- Newport
- Roosevelt
- Bellevue
- Bainbridge
- Curtis
- Rogers
- Auburn Riverside
- Auburn Mountainview
- Puyallup
- 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.
How can Auburn Riverside move down due to Bainbridge? AR beat Bainbridge in the Auburn Tourney, and it was after Bainbridge beat Ar first
ReplyDeleteYou know how to say that in Swahili?
ReplyDeleteThe North League league playoffs are going to be a blood bath. The top four teams play for 3 spots at state? Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteA recent win over Curtis has to count for something and games later in the season are weighted more heavily than earlier games. Not a lot of common opponents and the Committee doesn't look too closely at comparative scores, but if you take Newport as a common opponent Bainbridge has played them twice losing by a combined total of 3 points. Auburn Riverside lost by 5 against Newport. When you factor in strength of schedule, the Committee chose to move Bainbridge up in the rankings. Rankings do not affect seeding for the State tournament, so if nothing else auburn Riverside can use it as motivation. The only rankings that really matter are the final rankings.
ReplyDeleteHow many teams total advance to state?
ReplyDelete12 Teams will advance to State.
ReplyDeleteIs 3 and 9 proportional to the amount of teams per league?
ReplyDeleteClose enough
ReplyDeleteBainbridge Lost to Newport by 1, Roosevelt by 2 and Bellevue by 1. They have beaten all the top contending south sound teams. They deserve the number 4 spot. But what is ridiculous is that they are sending 9 southsound teams and 3 northsound teams to state. Northsound is way better than southsound.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between the top seven teams is minimal. The north teams look strong but anything can happen in the pressure of the playoffs. We'll just have to play the games and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteThe ratios are proportional so its fair. It'll come down to who wants it more as the 7 top teams have had very close games against each other.
ReplyDeleteThe north will destroy the south. Bellevue, Roosevelt and Newport have only beaten each other up.
ReplyDeleteWill you be posting all star teams?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteexcept Auburn Riverside beat Bainbridge
ReplyDeleteAuburn Riverside beat Bainbridge when Bainbridge didnt have their starting hole gaurd and starting driver. When Bainbridge had all its starters they beat Auburn Riverside
ReplyDeleteRegarding All-Star teams: The Committee did name Impact Players last year in a effort to acknowledge the best players in state regardless of whether or not they played on one of the top teams. The State All Tournament teams are too influenced by final placement at State which can overlook some of the best players. Last year it was surprisingly difficult to get nominations from the majority of coaches, so the Committee chose not to pursue it this year. Maybe the league can come up with a better way to to acknowledge those athletes that are All-Stars.
ReplyDeleteIf AR really thinks they could beat BI then they should ask their coach for a game against them. I think we know why they don't, however ;)
ReplyDeleteDoes it really matter? Newport stomps on all of you guys anyways. Lea is the best player in state and will be next year too. Go knights!
Lee*
ReplyDeleteNewport, you may want to check the definition of "stomp"... Last I checked it did not entail one point games and over time victories. You're not CPA, so check the attitude.
ReplyDeleteWe need a like button for the last post!
ReplyDelete*Like
I would like to see the final Newport stat sheet. Lee Griffin puts up triple digits, and the little kids put up 4 or 5 points each.
ReplyDeleteThe only team that can shut Lee down is CPA, and they can't play in the state tournament. The only way to stop him is to double or even triple team him unless you have a great hole guard. Most teams don't have that, with the exception of CPA.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Auburn Mountainview? They seem to have at least 2 pretty great whole guards
ReplyDeleteThey might their chance Friday afternoon
ReplyDeleteLee is significantly better than all other players in the state tournament. He plays for United and as a 16u playing 18u, he averaged about 3 goals a game the the Junior Olympics.
ReplyDelete