Basketball: New Top 25

By Phil Anastasia

Inquirer Staff Writer

Here's first live Top 25 of the South Jersey boys' basketball season, as of Sunday Jan. 3:

(Preseason ranking in parentheses)

1. St. Augustine (1) 4-0
The Hermits have won every game by at least 17 points. This team is 54-7 since the start of the 2013-14 season.

2. Camden (3) 5-0

Senior forward Jamal Holloway is averaging 21.0 points and 10.6 rebounds. This team is displaying impressive balance and depth. "We have 10 players and all 10 can play," coach John Valore said. Camden has a big week with No. 10 Winslow Township visiting Tuesday and No. 15 Shawnee visiting Thursday.

3. Washington Township (4) 6-0

Senior guard Spencer Cook is averaging 24.3 points. The Minutemen visit No. 9 Eastern in a big Olympic American game on Tuesday.

4. Atlantic City (2) 2-1

The Vikings hope to get senior swingman Leon Daniels, who has been sidelined by a health issue, in the next week or so.

5. Timber Creek (7) 3-2

The Chargers' three victories have been over top programs Atlantic City, Paulsboro and Winslow Twp. Senior guard Randy Bell is averaging 24.4 points.

6. Cherokee (6) 4-1

The Chiefs have won four in a row since a 51-50 loss to Winslow Twp. on opening night. Senior guard Zach Rowe made a dramatic drive and hoop to spark the Chiefs to victory over Woodson in the Wildwood holiday tournament.

7. Wildwood Catholic (8) 4-1

The Crusaders are averaging 77.8 points. They host dangerous St. Joseph on Wednesday.

8. Cherry Hill East (10) 6-0

The Cougars have not allowed more than 50 points in a game. Junior swingman Joey DiAntonio has emerged as a top outside threat, with eight three-pointers in a win over Highland and six in a win over Pleasantville.

9. Eastern (12) 3-1

The Vikings allowed 79 points in two victories in their holiday tournament.

10. Winslow Twp. (5) 2-3

The Eagles' three losses were to Top 5 teams Timber Creek and Washington Township as well as state power St. Benedict's. They visit Camden on Tuesday and play at Camden Catholic on Saturday.

11. Rancocas Valley (16) 3-0

Senior guards Adam Perry and Brenden Ruby both have scored 73 points. The Red Devils host No. 19 Bordentown on Thursday.

12. Bishop Eustace (22) 4-1

The Crusaders went 2-1 in Florida and the three games were decided by a total of nine points. Junior Jesse Saul is emerging as a go-to guy. Big week for BE with Paul VI Tuesday, CH East Thursday and CH West on Saturday.

13. Paul VI (14) 3-1

Senior forward Voshon Mack has been in double figures every game. The Eagles have a huge week with BE on Tuesday, Washington Twp. on Thursday and Timber Creek on Saturday.

14. Haddonfield (21) 3-0

Freshman guard Mike DePersia has been an impact player.

15. Shawnee (9) 3-1

Senior guard Dean Austin has scored in double figures in every game. The Renegades visit No. 2 Camden on Thursday.

16. Camden Catholic (11) 2-3

Freshman Baba Ajike has made an immediate impact for the Irish.

17. Holy Spirit (15) 4-1

Senior forward Tyler Jones has scored 20 or more in four of five games.

18. Ocean City (17) 4-1

Senior Conner Laverty has scored in double figures in every game.

19. Bordentown (23) 3-0

Senior guard Myron Gordon is averaging 27.0 points. The Scotties have a big test with a visit to No. 11 RV on Thursday.

20. Lenape (19) 3-2

The Indians have won three in a row.

21. Paulsboro (18) 3-2

Senior forward Tyrique King has scored over 30 in two games.

22. Pemberton (NR) 4-2

Edwin Rivera has scored in double figures in five straight games.

23. Cinnaminson (NR) 4-0

Senior guard Devon Taylor has led the Pirates.

24. Middle Twp. (NR) 3-1

Senior guard Tom Toney is averaging 21.0 points.

25. Haddon Heights (NR) 4-0

The backcourt of junior Jared Latane and sophomore Robert Tindley have both scored in double figures in every game. The Garnets host 4-1 Audubon on Tuesday.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically): Florence (4-1), Glassboro (4-1), Moorestown (3-1), St. Joseph (3-1).

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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