The Times’ preseason boys’ basketball rankings

A look at The Times’ preseason top 25 boys’ basketball teams in the Southland:

Rk; TEAM; Comment

1. SIERRA CANYON | 6-11 Marvin Bagley III joins Cody Riley and Remy Martin to form imposing group.

2. BISHOP MONTGOMERY | All five starters return, led by Ethan Thompson, David Singleton, Jordan Schakel.

3. CHINO HILLS | The pace will still be frenetic, and there still are two Ball brothers around.

4. MATER DEI | If the guard play holds up, beware. Showed strong summer improvement.

5. LONG BEACH POLY | Has lots of height, and Zafir Williams is becoming a standout.

6. SANTA MARGARITA | Eagles are ready to make Trinity League run at Mater Dei.

7. CRESPI | Guards Brandon Williams and Taj Regans will be outstanding.

8. CORONA CENTENNIAL | UCLA-bound Jalen Hill leads Huskies.

9. FAIRFAX | Championships are won with guard play, and Lions are loaded.

10. EASTVALE ROOSEVELT | Watch and admire Cal-bound guard Jemarl Baker.

11. ALEMANY | Has experience, good guards, plus a 6-11 transfer student.

12. SANTA MONICA | 6-7 junior Rip Economou is ready to become big-time scorer.

13. HARVARD-WESTLAKE | Freshman Johnny Juzang joins soph Cassius Stanley to form exciting duo.

14. BIRMINGHAM | Patriots are legitimate City Section title contenders.

15. ETIWANDA Guard Miles Oliver will lead improved Eagles.

16. CANTWELL-SACRED HEART | Lots of tough, physical players to compete in Del Rey League.

17. REDONDO | Ryse Williams leads team that plays hard.

18. ORANGE LUTHERAN | Lancers are young but will be very good at the end.

19. WESTCHESTER | Lots of experience for Coach Ed Azzam to work his magic.

20. DAMIEN | Coach Mike LeDuc will have them screening and making shots.

21. ST. JOHN BOSCO | J.J.Watson and Makani Whiteside lead improved Braves.

22. OAK PARK | Riley Battin is ready to rebound, score and block shots.

23. VILLAGE CHRISTIAN | Transfers and returnees will make Crusaders tough.

24. LOS ALTOS | Five starters are back, led by sophomore Jarod Lucas.

25. LYNWOOD | Coming off 23-7 season and played well in summer ball.