Men's basketball team ranked No. 1 in the state

Men's basketball team ranked No. 1 in the state

For the first time in program history, the Irvine Valley men's basketball team has been ranked No. 1 in the state.

The latest poll from the California Community College Athletic Association was released Monday night and had the Lasers first.

The rest of top five is Fresno City, Chaffey, Ohlone and San Francisco.

Irvine Valley has a record of 12-0 overall, which is the best start to a season ever.

The Lasers, who were ranked 11th last week, are coming off winning the Santa Barbara City tournament last weekend. It was the team's third tourney title already this season.

They defeated Victor Valley, 84-78, in the title game on Saturday. Freshman point guard Jalen Hall was named the MVP of the tournament and sophomore center Declan Daly was picked all-tournament.

IVC has been ranked No. 2 in the state twice before. The last time came in the 2009-10 season. That year, Irvine Valley went to the state tournament.

Irvine Valley plays again this Thursday in the Brummel Classic at Saddleback. Several ranked teams are in the event.

IVC opens against No. 18 Mt. San Jacinto at 3 p.m. on Thursday.