Boys High School Basketball Rankings

LARGE SCHOOLS

1. (1) Merced (20-4): Bears get full week to prepare for Friday's game vs. Golden Valley at Merced College, their last big challege in the CCC. Bears are trying to win a fourth straight CCC crown.

2. (2) Turlock (19-5): Eleven straight losses to Merced is a stat that doesn't sit well with Bulldogs, who host Pitman on Friday.

3. (3) Manteca (19-5): Avenged only league loss with Saturday's win at Weston Ranch, now have two-game lead in the VOL.

4. (4) Pitman (15-8): Pride and crosstown rival Turlock each have two conference losses, so Friday's loser drops to third place.

5. (5) Davis (20-4): The only MMC team that can beat Davis is Davis, which takes 15-game win streak to Enochs Wednesday.

SMALL SCHOOLS

1. (1) Modesto Christian (13-8): Stunner over Sacramento, the No. 5 team in state Division III rankings, means the Crusaders could do plenty of damage when the playoffs begin on Feb. 24.

2. (2) Central Catholic (19-4): Raiders cruised through two wins, but will be challenged with games vs. Patterson and Livingston.

3. (4) Livingston (17-5): The Wolves seem to build double-digit leads, but finishing opponents will be key to playoff success.

4. (3) Hilmar (16-6): The only thing keeping Yellowjackets from top of the WAC standings is their trouble taking care of the ball.

5. (5) Amador (20-3): Buffaloes avenged only league loss with 52-50 win at Calaveras and will play three of final four at home.