San Diego Section Top 10 high school boys basketball preseason rankings

Carlsbad begins the season atop the rankings, searching for their first Open Division title

The high school basketball season opens up this week in the San Diego Section. Carlsbad and Montgomery, who met in the Open Division semifinals last season, begin the year as the top two teams in the section.

St. Augustine, who has captured the Open Division title two years in a row, comes in at No. 3 in the preseason rankings.

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 2023-24 season.

SBLive's San Diego Section Top 10 boys basketball rankings

1. Carlsbad

Last year: 24-7, Open Division semifinalists

First game: 11/18 vs. Harvard-Westlake

Carlsbad returns two All-CIF guards and their two leading scorers from last season in Jake Hall (26 ppg) and Tony Duckett (18 ppg). The Lancers also brought in several transfers led by forward Jael Martin (Pepperdine commit) and guard Euan Davis. They'll open the season against California's top team with their eyes set on capturing their first Open Division title.

2. Montgomery

Last year: 25-7, Open Division finalist

First game: 11/14 vs. Vincent Memorial

The Aztecs return six of their seven leading scorers from last season led by a quartet of juniors. JJ Sanchez, Alek Sanchez, Xair Mendez and Devin Hamilton picked up valuable experience as sophomores that will go a long way over their final two seasons.

3. St. Augustine

Last year: 28-5, Open Division champion and CIF State Open Division quarterfinalist

First game: 11/18 vs. Scripps Ranch

The two-time defending Open Division champions return All-CIF guards Lolo Rudolph (CSU-Fullerton commit) and Ian De la Rosa. Sophomore guard Jaden Bailes looks ready to make a big jump after coming off the bench last season.

4. Torrey Pines

Last year: 18-12, Open Division quarterfinalist

First game: 11/15 at Rancho Buena Vista

Torrey Pines lost prior to the semifinal round last season for the first time since 2005-06. The Falcons return seven of their top nine scorers from a year ago led by senior forward Zach Jackson (12 ppg, 7 rpg). They'll look to take back the league title after winning 10 straight from 2013-2022.

5. Mission Bay

Last year: 24-10, Division 1 finalist

First game: 11/15 vs. La Jolla Country Day

Mission Bay returns several key players from a team that came up just shy of a CIF title last season. The Buccaneers will be shorthanded early while awaiting the return of several football players including Charlie Hutchison and Gavin Girouard. Sophomore guard Caleb Newton is awaiting clearance after transferring in from Birmingham of the LA City Section.

6. Cathedral Catholic

Last year: 15-14, Division 1 first round

First game: 11/21 vs. Canyon Crest

An up and down season for the Dons concluded with a first round loss to San Marcos last season. Senior Ryan Enos and junior Patrick O'Brien lead the group of returners under first-year head coach Graham Bousley. Sophomore Ty Ingram transferred in from San Ysidro after turning heads during an impressive open to his high school career.

7. Mission Hills

Last year: 16-14, Division 1 quarterfinalist

First game: 11/18 vs. Lincoln

The Grizzlies up and down season a year ago ended with a loss to eventual champion La Jolla Country Day in the Division 1 playoffs. Led by senior guards Jack Jillson and Jake Bishop, the Grizzlies have the backcourt quality to match up with any team in the section.

8. Santa Fe Christian

Last year: 24-6, Open Division quarterfinalist

First game: 11/21 vs. Temecula Valley

First team All-CIF guard Brycen Mackenzie (Northwest Nazarene commit) returns to lead the Eagles, who made their third Open Division playoff appearance last season. Guards Greyson Mundis and Dax Hall and post Jayden Luckett give first-year head coach Matt Carlino an experienced group.

9. El Camino

Last year: 18-12, Division 1 quarterfinalist

First game: 11/16 at Montgomery

Despite losing top guard Euan Davis to transfer (Carlsbad), the Wildcats return several talented players with experience led by senior forward Isaiah Pomare. Fellow seniors Brandon Boone and Terrion Woodard as well as junior Logan Ardent fill out a group that will compete with Carlsbad, Torrey Pines and La Costa Canyon in the North County Coastal League.

10. La Costa Canyon

Last year: 16-13, Open Division quarterfinalist

First game: 11/20 vs. Lincoln

La Costa Canyon graduated All-CIF guards Christian Brown and Ty Hendler as well as 7-foot volleyball player Wesley Smith, who gave the Mavericks a lift down the stretch last season. Forward Trevor Ladd (Virginia football commit) and guard Jasper Buck lead a group of several players that will be ready to step up after serving in complementary roles in 2022.

Five others to watch

La Jolla Country Day

Mater Dei Catholic

San Marcos

Lincoln

Victory Christian

(Feature photo by Justin Fine)

-- Bodie De Silva | bodie@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveca