SBLive 2021-22 preseason Class 3A Washington high school girls basketball rankings
Based on conversations with coaches and statewide media, SBLive ranks the top 10 teams across the state of Washington in Class 3A girls basketball heading into the 2021-22 season:
CLASS 3A GIRLS RANKINGS
1. GARFIELD
Very likely the top team in Washington, regardless of classification. Why? The Bulldogs have two of the top underclassmen point guards in the country in junior Malia Samuels and sophomore Katie Fiso taking turns in leading the best trapping-defense-to-offense transition in the state.
2. ARLINGTON
Much like Garfield, the Eagles operate at a wickedly-fast pace. But instead of being a squad that shoots 30 3-pointers a game, they want to get to the hoop with talented SF Jenna Villa and PGs Keira Marsh and Samara Morrow, who are geared to flourish in the dribble-drive offense.
3. LAKE WASHINGTON
The 3A runner-up still has the bulk of that team back two years later. Crafty PG Rosa Smith (Idaho signee) carries the attack with her fluid moves and decision-making. Record-holding shot-blocking C Elise Hani is a paint enforcer - and the Kangaroos have junior wing players everywhere.
4. MEAD
Not only are the Panthers the 3A GSL favorites - they project as Spokane's best program at any level. It all starts with the type of pressure defense that wears opponents out, set by tough senior guards an up-and-coming sophomore SG Teryn Gardner who does a bit of everything.
5. LINCOLN OF TACOMA
You know the 3A PCL champions are into chaos. But this deep group of in-your-grill guards, paced by PG Ciona Wells, also have enough aptitude to get to the rim and score. And with transfer PF DeAndrea Woods-Singleton a big-time frontcourt contributor - this is a hard team to stifle.
6. LAKESIDE OF SEATTLE
While traditional Metro League contenders might take a step back, the underclassman-heavy Lions are expected to take a leap forward. SG Claire O'Connor is one of the best pure scorers in the state, and does it in a number of ways. And PG Kayla Garmoe is the consummate floor general.
7. SNOHOMISH
It's been a few years, but the now-uptempo Panthers return to being top-10 stalwarts under longtime coach Ken Roberts. His backcourt of PG Jada Andreson and EWU-signee SG Ella Gallatin is experienced. If ninth-grade C Tyler Gildersleeve-Stiles makes the impact many figure she will - watch out.
8. BONNEY LAKE
The up-and-coming Panthers are the newcomers on the block. And it's easy to see why - they have impact pieces at all positions. C Jazmyn Shipp is strong with touch on the block. SF Brooke Mansfield is a silky-smooth playmaker. And PG Mariah Preston is a take-charge leader who can score.
9. AUBURN
Is this a VHS rewind from the power-program 1980s? The reigning 3A NPSL champions aren't quite at that level, but they are three seniors (reigning league MVP PG Madelyn Brown, SF/PF Ialissa Frederickson, SG Chloe Furnstahl) who can score 25 points on any given night - and have to carry the load.
10. STANWOOD
Folks in the 3A Wesco have been waiting for this uber-talented group to hits its stride. High-upside 6-foot-4 C Vivienne Berrett gives the Spartans an advantage few have in the pivot - and the guards, led by juniors Tatum Brager and Chloe Santeford, are fantastic at creating quick-striking offense.
FIRST THREE OUT: Hermiston, Seattle Prep, Kelso.
(Featured file photo by Vince Miller)
