High School Basketball Breakdown
Shifting Leagues Make for Unclear Outlook on Upcoming Hoops Season
The 2018-19 high school basketball season is underway in Santa Barbara, and fierce competition is a certainty as league realignment has set the stage for fresh matchups and renewed rivalries.
As was the case in the fall sports, North County teams Santa Ynez, Lompoc, and Cabrillo will join the Channel League to compete with Santa Barbara, San Marcos, and Dos Pueblos. Bishop Diego and Providence are in the Tri-Valley League with St. Bonaventure, Foothill Tech, and Santa Clara. Carpinteria is in the Citrus Coast League with Fillmore, Hueneme, Malibu, Nordhoff, and Santa Paula. Cate and Laguna Blanca will compete in the Frontier League with Thacher, Villanova Prep, and Grace Brethren.
For the most part, the pecking order in these leagues has yet to be determined. For instance, how will Cabrillo, the seven-time defending champion of the now-extinct Los Padres League, match up against Channel League competition?
