CIF Southern Section Division Preview: 2A Contenders
The new CIF Southern Section competitive equity format has shaken up the playoff divisions for the 2017-18 season and beyond.
Let’s take a deeper dive into exactly what competitive equity means.
The division placement for each team is based upon a two-year weighted power point total, as described by the CIF-SS website, which take into account strength of a team’s regular season schedule results (33 percent) and playoff performance results (67 percent).
In addition, regular season contests are weighted based on strength of opponents. For example, a victory over a team in Division 1 is given more “points” than a win over a team in Divisions 2, 3, 4, and 5 and the same goes for playoff performance results.
The past CIF division placements have revolved mostly around number of enrollment, and while the number of students at a specific school is no longer a determining factor, the division breakdowns, especially toward the lower end, still have many of the smaller schools in those lower divisions.
This brings us to our CIF-SS Division breakdown in 2A.
Division 2A Contenders
Rancho Christian
The Eagles have the talent to be one of the eight teams selected for the CIF Southern Section Open Division field, but for preview purposes, we’ll keep them in their assigned division. The Mobley brothers, 6-foot-9 junior Isaiah and 6-foot-10 sophomore Evan, lead the charge. Both are capable of playing inside-out and create matchup nightmares for opponents. The continued improvement and production of seniors Isaiah Knox and K.J. Redfield will be the most important factor for how Rancho Christian will fare. Knox and Redfield were consistent 3-point shooters throughout the fall. Sophomore point guard Jordan Montgomery continues to grow with his decision making and playing at a better pace.
Hesperia
The Scorpions made one of the biggest splashes in the Southern California transfer market with the addition of talented left-handed scorer Jaden Shackelford. The 6-foot-3 junior averaged better than 20 points per game at Oak Hills as a sophomore. Shackelford will be joined by tough senior point guard Ronnie Green and physical and versatile wing Justin Kirkpatrick to form a strong trio.
St. Bernard
The Vikings have a nice mix of experienced and young talent that could result in a deep playoff run. Six-foot-8 forward Romelle Mansel and 6-foot-2 guard Amani Harris will be the duo that dictates just how good St. Bernard truly is. Look for sophomore sharpshooter Nick Bowden and bullish freshman wing Tyler Powell to have solid seasons. Seniors Malcolm Bray and Brandon Chatman project to serve as steadying forces for the Vikings.
Muir
Based on fall league visuals, the Mustangs have a super versatile squad filled with high motors and a dedication to the defensive end that can take you deep into playoff brackets. Six-foot-5 senior forward Hunter Woods is Muir’s best player and he can score in a variety of ways, while also defending multiple positions on the other end of the floor. Point guard Tiyon Martin and wing Jordan Pace are on track for good senior campaigns.
Riverside Poly
The Bears are in good hands with sophomore Lamont Butler. The 5-foot-11 point guard is one of the brightest young basketball minds in all of SoCal. His decision making with the basketball, vision and timing are second-to-none, but an increased aggressiveness on the offensive end will be crucial to Poly’s success. Junior forward Lavele Johnson, senior shooting guard Tobin Kund and 6-foot-5 forward Trent Johnson will need to have strong seasons for Poly to reach its potential.