You would think that as the season progresses it would be easier to determine which teams are deserving of the highest rankings, but in most cases this is still not the case. It seems that a few top programs have emerged, while the rest of the field could be wide open. It's still early, with plenty of big time tournaments coming up during December, so teams will get an opportunity to continue to compete for top rankings which will be vital come playoffs. As always, please remember my rankings are for entertainment purposes only. My rankings are not affiliated in any way with the CCCAA or any other affiliation. Thanks for reading.
1) Feather River (14-0) (-)
Remains as Northern California's only unbeaten team. Took home the Foothill Championship with wins over Napa, Santa Rosa, and Foothill. Is back in action December 17th vs. Napa to open the Santa Rosa Tournament.
2) Chabot (8-2) (+2)
Picked up the signature win it needed by defeating Cabrillo by 20 over the weekend. Their only two losses were to Feather River, and they are the only team in my 2-5 rankings to pick up a W against a 2-5 team. So at this point they will move up. This week they have an opportunity to show they belong this high as they begin the 16 Team Modesto Tournament with an opening round game vs. Contra Costa on Tuesday.
3) San Francisco (11-1) (-1)
Figured I'd shake my rankings up a bit by moving Chabot over CCSF in this week's rankings. CCSF's early victories over Yuba and Mt. San Antonio don't seem to be as impressive as those teams have both struggled to losing records so far this season. They still have victories over Fresno and Santa Rosa, two teams that are still heavily in the mix and could win their conferences as well. CCSF will open up the Delta Tournament vs. Sierra on Dec 18th.
4) Cabrillo (7-2) (-1)
Drops one spot after losing to Chabot over the weekend on the road. Received 2 first place votes in last weeks coaches poll, so they seem to have garnered quite a bit of attention this far. Will be back in action vs. Merced to open up the Delta Tournament on December 18th.
5) Las Positas (9-5) (+2)
Not as impressive a record as some other teams, but has won 6 in a row after winning two tournaments in as many weekends. During this span they gave both Bakersfield and Santa Monica their 2nd loss of the season, as well as defeating DVC on their home floor. I tend to skew my rankings for how teams are performing currently, as this is what matters most as the season progresses. So Las Positas makes the Top 5 and represents the third team from the Coast-North Conference in my Top 5.
6) Santa Rosa (7-4) (-1)
Drops one spot after a solid weekend, picking up third place in the Foothill Tournament. Picked up wins over De Anza and Butte while dropping to Feather River on the second night. If they get hot behind the arc they can compete with anyone. Will be one of the favorites to win the Big 8 this year in a tough group of contenders.
7) Fresno City (7-5) (+1)
Benefits from Butte dropping in the rankings. Had the week off last week, but will jump right back into it this week as they open up the 16 Team Modesto Tournament vs. Pima (Az) on Dec 16th.
8) Los Medanos (8-2) (+1)
Had the week off and capitalizes on Butte dropping in the rankings. Has started with a nice record, but has yet to have any signature wins under their belt. That being said, they still have won games against some solid competition. Will be back in action on Dec 17th vs. Santa Rosa in the Santa Rosa Tournament. This will be their toughest game of the season and a chance to show if they deserve a higher ranking.
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9) Foothill (7-4) (NR)
Jumps into the rankings after picking up a quality win over Butte over the weekend on way to a second place finish in their own tournament. Has gone 7-2 since starting the season 0-2. Also picked up a solid victory over Delta over the weekend. Will be back in action on Dec 17th vs. Santa Monica at the West Valley Holiday Classic.
10) Cosumnes River (5-3) (+2)
Took the week off last week, but was able to capitalize on a couple teams dropping in the rankings. 2 of their losses were to #1 Feather River, and has finished 2nd in their two tournament showings so far. Is another team that could compete at the top of the Big 8 once conference play begins. Will have a chance to go up against more top competition in the 16 Team Modesto Tournament this weekend, where they open up against Ohlone on Dec 15th.
11) Columbia (7-3) (-)
Holds solid at #11 this week while they had the week off. Most recent wins have them posting victories over Butte and also Modesto. Is on a five game winning streak as they head up to Modesto for the 16 Team Tournament where they will open up with Mendocino on Dec 16th.
12) Monterey (7-5) (NR)
Has gone 5-1 in their last 6 games, giving them enough momentum to earn a top 15 spot in my rankings. Has a couple solid wins over Los Medanos and Foothill this year that give them credibility. Will have a chance to prove themselves more as they will open up the West Valley Tournament against DVC on Dec 17th.
13) Diablo Valley (7-4) (-3)
Drops three spots in my rankings after going 3-2 in their last five games. Has a solid argument to be ranked much higher with wins over Shasta, Foothill and Cabrillo so far this year. Had wins over Alameda & Ohlone over the weekend, but lost to Merritt in a low scoring affair. Is another team that could legitimately compete for the Big 8 crown this year. Will be back in action vs. Monterey on Dec 17th to open the West Valley Tournament.
14) Sacramento City (6-3) (-1)
Was idle last week, but drops a spot with a couple teams moving up in the rankings. Gave Feather River a big scare and also has a solid win over Las Positas early this season. Will be another addition to the 16 Team field of the Modesto Tournament, where they open up vs. Sacramento City on Dec 15th.
15) Butte (6-4) (-9)
Drops nine spots in my rankings after going 2-4 in their last six games. Two of these games were close ones, going into OT, which might be the one thing that helped me decide to keep them in the Top 15. Is a very good team and will be able to compete for the Golden Valley Conference title, but needs a shift in momentum. They have played a pretty solid schedule so far, with 7 of their 10 games coming against teams that made my Top 15 rankings. However, they are 3-4 against these same teams. Will be back in action vs. Delta in the San Joaquin Delta Tournament on Dec 13th.
