Projected boys hoop finishes

Mission Trail Athletic League
1. Pacific Grove: Goes into league play with a .500 or better record for the first time in 11 years.
2. Carmel: Chasing a share of its fifth straight MTAL title behind two-time MVP John Stivers.
3. Stevenson: Returned from an 18 day layoff without skipping a beat.
4. Gonzales: Could be a sleeper team if everyone gets on the court at the same time.
5. Soledad: Climbing into the upper half of the MTAL is possible for the Aztecs.
6. King City: A lot of athletes on the court with basketball not being their sport of choice.
7. Greenfield: Gave up nearly 70 points a game in four non-league battles.
8. Marina: Could be a long season for a program in a rebuilding mood.

Monterey Bay League
Pacific Division
1. Alvarez: The defending champions still have  playmaker Edric Gamble.
2. Alisal: Season opening battle with Alvarez on Wednesday could dictate the season.
3. North County: Jordan Graves carried the Condors in the preseason.
4. Watsonville: Was a respectable 4-4 during the preseason.
5. North Salinas: Someone other than Joshuah Torres has to provide points.
6. Gilroy: Goes into league play riding a five-game losing streak.
7. Pajaro Valley: Trying to snap a 17-game league losing streak.

Gabilan Division:
1. Salinas: Three dynamic scoring options on a team that won three tournament titles.
2. Palma: The new regime looks similar to the old one in that defense dictates the tempo.
3. Christopher: A new coach has brought a new look and a better attitude.
4. Monterey: This is a team that has bought into a defense first mentality.
5. Monte Vista: A team capable of beating anyone on a given night.
6. San Benito: The Balers will be better when Shraee Harrison returns from an injury.
7. Seaside: A young team that will have to out hustle opponents to contend.