Observed Hanford's boys basketball team last night for three purposes: 1, Rankings; 2, Bee All-Star considerations; and 3, Research for upcoming column on the Felders -- coach Brad and his sons, Barrett and Beau.

Let's talk rankings.

The Bullpups, at 25-3, are the Central Section's winningest team. I've got them No. 6 overall in the section and No. 1 in Division III. And, after evaluating them in person, I feel that's just where they belong.

They have one of the section's best point guards in Cougar Williams in addition to a deep frontline of players in the 6-4 and 6-5 range. They include Barrett, a returning all-leaguer, who's battling through a shoulder problem.

This is the latest solid team under Felder, who's won eight West Yosemite League titles and one section championship with three runners-up section finishes in 13 years with the program. But, Williams aside, the 'Pups have been quicker and more athletic in the past. And, because of that deficiency, I think they would place fifth in the Tri-River Athletic Conference and would be overpowered by Edison of the County/Metro Athletic Conference.

Then, again, these are schools with much larger enrollments. Hanford is a strong favorite to win the section D-III title.