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 )