Boys basketball preview 2024-25: Rankings, storylines, players to watch, more

IS SALESIAN STILL THE BEST?

Salesian embodied the Naismith ideal of a basketball team last season, sporting a roster that went 10-deep, played dogged defense, passed the ball like a hot potato and didn’t roster a single player who cracked double-digits in points per game. 

That selfless style paid dividends on the court. The Richmond program went 31-2, capturing North Coast Section Open and NorCal Open titles along the way and coming within a whisker from defeating a loaded Harvard-Westlake team in the Open state championship game. 

With steady seniors such as Deundrae Perteete and Aaron Hunkin-Claytor now graduated, can the next generation of Pride players keep Salesian at the top?

With longtime coach Bill Mellis at the helm, the answer could be “yes.”

Junior guard Elias Obenyah is now listed at 6-foot-5, and he flashed some great scoring skills while playing within Salesian’s system. He is primed for a breakout. Junior forward Carlton Perrilliat is a rugged rebounder who should be in game shape after catching touchdowns for Salesian’s football team this autumn. 

Returning sharpshooter Alvin Loving IV always seemed to hit big shots whenever the Pride needed a bucket. And Leon Powe Jr. – son of the former Cal and Boston Celtics player – is a 6-foot-6 junior and figures to be a part of the Pride’s rotation. 

Salesian will have plenty of chances to establish its supremacy in the regular season. 

The Pride have likely NorCal Open teams Dougherty Valley, St. Joseph-Santa Maria and Modesto Christian on the schedule.

Salesian opens its season against traditionally-strong Southern California program Beverly Hills on Saturday at Bishop O’Dowd. 

RIORDAN: CAN THIS CRUSADE END IN VICTORY?

Archbishop Riordan has been tantalizingly close to a NorCal regional championship. Just last season, the Crusaders held a 10-point lead over Salesian in the Open title game but ultimately lost 49-44. Two seasons ago, Riordan’s run came to an end after losing to Granada without several players involved in a controversial fight near the end of the Crusaders’ Division I quarterfinal game against Inderkum-Sacramento. Can Riordan avoid the drama and take home the title this season? Star guard Zion Sensley has moved on to a college playing career at UC Santa Barbara, but Riordan returns an uber-talented senior – Texas A&M small forward signee Jasir Rencher. Junior Andrew Hilman is a preseason all-Bay Area News Group player who averaged almost 15 points per game as a sophomore while adding 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Coach Joe Curtin told the Bay Area News Group of the two returners, “I expect them to be leaders on this team. They play with great energy and competitiveness on both ends and lead by example.” Senior center Nes Emeneke, a UC Riverside commit, is a key piece as well. One year after rampaging through the West Catholic Athletic League with a perfect 14-0 record, the Crusaders once again have the talent to get it done – at this point, it’s just a question of whether they will. The window is still open for Riordan, but with much of its top talent soon departing, it would behoove the Crusaders to get it done this season.

DOUGHERTY VALLEY: ARE WILDCATS TOPS IN EBAL?

No one expected Dougherty Valley to be contenders last season after graduating its star backcourt of Ryan Beasley and Connor Sevilla the year before. Even after a shaky start to the season, the Wildcats caught fire and won the NCS Division I championship with a young team that did not have a standout star. Now, they have their go-to-guy. In one of the most surprising moves of the offseason, 6-foot-5 UC Davis commit Jalen Stokes transferred to Dougherty Valley from rival Dublin – the team Dougherty Valley beat in the NCS Division I final – giving the Wildcats a bonafide scorer to go along with a nucleus that made a deep playoff run. Dougherty Valley also added a three-level scorer in guard Rashod Cotton Jr., a transfer from Modesto Christian. Sophomore guard Rylan Sevilla – Connor’s brother – and freshman Alonzo Walker will add more scoring depth to a team that has the potential to be one of the highest scoring offenses in the Bay Area. Add longtime coach Mike Hansen into the mix and the Wildcats have all the tools they need to win a third consecutive section title. Dougherty Valley, which won the section’s Open Division title in 2023, will test themselves early as the San Ramon school has scheduled Clovis North, Moreau Catholic, Salesian and Sierra Canyon in its non-league portion of the schedule. Then comes the East Bay Athletic League gauntlet, with powerhouses and fellow contenders De La Salle, San Ramon Valley and others standing firmly in the way.  

