Boys basketball preseason rankings Richard Obert The Arizona Republic Nov. 18, 2007 05:57 PM Class 5A Division I 1. Mesa: Slighted senior forward Aaron Fuller, who averaged a double-double last year, has something to prove to college recruiters. 2. Phoenix St. Mary's: Might take 11 players to replace two-time Player of the Year Jerryd Bayless, but it has the right 11. 3. Mesa Mountain View: After playing a role on two title teams, this becomes Arizona-bound Brendon Lavender's team. 4. Phoenix Desert Vista: So deep that some leave for other schools just for playing time. 5. Phoenix Cesar Chavez: Won 24 games last year, but this finally could be the breakthrough season at state. Watch out for: Mesa Red Mountain, Gilbert Highland, Chandler Basha, Tempe Corona del Sol, Mesa Dobson, Chandler, Chandler Hamilton, Phoenix Trevor Browne, Sierra Vista Buena. FEAR THE HOP

Mesa boys basketball preview Ben Stapley Special for The Republic Nov. 19, 2007 01:47 PM Mountain View the defending Class 5A Division I boys high school state basketball champion, will be chased by several Southeast Valley teams that appear capable of making a deep run in the tournament this season. Mesa (16-13, 5-5) might put the most talented team on the court in the East Valley region. Head coach Shane Burcar's task is finding a way to mesh that talent into a successful team unit that can duplicate the state championship of 2004. "There's definitely a buzz in the locker room, and we're excited to get the season going," Burcar said. "I still think that until somebody knocks off Mountain View, they're the team to beat. Dobson is always a good team, as well, so we need to play well because our region is very competitive." Keeping his players healthy will help. Mesa hasn't been able to put its best players on the court at the same time over the last two seasons. With Aaron Fuller back in the post, Burcar has an all-state caliber talent. The 6-foot-7-inch senior averaged 18 points a game as a junior and is capable of taking over a game. Fuller twice scored 30 points in games last season. The key could be the play of the guards. Donte Medder (6-0) got his feet wet as a sophomore. Arizona State and Michigan recruiters have shown interest in Medder. Two football standouts will play key roles. Beau Gardner (6-5) brings plenty of size down low and lightning-quick Keelan Johnson (6-1) should start in the backcourt opposite Medder.