Classes 4A-3A-2A girls' basketball power poll: Anadarko, Fort Gibson on top

Caitlyn Spurgeon, left, puts up a shot over Anadarko's Lakota Beatty in the first round of last year's Class 4A state tournament. Vinita has beaten Anadarko out of the state tourney in four straight seasons. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Yesterday, I posted my large-school girls’ basketball power poll. Today, I present my poll for Classes 4A, 3A and 2A.

This one was obviously much harder to narrow down to 10 teams because of the added class.

I try to take the coaches’ rankings, strength of schedule and my own judgment to determine my poll. Much of this poll, you’ll find, is quite different from the coaches’ rankings. I try my best to explain why I ranked the teams the way I did.

As always, please leave comments or shoot me an e-mail with your thoughts.

1. Anadarko (4A, 21-1)
The Warriors’ only loss came to 5A No. 1 Shawnee. Lakota Beatty will be one of the top recruits in the state as a senior next season, and she’s been fantastic as a junior. Anadarko has been beaten out of the state tournament in the first round by Vinita (ranked fourth in this poll) in four straight seasons.
Record vs. this poll: 2-0

2. Fort Gibson (4A, 22-1)
The defending 4A state champions will enter the playoffs as a strong contender to return to state and bring home the gold ball. The Tigers’ only loss was to 5A No. 2 Tulsa East Central.
Record vs. this poll: 1-0

3. Northeast Academy (2A, 19-2)
Northeast is ranked No. 5 in the 2A coaches’ poll, and I can’t understand that for the life of me. A seven-point loss to 6A No. 2 Midwest City and a close loss to Holland Hall in the Stroud Tournament are the team’s only two setbacks over the course of a brutal schedule. Northeast’s resume includes a win over 5A No. 4 Carl Albert.
Record vs. this poll: 1-0