Boys High School Rankings for Week of 9/25/2012

1. Mercer Island
2. Bellevue
3. Curtis
4. Auburn Mountainview
5. Auburn Riverside
6. Enumclaw
7. Peninsula
8. Puyallup
9. Lakes
10. Newport

THE WAIT IS OVER!!!  The initial ranking for the Washington State Boys High School Water Polo season is here. 

 

Seldom in the course of human events does a team fall into the abyss of oblivion one year and then rise to the top of the rankings the following year.  Hey, it's not world peace, but it is significant if you're an Islander fan.  For the Islanders of Mercer Island it's been a long 22+ months since they were last on top in the rankings, but now they're back and claim the initial No. 1 Ranking for the 2012 season.  We're not saying the current group is ready to join the Mercer Island Water Polo Hall of Fame, but they are legitimate contenders for the 2012 state title.  The Islanders are off to a fast start with league wins over Roosevelt, Bainbridge, and Newport and a tourney win over Curtis.  Of course, the top spot does put a target on your back and the defending state champs will be taking aim next week in what will be the match up of the year so far.  Yes, the defending champion Bellevue comes in at No. 2.  One might think that after graduating the majority of their scoring from last season that the Wolverines might be in for a rebuilding year, but great programs find a way to reload.  An undefeated start to the season has Bellevue on a collision course with Mercer Island to determine north division dominance and the numero uno ranking.  The Curtis Vikings start the year at No. 3.   A perennial powerhouse,  the Curtis program continually recruits and develops strong players and will again be in serious contention for a state title.  A quick start in regular season play notched notable wins over Enumclaw and Auburn Riverside, but last weekend's tourney in Oregon proved to be difficult as they dropped some games to Mercer Island and Auburn Mountainview.  The Oregon Tournament can take a toll, but it will only make the Vikings stronger when it counts come playoff time.  At No. 4,  Auburn Mountainview is just coming off a big regular season overtime win over Auburn Riverside.  The Lions were the darlings of the 2011 State tournament finishing in a surprising  fourth place.  With a tourney win over Curtis and the win over Auburn Riverside, the Lions won't be catching anyone by surprise this year and the Committee can overlook an early season loss to Enumclaw.  The Ravens of Auburn Riverside have some unfinished business from last year after a disappointing performance in the state playoffs. The Ravens misfired against Curtis early in the season, but appear to be finding their groove as the season progresses and find themselves ranked No. 5.  A league win over Enumclaw makes up for a double overtime loss to the Hornets in the Auburn Tournament final.  As a more experienced team this year,  the Ravens should be able make some noise at the state tournament.  The Hornets of Enumclaw won last weekend's Auburn Tournament with the aforementioned double overtime victory over Auburn Riverside.  With the exception of an opening season loss to Curtis, the Hornets had been on a roll until Wednesday night when Auburn Riverside got a little revenge.  However, these things happen and the tournament win and a regular season victory over Auburn Mountainview is good enough to secure the No. 6 spot.  Now for a very important announcement: For the first time in this blog's history, the Committee is proud to announce that the Peninsula Seahawks have made the rankings and this week have earned the No. 7 position.  Gig Harbor will be going crazy.  Congratulations!!  All it takes is some wins and the Seahawks have delivered with regular season wins over Emerald Ridge, Rogers, Mark Morris, and Lakes.  The Committee will admit that Puyallup has a legitimate argument to be No.7, but their loss to an improving Mark Morris team was a bit of a surprise.  For now, Puyallup comes in at the 8th spot.  This is just the first week for the rankings and there is plenty of time to move up (or down).  At No. 9, the Lakes Lancers are showing improvement over last year and might have what it takes to move up in the rankings as the season progresses.  A close double OT loss to Peninsula last night shows that the Lancers are playoff capable and might be a team to keep an eye on.  At No. 10, The Newport Knights were considered by most to be the preseason favorite for the 2012 title.  Losses are starting to mount and rumor has it that some of the Newport fleet is in drydock.  Not sure what's up, but I do know that an important trait of a championship team is senior leadership.  In water polo,  a leader's speedo is wet.  Figure it out, get your caps on and get back in the pool!    Apologies to Emerald Ridge.  The Committee gave Newport the benefit of the doubt this week, so you are on the outside looking in for now.


Where are they now department

Apparently it is not the "Year of the Ram".  Both Wilson and Rogers appear to be in rebuilding mode.  These programs have a great history and they might still have a chance to make the playoffs if they can produce some wins in October, but it won't be easy.

The Roosevelt Roughriders look like they're in for a rough year.  Over the past five seasons, Roosevelt had some very talented players that produced some memorable playoff moments.  This young team will still have memorable moments, but they're unlikely to be state playoff moments.

Bainbridge is another team that looks to be in rebuilding mode.  Bainbridge deserved to be in the state playoffs last year but missed out in the tough north division.  State rankings and the playoffs will be difficult to achieve this rebuilding year.

Shout out for effort!!

Mark Morris and Stadium haven't received much recognition in the blog (yet) but they are improving and both teams have recorded wins this year.  Most notable were  the Mark Morris' victory over No. 8 Puyallup and Stadium's victory over Wilson.  They're putting up more points and the Committee is keeping an eye on their progress.




Submitted Photos:

Christopher Apodoca of Mercer Island

 Polo On!