One of the trends I’ve seen in two decades of polling coaches and media is that established programs get far more benefit of the doubt. Even after a loss, it might take an extra week before voters reflect what really happened on the court or field. Yes, Hilo easily could have won that game at Onizuka Gym. Balance every factor out, like driving 2.5 hours on a bus to a game after a full day of classes — that is worth at least six to 10 points in my experience — and Hilo definitely has a chance to win the BIIF. But it is never easy to beat a very good team like Waiakea three times. Or twice. Hilo will have to get past Konawaena — at Konawaena — just to have a shot at Waiakea now.

Wish I could watch the BIIF playoffs on Friday and Saturday.

Waiakea and Hilo are evenly matched. They could beat one another at any given day. Waiakea was the state’s #4 team last year and they’re returning most all starters. Hilo won against Waiakea in the regular season but fell short to the Warriors in the playoffs.

People tend to sleep over BIIF girls basketball but look at how many state championships BIIF has taken in both D-I and D-II over the past 10 years. 12 out of 20. Daphne Honma retiring from Honoka’a couple years ago made the field less stacked, in addition to coaching changes at KS-Hawaii this year, but overall BIIF has been traditionally a strong basketball league.

Scoringlive’s ranking are more credible in my opinion.

How many teams can lose their starting pg, and not be affected at all. And I think Hilo beat Waiakea two times.

Yep, there’s no formula. Everyone has his or her own criteria.