The phrases “Long Beach Poly” and “championship” are nearly synonymous. After decades of CIF and State titles in every sport you can think of, there are few eyebrows raised when the Jackrabbits hoist another banner.

So the fact that this year’s Long Beach Poly boys basketball team can even be considered one of the school’s best ever says something bold about the group.

The fact that I can even write the above headline in this city without being arrested tells you something about this group.

Already 2010-11 CIF champions after a convincing 68-52 win over Corona Centennial on Saturday, the Jackrabbits begin their quest for a State title tonight in a home game against Pacific Palisades at 7:00pm. The gym figures to be packed wall-to-wall with the Jackrabbit faithful.

And why not? Even for Long Beach Poly, whose most recent CIF title is one of 19 in the program’s illustrious history (the last was in 2004), this is a special season. The Jackrabbits were pegged as the State championship favorite way back in summer 2010, with a strong foundation of returners and several impressive wins.

They more than lived up to the pressure. Led by senior forward Ryan Anderson (Boston College), guard Alexis Moore (USC) and sophomore forward Roschon Prince (2013), Poly has faltered only once this season in a 58-53 loss to talented Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas in early February. Not bad for a team with a target on its back since the season’s opening tip.

Poly mowed through some impressive foes last week for the CIF title, beating Etiwanda 60-53 and Centennial in the final at the Anaheim Convention Center. Centennial star Michael Caffey (Long Beach State) was impressive in the title game with 17 points, but Anderson was better with 18 points and 21 rebounds. Moore, Prince, senior Alex Carmon and the rest of the ‘Rabbits were far too much to handle.

They’re still the favorites to win the State tournament, but the CIF-SS selection committee sure isn’t handing them the trophy. After tonight’s game against Palisades, the No. 1 Jackrabbits will likely face Etiwanda again in the next round and also share the bracket with powerhouses Loyola and Mater Dei. If all goes well for Poly. they’ll probably face familiar faces in either No. 3 Taft or No. 2 Corona Centennial for the State final.

Is this the best Long Beach Poly boys’ basketball team ever? Well, they’re certainly going to have the chance to make their case.