Final 2011 Boys High School Water Polo Rankings

1. Bellevue
2. Newport
3. Curtis
4. Auburn Mountainview
5. Roosevelt
6. Rogers
7. Bainbridge
8. Wilson
9. Puyallup
10. Enumclaw

At the start of the State tournament, no one would have been surprised to see Bellevue and Newport in the final game to determine the State Champion.  Both teams had proved themselves worthy during the regular season and from the very start of the tournament both teams looked to be just a bit better than the rest of the competition.  Newport  breezed through their bracket with wins over Emerald Ridge and Puyallup and then put on an impressive defensive display against Rogers in the quarterfinals.  In the semis, those in attendance learned a couple of things.  First, Auburn Mountainview is a very good team and maybe Newport wasn't unbeatable.  Bellevue also breezed through bracket play with wins over Wilson and Auburn Riverview but their path to the finals would pit them against Roosevelt and Curtis.  Both games proved to be competitive games but Bellevue seemed to have momentum and the ability to find consistency and finish strong in the 4th quarter.  Traits of a champion include depth, balance, team defense, and the ability of leaders to step up in the big game.  In the championship game,  the Wolverines delivered it all.  Like a champion, they found a way to limit the offensive weapons of their opponent, while exerting their own strength as the Wolverines pulled away in the second half.  A championship is not just about the final game.  It is a body of work that starts with an objective and a team commitment.  It includes  a seasons worth or more of preparation, conditioning, frustration, setbacks, adjustments, and the ability of every player to put team first over the individual.  Congratulations Bellevue for winning the championship and ending the season ranked No. 1.  For Newport, a great season that had everything but the sweet finish they desired.  The pressure of staying unbeaten is enormous and the burden of the target on your back was heavy.  Thanks for a season worth of highlights and the Committee has a strong feeling that you will be contending for the title next year. However, this season you finish No. 2.  Curtis is a program that knows about what it takes yo be a champion but the road through the tournament was not an easy one.  Curtis was on track with an exciting 1 point victory over Roosevelt in bracket play but eventually would meet up with Bellevue in the semifinals.  In a great north vs. south showdown, Curtis fought hard but it was not to be this year.  A consolation win over Auburn Mountainview earned the Vikings third in state and No. 3 in the final rankings.  Anyway you look at it. Auburn Mountainview had a great season and a great tournament.  An upset win over Rogers in bracket play really cleared a great path to the semis and in retrospect it doesn't seem like an upset anymore.  The semifinals pitted the Lions against Newport, and Auburn Mountainview showed everyone that they belong with the elite teams in state.  The Lions became one of the great stories of this years tournament and their school spirit was infectious.  A loss to Curtis in the consolation game doesn't dampen their accomplishments this season.  Congratulation for finishing fourth in state and moving up to the No. 4 spot in the rankings.  Roosevelt provided some of the closest games of the tournament and contined to show that they have the ability to play and beat anyone.  The one problem they have struggled with is closing out games in the fourth quarter.  A loss to Curtis 1-point in their bracket sent the Roughriders up against Bellevue in the quarterfinals, but Bellevue was able to close out the game out in the final quarter in a game that was probably Bellevue's most competitive test of the tournament.   Roosevelt did close out the final quarter against Rogers with a last minute goal to finish fifth in state and No. 5 in the final rankings.  Rogers came into the tournament as one of the top seeds, but a loss to Auburn Mountainview disrupted what appeared to be a favorable path to the semis.  The loss put them up against Newport in the quarterfinals and the Rams just could not get their offense going against the Knights.  Rogers did defeat Puyallup for a chance to play for fifth, but a last minute goal by Roosevelt left Rogers in 6th place for the tournament and the Rams finish No. 6 in the final rankings. Well Bainbridge, what is the Committee going to do with you.  You missed a heck of a tournament and yes we think you deserved to be there, but sometimes these things just happen.  The Spartans had a great season but their fate in the rankings was out of their hands.  After reviewing everything and much consideration, the Committee ranks Bainbridge No. 7 to finish the season.   Okay Wilson,  you were another one of the teams that made some noise at the tournament.  The Committee was tough on you early in the season but we did note that you had the ability to make things difficult for your opponents.  I guess Auburn Riverside didn't get that note, and an impressive win to start the tournament advanced Wilson to the quarterfinals.  Things started out very well but the Rams were not able to sustain their strong start and eventually fell to Curtis.  We'll blame fatigue for your loss to Roosevelt, but we can give you credit for your win over Puyallup to secure a seventh place finish at State and your re-entry into the rankings at No. 8.  Hey Puyallup, it looks like your seeding was correct. The Vikings started the tournament with a win over Emerald Ridge but found the the rest of the way to be too difficult against the top teams.  Still, a very good season and maybe the start of good things to come.  Puyallup finishes the season at No. 9 in the rankings.   Between Auburn Riverside and Enumclaw, the Committee faced a difficult decision for the No. 10 spot.   A great season for the Ravens hit tough times during the last week of the season and the upset loss to Wilson dashed their dreams of a higher finish.  Enumclaw was placed in an extremely difficult bracket and took their lumps on Thursday against Curtis and Roosevelt.   Based on their match-up to close the regular season, Enumclaw is awarded the No. 10 spot to close the 2011 high school season.  Congratulations to all the teams for a great season. 

