Preseason Top 25: No. 7 Fairfax

7. Fairfax (Los Angeles)
Coach: Harvey Kitani (563-181, 28 years at Fairfax)
2007-08 record: 27-6, LA City Section runner-up (West Coast No. 8 in final National Prep Poll)
Top players: C/F Renardo Sidney (6-9), Sr; F/G Solomon Hill (6-6), Sr.); G Lance Bailey (6-3), Sr.; G Jordan Weathers (6-2), Jr.
Team strength: Top three players return, led by ultra talented Sidney
Question mark: Can young players step up?
Toughest games: Dec. 18-22 Iolani Classic; Dec. 26-30 Les Schwab Invitational; Jan. 16 vs. Westchester; Jan. 23 vs. San Diego High; Feb. 6 at Westchester; Feb. 7 vs. Chicago Whitney Young
Outlook: The Lions have the firepower to make a strong run at their fourth section title and third state championship under Kitani. The team's top three scorers are back, including McDonald's All-American shoe-in candidate Sidney. Last year, the Mississippi native averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists in his first season at Fairfax (he also played his sophomore season in the Los Angeles area at Artesia HS). Sidney has an NBA body coupled with a full assortment of inside and outside skills. Hill averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists as a junior. He is an explosive athlete who recently de-committed from Arizona. Bailey, who averaged 10 points and six rebounds, is a terrific outside shooter. Weathers, who scored nine points per game off the bench as a sophomore, is poised for a breakout season as a scorer.