DIVISION IV-A

Defending champion: Santa Monica Crossroads.

Top teams: Crossroads (17-6); Gardena Serra (19-8); Burbank Bellarmine Jefferson (14-12); L.A. Verbum Dei (15-5).

Dark horse: Whittier Christian (14-11). The Heralds have good height and shooting ability and had potential to win the Olympic League title, but couldn’t put a solid run together.

Top Players: Devron Anderson (Crossroads), Ruben Douglas (Bell-Jeff), Matt Erickson (Orange Lutheran), Isaiah Fox (Crossroads), Daron Johnson (Serra), Chad Gordan (Crossroads), John Stoa (Whittier Christian), Mike West (Bell-Jeff), Felipe Williams (Crossroads).

Notes: With Calvary Chapel moving up a notch, this division is expected to be dominated by defending section and state champion Crossroads. Serra, Bellarmine Jefferson and Verbum Dei each has a better shot at upsetting Crossroads than Calvary Chapel did a year ago, when Crossroads had guard Baron Davis (UCLA). Crossroads does not have a senior starter but has five players who average 10 points or more. . . . Home-court advantage may prove crucial in this division and both county entrants did well in the seeding. Whittier Christian will host Sun Valley Village Christian (10-11). The Heralds are led by junior forward John Stoa (22.8 points), who has playoff experience. Orange Lutheran (12-11) will host Loma Linda Academy (17-5) Friday. The Lancers have been led all season by Matt Erickson (18.5 points, nine rebounds).