SBLive’s San Diego Section Top 10 Boys Basketball Rankings: St. Augustine wins Open Division to finish No. 1

The Saints held off a late charge from San Ysidro to capture their third Open Division championship in school history.

Despite starting the season with big expectations as San Diego's top team, St. Augustine was able navigate their way to the Open Division championship with a few bumps along the way. The Saints lost five out of seven games in the end of December, playing several of those games without multiple starters and top bench players due to COVID-19 protocol. The Saints rebounded when January began and won all eight Western League games by double digits.

(Lead photo by Justin Fine)

SBLive’s San Diego Section high school boys basketball rankings are compiled by SBLive California reporter Bodie DeSilva and will be released every Monday throughout the winter 2021-22 season.

SBLIVE SAN DIEGO SECTION TOP 10 BOYS BASKETBALL RANKINGS

February 7, 2022

1. St. Augustine (23-8)

Photo by Justin Fine

St. Augustine held off a great effort from La Costa Canyon in the semifinals before beating San Ysidro 81-76 in the championship game. The Saints lost to Sierra Canyon in the first round of the Open Division state playoffs.

2. San Ysidro (23-9)

The Cougars went on the road as the seven-seed and took down San Marcos and Torrey Pines on their way to the championship game. The fell at home to Village Christian in the first round of the Division 1 state playoffs.

3. Torrey Pines (23-7)

The Falcons advanced to the CIF Semifinals for the 16th consecutive season, but were unable to defend home court against San Ysidro. They lost to St. Anthony in the first round of the Division 1 state playoffs.

4. La Costa Canyon (21-8)

La Costa Canyon surprised many when they went toe-to-toe at St. Augustine in the semifinal round, losing 66-65 in overtime. The Mavericks then reset and beat St. John Bosco in the first round of the Division 1 state playoffs but fell to Crean Lutheran in round two.

5. Mission Hills (21-8)

The Grizzlies beat San Marcos on the final day of the regular season to capture the league championship but fell to La Costa Canyon in round one of the Open Division playoffs. They lost at Damien in round one of the CIF state playoffs.

6. San Marcos (22-7)

San Marcos suffered an injury to star guard Devon Arlington early in the regular season finale against Mission Hills. Without Arlington, the Knights lost to San Ysidro in round one and then had a limited Arlington when they lost to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in the first round of the state playoffs.

7. Cathedral Catholic (19-11)

Cathedral Catholic lost two close games to end the season. The Dons lost to Torrey Pines, 65-61, and then put up a fight against Crean Lutheran in the state playoffs before losing, 63-60.

8. Mission Bay (19-10)

The Buccaneers got blown out against St. Augustine in the first round of the Open Division playoffs but were able to rebound and take Edison to the wire before losing 64-63 in the state playoffs.

9. Carlsbad (22-12)

Carlsbad cruised to the Division 1 championship, winning all four games by double digits. They beat Taft in the first round of the state playoffs before falling to Foothill, 96-95, in triple overtime in one of the best games of the season.

10. La Jolla Country Day (19-11)

The Torreys grinded out three playoff wins before losing to Carlsbad in the Division 1 championship game. They ended the season with a loss to Los Altos in the state playoffs.

5 other teams considered: Francis Parker, Mt. Carmel, San Diego, Otay Ranch, Montgomery