Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The CR bench reacts after a basket during a game earlier this season.

By Ray Hamill — The Corsairs are off to an impressive start in men’s basketball this season and coaches around the state are taking notice.

The first state coaches poll of the season was released on Tuesday and the College of the Redwoods men are included in the top 30, coming in at No. 23.

The Corsairs are the only Golden Valley Conference team to make the prestigious list.

CR is off a 5-1 start and has won some close games so far, including a 69-68 victory over Mendocino on Saturday.

The Corsairs’ only loss came against a very good Los Medanos team that is No. 16 in the coaches poll.

Fullerton is No. 1.

The Corsairs will continue their season when they host Simpson JV this coming Saturday at 7 p.m.