Gold Mountain California boys basketball rankings: Placer takes over at the top

A new year brings a shakeup at the top as Placer climbs to No. 1 in the Gold Mountain California News Media boys basketball rankings after putting together one of the strongest résumés in the Sac-Joaquin Section, regardless of division. With league play underway and several contenders heating up at the right time, these rankings are less about projections and more about who has earned it so far. Here is this week's top 10: 1. Placer (16-1) It may sound crazy that Division III Placer holds the top spot, but the Hillmen are more than deserving with one of the most impressive bodies of work in the section. Placer has wins over Del Oro, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Antelope, Natomas, Chico and Colfax, and its lone loss is to a very strong Dublin team. Is this the year the Hillmen finally get back to the section championship? 2. Woodcreek (10-5) Woodcreek just saw a five-game winning streak get snapped Saturday by a strong Franklin team by six points. That surge included wins over Folsom, Ponderosa and West Park. The Timberwolves have overcome their slow start and are showing why they are again one of the region's top teams. 3. Folsom (9-4) Don't look now but here comes Folsom. Now winners of six of their last seven, the Bulldogs just claimed their bracket at the prestigious Classic at Damien and are riding a four-game winning streak into league. If the last week of December is any indicator, Folsom is not going to give up its share of the SFL title without a fight. 4. Whitney (11-3) The Wildcats have not lost a game to a team from the Sacramento area this season as Nick French has built another contender. Whitney has won five of its last six heading into SFL play. 5. Del Oro (9-4) Del Oro has built a body of work worthy of being a contender in the SFL. The Golden Eagles have two impressive wins over Roseville, a win over Woodcreek and a victory over Rio Americano while their four losses are to strong Placer, Antelope and Livermore teams. With Brendan Hawkins getting healthy, gritty guard Mikey Root and freshman sensation Keyaan Moula, Del Oro can make a lot of noise. 6. Twelve Bridges (14-2) The Raging Rhinos looked dominant through the first half of the season, and if it weren't for a half-court heave against Nevada Union, they would be 15-1. Micah Boman and Safi Abdela have proven to be two of the most dynamic players in the FVL and while the competition will take a step up in league play, it doesn't look like anything Twelve Bridges cannot handle. 7. Rocklin (9-5) After a 7-2 start, the defending D-II section champions have stumbled in the last few weeks with losses to West Park, Placer and Inderkum. While none of those are bad losses, they were all winnable games and provide valuable lessons for the young Thunder. One thing is certain, don't count out Rocklin out just yet. 8. Oakmont (14-0) No matter what has been thrown its way this season, Oakmont keeps finding ways to win. While the Vikings may not have played the toughest schedule, their unbeaten record speaks for itself and there will be plenty of chances to prove themselves in a tough Pioneer Valley League. Jayden Washington and Aldin Bubic are each averaging a double-double per game. 9. Colfax (11-3) Similar to Oakmont, Colfax keeps finding ways to win and while it placed fourth at the Kendall Arnett last week, it looked impressive in its blowout win over Del Campo and close loss to Rio Americano. Caleb Edlunt and Sylas Lotito can score from anywhere while Kyler Simpton and Carson Lynch have looked strong running the offense. The Falcons will challenge Oakmont for the league title. 10. West Park (9-7) The Panthers have had their share of ups and downs with impressive wins paired with questionable losses. Now with Metro League play ramping up, West Park will have to find a way to stay in the mix and keep pace with strong Grant and Antelope teams. Bubble: Oak Ridge, Granite Bay, Roseville Jordan's SJS Top 25 1. Sheldon2. Franklin3. Modesto Christian4. Placer5. Stockton-Lincoln6. Antelope7. Woodcreek8. Grant9. Folsom10. Christian Brothers11. Vanden12. Rodriguez13. Destiny Christian14. McClatchy15. Inderkum16. Monterey Trail17. Del Oro18. Jesuit19. Whitney20. Sacramento21. Casa Roble22. Twelve Bridges23. Rocklin24. Venture Academy25. Oakmont