Three key players for new state No. 1 Pinewood are sophomore Annika Decker, senior Klara Astrom and senior Kaitlyn Leung. We’ll see how the Panthers do as No. 1 team in California for first time in school history. Photo: Mark Tennis.
Some of the top teams had league games on Tuesday that are not reflected in their records, but had there been any upsets we would have made adjustments. The biggest news is the switch at the top from Windward of Los Angeles to Pinewood of Los Altos Hills, but there was some other movement as well although not a lot, and there were no newcomers and no one dropped out. That could all change this week with showcase events and some other big league and non-league match-ups.
CAL-HI SPORTS UPDATED TOP 20
GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE RANKINGS
(Previous rating in parentheses; through games of Saturday, Jan. 5)
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1. (2) Pinewood (Los Altos Hills) 12-0
In one of the most difficult decisions in many years for the No. 1 ranking, the Panthers have been elevated to the top spot in the state for the first time in school history, and the fact head coach Doc Scheppler and his girls can ascend to the catbird seat is based on a perfect record that has to trump the three losses of the Windward team they flip with. “No. 1 in the state is a huge accomplishment and a testament of how we approach things,” Scheppler said when told his Panthers would be No. 1 in the state. “It’s a great honor for our girls and our school but being No. 1 in March after the state championships and not just in early January is what we’re striving for, although it’s not just about accomplishing that goal but about teamwork and what our girls are becoming as young women.” Part of the reason Scheppler’s Panthers can go to the top spot is they have No. 9 Carondelet coming up on Thursday at home and a re-match with No. 8 Salesian of Richmond at the end of the month. Scheppler and his girls also will likely be seeing No. 4 Archbishop Mitty in the playoffs as well.