The intention of this blog is simply to help create more awareness of high school water polo in Washington.  These rankings are unofficial and are in no way intended to diminish the accomplishments of any team.  I encourage every team to celebrate their season  and accomplishments in their respective divisions and state tournament. Hopefully any bias has been minimal and has been balanced by my ignorance. 

Saturday's Results

Bellevue wins the 2011 Washington State Boys High School Water Polo Championship!

Semi -Finals

Newport 10     Auburn Mountainview 8


Bellevue 12     Curtis 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------

7th  - 8th       Puyallup  9   Wilson 16


5th - 6th        Rogers 8   Roosevelt 9


3rd - 4th       Curtis  9  Auburn Mountainview 7



Championship:  Newport 8   Bellevue 15

Friday's Results

Game 13     Newport 9 vs. Rogers 3 

Game 14     Auburn Mountainview 8    Puyallup 5

Game 15     Bellevue 10    Roosevelt 7            

Game 16     Curtis 16    Wilson 11

Game 17     Rogers 14    Puyallup 6

Game 18     Roosevelt 18   Wilson 7

Results from Thursday's Bracket Play

Please send in scores!!!

Winning team is in Blue


Game 1:     Newport  17       Emerald Ridge  2    

Game 2:     Rogers 22          Peninsula 6

Game 3:     Puyallup  8        Emerald Ridge 6

Game 4:     Auburn Mountainview  15      Peninsula 11

Game 5:     Newport 13        Puyallup 3

Game 6:     Rogers 10           Auburn Mountainview 13

Game 7:     Bellevue  16      Wilson 7

Game 8:     Curtis  19      Enumclaw 2

Game 9:     Auburn Riverside  9      Wilson 11

Game 10:   Roosevelt 17         Enumclaw 8

Game 11:   Bellevue  13        Auburn Riverside 5

Game 12:   Curtis 12       Roosevelt 11

PLAYOFF OVERVIEW

Brackets

      A                                 B                                  C                          D
Newport                       Bellevue                         Curtis                  Rogers
Puyallup                     Auburn Riverside           Roosevelt            Auburn Mountainview
Emerald Ridge           Wilson                            Enumclaw           Peninsula


Are you ready for some playoff water polo?  The seedings are complete, the brackets are set, and the mayhem begins on Thursday.  This year, there are 12 teams in the tournament and the format follows somewhat of a traditional water polo tournament with bracket play on Thursday.  The objective is simple. If you want to advance to the quarterfinals, you need to finish in the top two of your bracket.  Usually that means you have to win at least one game in your bracket, but upsets could create ties within a bracket in which advancement to the next round will be decided by fewest goals allowed.  Day two will be the quarterfinals with cross bracket play matching bracket winners with #2 teams from other brackets.  Day 3 will be the semis and finals with other games determining finishes through 8th place.

