Montgomery still No. 1...but...The FTH Top 25

In the first update to the Top 25 since the start of the season, the Montgomery Aztecs remain atop the section rankings. But Carlsbad looms.

Large.

One could make the argument that Carlsbad has the best wins of region's No. 1 and No. 2 teams -- road wins at Mater Dei and Los Alamitos -- and a neutral site win over Nevada power Coronado are definitely sexier than Montgomery's romp through the Mission Bay Thanksgiving classic, where they defeated University City, Rancho Buena Vista, San Marcos and Santa Fe Christian (the latter three Top 10 teams) by an average of 33 points.

But the Aztecs (6-0) have yet to be challenged against some of the best competition in the city, though tests outside of San Diego loom next week at the prestigious Tarkanian Classic, where they will face Oregon Interscholastic League favorites Roosevelt (Portland, OR) in their opening game.

Until they falter, they're my No. 1 team.

Dax Hall was an all-tournament selection at the Bucs Thanksgiving Classic

I've decided to keep St. Augustine (2-4) at No. 3 for at least another week. For the reasons outlined in my latest story about their upcoming game against Carlsbad, the Saints played their first three games without their starting back court (and will not have their complete team until after the sit-out period). But they are 2-1 since Jaden Bailes return, with the lone loss being a two-point heartbreaker to the same Nevada Coronado team that Carlsbad handled.

By the time you will read this, Cathedral Catholic will have fallen to La Jolla Country Day. But for now, the Dons check in at No. 4 due to their impressive win over Torrey Pines, who rounds out the Top 5.

Santa Fe Christian (Dax Hall pictured) makes the move into the Top 10 after starting my preseason poll at No. 13. The seven spot rise comes after an appearance in the championship game of the Bucs Thanksgiving Classic, where they netted impressive wins over Mission Bay (this week's No. 7) and the Torreys (No. 10, for now).

San Marcos, Top 10 newcomer Olympian and La Jolla Country Day round out my Top 10.

Here's the rest of my Top 25 (does not include games from this week):

The Full-Time Hoops Top 25

1. Montgomery (6-0) - Aztecs continue to roll

2. Carlsbad (6-0) - Lancers face yet another preseason test against St. Augustine this week

3. St. Augustine (2-4) - Saints look to regain footing with Polamolu's return to the lineup.

4. Cathedral Catholic (3-0) - Dons "revenge tour" includes routs of Mt. Carmel and Torrey Pines

5. Torrey Pines (5-1) - Loss to Dons lone blemish on Falcons' strong start to season.

6. Santa Fe Christian (6-1) - Eagles looking poised to return to the Open Division after a year hiatus.

7. Mission Bay (3-3) - Bucs looked strong in rebound wins over RBV and Rancho Christian.

8. San Marcos (5-1) - Knights get underrated win against very good Olympian team at December Knights Showcase.

9. Olympian (7-1) - Eagles haven't disappointed as preseason favorites in D2.

10. La Jolla Country Day (4-4) - Shorthanded Torreys fell in final two games of Bucs Thanksgiving Classic.

Victory Christian (0-2) - Losses to Torrey Pines and OC standout San Juan Hills nothing to be ashamed of.
Mira Mesa (8-0) - 40-point win over Mission Hills sent a strong message.
Poway (5-1) - Strong start despite puzzling loss to Eastlake.
Rancho Buena Vista (2-2) - Longhorns reeling after losses in Bucs tournament and loss of Ayden Horn to injury.
El Camino (3-4) - Enigmatic Wildcats looking for consistency from its standouts.
Sage Creek (4-4) - Bobcats got a crucial win over Vista to finish Bucs tournament.
Vista (3-2) - Panthers look to regain footing in Friday tilt against Poway
Francis Parker (3-3) - Played Windward close before ceding game late.
La Costa Canyon (3-3) - Wins over Dana Hills and Linfield Christian should hold up as season goes on
Mission Hills (4-2) - Have looked simultaneously impressive and troubling in wins and pair of 40-point losses
San Diego (1-0) - Solid road win to start the season against Bonita Vista
University City (4-4) - Centurions were a couple of breaks away from handing Mira Mesa its first loss.
La Jolla (9-0) - Hawkinson, Sessa and crew have feasted on early season schedule.
Bishop's (4-2) - Knights rebound from early loss to UC, gone 3-1 since.
Madison (4-1) - Lone loss was to St. Augustine team with Jaden Bailes back in the lineup.

Next up:
Christian (2-3), Mater Dei Catholic (3-3), Maranatha Christian (4-3), Steele Canyon (6-3), Bonita Vista (3-4)