Washington high school soccer, Class 1A and 'B' preseason rankings (9/12/2023)
After talking to coaches around the state, SBLive WA is releasing it Class 1A Top-10 girls soccer rankings and Class 'B' Top-5 girls and boys rankings heading into fall season:
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CLASS 1A
Photo courtesy of Seattle Academy athletics
1. SEATTLE ACADEMY
It’s hard to argue against a team that plays on the season’s final day more often than not occupying the top spot going into the year.
2. KLAHOWYA
Eagles consistently put out strong squads, and there’s enough weapons to go for another WIAA title run.
3. CEDAR PARK CHRISTIAN
Deandra Dan is only getting better after scoring 20 goals as a ninth grader, and she will lead an influx of club talent joining program.
4. MONTESANO
Returning EvCo MVP Mikayla Stanfield and goalkeeper Riley Timmons return after back-to-back fourth-place finishes.
5. LYNDEN CHRISTIAN
It will take plenty of work for the Lyncs to return to title game, but junior all-NWC returner Jessa Wynstra gives team hope.
6. FREEMAN
With Gonzaga commit Makayla Werner graduated, junior-led Scots have work cut out for sixth consecutive WIAA state berth.
7. DEER PARK
Just two years removed from a WIAA championship, the Stags were lauded by fellow coaches this preseason.
8. ELMA
Still looking for their state win since 1997, Eagles return all-league MVPs Beta Valentine (offensive) and Eliza Sibbett (defensive).
9. LAKESIDE OF NINE MILE FALLS
Six seniors graduated from last year’s quarterfinal team, but coaches east of mountains still high on Eagles' outlook.
10. LA CENTER
Rutgers commit and Portland Thorns Academy talent Shaela Bradley should keep Wildcats in title-seeking conversation.
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CLASS 'B' GIRLS
Photo by Katelyn Metzger/The (Longview) Daily News
1. KALAMA
2B Central League MVP Josie Brandenburg and offensive MVP Bridgette Hollifeld lead program that has three WIAA trophies since 2018, including state title (2021).
2. HIGHLAND
Two of three all-state selections return, including top goal-scorer Rachael Keller, after 1A semifinal defeats in 2021 and 2022.
3. NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN OF COLBERT
Defensive core of the team is back — along with the team’s top two scorers — in its crusade for state hardware.
4. SAINT GEORGE'S
Dragons were a hot pick by several coaches to again be near the top of Class B pecking order.
5. ONALASKA
Loggers seek sixth consecutive state appearance, and first state win since 2019, behind seniors Jaycee Talley and Hailee Brown.
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CLASS 'B' BOYS
Photo courtesy of Orcas Island athletics
1. ORCAS ISLAND
Vikings have proven time and again they can reload quickly, and they will have to after graduating six seniors from runner-up finish.
2. MOUNT VERNON CHRISTIAN
Hurricanes lost a lot (nine seniors), but there’s key pieces in the middle of the field that should keep them competitive.
3. SAINT GEORGE'S
Track record speaks for a lot, and the Dragons are always in contention.
4. EVERGREEN LUTHERAN
Ten ninth graders dotted last year’s state roster, giving the Eagles plenty to build upon this fall.
5. FRIDAY HARBOR
Twelve seniors graduated from the program’s first title-lifting team that knocked off defending state champion Orcas Island in finals.
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