Most boys basketball teams have only played a handful of games, but some of the top players and teams in the Treasure Valley have begun to separate themselves from the pack.

With Christmas break quickly approaching, here's a breakdown of the teams and players to keep your eyes on as they continue their trek toward the postseason later this winter:

5A: LOGJAM AT THE TOP

Reigning District Three champion Eagle may own the last unblemished overall record in the 5A Southern Idaho Conference, but the Mustangs (6-0, 4-0 5A SIC) have a couple teams nipping at their heals.

Borah (4-1, 3-0) and Capital (5-1, 3-1) occupy the next two spots in the league standings.

Many of Eagle's players helped guide the football team to the state championship game last month, but leading scorer Ben Van Lith was not one of them. The senior entered Thursday averaging 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game and has helped make up for the loss of graduate Mitch Bruneel, who averaged a league-leading 23.1 points and 9.0 rebounds last season.

While Van Lith is among the early favorites for 5A SIC scoring leader, he faces stiff competition from Capital's Dontese Tower (22.2 points, 10.4 rebounds entering Thursday) and Timberline's Zach Peterson (22.0 points).

Borah, meanwhile, is profiting from the transfer of Dennis Mikelonis, who averaged 20.2 points a game last year at Boise.

Big games on the horizon: Vallivue at Eagle, Friday; Capital at Borah, Saturday; Capital at Eagle, Jan. 9. (All games start at 7:30 p.m.)

State: March 5-7, Idaho Center, Nampa.

4A: SKYVIEW CRUISING

Unbeaten Skyview hasn't played a conference game, but it's already clear the Hawks are the team to beat with four of their five wins coming against 5A opponents.

Skyview (5-0, 0-0 4A SIC) is led by the triple threat of junior Marc Taylor, junior Terrell Rowe and sophomore Kyle Dranginis. Taylor and Rowe each average 11 points per game, and Dranginis averages 9.6 points and a team-leading 5.6 assists. Dranginis was the team's leading scorer last season with an 11.9 points per game and was named an All-Idaho second-teamer after the Hawks lost the third-place game at state.

Skyview won back-to-back state championships in 2005 and 2006.

The Hawks' first 4A SIC contest is Friday at winless Nampa.

Big games on the horizon: Skyview at Nampa, Friday; Middleton at Mountain Home, Friday; Kuna at Skyview, Jan. 6. (All games start at 7:30 p.m.)

State: March 5-7, Borah High.

3A: FRUITLAND RETOOLS

Fruitland finished the 2007-08 season with a 23-2 record and a 3A state championship, but repeating won't be easy.

The Grizzlies lost 3A All-Idaho Player of the Year Andrew Dahle and nine other graduates, leaving a lot of heavy lifting for senior and All-Idaho first-teamer Matt Stanger, senior Ty Pena and junior Devin Decroo. Stanger averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game last year.

Through five games, Fruitland (4-1, 0-0 5A SIC) appears to be moving in the right direction, despite losing the bulk of its team to graduation. The Grizzlies' only blemish this season is a 66-60 road loss to 4A Burley.

Payette (6-1, 0-0) and Homedale (4-2, 0-0) also are off to strong starts against mostly 2A competition and could offer the Grizzlies a challenge for the Snake River Valley and District Three crowns.

Big games on the horizon: Payette at Fruitland, Jan. 15; Homedale at Payette, Jan. 20; Fruitland at Weiser, Jan. 23. (All games start at 7:30 p.m.)

State: March 5-7, Meridian High.

2A: MELBA STARTS STRONG

New Plymouth and Marsing represented District Three at last season's state tournament, but both teams have stumbled out of the blocks this season while Melba and Cole Valley are flexing their muscles.

While the Pilgrims and Huskies are a combined 1-5, Melba (3-1, 0-0 2A Western Idaho Conference) has enjoyed a strong start, including a 48-42 victory against 3A Payette on Tuesday to hand the Pirates their first loss this season. Sy Nebeker, a 2008 WIC second-team selection, and Doug Beus combined for 25 points in the victory.

Cole Valley (3-2, 0-0) is the only other WIC team with a winning record.

Big games on the horizon: Melba at Nampa Christian, Jan. 17; Melba at Cole Valley, Jan. 20; Cole Valley at Nampa Christian, Jan. 23. (All games start at 7:30 p.m.)

State: March 5-7, Capital High.

1A: WILDER ON A ROLL

The Wilder Wildcats have established themselves as the Treasure Valley's 1A team to beat with an unblemished record.

Wilder (5-0, 2-0 1A Western Idaho Conference) has beaten its opponents by an average of 23 points heading into Friday's home game against Idaho City.

While the Wildcats lead the WIC, they'll face some Long Pin teams when the Treasure Valley's 1A schools are sorted into Division I and II for the District Three and state tournaments.

Wilder will be joined in Division II by Cascade, Council, Gem State, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City, Liberty Charter, Notus, Rimrock and Tri-Valley. Division I is comprised of Garden Valley, Greenleaf, Meadows Valley and Salmon River.

Liberty Charter (5-1, 3-0 1A WIC) appears to be Wilder's toughest conference and district opponent this season.

Among the small schools, Garden Valley (3-1, 0-1 Long Pin) appears primed for another run to state after losing in the consolation bracket last March. JC Tucker, the 1A All-Idaho Player of the Year in football, leads the Wolverines at guard.

Big games on the horizon: Tri-Valley at Garden Valley, Friday; Wilder at Notus, Jan. 8; Liberty Charter at Wilder, Jan. 9; Liberty Charter at Garden Valley, Jan. 10. (All games start at 7:30 p.m.)

State: March 5-7, Vallivue High (Division I), Caldwell High (Division II).

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