23. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
Head coach: Tim Kennedy
2010-11 record: 32-2, California Division II state champions
Players to watch: Aaron Gordon (6-7, 205, Jr., F), Neil Vranicar (6-5, 175, Sr., G/F)
Monarchs scouting report: Following a loss to
St. Ignatius (San Francisco) in mid-January, the Monarchs got hot and swept through their last 20 games of the 2010-11 season, allowing more than 50 points in just five of those contests. While nine seniors from that team have moved on, the return of Gordon will keep the Monarchs in state championship contention.
Aaron Gordon starred for USA Basketball's U16 team over the summer.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
Gordon was a legitimate California player of the year candidate as a sophomore and followed by earning a spot on USA Basketball's under-16 developmental national team. In Mexico for the FIBA Americas U16 Championship, he posted team-leading totals of 17 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Gordon is ranked No. 6 in the MaxPreps Class of 2013 Top 100.
Vranicar was a San Jose Mercury News all-area honorable mention pick as a junior. He's a a dangerous deep threat and also a standout pitcher for the Monarch baseball team.
Gauging Mitty's national standing might be a bit tricky as it probably won't face a non-California opponent. Tournaments in Newark and Torrey Pines are lined up for December. A showdown with Division I state runner-up
De La Salle (Concord) comes after the New Year.