This season has been the best year for parity in a long time and no team in the playoffs is unbeatable.  Anything can happen when you combine youth, energy, pressure, and water.  In most of the match-ups, an upset based on the seedings is not out of the question, though the Committee thinks the higher seed teams in each bracket should advance to Saturday's quarterfinals.  If you are looking for surprises, you might want to take a close look at bracket C which appears to be the toughest bracket of the four.  The league officials didn't do Curtis any favors as the top seed in the bracket.  Roosevelt is not your typical #6 seed and Enumclaw is not your typical #10.  Expect all the games in this bracket to be close.  Enumclaw finished the season strong and last year showed that they can pick up their level of play in the playoffs.  Roosevelt is a bit of an unknown.  Yes, they are ranked #3 in the poll and could very well win the bracket.  However, they have very little cross division experience and the playoff atmosphere at Rogers will be new to them.

From the Committee's perspective, the locations for bracket play might favor the South teams.  It's not about the travel but the playoff atmosphere.  The North teams in the past have played in front of smaller crowds during the season and the frenzied playoff environment of a Rogers or Lakes pool might be a bit of an adjustment.  The South teams will need to take advantage while they can because the  advantage might swing in favor of the North teams on day 2.  KCAC is an all deep venue  and a wider course than the South teams typically play in.  Trust me,  it will be a factor and the South teams that advance will need to be aware of it.

Playoff Handicapper

Title Favorites

Newport:  Can beat you on the inside or perimeter.  Somehow finds a way to keep winning.

Bellevue: Keeps getting stronger.  Brings offense with a strong defense.

Curtis:  Depth in their line-up, balanced attack, defense, and a history of big game experience.

Rogers:  Athletic.  Strong all around game and a nice road to the semis.


Legitimate Threats

Roosevelt: Has the tools to win.  Needs to maintain focus.

Auburn Mountainview:  Has the offense.  Needs to brings their "A" game defensively.


Outside Shots

Auburn Riverside:  Most improved, balanced and dangerous.  Tough draw will make it difficult.

Enumclaw:  All about the match ups.  Quickly improving but starts in a brutal bracket.

Puyallup:  The cardiac kids will find some way to make it exciting.


Maybe Next Year

Wilson: Looking to find consistency, but will make opponents work.

Peninsula:  Improving but not there yet.

Emerald Ridge:  Happy to be in the tournament, but life for the 12th seed won't be easy.

The objective of the tournament is to determine the champion, but this tournament is also about promoting and celebrating high school water polo in Washington.  For our water polo community, it is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.  Every team has their own unique story of challenges and accomplishments throughout the season and a loss, though disappointing, should not diminish their achievements.  All of the players and coaches deserve our recognition and respect.  Regardless of the outcomes, be sure to show your appreciation to all the athletes, coaches, referees, officials and volunteers that make this Championship tournament possible.  Enjoy!!!

Championship Playoff Predictions



"I'm having troubling visions of unspeakable things below the water's surface"

Fortune Teller's 2011 Playoff Predictions

Mercer Island will not win the 2011 Championship

Friday's traffic on I-5 will be terrible

Someone will complain about the reffing

Many shots will go wide or high

Many coaches will yell loudly

There will be many fans in the stands that still don't understand water polo

Hana Teriyaki will be crowded (order to go)

Only 8 teams will advance to Friday's games

It will not be an all north final, unless it is

There will be an ejection in every game

The head coach of the champion team will be tossed in the pool (unless their players are too chicken)

The team that scores the most goals in the final game will be the Champion

(Add your predictions in the comment section, (but please keep it light and fun)

  



Boys High School Rankings for Week of 10/30/2011 (Final Regular Season Ranking)

1. Newport
2. Bellevue
3. Roosevelt
4. Bainbridge
5. Curtis
6. Rogers
7. Auburn Mountainview
8. Enumclaw
9. Auburn Riverside
10. Puyallup

