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The Standard’s high school basketball Top 10

Lowell forward Alex Hedger (25) defends International wing Luke Posselt (13) during the third quarter of a non-league basketball game in San Francisco on Dec. 20, 2022. | Ethan Kassel/The Standard

Welcome to The Standard’s weekly high school basketball top 10. There weren’t many changes between last week's rankings and this week’s set, but with so many tournaments to be played between Christmas and New Year’s Day, there’ll be plenty of movement over the next week. Four of the 10 ranked boys teams will play in the Bambauer Classic at Marin Catholic.

Please note that only schools within San Francisco are eligible. Other members of leagues that include San Francisco teams, such as the southern members of the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) and the Marin County members of the Bay Counties League (BCL), are not eligible.

Boys

Both third-ranked University and fifth-ranked St. Ignatius will compete in the Bambauer Classic this week. | Courtesy Paul Ghiglieri/St. Ignatius Athletics
  1. Riordan (6-2)

Despite losing their lone contest last week, the Crusaders remain in the top spot. That 59-57 defeat to Edison showed a need for more depth, which should come soon in the form of Kaia Berridge and Alexandre Kuminga.

  1. Lincoln (5-1)

The Mustangs are set to open the Bambauer Classic, Marin Catholic’s annual tournament, against Urban on Monday.

  1. University (8-2)

One of four San Francisco teams to participate in the Bambauer Classic, University has a difficult draw with Central Catholic, should the Red Devils advance, and a possible quarterfinal against Serra.

  1. Sacred Heart Cathedral (4-3)

The Fightin’ Irish lost their lone game last week, 56-43 at De La Salle. In that game, they shot 29% and committed 16 turnovers. They’ll open the Damian Lillard Classic on Tuesday against McClymonds. SHC is playing in the Silver Division, an eight-team bracket played at Albany.

  1. St. Ignatius (4-2)

SI’s first game since Dec. 17 will be the opening game of the Bambauer Classic, a 9:30 a.m. tip against Heritage. While the Wildcats will be favored to win their first game, Folsom would be a daunting quarterfinal opponent.

  1. Lowell (7-4)

The Cardinals move up from the seventh spot to the sixth after handling business against a pair of BCL Central opponents, posting wins over both International (50-40) and Waldorf (58-45).

  1. Urban (8-2)

Urban moves down one spot in this week’s rankings, but the Blues can quickly bounce back with a good showing at the Bambauer Classic. Their first-round draw with Lincoln is unenviable, but it’s an opportunity to make a major splash.

  1. Lick-Wilmerding (9-2)

If the Tigers play their cards right, they’ll close the Tom Welsh Classic on Friday against either Cloverdale or host Head-Royce.

  1. Stuart Hall (7-6)

Alek Thoren was the hero in a Dec. 20 win at Aragon, knocking down a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute and grabbing a steal on the ensuing possession. Two days later, the Knights beat International by 16.

  1. San Francisco Waldorf (6-4)

The Wolverines lost to Lowell by 13, three more than BCL Central rival International did. Waldorf’s two games against the Jaguars will likely decide the league title. Those games are on Jan. 10 and Jan. 24.

Girls

St. Ignatius guard Mary Ennis (2) dribbles during the Wildcats' alumni game in San Francisco on Nov. 22, 2022. | Courtesy Paul Ghiglieri/St. Ignatius Athletics
  1. Sacred Heart Cathedral (9-1)

SHC plays in just one game this week, rather than competing in a tournament. The one game is as good as it gets, though. The Irish visit Carondelet (13-2) on Tuesday afternoon.

  1. St. Ignatius (3-5)

The Wildcats are in the Emerald Division of the West Coast Jamboree, which will be played at Heritage. St. Ignatius opens the tournament against Logan.

  1. University (7-4)

The Red Devils went 2-1 at Justin-Siena’s tournament, blowing out McKinleyville and Capuchino before losing to the tournament hosts by four. They’ll host Pacific Grove on Saturday to close out the year.

  1. Riordan (3-6)

Riordan will play at St. Francis’ Joe Schram Holiday Classic for a second straight year. They’ll open the tournament against Pinewood, winners of the last two editions.

  1. Lick-Wilmerding (5-4)

The Aptos/Santa Cruz Warriors Invitational, played at Kaiser Permanente Arena, added a girls division this year. The Tigers are in the eight-team bracket, and will open with Soquel on Tuesday.

  1. Lowell (5-4)

A 56-26 home loss to Hillsdale looks bad, but it’s worth remembering the Fighting Knights are allowing just 35.8 points per game this season.

  1. Lincoln (4-7)

Like Riordan, the Mustangs are headed to the Joe Schram Holiday Classic. Their opening game is against Aragon, which will be Lincoln’s seventh meeting with a Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) opponent so far this year.

  1. Washington (3-4)

While the Eagles split a pair of games last week, they added another loss to their ledger after a season-opening win over Burlingame was forfeited.

  1. Bay (6-3)

The Breakers are in the Turquoise Division of the West Coast Jamboree, hosted at Carondelet and Northgate. They’ll start off the tournament with Campolindo.

  1. International (6-3)

International doesn’t have another game until Jan. 5 against Drew, the Jaguars’ BCL Central opener.