BUZZER BEATERS

Ygnacio Valley’s turnaround the past two seasons has been tremendous. The Wolves won the Diablo Athletic League regular-season title last season and will be heavy favorites to contend in the DAL again this season. Senior point guard Antonio Kellogg Jr. will lead a veteran team that includes 6-7 forward Preston Oliver and shifty guard Zaire King. The Wolves added Kiminou Knox, a 6-7, 300-pound Bishop O’Dowd transfer who also was the left tackle on YV’s football team. … Oakland Tech returns most of its team that captured the CIF Division II title last season. Star point guard Ardarius Grayson is back along with sharp shooter Caleb Rollins and big man Xan Meyer-Plettner. … Much of the eyes in Oakland have been on the teams in the Oakland Athletic League and perennial power Bishop O’Dowd, but small private school Head-Royce appears to be building something special. The Jayhawks won the NCS Division V title last season under first-year coach Ryan Diew. The team brings back much of the championship nucleus – Micah Riebel, Lamar Covington and Andre Iguadala II, son of former Golden State Warriors star Andre Iguadala. … Archbishop Mitty junior Caeden Hutcherson will be in the running as the top player in the South Bay. The 6-5 forward did it all for the Monarchs last season, helping them reach the CIF NorCal Division I semifinals as one of the team’s top scorers.

SEASON-OPENING SHOWCASES

The 17th NorCal Tip-Off Classic is scheduled for Dublin High on Saturday. Here is the lineup: Ygnacio Valley vs. Branson, 8 a.m.; St. Ignatius vs. Vanden-Fairfield, 9:30 a.m.; Cardinal Newman vs. Santa Cruz, 11 a.m.; Clayton Valley vs. Weston Ranch-Stockton, 12:30 p.m.; San Ramon Valley vs. Lincoln-Stockton, 2 p.m.; Dublin vs. Destiny Christian-Sacramento, 3:30 p.m.; Folsom vs. Redondo Union-Redondo Beach, 5:15 p.m.; De La Salle vs. Crespi-Encino, 7 p.m.; Moreau Catholic vs. Modesto Christian, 8:30 p.m.

Bishop O’Dowd’s Thanksgiving Showcase will be held this weekend. Friday’s lineup: Analy vs. San Leandro, noon; Sacramento vs. Granada, 1:30 p.m.; Moreau Catholic vs. Oakland Tech, 3 p.m.; Cardinal Newman vs. Oakland, 4:30 p.m.; Clayton Valley vs. Beverly Hills, 6 p.m.; Redondo Union vs. Bishop O’Dowd, 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s lineup: Grant-Sacramento vs. Alameda, noon; Las Lomas vs. Archbishop Mitty, 1:30 p.m.; Oakland Tech vs. Sheldon-Sacramento, 3 p.m.; Beverly Hills vs. Salesian, 4:30 p.m.; Clovis North vs. Dougherty Valley, 6 p.m.; Davis vs. Bishop O’Dowd, 7:30 p.m.

TOP PLAYERS: PRESEASON ALL-BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

Alec Blair, De La Salle, 6-6, senior

Oklahoma commit averaged 18 points, six rebounds and four assists per game while shooting 54% from the field. The De La Salle star did it on both ends of the floor, often guarding the opposing team’s best player. Was named co-player of the year in the East Bay Athletic League and first-team all-Bay Area News Group.

ArDarius Grayson, Oakland Tech, 6-0, senior

Helped lead Oakland Tech to CIF Division II state title. In the final against Centennial-Bakersfield, he had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game in the regular season and was named Oakland Athletic League MVP and first-team all-Bay Area News Group.

Kellen Hampton, Moreau Catholic, 6-7, senior

After a year at a prep school named Southern California Academy, Hampton is back at the program he led to a NorCal Division I title game as a sophomore. Hampton averaged 20.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game and was an all-BANG selection during the 2022-23 season,

Andrew Hilman, Archbishop Riordan, 6-4, junior

Helped the Crusaders win the CCS Open Division title and reach the NorCal Open final. Received first-team all-WCAL and second-team all-Bay Area News Group honors. Averaged 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game for a team that went 14-0 in league play.

Luke Isaak, San Ramon Valley, 6-3, senior

Led the Wolves at 16.5 points per game last season as the Danville school won the NorCal Division I title. The first-team all-EBAL selection scored 25 points in one of his team’s games against Granada and 18 against Monterey Trail in a NorCal Division I quarterfinal. Received first-team all-Bay Area News Group honors.

Antonio Kellogg Jr., Ygnacio Valley, 6-3, senior

Averaged 18.2 points and 3.2 assists per game last season as YV’s floor general, leading the Wolves to the Diablo Athletic League regular-season title. Was recognized as first-team all-DAL and second-team all-Bay Area News Group honors.