By virtue of winning the North Division, the Newport Knights earned an automatic berth in the State Championships and avoided the mayhem and pressure of the divisional playoffs at KCAC.  With no one to play locally, the Knights headed to San Diego for a little playoff primer against the California boys. You can expect the Knights to earn a few wins along with a few servings of humble pie.  Regardless of the outcome in California, the Knights are still No. 1 in Washington.  Bellevue faced a daunting task to start the week.  If they wanted to advance to State, they needed to secure victories over Bainbridge and Roosevelt.  The Wolverines took care of business in workman like fashion, grinding out a three point win over Bainbridge and a two point victory over Roosevelt.  Welcome to State and the No. 2 ranking.  Bellevue is also travelling to San Diego.  Like Newport, the Wolverines should get a few wins and also learn a few lessons.   Last week, the committee advised Roosevelt to pick up the wheels and put them back on the bus before heading down to KCAC for the North division playoffs.  It was just assumed that the Roughriders would remember to inflate the tires before they left.  Roosevelt overcame a sluggish first half against an upset minded Mercer Island and narrowly averted playoff elimination by outscoring the Islanders 6 to 1 in the 2nd half  and surviving with a 1 point victory.  Against Bellevue, the Roughriders were in the game the whole way before Bellevue shut them down in the 4th quarter. Roosevelt drops to No. 3 this week, but at least they're still alive in the playoff hunt.  Hey Roosevelt, you just  might want to tighten the lug nuts before your Halloween trip to KCAC.  Bainbridge started the week with a first round match against Bellevue.  In a hard fought battle, the Spartans fell short and found themselves needing to beat a rejuvenated Mercer Island or face elimination.  Bainbridge easily took care of business downing Mercer Island by a score of 14 -3 and hold on to their No. 4 ranking.  Now Bainbridge has the pleasure of facing Roosevelt in a winner to state/loser out game on Halloween night.  That's right folks, it's No. 3 vs. No.4 in an elimination game.  Wow, it just doesn't get more exciting!  A note to fans and parents planning to attend this game.  This one promises to be a thriller.  If you either have heart problems, are pregnant, or think you are are pregnant, please check with your health care professional before attending this event.   In the most anticipated game of last week, Curtis visited Rogers in another rematch of last years' championship.  Rogers was looking for a regular season sweep and a chance to move up in the rankings.  Curtis was looking for revenge after dropping an earlier season match by 2 points.  Normally one would expect a lot of offense when these two powers meet, but it turned out to be the defensive showdown of the season.  Curtis was up 4-1 at the half and held on for a 5 - 3 victory and claim the title of West Division Champion. Offense may win games, but defense wins championships. Both teams look ready to take their show to State.  Curtis finished the regular season with wins over Puyallup and Lakes, and retain the No. 5 ranking.  Rogers closed out the week with a victory over Mark Morris and enter the state playoff ranked No. 6.  Looks like Auburn Mountainview took the Committee's suggestion to tighten up their defense seriously.  The Lions made a big statement by slowing down Auburn Riverside's potent offense in a 12 -7 victory.  The Lions closed out the week with an impressive 21 -10 win over Wilson and move up one spot this week to No. 7.  Auburn Mountainview is the East Division Champion and appears to be ready for the playoffs. The Committee knows the Lions believe they should be ranked higher, but there is a bit of a logjam ahead of them. The Enumclaw Hornets have been getting a little better each week and last weeks 14-13 victory over Auburn Riverside has to be the icing on their cake for the regular season.  It might have been a  bit of a slow start at the beginning of the season, but the Hornets are proving that they can play with anyone.  Playoff opponents beware, the Hornets jump up to No. 8 this week. The Ravens of Auburn Riverside had their feathers ruffled this week in division play with tough losses to Auburn Mountainview and Enumclaw.  With those two teams  moving up,  the Ravens drop down two positions to No. 9.  Probably not the way they wanted to end the regular season, but a valuable lesson to learn before the playoffs.  Rest up Ravens, its been a great season and a good run in the playoffs is not out of the question.   Yes Puyallup, that means you are dropping one spot to No. 10.  It's not your fault.  The Vikings added to their win total with victories over Emerald Ridge and Kentridge.  A three point loss to Curtis is very respectable and shows improvement from earlier in the season.  Hey, it's really no big deal.  Puyallup is still moving onto the playoffs and the rankings don't influence the playoff seeding (I think).  Win a few in the playoffs and move up.

