After spending my Christmas break watching games all over the state I feel more compelled to share some observations of what I've seen so far.
First of all, it may be the most wide open I have seen 1A basketball in a long time. There are 10-12 teams I feel have a legit shot at being crowned a champion come March. It is going to be a fun ride for 1A fans the next 2 months.
Here are my rankings and why.
1. Toledo- Kalama fans I know you had early season success vs Toledo but this team is built for the post season. They are big, versatile and well coached. They may lack some outside shooting overall but I see them as a favorite if they can keep their bigs healthy.
2. Cedar Park Christian- although I may lean toward Cascade Christian when it matters most in the dome, I see Cedar park being the team to beat in the Nisqually. Good big man and depth at guard. Two "go to type players" plus nice depth. It may be problematic when playoff time comes and they have not been there before. But right now a force to be reckoned with.
3. Zillah- Will Slack return early enough to get the chemistry back? Zillah has the swagger, depth and quickness to go deep into the post season. I question their lack of size and strength of schedule but watching them this weekend sure did not hinder them in those areas.
4. Lynden Christian- Defending champ returns player of the year Reimer who really has not got on track yet. They have struggled defensively in conference play and will not have a great record coming into post season due to the tough regular season schedule. I still see them being very scary come post season and have a hard time voting against them. Have size and depth and a boat load of shooters. If they figure out the defense they could win it again. Built and coached for March.
5. Seattle Academy- In my opinion the most talented team in the 1A ranks. Fast, deep and skilled. They have shown they can play with anyone already but will have a hard time getting better in such a bad conference. Their success will depend on whether they can play " the big game" and up their level of play coming off an easy January.
6. Kalama- Another mega talented team who can play and beat any of the teams listed above on a given night when they shoot it well. Just ask Toledo. These guys are good. Will they be able to compete in a smash mouth play off game vs Toledo late in the year. This will be the test.
7. Cashmere- Some will argue I know but I saw them play LC over Christmas and heard they played Sehome tough too. They can hurt you inside and out and have been there before which I believe will set them apart from Okanogan, Brewster, and Chelan come postseason.
8. King's- Young, brash and talented. Have to prove themselves in the post season. While Meridian and LC are playing really good 2A and 3A teams, King's is playing Coupeville, South Whidbey, Granite Falls, and Lakewood. Not quite the same for post season preparation. I think King's can beat anyone. We will see how consitant they will be.
9. Meridian- Looked good in the Sun Dome against some good teams. Seem a little up and down and not at LC's level, but will be ready just because of their tough schedule. They will be the best 500 team in the post season for sure.
10.Cascade Christian- I still think they will be one of the toughest teams in the state come 6 weeks from now. Right now they struggle to score and teams shoot better in small gyms. No depth will cost them but 6-11 is 6-11.
Wow that kid is long.
others in the hunt
Okanogan, Chelan, Brewster, Seattle Christian, Vashon, Naches Valley, Friday Harbor
Like I said , Very wide open. I have not made it over to Spokane so sorry to the NEA for not including you.
Fans of each school will argue for your team and you will be right. One could argue for about 12 teams to be the Champ!
First of all, it may be the most wide open I have seen 1A basketball in a long time. There are 10-12 teams I feel have a legit shot at being crowned a champion come March. It is going to be a fun ride for 1A fans the next 2 months.
Here are my rankings and why.
1. Toledo- Kalama fans I know you had early season success vs Toledo but this team is built for the post season. They are big, versatile and well coached. They may lack some outside shooting overall but I see them as a favorite if they can keep their bigs healthy.
2. Cedar Park Christian- although I may lean toward Cascade Christian when it matters most in the dome, I see Cedar park being the team to beat in the Nisqually. Good big man and depth at guard. Two "go to type players" plus nice depth. It may be problematic when playoff time comes and they have not been there before. But right now a force to be reckoned with.
3. Zillah- Will Slack return early enough to get the chemistry back? Zillah has the swagger, depth and quickness to go deep into the post season. I question their lack of size and strength of schedule but watching them this weekend sure did not hinder them in those areas.
4. Lynden Christian- Defending champ returns player of the year Reimer who really has not got on track yet. They have struggled defensively in conference play and will not have a great record coming into post season due to the tough regular season schedule. I still see them being very scary come post season and have a hard time voting against them. Have size and depth and a boat load of shooters. If they figure out the defense they could win it again. Built and coached for March.
5. Seattle Academy- In my opinion the most talented team in the 1A ranks. Fast, deep and skilled. They have shown they can play with anyone already but will have a hard time getting better in such a bad conference. Their success will depend on whether they can play " the big game" and up their level of play coming off an easy January.
6. Kalama- Another mega talented team who can play and beat any of the teams listed above on a given night when they shoot it well. Just ask Toledo. These guys are good. Will they be able to compete in a smash mouth play off game vs Toledo late in the year. This will be the test.
7. Cashmere- Some will argue I know but I saw them play LC over Christmas and heard they played Sehome tough too. They can hurt you inside and out and have been there before which I believe will set them apart from Okanogan, Brewster, and Chelan come postseason.
8. King's- Young, brash and talented. Have to prove themselves in the post season. While Meridian and LC are playing really good 2A and 3A teams, King's is playing Coupeville, South Whidbey, Granite Falls, and Lakewood. Not quite the same for post season preparation. I think King's can beat anyone. We will see how consitant they will be.
9. Meridian- Looked good in the Sun Dome against some good teams. Seem a little up and down and not at LC's level, but will be ready just because of their tough schedule. They will be the best 500 team in the post season for sure.
10.Cascade Christian- I still think they will be one of the toughest teams in the state come 6 weeks from now. Right now they struggle to score and teams shoot better in small gyms. No depth will cost them but 6-11 is 6-11.
Wow that kid is long.
others in the hunt
Okanogan, Chelan, Brewster, Seattle Christian, Vashon, Naches Valley, Friday Harbor
Like I said , Very wide open. I have not made it over to Spokane so sorry to the NEA for not including you.
Fans of each school will argue for your team and you will be right. One could argue for about 12 teams to be the Champ!