The girls, like the boys, will have their opportunities to impress opponents, college recruiters, and the voters in the coaches/media rankings throughout the season.

The voters have a pretty good idea which are the top 3 teams in 4A, after that it's anyone's guess. Cheyenne East is the pre-season #1, by 1 vote ahead of defending champ Gillette, with Natrona at #3. The latter 2 will meet on opening weekend, while the Lady Thunderbirds, along with #5 Cheyenne Central will head south to face some Colorado opponents. Sheridan will carry the #4 ranking into the beginning of the season.

The top ranked team in 3A, won't get a chance to prove it on opening weekend, because they don't have a game scheduled. Last year's runner-up Star Valley will have an extra week of practice to get ready for the season. #2 Worland wont heir first ever state title last season, and will have a tough test to start their title defense, opening at #3 Douglas. Elsewhere, #4 Buffalo and #5 Powell should cross paths on opening weekend in Park County.

The 2A season will start in a big way, with #1 vs. #2. Defending champ Pine Bluffs is the unanimous #1, but #2 Wyoming Indian will look to change that in the first game of the season. Lovell drops down from 3A to 2A, and the voters think they will make an impact this season, hence the Lady Bulldogs are ranked #3. #4 Big Horn and the entire 2A Northeast have a lot to prove this season, because last season, not one team from the Northeast made it to the state tournament. #5 Southeast is last season's runner-ups and are one vote behind BH in the voting.

Last season in 1A, the west dominated most the rankings, although 1 East team did manage to hold their own. Defending champ St. Stephens hopes to pick up where they left off at #1. Little Snake River starts the season ranked #2, and Encampment at #3. Lingle-Ft. Laramie is the lone east team that's ranked at #4, and Cokeville takes the final spot at #5.

Disclaimer: The rankings have no official say 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.

More From KOWB 1290