Boys High School Rankings for Week of 10/23/2011

1. Newport
2. Roosevelt
3. Bellevue
4. Bainbridge
5. Curtis
6. Rogers
7. Auburn Riverside
8. Auburn Mountainview
9. Puyallup
10. Enumclaw

Harry Houdini would have been impressed! The Newport Knights were on the verge of defeat, but somehow managed to overcome a 3 point fourth quarter deficit to force overtime and escape with a thrilling  13 -10 victory over Roosevelt to once again retain the No. 1 ranking.  For Roosevelt it was a case of woulda - coulda - shoulda, as three quarters of excellent play evaporated during a fourth quarter of regret.  Oh well, pick up the wheels, put them back on the Roughrider bus and head down to KCAC for the first round of the North division playoffs where Mercer Island awaits.  Hey Roosevelt, look on the positive side. You had a good win over Bainbridge to start the week and you are still ranked No. 2.  Bellevue completed their regular season with a 9-5 win over Mercer Island and retains the No .3 ranking. Now the Wolverines prepare to open the first round of the playoffs against Bainbridge on Monday night.  Wow, that's a heck of a match up for a first round game.  For Bainbridge it was a tough start to the week when Roosevelt took the ferry over to the island and left with an 11 - 9 victory.  However, less than 24 hours later, the Spartans went on the road to take on the Curtis Vikings and came away with a two point victory.  The Committee can't hold you down any longer and gladly accepts your logic for a higher ranking.  With wins over Curtis, Rogers, and Auburn Riverside during the season,  Bainbridge gains elite status and the No. 4 ranking.  Remember, rankings don't guarantee a thing.  If Bainbridge wants into the State tournament, they will need to find a way to defeat Bellevue and/or Roosevelt.  The Committee doesn't say it's fair but that's the way it appears to be.  It's not easy being the defending champ.  Curtis hasn't lost very many regular season games over the last few years and the loss to Bainbridge shows that the Vikings still have a few things to improve on before the playoffs.   A rebound win later in the week over Mark Morris helps ease the pain but the Vikings drop a spot to No. 5.  This week, it's the rematch we've been anticipating.  Curtis will be looking to avenge their earlier season loss to Rogers.  Speaking of Rogers, the Rams quietly racked up victories over Lakes ( a little too close) and Emerald Ridge, but with the Bainbridge jumping up in the rankings, Roger stakes a small step back to No. 6 this week.   Tuesday's match with Curtis will be a great playoff primer for both teams and the #5 ranking (at least) will be up for grabs.  Auburn Riverside continued their winning ways with wins over Wilson and Kentridge.  The Ravens seem to be the story of the year and provide a great example of how much can be accomplished in a year.  Please accept the Committee's praise and respect, but you are also dropping one spot to No. 7.  Don't blame the Committee, blame Bainbridge.  Auburn Mountainview racked up wins over Emerald Ridge and Peninsula to retain their No. 8 ranking.  The Lions appear to be revving up their offense but might want to tighten up their defense if they want to have a  legitimate shot at the title.  This weeks game with Auburn Riverside promises to be a an exciting contest for water polo bragging rights in Auburn.   The Committee was looking for Puyallup to add to their win total in order to hold onto the No. 9 ranking and the Vikings delivered with wins over Lakes and Peninsula.   Puyallup keeps the No. 9 spot for another week.  One could forgive Enumclaw if they looked a little tired during in their 1 point win over Kentridge last Monday.  Heck, they just got finished playing 7 games over the weekend in Oregon and must of been a little fatigued.  After a few days rest, the Hornets looked a little fresher and took care of business against Stadium to hold onto their No. 10 ranking.

Boys High School Rankings for Week of 10/16/2011

1. Newport
2. Roosevelt
3. Bellevue
4. Curtis
5. Rogers
6. Auburn Riverside
7. Bainbridge Island
8. Auburn Mountainview
9. Puyallup
10. Enumclaw

