Preseason Top 25 High School Basketball Rankings: No. 5 Sierra Canyon

Experienced group with NBA pedigree adds transfer height and looks to repeat as CIF Open Division state champions.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jordan Divens
By
Oct 17, 2018, 10:30am
Video: Preseason Top 25 Basketball Rankings
Breaking down the national contenders heading into the 2018-19 season.


Head Coach: Andre Chevalier
Last Season: 27-4 (CIF Open Division state champions)
Head coach Andre Chevalier (center) has a roster loaded with experience and talent.
Head coach Andre Chevalier (center) has a roster loaded with experience and talent.
Photo by Heston Quan
Players to Watch:
Andrew Austin (6-foot-6, Sr., W)
Terren Frank (6-7, Sr., F)
Christian Koloko (7-0, Sr., C) — Committed to Arizona
Kenyon Martin Jr.(6-7, Sr., F)
Scotty Pippen Jr. (6-0, Sr., G)
L Simpson (6-1, Sr., G)
Cassius Stanley (6-5, Sr., G)
Guard Cassius Stanley
Guard Cassius Stanley
Photo by Heston Quan
Key Games/Events:
Nov. 29 - vs. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Dec. 17-21 - 'Iolani Classic
Dec. 27-29 - Les Schwab Invitational
Jan. 12 - vs. Coronado (Henderson, Nev.)
Jan. 21 - vs. Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) — Spalding Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)
Feb. 2 - vs. Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.)
Forward Kenyon Martin Jr.
Forward Kenyon Martin Jr.
Photo by Heston Quan

Season Preview:
Coming off its first ever CIF Open Division state championship, Sierra Canyon is the heavy favorite to repeat behind a strong returning core.

The Trailblazers return a pair of Junior MaxPreps honorable mention All-Americans with Martin Jr. and Stanley set to pave the way for the California powerhouse.

While Pippen, Frank and Simpson will all be major contributors again this season, a pair of 7-foot transfers, 2019 Arizona-commit Koloko and Yi Jao-Hao from the Class of 2021 provide the height and depth to match up with any team across the country.

Sierra Canyon will be tested throughout its daunting 2018-19 schedule that includes trips to the 'Iolani Classic, Les Schwab Invitational, and match-ups with fellow top 25 foes Bishop Gorman, Montverde Academy and Rancho Christian.

While the Trailblazers' NBA pedigree may attract fans at first, it's easy to see this group is as talented and experienced as any team in the nation.

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