Way-Too-Early 2026-2027 Washington Girls Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state tournament gave us closure on this season, but it also gave us a pretty strong preview of what next year could look like.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some teams are going to have to replace major senior production. Others are bringing back enough impact to enter the offseason with real momentum. These rankings are built around what teams showed this season, what they return, and which players look ready to shape the 2026-2027 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is early, and it will change. But these are the programs that feel best positioned right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Davis Pirates</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis looked like the most complete team in the state by the end of the season, and that is the kind of profile that usually carries over. The Pirates won with rebounding, interior presence, perimeter scoring, and enough toughness to control the flow of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates Davis in a way-too-early conversation is that their style feels sustainable. Teams that can win through physicality and balance usually give themselves a high floor entering the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Gonzaga Prep Bullpups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonzaga Prep belongs near the top because the Bullpups still look like one of the most talented and dangerous groups in the state. They showed throughout the season that they can defend, score in bunches, and stay competitive against high-level teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That matters heading into next year because programs with this kind of talent base usually stay relevant. If key pieces continue to develop, G Prep should again be in the middle of the statewide conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Eastside Catholic Crusaders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eastside Catholic showed throughout the 3A tournament that they know exactly who they are. The Crusaders played with physicality, controlled the paint, and handled close-game possessions like a veteran group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That kind of identity matters in early projections because it gives you something stable to build around. If the core returns, Eastside Catholic should again be one of the toughest teams in the state to deal with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Lynden Lions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lynden's title run in 2A was built on discipline, execution, and balance. The Lions did not need chaos to win. They simply controlled possessions, rebounded well, and made the right plays over and over again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That style tends to carry over year to year, especially in programs that consistently defend and share the ball. Lynden feels like a safe bet to remain near the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Bellevue Wolverines</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bellevue showed this season that they have the type of structure and guard play that can keep a team in the mix deep into March. The Wolverines were competitive in big games and showed enough offensive punch to stay dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That matters because teams with high-level backcourt play generally stay relevant, even as roles shift around them. Bellevue feels like a team with another strong year in front of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Ridgeline Falcons</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ridgeline belongs in this group because the Falcons looked like one of the more intriguing teams in the Spokane area all season long. They played with confidence, spacing, and enough offensive versatility to create matchup problems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Ridgeline especially interesting in this type of article is upside. They had more freshmen on their roster than any other class combined, and if the returning core continues to grow, the Falcons have a real chance to take another big step next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Cle Elum Warriors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cle Elum proved all season and tournament long that they could win through physicality, interior scoring, and composure. The Warriors were steady in big moments and never looked overwhelmed by the stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Programs that can consistently generate paint touches and defensive stops tend to travel well, and Cle Elum showed that repeatedly all year. They will have big shoes to fill, but the returning group has incredible potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Reardan Screaming Eagles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reardan looked like a team that will continue to matter next season because of how well they competed in pressure games. The Screaming Eagles had enough shot-making and toughness to stay in big moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has a culture and support system that is second to none and they have experienced players returning. That matters because teams that already know how to play meaningful March basketball usually have a head start the next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Zillah Leopards</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zillah finished the season looking like one of the most dangerous teams in the area. The Leopards had shot creation, pace, and enough toughness to handle championship-level moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What pushes them into this range is their ability to create runs. Teams that can swing a game with a few explosive minutes are always dangerous, and Zillah has that type of firepower.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Sumner Spartans</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sumner showed enough in 4A to make it clear this group is still going to be a problem moving forward. The Spartans were competitive, physical, and had players who could create offense under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That matters in offseason projections because top-end guard play can keep a team relevant even while the roster evolves around it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact Players Driving These Early Rankings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827947"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d46d8a36e0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hull looked like one of the most impactful players in the state tournament regardless of classification. Her production was not just about scoring. She affected games on the glass, created extra possessions, and gave Davis a player who could steady everything when possessions got messy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Teams with a player who can control multiple parts of the game usually have a much higher floor. If Davis is going to open next season near the top, Hull is a major reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053159"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d46d8a36ea0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nduka's impact throughout the year made Eastside Catholic feel like a team with a true anchor. She controlled the paint, rebounded consistently, and gave the Crusaders someone opponents had to account for every possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">That kind of interior presence changes both ends of the floor. She gives Eastside Catholic a reliable foundation, and that is a big reason they project so high heading into next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895545"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d46d8a36ef8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hermanutz showed throughout Lynden's title run that she affects winning in ways that go beyond scoring. She played with poise, helped organize the offense, and made the type of decisions that keep a team in control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lynden's style depends on guards who can manage possessions and create efficient offense. If the Lions are going to stay near the top next year, players like Hermanutz are central to that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"June Finader","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Zillah","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d46d8a36fb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fiander looked like one of the most dangerous creators in the state tournament and gave Zillah a player who could shift momentum quickly. She scored efficiently, created offense for others, and played with the kind of confidence that changes games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Players who can create in big moments are often the reason good teams become title threats. Fiander gives Zillah that kind of ceiling heading into next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["918760"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d46d8a37009"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sheridan is the type of player who can shape Ridgeline's next step because of the way she impacts full court defense, scoring, and offensive flow. Players like that have a chance to dominate the headlines week in an week out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ridgeline feels is a young program with room to rise, and those jumps are usually driven by players that are ready to move from strong contributor to clear centerpiece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Way-too-early rankings are never about being final. They are about identifying who already looks built to matter next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And right now, these teams have the returning impact, tournament proof, and player-level upside to feel like the strongest starting point for the 2026-2027 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->