The rankings of the top high school girls basketball teams in the Long Beach area by The Press-Telegram are outlined below, with the CIF-Southern Section playoffs set to commence the following week.
GIRLS BASKETBALL TOP 10
(Statistics accurate as of Tuesday, Jan. 30)
1. St. Anthony (19-7): Positioned to secure the second spot in the Del Rey League, St. Anthony engaged in competitive matchups against Bishop Montgomery, a team included in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division watch list. Anticipated as a strong contender for the Division 2AA playoffs, the Saints exhibit promising potential for a championship run.
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Lynwood (16-11): Currently riding a six-game winning streak, the Knights clinched consecutive Gateway League titles with a notable 65-58 victory over No. 4 Paramount. Holding a 47-37 lead entering the final quarter, Lynwood showcased their prowess. Senior forward Taliyah McFerson maintains an impressive average of 16 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Previous Ranking: 2
3. Long Beach Poly (18-9): Long Beach Poly recently triumphed over No. 6 Lakewood with a score of 53-37, securing an undisputed Moore League title during senior night against Cabrillo. Spearheaded by senior forward Brooklyn Taylor and sophomore guard Bailey Prewitt, Long Beach Poly aims to maintain an undefeated league record as they face Millikan on Thursday.
Previous Ranking: 4
4. Paramount (20-7): Despite a setback in the form of a 65-58 loss to No. 2 Lynwood, the Pirates remain in contention for a share of the Gateway League title. Senior guard Kaylani Polk, committed to UC Riverside, leads Paramount as they gear up to conclude league proceedings against Gahr.
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Los Alamitos (22-5): Having already secured the Surf League title, the Griffins boast a commendable 10-game winning streak.
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Lakewood (22-5): Although junior guard Nyemah King impressively averages 26 points per game, the Lancers faced a defeat against No. 3 Long Beach Poly with a score of 53-37. Lakewood is slated to clash with No. 8 Jordan to determine the Moore League’s second-place team.
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Cerritos (18-9): Currently enjoying a six-game winning streak, the Dons have guaranteed themselves at least a share of the 605 League title. A potential outright league championship is within reach as they prepare to confront crosstown rivals No. 10 Whitney. Senior forward Onyekachi Nwanze serves as a pivotal figure for Cerritos, contributing significantly on both offensive and defensive fronts.
Previous Ranking: 7
8. Jordan (19-7): With a January record of 5-3, the Panthers faced defeats solely against No. 3 Long Beach Poly and No. 6 Lakewood. Senior guard Asia Edwards, averaging 14.1 points per game, leads Jordan as they gear up to host Lakewood in a crucial Moore League finale.
Previous Ranking: 9
9. Downey (15-12): Led by senior guard Olivia Vaughn, who maintains an average of 13.7 points per game, the Vikings are positioned to secure the third spot in the Gateway League behind Lynwood and Paramount.
Previous Ranking: 8
10. Whitney (19-8): Set to host the 605 League championship game against No. 7 Cerritos, the Wildcats have the opportunity to claim a share of the league title with a victory. Known for their versatility, players Kylie and Haylie Wang are expected to play crucial roles in the upcoming fixture.
Previous Ranking: 10
Other notable area teams: Millikan (15-12), Gahr (18-7), St. Joseph (11-8), La Mirada (17-5), Mayfair (11-11), Norwalk (12-15).