SBLive 2021-22 preseason Class 2A 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 2A girls basketball heading into the 2021-22 season:
CLASS 2A GIRLS RANKINGS
1. ELLENSBURG
What's not to like? Bulldogs have hard-nosed backcourt in PG Rylee Leishman and all-state SG Dylan Philip to go with a wave of young talent - and two seniors in the frontcourt to flank 6-6 PF Olivia Anderson, a top 2023 national recruit.
2. TUMWATER
Many consider this well-rounded squad the state favorite. PG Aubrey Amandala and PF Natalie Sunrok are as good an inside-outside duo as there is in 2A, and SG Isabella Lund does all the unsung things championship teams need.
3. W.F. WEST
The home of Pepperdine signee/all-state SF Drea Brumfield, arguably the best senior recruit in the state. She scores and defends at all levels. PG Kyla McCallum's slashing style also creates open looks for Bearcats, who know how to win.
4. BURLINGTON-EDISON
The transition-oriented Tigers are fast. They are tough. They are confident and well-coached. And they usually make big perimeter shot. After SF Sydney Reisner (collarbone) returns later in the year, this lineup will be full-go.
5. WASHOUGAL
Not that long ago (2019), the Panthers were on top of the world. And they have senior wings/cousins Jaiden Bea and Savea Mansfield who can play all positions, which gives this maturing lineup flexibility. Might have one more run.
6. CLARKSTON
All-state MVP Ashlyn Wallace is now at Idaho, but that doesn't mean the Bantams' window closes. PG Kendall Wallace (Ashlyn's sister) will have similar long-leash freedom to make plays, and feed C Erika Pickett and PF Maggie Ogden.
7. HUDSON'S BAY
Few teams in 2A can match up with this level of athleticism, led by PG Aniyah Hampton, who needs to stay healthy and have a big senior season, and slashing PF Mahaila Harrison, who can wreck interior defenses.
8. WHITE RIVER
The model for high-level consistency, the 2A SPSL champions have made it to at least the regional round for 12 consecutive seasons. And this young group has blurring quickness, led by high-motor PG Lexie Banks.
9. PROSSER
A decade ago, the Mustangs were ruling 2A. It has been a longer road back, but this is an exciting up-and-comer, led by SF Halle Wright. a do-everything scorer and reigning 2A CWAC MVP, and PG Malia Cortes.
10. PORT ANGELES
The Roughriders are still the West Sound's top squad, and have underrated PF Eve Burke, a leading 2A Olympic MVP candidate, and PG Bailee Larson running the show. Team plays shutdown defense, but can it score enough?
FIRST THREE OUT: Hockinson, Archbishop Murphy, West Valley of Spokane.
(Featured file photo by Todd Milles)
