SBLive’s LA City Section Top 10 Boys Basketball Rankings: Reigning Open Division champion Birmingham is No. 1

The winter 2021-22 California high school boys basketball season started last Friday. Here’s a look at the top teams in the LA City Section to begin the year.

The winter 2021-22 California high school boys basketball season started last Friday. Here’s a look at the top teams in the LA City Section to begin the year. SBLive’s LA City Section high school boys basketball rankings are compiled by SBLive California reporter Connor Morrissette and will be released every Monday throughout the spring 2021 season.

SBLIVE LA CITY SECTION TOP 10 BOYS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

November 15, 2021

1. Birmingham (0-0)

The City Section is as open as ever this season. The Patriots proved they could win a title a year ago, so they start the season No. 1. Senior center Larry Olayinka is one of the top big men in the City.

2. Taft(1-0)

Taft has the most talent on paper in the City thanks to a big three of junior Keyon Kensie Jr., junior AJ Johnson and senior Isaiah Lewis.

3. Fairfax(0-0)

Junior transfer Tyler Bey isn't eligible to play yet, according to the LA City Section website. Once he's cleared, Bey makes Fairfax a definite team to watch.

4. Westchester(0-0)

Longtime assistant DeWitt Cotton takes over as head coach for the legendary Ed Azzam this season. Cotton's top player this winter will be junior big man Angel Corona.

5. King/Drew(0-0)

The Golden Eagles have arguably the best player in the Section in senior guard Kalib Lacount.

6. El Camino Real(0-0)

Crespi transfer Karson Peffer is a player to watch following the sit out period.

7. Granada Hills(0-0)

Senior Khalil Forrester, an All-City selection last season, returns for Granada Hills this year.

8. Palisades (0-0)

The Dolphins will be a surprise team in the City Section this season. Junior Avery Lee will be a big reason why.

9. Grant(0-0)

Grant made the Open Division a season ago and will have Open Division aspirations again in 2022 under head coach Tarek Abdelsameia.

10. Venice(0-0)

All-City guard Percy Jackson will begin to play basketball for the Gondoliers once the football season ends. He's a player to watch.