One by one, the contenders take their shots, but the Newport Knights remain in the No. 1 spot. (this poetry moment was brought to you by the Committee).  It never seems to be easy and some would say it hasn't been very pretty, but somehow Newport keeps finding a way to win and last week was no exception.  The Knights squeaked by Bellevue for a 1 point victory on Monday and then played even with a stubborn Auburn Riverside for three quarters before pulling ahead in the fourth.  Guess what?  This week won't get any easier for the Knights as they travel to north Seattle to take on the Roosevelt Roughriders.  Roosevelt had a relatively easy week with a 14 to 7 victory over Mercer Island.  Nothing overly impressive but good enough for Roosevelt to remain at  No. 2.  This week, the Roughriders have some serious business to take care of.  First, they get to take the ferry to Bainbridge where the Spartans will be looking to finally upset one of the elite teams.  The next night, Roosevelt clashes with Newport in the heavyweight battle of the year.  Bellevue holds on to the No. 3 position following their 1 point loss to Newport.  The Wolverines put forth a great defensive effort, but fell just a little short in their upset bid.  This week, the Wolverines take on Mercer Island who are returning from the THills Tournament in Oregon with some wins.  The Curtis Vikings appear to be back in their groove with wins over Lakes and Emerald Ridge and keep their No. 4 ranking.  This week, the Vikings will put their ranking to the test by hosting Bainbridge in what promises to be a great match up.  Rogers remains at No. 5 registering wins over Puyallup and Peninsula.  It looks to be fairly smooth sailing for the Rams until their rematch with Curtis on 10/25.  (Can't wait!).  Auburn Riverside had their shot in prime time against Newport and showed they can hang with the best of them.  The experience will only help come playoff time and the Ravens secured their No . 6 ranking for another week with an 18-10 victory over Peninsula.  Bainbridge started the week with a little character building against CPA but rebounded with a victories over Mercer Island and and Wilson. ( Hmm, that Wilson score was kind of close).  This week Bainbridge has two great opportunities to move up in the rankings with contests against Roosevelt and Curtis, but for now the Spartans are No. 7.  Auburn Mountainview is finding out that when you are ranked, your opponents give you their best shot.  The Lions took Enumclaws' best shot and prevailed in an overtime victory to keep their No. 8 ranking.  Puyallup has not played a lot of games in the last few weeks but they have played high caliber opponents in Curtis and Rogers.  The Committee can't penalize the Vikings for these losses and Puyallup remains at No .9  for another week.  However, the committee is looking for Puyallup to chalk up some wins to close out the regular season.  The Enumclaw Hornets started the week with a win over Kentridge before their overtime loss to Auburn Mountainview. A weekend trip to Oregon netted 4 victories.  The Hornets dropped a few games to the top ranked Oregon teams, but that will only make them stronger as the playoffs approach. Enumclaw holds onto the No. 10 spot and appears to be getting a little better each week.

Boys High School Rankings for Week of 10/9/2011

1. Newport
2. Roosevelt
3. Bellevue
4. Curtis
5. Rogers
6. Auburn Riverside
7. Bainbridge
8. Auburn Mountainview
9. Puyallup
10. Enumclaw

No one said life at the No.1 spot was going to be easy.  The Newport Knights started their Island themed week with a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island and barely escaped the turbulent waters of the Bainbridge Aquatic Center with a 1 point victory.  Gee, now I know why the north teams seldom traveled to Bainbridge in years past. It's a tough place to play against the Spartans of Bainbridge.  The Newport Knights secured another week at No. 1 with their win and closed out the week with a relatively easy victory over Mercer Island.  The big battle of the week was for the No. 2 ranking when Bellevue travelled to North Seattle to take on the Roosevelt Roughriders.  The match was close for three quarters but Roosevelt was able to pull away in the fourth quarter for a 9 - 6 victory.  To the victorious Roughriders goes the No. 2 ranking in this weeks poll.  The Roosevelt/Bellevue rubber match could very well lead to playoff elimination for one of these top ranked teams.   Bellevue held on to the No. 3 spot with a convincing 14-9 victory over Bainbridge.  Curtis remains in the No. 4 position with victories over Puyallup, Peninsula, and Mark Morris.  Hmmm, the Peninsula game was very close.  (Just saying.)  Rogers continues to reside at No. 5 and shows that they are one of the elite teams with victories over Mark Morris and Auburn Mountainview.  Auburn Riverside lit up the scoreboard with 25 goals in their victory over Enumclaw and retains the No. 6 position.  (Note to AR:  If you have the Internet, could you keep the committee apprised of your results? Thanks)  Yes Bainbridge, that means you are still No. 7.  Another impressive showing against Newport, but the Committee doesn't want to make a habit of rewarding moral victories. You still have a chance to move up.  Isn't Roosevelt taking a ferry to Bainbridge in a week or so?   Following a loss to Rogers, the Auburn Mountainview Lions recovered with wins over Wilson and Kentridge, which is good enough to hold onto the No. 8 ranking for another week. Puyallup had the pleasure of getting thumped by Curtis, but that puts them in pretty good company and their No. 9 ranking is safe this week.  The choice for No. 10 is a difficult one. Wilson was on the ropes last week and their loss to Enumclaw knocks them out of the rankings.  Peninsula's close game with Curtis peaked the Committee's interest, but then it brings up that moral victory stuff.  Enumclaw did beat last weeks No. 10 team, and the Hornets deserve the No.10 ranking this week.  Congratulations Enumclaw, but be careful, things can be dangerous at No. 10.

