TOP CAT: Monrovia, which beat San Marino last week in a battle of the top two teams in area, ranks above all heading into the CIF-SS playoffs
Staff Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
1. Monrovia (9-2) – The back-to-back defending Mid-Valley Division champions are likely to receive the No. 2 seed when playoff pairings are announced Sunday. Monrovia is also in solid position for a state bowl after receiving the No. 3 ranking in Cal-Hi Sports state bowl rankings for Division 3. If they win the Mid-Valley, beating Paraclete in the process, a 15-game season is within reach.
2. San Marino (8-1) — It’s hard to knock down the Titans after giving Monrovia more than it wanted on Friday. They are No. 5 in the Mid-Valley, so I wouldn’t be surprised with a Wildcat-Titans final.
3. Rio Hondo Prep (7-1) — The Kares have played their way into a No. 2 seed in the Norteast Division. But first they need to take care of business vs. Poly on Friday.
4. La Salle (9-0) — The surprise team of the year is the area’s only undefeated team. They’ll make some noise in the Northwest.
5. Muir (6-3) — The Mustangs have come all the way back to win the Pacific League. They’ll make a run in the playoffs, but first some unfinished business in the Turkey Tussle.
6. Gabrielino (7-2) — The Eagles play for a playoff spot when they they host Arroyo for third in the Mission Valley League on Friday. A loss could put them on the wrong side of the bubble. The 7-3 record would be impressive, but the strength of schedule is not.
7. St. Francis (3-6) — The Golden Knights, who finish with St. Paul, can apply for an at-large bid to the Western playoffs. But it’s highly unlikely they would get it.
8. Arcadia (4-5) — It’s all about the W for the Apaches, who clinch a playoff spot with a victory over Crescenta Valley on Friday.
9. Alhambra (4-5) — The Moors control their own destiny to the playoffs. Win and they’re in, lose and it gets tricky.
10. South Pasadena (6-3) — The Tigers likely get in the playoffs with a victory. But they face a monumental task against San Marino. Likely not happening.
The Rest: 11. Temple City (5-4). 12. Duarte (4-5), 13. Flintridge Prep (5-4), 14. Pasadena Poly (6-2). 15. Rosemead (3-6), 16. Maranatha (3-6) 17. San Gabriel (2-7), 18. Pasadena (1-8), 19. La Canada (1-8); 20. Bosco Tech (1-8), 21. Marshall (3-7), 22. Keppel (0-9); 23. Blair (0-9).