Wyoming High School Soccer Rankings: May 13, 2015

Last weekend's cold snap probably had some impact on the latest 4A coaches/media rankings, but not 3A.

After missing out on last year's state tournament, Natrona is not only assured of a spot in this year's tournament, they have obtained the #1 4A Boys ranking in the latest polls. They will prepare for the regional tournament with a make-up game Thursday vs. Rock Springs, and then the all-important Casper Cup game home vs. Kelly Walsh. Riverton and Sheridan share the #2 ranking and both are also in the state tournament. The Wolverines clinched their spot when Rock Springs lost vs. Evanston on Tuesday, but are hopeful that someone can bump off NC, in order to obtain the west #1 seed. Meanwhile, the Broncs visit #5 Gillette on Friday, in a game that will determine the top 2 seeds in the East. A tie game works in Sheridan's favor. Then there's #4 Cheyenne Central, who along with Natrona, is arguably the hottest team in 4A, heading into the last week of the regular season. With Tuesday's win vs. South, combined with Cheyenne East beating Laramie...the Indians have secured the #3 seed, heading into the regional tournament and will play South in the first round, while Laramie and East play in the other game. The west regional tournament is still up in the air as of the time of this posting.

For now, there's little doubt as to which team is #1 and #2 in 3A Boys. Jackson and Torrington are the unanimous #1 and #2, and are on opposite sides of the state bracket. Both the Broncs and the TrailBlazers, as well as #4 Worland have their spots locked up. If they survive their first round encounters (TBA), Torrington vs. Worland would be a semi-final game. #3 Lander has a little more work to do, and hopes to tune-up somethings Saturday vs. Newcastle, while #5 Buffalo aims to conclude northeast conference business this weekend and secure their spot at the state tournament.

Last week's results mixed up the top of the latest 4A girls rankings. Sheridan and East share the #1 ranking. The Lady Thunderbirds got more first place votes, but the Lady Broncs made up for it with second place votes. East won the game last week vs. Sheridan, but the recent ties that the Lady Thunderbirds got into vs. #3 Gillette and #4 Laramie, enabled the Lady Broncs to clinch the #1 seed for the East Regional Tournament. East will have to settle for the #2 seed (head-to-head tie-breakers vs. Gillette and Laramie), but since the Regional Tournament is at East...it doesn't matter much. As for the west, #5 Green River will have a busy time trying to wrap up the west. The Lady Wolves will tune-up for the regional tournament by playing 3 games in 3 days. First a make-up game Wednesday at Kelly Walsh, then on Thursday they travel to Evanston, and then finish Friday home vs. Riverton.

There was no change in the latest 3A girls rankings, but this weekend is big on top. Last month, #2 Cody endured a tough trip at #3 Star Valley and at #1 Jackson...now the Fillies get their rematches at home this weekend, to prepare for the state tournament. Worland and Buffalo retain the #4 and #5 rankings respectively.

Disclaimer: The polls have no official say or use on post-season positioning, and are only to be used as a measuring stick on the regular season. Please don’t read too much into the rankings.