Boys High School Rankings For Week of 10/2/2011

1. Newport
2. Roosevelt
3. Bellevue
4. Curtis
5. Rogers
6. Auburn Riverside
7. Bainbridge Island
8. Auburn Mountainview
9. Puyallup
10. Wilson

It seems like the season just started and we are already approaching the midpoint.  There really is no clearly dominant team and there is still plenty of time to move up or down in the rankings. A win over a higher ranked opponent can move you up, but a loss to a lower rank opponent can send you down or even out. There is always a team waiting to get into the top ten.

Newport had the pleasure of playing CPA and took one on the chin in a 14 -  4 loss.  Don't worry Knights, your No. 1 ranking is still intact.  CPA beats everyone.  Speaking of CPA,  you guys are really good and your parents love you very much, but you are still not eligible for the rankings.  However, you are fun to watch and any team that gets to play you is stronger for the experience.  Hey Newport, this week your game at Bainbridge counts.  Your  #1 ranking comes with a target on your back.  Roosevelt holds onto the No. 2 spot with an 11 - 7 victory over Bainbridge.  This could be Roosevelt's year if they can survive the brutal North division.  Bellevue jumps up a spot to No. 3 with a 20 - 6 victory over Mercer Island.  Seems like the Wolverines were taking out a decade's worth of frustration.  This week, Bellevue takes on Roosevelt and the #2 spot will be up for grabs.  Bellevue wants to prove that their earlier victory over the Roughriders was not a fluke.  In a rematch of last year's championship game, Curtis suffered a 1 point defeat at the hands of Rogers and drops a spot to No. 4.  Probably a good lesson to learn earlier rather than later.  With the win,  Rogers gains a measure of revenge and moves up three places to No. 5.  Why #5 and not ahead of Curtis, you ask?  Hey, its a tough call but the Committee has to take a look at the entire body of work like Roger's 1 point victory over Emerald Ridge and their performance at the Auburn Tournament.   Last week, Auburn Riverside earned a 1 point victory over Auburn Mountainview but moves down a spot to No. 6.  Blame Rogers, when one team shoots up the poll, others drop at least spot.  That's okay, # 6 is still impressive.  Bainbridge Island comes in at  No. 7.  The Committee knows you think you deserve to be higher. Nothing wrong with dropping a match to Roosevelt and your  schedule provides plenty of opportunities to move up the in the rankings. Oh look, Newport is taking the ferry to Bainbridge this week.  Just when the Committee was considering moving Puyallup up a spot, a score comes across the wire;  Auburn Mountainview 11 Puyallup 3.  It appears the Lions of Auburn Mountainview have awakened and they jump up 2 places to the No. 8 position. Puyallup was on a roll until their encounter with Auburn Mountainview.  What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger and the Vikings remain in the No. 9 position.  Wilson drops three spots to No. 10. The Committee knows that Wilson beat Rogers earlier in the season but the losses are starting to build up. A few wins would help if the Rams want to remain in the Top 10.


Last weeks Poll Question:  Which Team Deserves to be Ranked in the top Ten?

The choices were : Lakes, Mercer Island, Peninsula and Enumclaw

Every team was able to garner support.  Of course, it would help if one of these teams had some wins last week to support their cause.  Enumclaw had a good excuse because both of their games were cancelled.  Enumclaw got the most votes.  Heck, the Committee would love to see Enumclaw in the rankings.  The Enumclaw Water Polo Blog drives a lot of traffic to this site when they're ranked.


The Committee will be on their annual retreat this week and might have trouble posting scores.  Keep emailing scores and every effort will be made to post them, ( but no promises )

Boys High School Rankings for Week of 9/25/2011

1. Newport
2. Roosevelt
3. Curtis
4. Bellevue
5. Auburn Riverside
6. Bainbridge Island
7. Wilson
8. Rogers
9. Puyallup
10. Auburn Mountainview

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boy sand Girls, Water Polo Fans of all ages; Welcome to the initial rankings of the 2011 Washington State Boys High School Water Polo Rankings!

