After nine straight wins, including four straight to open Orange Empire Conference play, the Irvine Valley men's basketball team has moved up to No. 2 in the latest state rankings.
It is the program's highest ever ranking. The Lasers, who are off to their best ever start with a record of 20-2, had been ranked third in the state poll three prior times this season, including the last two weeks.
IVC ended with 289 points and seven first place votes in the poll. San Francisco City, which received 300 points and 12 first-place votes, was ranked No. 1 for the sixth straight week.
Citrus was ranked third, Los Angeles Trade Tech was fourth and Yuba rounded out the top five.
Irvine Valley did take the top spot in the Southern California Regional poll, which is the first time that has ever happened. Each time when IVC was ranked third in the state poll earlier this year it was second in the regional poll.
"It is fun and sure we would like to be No. 1," Irvine Valley Coach Jerry Hernandez said. "But ultimately it is all about winning games and continuing to play well. The rest will take care of itself."
Irvine Valley, which is averaging 79.2 points a game and giving up just 63.8 points, plays at Cypress Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m.