I totally agree rankings have very little meaning this time of year, but we have to talk about something this week.
Note, I am also disappointed about LC's absence as I was hoping for another Cedar Park vs. LC rematch. LC has some great fans, and I expect those same fans of Lynden and Lynden Christian girls will still, as is typical, have a great presence in Yakima. (Speaking of great fans, I met some very nice CC, LC and Vashon fans at the tri-district games.)
CPC easily has the worst record for a league winner (especially a 1A only league) as well as worst record of the upper ranked teams. Though I'd argue that records don't have as much meaning this time of year either. As was commented by TridistrictFan, some of those losses came in their holiday tourney versus teams ranked nationally right around Zillah above Okanogan. Some of those were humbling and really great learning experiences early in the season.
Bannister and Shagool are great players that can carry a team, especially if they are super hot. CPC will have their hands full. Tri-district's comment about not getting "as many calls when they get fouled in traffic" in the playoffs is totally right on and pretty consistent across a lot of the games I saw last week with multiple districts' officials. Based off my very limited observation and comments shared previously here by others, I'd say what is critical in post season is that 1) teams peak as they get to the dome and that 2) they play composed and possess an ability to overcome adversity. Momentum can just be a killer if they are not prepared. If/when these teams get to the final 8, an advantage goes to Toledo, King's, CPC, Okanogan, Seattle Academy and even CC along with Zillah who have some players with Sundome experience. They have dealt with some of the unique distractions that go along with that venue.
