With the Season Starting, we take a look at the Top 10 teams to keep an eye out for in Orange County

1. Mater Dei: Showing they are still a powerhouse at every event they played at, the Monarch’s have a very talented group who play well together including Utah Tech commit, Scotty Belnap, and high major Sophomore, Brannon Martinsen. Their offensive chemistry and makes them tough to guard and they move as a unit defensively. With the reigning OC Player of the Year, Brandon Benjamin jumping onto the roster, this is a team that is going to be tough to beat.
2. JSerra: With Colorado commit Sebastian Rancik and Senior Aidan Fowler leading the charge, this is a team that can beat a lot of teams. They have good size and athleticism which keeps them strong defensively. Outside of their two stars, they have role players who can fill it up offensively. In a very competitive Trinity League, this is a team that could finish at the top.
3. Santa Margarita: This team holds all the length and athleticism they need to be THE top team in Orange County. Darmouth commit Cameron McNamee and 4 star Junior, Dallas Washington, are the main drivers for the Eagles. They are extremely disciplined on both ends of the floor, willing to play a half-court game if needed, but they are a hassle to deal with when in transition.
4. Los Alamitos: The Griffins have a group who could have the best chemistry in OC. Headed by Junior, Trent Minter, they’re style of play has proven to stifle a lot of teams. They are well experienced in close games, finishing out a handful of clutch wins in many preseason Fall events.
5. Pacifica Christian: Behind Junior, EJ Spillman, the Tritons have tons of young talent who can break out during any given game. They play with high energy on both ends and are not afraid of any challenges.
6. Crean Lutheran: Sophomore Kaiden Bailey is looking to have another great year for the Saints. They are young but extremely talented and will only get better with time. They had a handful of challenges in the off-season playing some of the top talent in the state. If they can click early, expect to see this team consistently in the Top 5 of OC Basketball.
7. Fairmont Prep: The Huskies contain great athleticism and energy on both ends of the floor. They pressure heavy on defense and play fast faced on offense, typically tiring out opponents.
8. Dana Hills: Junior Collin Haugh, has shown all offseason he is one of the top players in OC. Behind him, the Dolphins have a handful of shooters who move well with and without the ball. Despite being undersized, they are tough and have great chemistry which can push them far this season.
9. Foothill: Senior Isaiah Bernard has great size an athleticism, and is the main driver for the Knights. They play fast paced on both ends but are never out of control. They had a couple players sitting out in the off-season, but when their roster is fully healthy, they are a tough team to beat.
10. Canyon: The Goodall twins are in their senior season and look better than ever. Canyon’s pressure defense has never changed under coach Nate Harrison and it continues to give teams nightmares. Coming off a great 2022 season, expect the Comanches to continue their streak of success.