Top Ranked 3A teams as post-season play approaches

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here I will be previewing the top ranked teams in the 3A classification that could go far in the state tournament. The rankings I will be looking at is the WIAA RPI rankings. I will be previewing each classification, you can read the 1A teams here : <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/02/top-ranked-1a-teams-as-post-season-play-approaches/">https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/02/top-ranked-1a-teams-as-post-season-play-approaches/</a> . Here are the 2A teams : <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/02/top-ranked-2a-teams-as-post-season-play-approaches/">https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/02/top-ranked-2a-teams-as-post-season-play-approaches/</a> . Now, here are some 3A squads to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Washington 19-1 (12-0 league)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Washington almost won it all last year, losing to Garfield in the state championship game by just one point. They had many players return this season including [player_tooltip player_id='115401' first='Sydney' last='Hani'], [player_tooltip player_id='318800' first='Ava' last='Uusitalo'], and Angie Helf. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='547615' first='Paige' last='Citron'] and [player_tooltip player_id='730304' first='Reese' last='Roberts'] have been big factors to this squad as well. Their one loss was to a very good Meadowdale team but they have some very solid victories against Arlington, Kentwood, and Hazen. Plus they didn't lose a game in league play. They are extremely well coached and have all the talent to go to the state championship game once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Garfield 14-1 (13-1 league)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garfield is the defending state champions and also could have the most talented team in the state. They have 2 of the top 3 ranked seniors in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='594132' first='Imbie' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='115413' first='Malia' last='Samuels'], who are both heading off to play Division 1 basketball. Jones will be headed to the University of Wisconsin and Samuels is going to the University of Southern California. Senior Naveah Talbert is a guard who also contributes for this tea. The talent doesn't stop their as they have 2 of the top 5 juniors in the entire state in Katie Fisco and Naima Joesph. They split match-ups against Lakeside (Seattle), but took care of every other game this season. I expect them to make a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Arlington 17-2 (15-0 league)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arlington has dominated league play all season long and even had some tough non-league games against Eastlake and Lake Washington, which are their 2 losses. Future Washington State Cougar [player_tooltip player_id='115421' first='Jenna' last='Villa'] has been leading the way all season, having many games with 30 points or more. She scores at all 3 levels extremely well and finds her teammates nicely. She rebounds very well for a guard too, having 10+ quite often. Maddy Fischer has been consistent for the Eagles as well, helping out by getting some buckets and rebounding the ball nicely. They beat Stanwood and Everett in close league games but also beat a tough Meadowdale team that has victories over Lynden and Lake Washington. With Villa's talent, they are a team that could go far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeside (Seattle) 14-1 (13-1 league)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeside only had 1 non-league game and that was their first game of the year and they dominated Nathan Hale in that game. As I mentioned in Garfield's section, these 2 teams split their match-ups during league play. With Lakeside's league containing some of the top teams within the entire class, they didn't have much trouble with anyone else, winning each game by 10 or more. They are led by future Gonzaga Bulldog [player_tooltip player_id='267050' first='Claire' last='O'Connor']. She is a lefty forward who has great strength in the post and fantastic footwork with a soft touch to her shot. O'Connor is a mismatch problem for most opponents with her skill and size causing a ton of problems. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='591764' first='Willa' last='Chinn'] is also a player who contributed on this team and could help them to a deep run in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mead 14-2 (8-0 league)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mead was the top ranked team last year in the state championship but were upset in the semi-final round to Lake Washington, they ended up taking home 5th. They have a couple players from that top ranked squad back. Natalie Braun is a senior who contributes in a big way for this team. [player_tooltip player_id='367306' first='Teryn' last='Gardner'] is a player who can take over a game and carry you to victory. This is why I think they could make a deep run, Gardner is a game changing player who scores at all 3 levels efficiently. Freshman Addison Wells-Morrison has been a fantastic addition to the squad and has added a whole different element on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->