The Times’ preseason high school basketball rankings

A look at the top 25 high school boys’ basketball teams in the Southland.

Rank, SCHOOL with Eric Sondheimer’s comment

1. CORONA CENTENNIAL: Point guard Sedrick Barefield leads talented starting five.

2. SIERRA CANYON: Cody Riley and Ira Lee combine with point guard Devearl Ramsey.

3. MATER DEI: MJ Cage is capable of rising up and leading the Monarchs to prominence.

4. BISHOP MONTGOMERY: Stephen Thompson Jr. and teammates received lots of experience winning state Division III title.

5. REDONDO: The arrival of 6-foot-9 sophomore Billy Preston will create excitement and success.

6. ETIWANDA: Kameron Edwards and lots of defense make the Eagles tough to beat.

7. CHINO HILLS: Brothers Lonzo Ball and LiAngelo Ball don’t like losing — ever.

8. ALEMANY: Daron Henson and Shacquille Dawkins are juniors ready to make impact.

9. LONG BEACH POLY: Point guard KJ Feagin won’t let his team fail.

10. CATHEDRAL: Kobe Paras from the Philippines and Lucas Siewert from Brazil lead Phantoms.

11. MARANATHA: Arrival of Tyler Dorsey and Trevor Stanback changes everything.

12. COMPTON: If chemistry matters, Tarbabes will surprise plenty, led by Robert Lewis.

13. FAIRFAX: Lions are loaded with quality guards, led by Lindsey Drew.

14. WESTCHESTER: Coach Ed Azzam is planning a few surprises for opponents.

15. DAMIEN: Five starters are back, led by Jeremy Hemsley.

16. RIVERSIDE NORTH: You’ve heard of the Lion King, and his name is point guard Dikymbe Martin.

17. SONORA: Point guard Josh Rodriguez is ready to score in large numbers.

18. CANTWELL-SACRED HEART: A pair of 6-10 big men can pound the boards.

19. ST. JOHN BOSCO: Junior Vance Jackson has the talent to lead the Braves.

20. LAWNDALE: Chimezie Metu and Brodricks Jones are imposing.

21. PRICE: Ready to contend for state Division V championship.

22. ORANGE LUTHERAN: Veteran guards in Rogers Printup and CJ Hankins.

23. VILLAGE CHRISTIAN: Bennie Boatwright is best three-point shooter around.

24. CHAMINADE: Michael Oguine is about to be turned loose.

25. LOYOLA: Seniors Max Hazzard and Stone Gettings will have big seasons.