CBS 13 Sports: Prep playoffs, who’s in, who’s out?
The Gila Ridge Hawks baseball team won their final five games of the year and finished with a 13-5 record. Was it enough to make the state playoffs?
YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY-TV ) - The late comedian Rodney Dangerfield made the saying "I can't get no respect around here" famous. For many Yuma prep teams, that saying is a reality all too often dealt with. Despite putting up identical 14-4 regular season records, the Gila Ridge and Cibola softball teams both barely made the state playoffs. Their reward? A #16 seed and morning playoff game against the 6A & 5A top seeds on Saturday morning. Cibola recently was a #13 seed. They've only won 8 in a row and haven't lost since April 13th. A 16 seed? The Basha Bears are 9-10 and a 12 seed. Sandra Day O'Connor and Chaparral both have 7 losses and carry the #7 and #10 seeds.
The same story can be told for Gila Ridge. 14-4, ranked #13 a week ago, now awarded a #16 seed. Yet, Marana, the #15 seed is 11-8, Ironwood Ridge, the #14 seed is 11-6. I can on and on and I'm not asking for a top seed but a home playoff game shouldn't be out of the question, right?
The old poker saying is to have a "chip and a chair." That's what these teams got, a chance. You gotta beat the best to be the best so why not take down the top seed from the start? So you're saying there's a chance? Sure, but not for the Gila Ridge baseball team.
The Hawks finished the regular season on a five game winning streak. Finished the season 13-5 and come selection Thursday, found themselves ranked 17 in a 16 team 5A state playoff. What? The Hawks actually LOST points when they defeated Yuma High, twice! Hurt them to lose? Yes, according to the AIA ranking system which is more complex then passing a bill through congress. Take a look at the teams that made the state playoffs ahead of Gila Ridge. Centennial gets the #16 seed with a record of 11-9. Casa Grande, the #15 seed 11-6. Ironwood the #14 seed, 10-7. Cienaga the #13 seed is 9-8.
Doesn't seem right, these kids, coaches, families and programs give so much, have super season's and still have it stolen away by some ranking computer system. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely a fan of the underdog and love Yuma sports. Let's make some noise.
