Small changes in SJS power ratings could hurt in big way

FAIRFIELD — There was little change among area high school basketball teams with the release of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s power ratings, but even those have huge implications.

The power ratings will be used to help seed the upcoming SJS playoffs. The top 16 teams qualify in Divisions I-IV, top 12 in Division V and top eight in Division VI as well as league champions and those who win at least 15 games.

Despite winning twice last week, the Armijo High girls team (18-6, 7-0 Monticello Empire League) dropped a spot from fourth to fifth in Division I, meaning the Indians would play on the road in the second round should the ratings remain the same and the purple and gold win in the first round.

The Rodriguez boys (12-10, 7-0 MEL) also went unbeaten last week, but fell from eighth to ninth. Again, it’s just one spot, but if it holds, the Mustangs would open on the road as the top eight teams host first-round games.

The Vanden girls (19-3, 7-0 Solano County Athletic Conference) held onto the third spot in Division III, meaning they could host as many as two home games before playing in semifinals at Sacramento’s Cosumnes River College.

Fairfield’s girls (5-16, 2-5 SCAC) made the biggest jump among area teams, going from 22nd to 18th in Division III, just two spots out of a playoff berth.

The Armijo boys (11-7, 4-3 MEL) won twice last week to go from 22nd to 19th in Division I and, like the Falcons girls, may have to win out to reach the postseason.

Rodriguez’s girls (11-12, 4-3 MEL) held onto 19th in Division I, while Vanden’s boys (13-10, 3-4 SCAC) stayed put at 18th in Division III. Unlike the Mustangs, the Vikings have enough contests left to qualify as a 15-game winner.

Among those already in the top 16, Fairfield’s boys (14-10, 6-1 SCAC) had the biggest improvement, going from eighth to sixth in Division III.

The biggest drop – and most painful – was suffered by the Vacaville boys (10-14, 5-2 MEL), who fell five spots to 19th in Division II, one rung above Wood (14-10, 4-3 MEL), which was 21st the week before.

The only other area team currently in position to make the playoffs is the Buckingham Charter boys squad (16-5, 7-2), which is ninth in Division V.

The Vacaville girls (10-12, 2-5 MEL) also suffered a five-position fall, dropping to 23rd in Division II, six positions ahead of Wood (8-16, 1-6 MEL).

Other girls teams on the outside looking in are Rio Vista (13th in Division V), Buckingham Charter (20th in Division V) and Vacaville Christian (23rd in Division V).

Also struggling among boys teams are Vacaville Christian (21st in Division V) and Rio Vista (23rd in Division V).

Reach Paul Farmer at 425-4646, ext. 264, or pfarmer@dailyrepublic.net. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pfarmerdr.