La Salle Tops San Gabriel Valley Girls Basketball Preseason Rankings

The San Gabriel Valley girls basketball preseason rankings have been announced, with La Salle claiming the top spot for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Under the leadership of coach Scott Wiard, the Lancers are poised for another strong campaign after finishing the previous season with a record of 22-7 and reaching the Division 1 playoffs.

La Salle’s success in recent years includes winning the CIF-SS titles in 2022 and 2023. The team returns key players, including senior forward Casey Higgins, an All-CIF and Del Rey League first team selection who averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds last season. Sophomore Aislin Tamez Torres is also back, contributing 10 points and 6 rebounds per game. Other notable returners include junior forward Riley Higgins and junior guards Maddy Chiang and Emily Fong. La Salle will face a challenging schedule against top programs in the Del Rey League, providing valuable experience ahead of the playoffs.

Following La Salle, Flintridge Prep ranks second with a record of 19-2 from last season. The Rebels went undefeated in the Prep League but fell in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs to La Salle. Senior guard Maddie Smith, who has committed to Yale, leads the team after scoring 1,425 career points and hitting 145 three-pointers. The Rebels also welcome back senior guard/forward Akemi Fu and four other all-league players, ensuring a strong roster for the upcoming season.

Bonita comes in third, with a record of 22-7 last season. The Bearcats finished second in the Palomares League and reached the Division 1 playoffs before their exit in the first round. Although they graduate star player Lexi Mercado, they retain a solid core led by senior guard Tressa Beatty, who averaged 11 points and three assists. Senior forward Brook Van Duyne, along with seniors Malei’a Reaves and Jenna Campbell, will be key contributors as they aim for a league title.

The fourth position goes to Glendora, which finished with a record of 17-12. Coach Adam Numemaker expressed dissatisfaction with last year’s fourth-place finish in the Palomares League and their playoff exit. Senior Ronnie Herrmann returns after averaging 15 points and nine rebounds, while seniors Mia Reyes and Milana Luera also earned all-league honors. Freshman Remy Caine is expected to make an immediate impact.

In fifth place is San Dimas, which had an 18-9 record last season. The Saints were undefeated in the Hacienda League but exited in the first round of the Division 2AA playoffs. Junior guard Nevaeh Verdines-O’Cain returns after averaging 16 points per game, and seniors Faith Kearns and Aaliyah Martines provide additional depth.

Other notable teams include Bishop Amat, ranked sixth with a record of 16-13, and Keppel in seventh place after winning the Division 3AA championship last season with a record of 25-10. Despite losing star freshman Alyssa Canizal to transfer, Keppel remains competitive with returning players Honor Tam and Remy Saito, along with several promising newcomers.

Sonora holds the eighth position, with a record of 17-13, while La Canada and Santa Fe round out the top ten. La Canada finished with a record of 22-7 and returns key players from last year’s Rio Hondo League co-championship team. Meanwhile, Santa Fe, with a record of 20-6, will look to build on last season’s Del Rio League title despite a disappointing playoff exit.

With a wealth of talent across these top teams, the San Gabriel Valley girls basketball season promises to be competitive and exciting as programs prepare for league play and playoff aspirations.