Sierra’s boys basketball team is the top Division-III squad in the Sac-Joaquin Section, according to the first of two releases of the playoff power ratings.

The SJS uses its power-ratings formula — which factors in strength of schedule and league strength — to help determine postseason qualifiers across six enrollment-based divisions. Sixteen teams advance in Divisions I-IV, 12 in Division V and six in VI. The first release includes games played before Monday but does not include nonleague contests played after Jan. 9.

Sierra (9-0 Valley Oak League, 19-3 overall) highlights four Manteca Unified teams in the running for Division-III playoff bids. With a seeding rating of 6.635, the Timberwolves are comfortably ahead of Casa Roble (6.165) and powerhouse Modesto Christian (5.967).

Weston Ranch (8-1, 14-6), which Sierra edged 73-68 in overtime last Friday, is No. 4 with a 5.933 rating. Manteca (5-4, 12-9; 4.162) and East Union (4-5, 15-6; 4.074) are No. 12 and 14, respectively.

Ripon (4-2, 8-12; 3.897) holds the eighth seed in the Division IV bracket, while Lathrop (2-7, 6-15; 2.264) is 21st. Southern League-leading Ripon Christian (8-0, 16-3; 4.837) is No. 2 in Division, trailing heavily-favored Capital Christian (6.171).

The Lady Buffaloes of Manteca (8-0, 14-5) are the highest-rated girls team in the area. The VOL’s top squad is No. 6 in Division III with a 5.312 rating. Weston Ranch (7-1, 12-6; 5.047) is ninth, East Union (3-5, 7-12; 2.661) is 16th and Sierra (2-6, 6-14) is 21st. Ahead of Manteca are Christian Brothers (6.617), Rio Americano (6.224), Vanden (5.849), Modesto Christian (5.695) and Patterson (5.372).

In Division IV girls, Ripon (5-1, 15-4; 4.930) is the fifth highest rated team, and Lathrop (2-6, 7-13; 2.405) is 23rd. Ripon Christian (7-1, 13-5; 4.068) is third in Division V behind defending state champion Brookside Christian (5.426) and SL rival Turlock Christian (4.498).