MidValleySports.Com

Mike Zapata (left), Fidel “The Dictator” Castro (60) and the Saints are red hot going into the playoffs

With the CIF Playoff pairings set we whittled the Top 20 down to 16. Some of the brackets are questionable but aren’t they every year? Here’s how we rank the playoff teams from 1 to 16.

1. Monrovia (9-1) – The Cats didn’t expect Sierra Canyon so early or Paraclete in the same bracket. But really, is there another team better in the Mid-Valley?

2. Paraclete (6-4) – Spirits pop the Patriots; rubbing their hands together in anticipation of La Canada’s arrival.

3. Arroyo (9-1) – Knights right where they want to be. They get at large BP first.

4. San Dimas (6-4) – Saints complete impressive Valle Vista run. Scored over 40 points in every league game.

5. San Marino (8-2) – Mauled by Monrovia but Titans will take first round matchup with BG.

6. Viewpoint (8-2) – Pats-Spartans good first round battle.

7. Sierra Canyon (5-5) – Trailblazers not what they were last year. And they’ll pay for it with a trip to M-Town.

8. Pomona (9-1) – Red Devils torched by Saints but they’ll welcome Rosemead with open arms.

9. Rosemead (8-2) – Panthers battled Arroyo to the end; tough out in playoffs.

10. Northview (8-2) – Eight win season and a playoff spot has Marcel Perez smiling.

11. Montebello (7-3) – Almont champs should match up well with Northview.

12. Schurr (5-5) – Hey a second place finish and a shot in the first round? Marco Ramirez isn’t complaining.

13. Bell Gardens (7-3) – Not quite what Lancers expected but a win over San Marino would be make all the Almont troubles disappear.

14. Baldwin Park (7-3) – What no Monrovia? They’re dancing in the streets of Baldwin Park.

15. Gabrielino (7-3) – Eagles happy they’re in; not happy with a ticket to San Dimas.

16. La Canada (5-5) – A Trip to Paraclete in song: “Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu you ladies of Spain. For we’ve received orders to sail back to Lancaster. So never more shall we see you again.”