Elias Obenyah, Salesian, 6-3, junior

Helped the Pride win NCS Open and NorCal Open championships. Had an impressive performance in a 50-45 loss to Harvard-Westlake in the state title game, finishing with a team-high 14 points.

Elijah Perryman, Clayton Valley, 6-3, senior

Averaged 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 3.6 steals per game last season, earning Diablo Athletic League player of the year recognition. Helped the Ugly Eagles win the DAL tournament championship.

Jasir Rencher, Riordan, 6-6, senior

Texas A&M commit was a key presence for a Riordan team that beat Mitty for the CCS Open Division championship and advanced to the NorCal Open final.

Jalen Stokes, Dougherty Valley, 6-5, senior

Transferred to DV from rival Dublin in the off-season after averaging 19.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field for the Gaels as a junior. Was a first-team all-Bay Area News Group and EBAL selection.

Raymond Whitley, St. Ignatius, 6-2, junior

First-team all-WCAL player last season averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game. Received second-team all-Bay Area News Group honors.

Others to watch

Cameron Anderson, Dublin, junior; Xavier Barnett, King’s Academy, junior; Jaydon Bonds, Hayward, senior; Scotty Brennan, Los Gatos, senior; Jorell Clark, Palo Alto, senior; Will Corbett, Bellarmine, junior; Nes Emeneke, Riordan, senior; Jaden Feller, Mountain View, senior; Jacob Froman, Westmont, junior; Caleb Hughey, King’s Academy, senior; Caeden Hutcherson, Mitty, junior; Alvin Loving, Salesian, senior; Cole Loud, Moreau Catholic, senior; Gio Garduno Martin, Half Moon Bay, junior; Boss Mhoon, The King’s Academy, freshman; Jaxen Robinson, Christopher, senior; Sam Stepan, Pioneer, junior; Mason Thomas, San Ramon Valley, senior; Jacob Wrencher, Milpitas, senior.

Bay Area News Group preseason Top 20

(Mercury News & East Bay Times)

No. 1 SALESIAN (31-2 last season)

Final ranking last season: 1

How it finished: Beat De La Salle in the NCS Open Division championship. Lost to Harvard-Westlake in the 50-45 in the CIF state Open Division final. 

Season opener: Nov. 30 vs. Beverly Hills at Bishop O’Dowd, 4:30 p.m.

No. 2 ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN (25-5 last season)

Final ranking last season: 2 

How it finished: Defeated Mitty 59-53 to capture the CCS Open title. Lost to Salesian 49-44 in the NorCal Open regional final. 

Season opener: Dec. 5 vs. Sacred Heart Prep, 7:30 p.m.

No. 3 DOUGHERTY VALLEY (21-11 last season)

Final ranking last season: 13

How it finished: Beat Dublin 64-61 in the NCS Division I title game. Lost to Mitty 75-54 in the first round of the CIF Division I playoffs. 

Season opener: Nov. 26 at American, 7 p.m.

No. 4 DE LA SALLE (25-6 last season)

Final ranking last season: 4

How it finished: Lost to Salesian 52-43 in the NCS Open Division final. Lost to Modesto Christian in the first round of the CIF Open Division playoffs. 

Season opener: Nov. 26 vs. Bishop O’Dowd, 7 p.m. 

No. 5 SAN RAMON VALLEY (29-8 last season)

Final ranking last season: 3 

How it finished: The Wolves captured the EBAL Tournament championship, beating De La Salle 68-59. Reached the Division I state championship as the No. 2 seed, but lost to St. John Bosco 78-62.

Season opener: Nov. 26 vs. Las Lomas, 7:30 p.m. 

No. 6 OAKLAND TECH (30-5 last season)

Final ranking last season: 7

How it finished: Beat Oakland 56-49 in the Oakland Section title game. Won the Division II state title after beating Centennial-Bakersfield 79-55 behind a heroic performance from Ardarius Grayson. 

Season opener: Nov. 26 vs. Lincoln-San Francisco, 5 p.m.

No. 7 ARCHBISHOP MITTY (23-8 last season)

Final ranking last season: 6

How it finished: Won at least 20 for the third consecutive season. Lost to Riordan 59-53  in the CCS Open championship and was defeated by San Ramon Valley in the CIF Division I NorCal semifinals. 

Season opener: Nov. 30 vs. Las Lomas, 1:30 p.m. 

