Tri-County teams among section hardcourt favorites

The Hamilton High School boys and girls varsity basketball teams both rank among the favorites in their division in the Tri-County preseason rankings. Both of the Hamilton teams reached the Division 5 finals last year and return enough starters to make them a candidate to return to the championship round. Here's a look at the top teams in the Northern Section this year. Boys Basketball Division 2 1. Foothill - The Cougars could add a basketball section title to the one they collected in football. Allleague players Josh Bory and Matt Fogarty (6-6) return for the Cougars. 2. Pleasant Valley - The defending champs are always in the thick of things. Hollen O'Kelley and Sam Harvey were both parttime starters on last year's title team. 3. Chico - The Panthers are young, but they are talented. Four juniors figure to start, including all-league guard Rex Holmes. Division 3 1. Enterprise - The Hornets have the section's best big man in 6-8 Shane Zink. Jacob Gray is also a veteran of the Hornets' 2007 EAL championship team. 2. West Valley - The Eagles lost most of their starters, but they return league MVP Garhett Parent. 3. Oroville - The Tigers are always a team to watch under coach Bob Schmautz. Division 4 1. Central Valley - The Falcons return the division's best player in Paolo Mancasola. 2. Wheatland - The Pirates were young last year, but could be the team to beat out of the Butte View League. 3. Sutter - The Huskies have a talented junior group and an all-league sophomore in 6-7 Isaiah Bowman. Division 5 1. Liberty - The Patriots won the section last year and return the bulk of that team, including Chris Kilgore at guard. 2. Hamilton - The Braves have the size underneath with 6-6 Spencer Keables and 6-5 AJ Gonzales to go with the outside shooting for Craig Lohse. 3. Pierce - The Bears don't have any size, but they play their usual strong defense with quick players like Michael Barber and Jose Vera. Division 6 1. Hayfork - The Timberjacks return two of the section's top scorers in Nick Gonzalez and Steve Bayley. 2. Westwood - The three-time champions won't fall too far. 3. Princeton - The Eagles return everyone from last year's team that finished second in the Pioneer League. Girls Basketball Division 2 1. Pleasant Valley - The Vikings were upset in the Division 2 finals by Chico last year, but still rank as the favorite to win it all this year with Emily Drews leading the way. 2. Red Bluff - The Spartans should have good size this year to make a run at the Vikings. 3. Chico - The Panthers will be young, but they are always in the hunt. Division 3 1. West Valley - The Eagles are led by Tabytha Wampler, a Division 1 volleyball recruit who isn't too shabby at basketball either. 2. Enterprise - The Hornets no longer have Hillary Hurley leading the way, but they should still be competitive. 3. Oroville - The Tigers have a little more experience this year, but could still struggle in the EAL. Division 4 1. Gridley - The Bulldogs nearly won the section title last year. With nearly everyone back this season, including Aida Vance and Sarah Nichols, the Dogs are the favorites. 2. Yreka - The Miners came out of nowhere to surprise everyone and win the title. No surprises this year, but expect the Miners to compete for the title. 3. Corning - The addition of some talented underclassmen will make the Cardinals a contender this year. Division 5 1. Liberty - The Patriots probably have the best team in the section, regardless of school size, with 6-7 Jessica Oestreicher and 6-1 Kim Crandell leading the way. 2. Hamilton - The Braves return four starters from last year's team that reached the finals, and add Tessa Bekendam to the mix. 3. Durham - The Trojans move down to Division 5 this year and should be a contender. Division 6 1. Maxwell - the Panthers won the section last year and return three starters, including 6-1 Krissy Wilson. 2. Bishop Quinn - the Lions won the crown two years ago and lost in the finals last year to Maxwell. 3. Westwood - The Lumberjacks have already won a volleyball title, now they'll try for a basketball crown.