Southern California High School Basketball Rankings Shake Up Ahead of Holiday Tournaments

The CIF Southern Section basketball landscape saw significant movement this week. Top programs like St. John Bosco and Harvard-Westlake traveled for national exposure. Meanwhile, local eyes turn to the massive Classic at Damien tournament starting December 26.

This weekly wrap-up, based on reporting from High School on SI, captures the key performances and shifts. The updated boys Top 25 rankings reflect a busy week of action leading into the holiday break.

Updated Top 25 Highlights Key Team Movements

Several teams made notable jumps in the latest rankings. Sierra Canyon delivered a strong statement with a decisive win over Crean Lutheran. Sophomore Jordan Mize led the charge with an inspired performance.

Corona Centennial and San Gabriel Valley also climbed the list. Their consistent play earned them higher spots. New entrants this week include Thousand Oaks, Brentwood, Mira Costa, and St. Francis.

The week before Christmas featured fewer local showdowns. Many elite programs opted for travel and national competition instead. This strategy tests teams against diverse styles before league play resumes.

Classic at Damien Poised to Define Season’s Early Trend

The upcoming Classic at Damien is a major focus. It is widely considered the premier high school basketball event on the West Coast. The tournament runs from December 26-30 at Damien High School in La Verne.

It will feature 144 teams across nine competitive divisions. The top Platinum Division includes Open Division contenders like Redondo Union and La Mirada. Teams from multiple states will provide a crucial mid-season benchmark.

According to High School on SI senior reporter Tarek Fattal, these holiday tournaments are critical. They offer a final major test before the heart of the league schedule and playoff seeding discussions begin. Performances here can solidify or change a team’s statewide perception.

The latest high school basketball rankings set the stage for a pivotal holiday tournament season. The results from the Classic at Damien will heavily influence the next wave of rankings and playoff projections.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the Classic at Damien tournament?

It is a major multi-day high school basketball tournament in La Verne, California. It features 144 teams from across the western United States and is considered a top-tier event.

Which teams are in the Platinum Division?

The top bracket includes teams like Redondo Union, St. John Bosco, La Mirada, and Corona Centennial. These are all considered strong contenders for the Open Division playoffs.

Who moved into the Top 25 rankings this week?

Four new teams joined the rankings: Thousand Oaks, Brentwood, Mira Costa, and St. Francis. Their recent performances earned them spots in the weekly list.

Why are holiday tournaments important?

They allow teams to face high-level competition from different regions. This testing ground is vital for preparation before league play and playoff seeding.

Where did Jerzy Robinson commit to college?

The top-ranked 2026 girls basketball recruit committed to the University of South Carolina. She announced her decision live on ESPN2.