No. 8 MOREAU CATHOLIC (21-8 last season)

Final ranking: Not ranked

How it finished: The Mariners won their third consecutive Mission Valley Athletic League title last season. Lost to Montgomery 56-51 in the NCS semifinals. 

Season opener: Nov. 29 vs. Oakland Tech at Bishop O’Dowd High School, 3 p.m.

No. 9 YGNACIO VALLEY (26-9 last season)

Final ranking last season: 19

How it finished: Won the DAL regular season title and had its best season in at least 20 years. Lost to Justin-Siene 76-69 in the NCS Division IV championship and fell to Santa Cruz 57-40 in the NorCal regional semifinals. 

Season opener: Nov. 26 at San Leandro, 7 p.m.

No. 10 ST. IGNATIUS (21-8 last season)

Final ranking last season: 7

How it finished: Made it to the NorCal Division I quarterfinals at a No. 5 seed, falling to Granada 68-66. 

Season opener: Nov. 30 vs. Vanden at Dublin High, 9:30 a.m.

No. 11 CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER (23-10 last season)

Final ranking last season: 10

How it finished: Beat Ygnacio Valley 62-61 in the DAL Tournament championship. Lost to Mitty 48-37 in the NorCal Regional quarterfinals. 

Season opener: Nov. 29 vs. Beverly Hills at Bishop O’Dowd High School, 6 p.m. 

No. 12 LIBERTY (25-4 last season)

Final ranking last season: 15

How it finished: Liberty clinched its third consecutive Bay Valley Athletic League title after beating Pittsburg 62-58. Lost to Dublin 58-55 in the NCS Division I semifinals. 

Season opener: Dec. 7 vs. Vanden at San Leandro High School, 7:30 p.m. 

No. 13 BISHOP O’DOWD (20-10 last season)

Final ranking last season: 18

How it finished: Won the West Alameda County Conference with an 11-1 league record. Lost to Bellarmine 62-60 in the second round of the Division II NorCal regionals. 

Season opener: Nov. 26 at De La Salle, 7 p.m.

No. 14 OAKLAND (25-9 last season)

Final ranking last season: 11

How it finished: Won 25 or more games for the third straight year. Lost to Oakland Tech 73-66 in the Division II NorCal regional semifinals. 

Season opener: Nov. 29 vs. Cardinal Newman at Bishop O’Dowd High School, 4:30 p.m.

No. 15 MONTE VISTA (22-8 last season)

Final ranking last season: 16

How it finished: Started the year with 10 consecutive wins. Lost to Dougherty Valley 50-49 in the NCS Division I quarterfinals. 

Season opener: Nov. 30 vs. St. Mary’s-Stockton, 5 p.m.

No. 16 HEAD-ROYCE (27-5 last season)

Final ranking last season: Not ranked

How it finished: Won the NCS Division V title in a 66-46 win over Athenian. Made the Division III NorCal regional at a No. 16 seed and lost to Santa Cruz 61-47 in the first round. 

Season opener: Nov. 22 at St. Mary’s-Berkeley, 7 p.m. 

No.  17 LOS GATOS (21-7 last season)

Final ranking last season: Not ranked

How it finished: Won the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League title and the CCS Division I championship with a 58-54 win over Menlo-Atherton. Lost to O’Dowd 76-49 in the first round of the Division II NorCal regionals. 

Season opener: Nov. 27 vs. Evergreen Valley, 6 p.m. 

No. 18 DUBLIN (24-10 last season)

Final ranking last season: 14

How it finished: Dublin will look to snag its 14th consecutive winning season. The Gaels lost to Dougherty Valley 64-61 in the NCS Division I title game. 

Season opener: Nov. 30 vs. Destiny Christian Academy, 3:30 p.m.

No. 19 BENICIA (22-11 last season)

Final ranking last season: 20

How it finished: Caught fire at the end of the regular season and won the NCS Division II title, beating top-seeded Montgomery 53-50. Lost to Jesuit 54-53 in the first round of the NorCal Division II regionals.

Season opener: Nov. 26 vs. Justin-Siena, 7 p.m.

No. 20 SERRA (20-9 last season)

Final ranking last season: 9

How it finished: Made it to the NorCal Division I regional playoffs as a No. 9 seed. Lost to top-seeded Clovis West 68-64 in the second round after beating Lincoln-Stockton 63-61. 

Season opener: Nov. 30 at Sequoia, 7 p.m.

Editor’s note: Teams eligible for the Bay Area News Group rankings come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school staff chooses the teams.