Examining the WIAA RPI’s Top 5 3A Teams (1/10/19)

Washington’s move over to the RPI has been quite the controversy in recent years. Some slight changes have been made year to year to help improve it overall, however. Out of state games are not seen as a matchup against a “.500” win/loss team anymore, so out of state games are no longer discouraged. Win percentage, opponent’s win percentage and opponents’ opponents’ win percentage are taken into consideration in the equation. The RPI will ultimately impact playoff seeding, potential bye games and loser-out games. That being said, Washington’s top 5 in the 3A class is currently ranked as:

1) Mt. Spokane HS–

Record: 13-0

Key Games Remaining: 1/22 @ Central Valley, 1/25 @ University

Outlook: Mt. Spokane is on a roll with 5 wins this season coming versus top 10 teams in their respective class/state. Their resume includes wins over Top 5 4A teams Central Valley and Lewis and Clark, as well as a win over the number two team in Oregon. The rematch versus Central Valley will be on the road and potentially their most difficult matchup of the season. University is also going to be a very difficult game on the road, as University in a top 12 team in 4A and features 4 Division 1 recruits. The GSL is the best league in Washington and the level of competition at the top should suit them well come playoff time. 2020 5’7 G Emma Main is a sleeper coming off the bench that makes an instant impact with her three point shooting ability.

2) Kamiakin HS–

Record: 12-0

Key Games Remaining: 1/19 @ Chiawana, 2/1 vs. Pasco

Outlook: Kamiakin has all of the talent to win a state championship. They are a team that likes to full court press and features Butler Signee Oumou Toure. What Kamiakin doesn’t have in height, they make up for in foot speed and intensity. Kamiakin has not played a single team ranked as a top 10 team at any point in the season, but the talent is there to make a deep run and win it all. Central Washington signee Symone Brown will be an x-factor for the Braves with her defensive presence and athleticism.

3) Prairie HS–

Record: 10-1

Key Games Remaining: 1/15 and 1/30 vs. Hudson’s Bay, 1/21 vs. West Seattle

Outlook: Prairie is the team that no one wants to see at the Tacoma Dome before the final game. They possess size, experience versus quality competition and solid guard play. Their lone loss came to nationally ranked Archbishop Mitty (CA). They have obviously stacked up their schedule as well as anyone in the state. Portland State Signee Cassidy Gardner is a heady point guard that can drive and dish, or shoot the long ball. Fresno State Signee Brooke Walling is a load down low at 6’3 and will be a tough matchup for anyone come playoff time.

4) Garfield HS–

Record: 12-2

Key Games Remaining: Playoffs

Outlook: Garfield has played the bulk of its toughest opponents with no notable matchups remaining. They have two quality wins to their name versus top 10 3A competitors West Seattle and a blowout win versus Seattle Prep. Their two losses came against very good teams in La Jolla (CA) and Benson (OR). 2019 5’7 G Samaiyah Tolliver can get hot from the 3-line and is one of the better unsigned seniors in Washington. 2020 6’4 F Dalayah Daniels gets a lot of the attention, but 2019 PG Faith Brantley is a solid floor general. The Bulldogs’ remaining opponents have a combined record of 29-52 and will play 4 teams with 3 wins or less. I fully suspect they will win out and have their eyes set on improving until playoff time.

5) Shorecrest HS–

Record: 10-1

Key Games Remaining: 1/22 @ Archbishop Murphy

Outlook: Shorecrest has played the weakest schedule out of any top 5 team by far, but they have compiled a solid first half of the season. The jury remains out on this team, due to the strength of schedule, but sooner or later we will find out just how good Shorecrest really is!