SBLive 2021-22 preseason Class 4A 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 4A girls basketball heading into the 2021-22 season:

CLASS 4A GIRLS RANKINGS

1. WOODINVILLE

In terms of battle-tested experience and returning NCAA Division I talent, this is the most complete team in the classification. PG Veronica Sheffey is a two-way bulldog, and SF Tatum Thompson's next-level athleticism pops. Falcons also have size - and motivation to collect that elusive 4A championship.

2. CAMAS

This talent-rich class-of-2024 southwest Washington brigade is on a determined march. And much of it revolves around SF Addison Harris, a do-everything athlete with D1 interest. SGs Reagan Jamison and Ava Smith can score, but this well-rounded team knows one pace - attacking - on both ends.

3. TAHOMA

Right there with the other top two teams, the reigning 4A NPSL have pair of junior D1 commits in PG Hope Hassmann (Cal Poly) and SF Amelie Sitterud (Loyola Marymount) in generating the horsepower for this all-underclassmen, pressure-oriented attack. Viable state contender.

4. SUMNER

4A SPSL opponents got to see the double-whammy Deaver punch last spring, largely because Alyson - a polished, powerful post - stayed healthy. To take that next step, PG Lainey Houillon needs to continue to be a reliable table-setter on both ends - and guards need to hit open shots.

5. CHIAWANA

What is the Riverhawks' post-Talia von Oelhoffen outlook? Very promising. The frontcourt has size and spunk, led by 6-foot-3 ninth-grade C Malia Ruud, who knows how to finish in tight spaces. And after sitting out last spring, transfer PG Aniyah Heavens is ready to regain top playmaker status.

6. EMERALD RIDGE

Expect an even bigger jump in second-year coach Katie Akeson's defense-first system. And the Jaguars certainly have dynamic athletes all over to create havoc, paced by SF Kali Haizlip, who can run the point and post up; the Barnett sisters and SG Alina Sapilak, the team's top perimeter agitator.

7. PASCO

Many consider this the best team in the Mid-Columbia Conference, mainly because of the high-scoring output of its senior trio of PG Mya Groce - arguably the top guard in the league - SF Taleya Malden and C Taija Mackey, who is a long-armed interior disruptor. Beware the Bulldogs.

8. EASTLAKE

Coach Sara Goldie is seeing fast progress made by this young, athletic and balanced group in the 4A KingCo. PG Kaylia Jackson is a high-IQ distributor whose offense is improving. And the exciting frontcourt duo of Ava Schmidt and Tatum Wood do damage with different styles.

9. LAKE STEVENS

After years of chasing Glacier Peak, the Vikings return as the 4A Wesco's best hopeful. No team has a powerful post duo like them, either, in 6-foot-4 C Camille Jentzsch and 6-2 PF Cori Wilcox. Add PG Baylor Thomas' aggressive playmaking as a slasher and shooter, this team is a handful.

10. ISSAQUAH

The Eagles are a spread-you-at, find-the-3-point-line attack that will bury perimeter shots in your face. And it all is predicated on the vision, ball-handling and leadership of PG Keira Hanson, an Idaho signee who still doesn't get the credit other top-notch point guards do.

FIRST THREE OUT: Gonzaga Prep, Kamiakin, Eisenhower.

(Featured file photo by Vince Miller)