SBLive's all-classification Washington girls Top 25 basketball rankings: Purple-flash Garfield alone on its own perch
For the first time in nearly two years, SBLive is releasing a weekly installment that takes a look at the top basketball programs in the state of Washington, regardless of classification.
MORE RANKINGS: BY CLASSIFICATION | ALL-CLASS BOYS RANKINGS
Welcome back to the SBLive all-classification Top 25.
ALL-CLASS GIRLS BASKETBALL TOP 25
Results as of Jan. 4, 2021
1. Garfield 5-0 (3A)
What's the gap between the uber-talented and uptempo Bulldogs, led by PGs Malia Samuels and Katie Fiso, and the rest of the field? Significant. Not sure who can keep up - and keep them second-guessing.
2. Woodinville 5-1 (4A)
Recovered nicely from season-opening loss from 2A contender Tumwater. And the Falcons have both the star power (PG Veronica Sheffey, SG Tatum Thompson) and experience to challenge anyone.
3. Camas 4-3 (4A)
Nobody has played a most challenging schedule (following football team's blueprint), and even though a win for this young group over an Oregon powerhouse would have been nice, Papermakers are legit.
4. Arlington 4-0 (3A)
Class of the Wesco, Eagles could easily stake a claim as quickest-striking team in the state if Garfield was not so loaded. In fact, SF Jenna Villa and company might be Bulldogs' biggest state-title threat.
5. Tahoma 5-1 (4A)
Behind early-season performance (only setback was close loss to top-ranked Oregon school Beaverton), Bears have legitimate argument to be No. 1 in 4A. PG Hope Hassmann keeps elevating impressive game.
6. Ellensburg 8-0 (2A)
A 2A program rated this high? Arguably best team in state's deepest classification destroying perennial 4A and 3A teams early in season - all while 6-foot-6 wunderkind Olivia Anderson is sidelined.
7. Lake Washington 5-2 (3A)
Blowout loss to Arlington a few weeks ago was certainly eye-opening, but any team with an extraordinary ball-handler (PG Rosa Smith) and paint enforcer (C Elise Hani) in line to win lots of games.
8. Mead 9-0 (3A)
Clearly the class of Spokane, Panthers led by deep class of seniors, especially PG Olivia Moore, and up-and-coming sophomore Teryn Gardner. Few teams apply chaotic style of defensive pressure like Mead.
9. Tumwater 8-1 (2A)
Just went and won the highly-competitive Lynden Christian holiday tournament, and not only putting together one of toughest schedules around - they put out experienced lineup to beat other state contenders.
10. Sumner 6-1 (4A)
Lone loss is to 4A NPSL favorite Tahoma, but taking care of business in own league - the 4A SPSL. The Deaver sisters - Catelyn and Alyson - trying to help Spartans build on vast spring-season success.
11. Pasco 5-0 (4A)
When all said and done, Mid-Columbia Conference could be most competitive 4A/3A league in the state - and the Bulldogs are the favorites to emerge. PG Mya Groce guides balanced, senior-led group
12. Lincoln of Tacoma 5-0 (3A)
Good sign this next-generation, pressure-creating Abes' group has found ways to win close games against other 3A playoff hopefuls (Snohomish, Ferris), but need to be better in its halfcourt defense.
13. Emerald Ridge 4-1 (4A)
Fun team with a lot of explosive athletes - with surging PG Monique Carter and do-plenty SG Kali Haizlip lead the way. Will be interesting to see how early-season coaching change impacts mojo.
14. Chiawana 5-1 (4A)
In terms of high-ceiling lineup pieces, the Riverhawks have all the potential in the world. C Malia Ruud dominates games on the interior, and if PG Aniyah Heavens gets loose, they can beat anybody.
15. Snohomish 5-1 (3A)
Panthers have been uncharacteristically fast-paced over the first month, but now that C Tyler Gildersleeve-Stiles has returned, team might go back to more of a controlled tempo - and let G Ella Gallatin pick and choose her spots.
16. Warden 7-0 (2B)
Might not matter if Cougars remained in 1A - they might be the state favorites in both classifications. Team was rolling until late-December "pause," but big game with Okanogan looming later this month.
17. Eastlake 6-0 (4A)
Sara Goldie really likes the make-up of this bunch - and the Wolves are quickly grasping her expectations. PF Ava Schmidt paces talented frontcourt, and PG Kaylia Jackson doesn't have to score to impact games.
18. La Conner 8-0 (2B)
Another 2B school? That is how deep and talented this small-school classification is this fall. With wins over Stanwood (3A) and Nooksack Valley (No. 1 in 1A), Braves arguably best team north of Arlington.
19. Bonney Lake 5-2 (3A)
After last spring's surprising run to the 3A PCL title game, Panthers are squarely set up for success at the state level. C Jazmyn Shipp is a real inside-the-paint anchor - and she has plenty of guards to kick it back to.
20. Lake Stevens 6-1 (3A)
Has strung together impressive recent wins over top-10 3A Auburn and 4A playoff hopeful Olympia, and the one thing the Viks have is size - as in the towering, powerful, skilled type that can dominate games.
21. Nooksack Valley 6-2 (1A)
With so many high-level point guards roaming Washington basketball, none have more upside than PG Devin Coppinger, whose ability to control things with her strength reminds some of ex-Cashmere star Hailey Van Lith.
22. Okanogan 9-0 (2B)
Blistered the field at the Chelan Holiday Tournament (win over Deer Park), and also beat 1A top-10 Cashmere in December. Senior-led nucleus ready to light team's fuse to top tier of classification with Warden, La Conner.
23. Auburn 5-1 (3A)
Even good teams get caught in the wash, so the 3A NPSL champion's 30-point defeat to Lake Stevens on New Year's Eve isn't too worrisome. Their seniors are too good for team to endure extended misfortune.
24. Lynden Christian 8-4 (1A)
You just know the longer the season goes on, the Lyncs' growth arc keeps getting bigger. And they have no better example is work rate and determination than G Libby Stumpf. All of team's losses are to ranked opponents.
25. Hermiston 7-0 (3A)
Was in previously mentioned that the MCC is packed with good teams? Here is the latest contending entrant - the Bulldogs, who have the exciting ninth-grade PG duo of Izzy Simmons and Ellie Heideman trading going-off games.
(Featured file photo by Todd Milles)
