SBLive 2023-24 preseason Class 3A Washington high school girls basketball rankings
Based on conversations with coaches and statewide media, SBLive ranked the top 10 teams across the state of Washington in Class 3A girls basketball heading into the 2023-24 season:
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CLASS 3A GIRLS RANKINGS
1. GARFIELD
Became first school to win three consecutive 3A titles in March - and have most important piece back in Oregon point-guard signee Katie Fiso, who makes Bulldogs' up-tempo attack go. Only WIAA four-peat winners are Colfax (1A) and Colton (1B)
2. MEAD
Reigning Greater Spokane League champions gave Garfield its toughest test in last year's state tournament in semifinals, and Boise State point-guard signee Teryn Gardner and electric sophomore trio back to finish job this winter.
3. LAKE WASHINGTON
In a different era, the focus would be on the Kangaroos, who are just the third school to reach 3A title game in three consecutive years (Garfield, Cleveland). Balanced lineup shoots the 3-pointer well, led by breakout point guard Ashley Uusitalo.
4. MEADOWDALE
Is this the best bet to emerge in deep 3A Wesco? Mavericks have league's top scorer in Brown signee Gia Powell, who can score at any spot on floor. And among four returning juniors is tough post-play duo of Samantha Medina and Audrey Lucas.
5. ARLINGTON
Coming off a third consecutive 3A semifinal appearance, do the two-time defending 3A Wesco champion have another run in them? Gatorade state MVP Jenna Villa (WSU) is gone, leaving point guard Samara Morrow and forward Kierra Reese in charge.
6. KENNEWICK
Another squad that puts immediate pressure on defenses, led by Eastern Oregon signee Haylee Johnson, who can score from anywhere. Junior trio of forwards Dylyn and Ashlyn Dress, and point guard Hanna Fiander give Lions all the juice they need.
7. LYNNWOOD
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more dangerous backcourt duo in the classification than point guard Aniyah Hooker and off-guard Kayla Lorenz, who bust moves and take names at will. Live-by-3-pointer Royals can run with anybody.
8. BONNEY LAKE
There is big - and then there is "Bonney Lake Big" as Panthers might feature the most imposing lineup in state, led by forward Jazmyn Shipp (6-foot-1) and Ava Rice (6-1), and newcomer point guard Azy Jackson (6-3). Their zone defense will create issues.
9. ROOSEVELT
The question is asked every year - which teams from 3A Metro are set up to do damage? Answer is Roughriders might be No. 2 behind Garfield, paced by slick sophomore combo guards Giselle Dollar and Ellery Burke-Brown.
10. LAKESIDE OF SEATTLE
Gone from only team to upend Garfield last season is Claire O'Connor, who is off to Gonzaga. But retooling Lions do have all-state senior guard Mia Broom, who can put up 40 points on any given night - and supporting cast can knock down 3-pointers.
First four out: Everett, West Seattle, Auburn, Lincoln of Tacoma.