The 2010 season marked the end of the high school careers of some of the best players in state history.  Some teams are prepared to reload and other will need to rebuild.  During the first three weeks of competition, nothing seems certain, but it does appear that parity in both the north and south leagues has made a welcome return.  Parity makes for a much more exciting season, but it also makes it difficult to rank the teams. However, the Committee's Commodore 64 has crunched the stats and run the  algorithms to produce the initial rankings.

The Newport Knights have earned the No. 1 spot with victories over Mercer Island, Roosevelt, Bellevue, Rogers, Curtis and Bainbridge.  Mind you, none of the victories have been by a large margin, but it is an impressive streak of wins over formidable opponents.  Gotta love parity.  Roosevelt starts off in the No. 2 position. I know they got off to a slow start with a 1 point loss to Bellevue but they defeated Curtis by 1 point at the Fall Festival tournament and have played Newport twice in the last week losing both games by 1 point.  At No. 3, Curtis is a team that just seems to keep reloading year after year and this year is no exception.  The Fall Festival took a toll on their win/loss record, but losses to Newport and Roosevelt are nothing to be ashamed about and the experience will make them stronger as the season progresses.  Look for Curtis to remain the top team in the South with a good chance of returning to the championship game.  Bellevue comes in at No.4 with wins over Roosevelt, Bainbridge Island and Wilson.  Their only loss (that the Committee is aware of) is to Newport and there is still plenty of time to rise in the poll.  Last year, Auburn Riverside debuted an No. 10 in the inaugural rankings and then proceeded to sink into oblivion.  Yes, the Committee noticed a little life at the end of the season but the Committee could not have predicted Auburn Riverside's fantastic start to the 2011 campaign.  Congratulations on winning the Auburn Tournament and welcome back to the rankings at No. 5.  Once upon a time,when the current Bainbridge Island players were babies or possibly embryos,  Bainbridge Island ruled the the world of high school water polo in Washington.  It's been a very long arduous trek since those glory years and no team has paid their dues more than Bainbridge.  It seems the wait is over and Bainbridge Island is once again a force to be reckoned with.  Welcome back!!  Enjoy the warm glow at No. 6 and congratulations on your victory last week over Mercer Island.  The Wilson Rams  have had a batch of close games and  produced victories over Rogers, Enumclaw, and Puyallup that earned them the No. 7 spot.  The Committee can't really penalize Wilson for losses to Auburn Riverside and Bellevue, and we can forgive the season opening loss to Peninsula ( for now ). Rogers, last year's runner up in the SPSL Championships, debuts this year at No. 8.  Rogers has gotten off to a good start, but has taken a few lumps against some north end teams.  As some of the new players gain experience, the Rams could very well  be a factor again in the post season.  At No. 9, this years edition of the Cardiac Kids are the  Puyallup Vikings.  A lot of very close losses to start the season showed that the Vikings were improving, and a strong showing at the Auburn tournament allowed the Vikings to crack the initial 2011 rankings.  Last year,  the Mountainview Lions just missed out on the final rankings.  Their youthful team exceeded expectations and  now all their opponents know they are a threat.  An early season 4-point loss to Curtis shows that the Lions have the ability to contend with anyone.  Time for last year's youth to play like seasoned veterans.  Welcome back to the rankings at No. 10.

For the last 11 years, the Islanders of Mercer Island have dominated high school water polo and produced some of the greatest players in Washington high school history.  This year appears to be a major rebuilding year and Mercer Island is not in the initial rankings.  To the Committee's knowledge, the Islander's  have 4 losses in their division which probably equals the total number of losses they had in the previous 11 seasons combined.  The season is young and unlike previous years, there really is no clearly dominant team in Washington.  Don't be too quick in counting the Islanders out.  Maybe its a good year to be rebuilding when parity seems to be a common theme.

2011 Rankings

Hope to post initial 2011 rankings within the next 10 days after a few more games are played.  I need help getting accurate scores from both the north and south leagues.  Please email scores to washhsh2opolo@gmail.com