or did he leave before the season.

During the Bgame Tourney Los Altos had a kid about 6'5...maybe taller that just dominated Burlingame in front of a very hostile Bgame home crowd.