Is 1st place the best place to finish in?

[shooter]

Looking at how far second and third place teams advanced as opposed to some first place teams, I am wondering if finishing first is a good thing. You must also consider not playing a game (bye) and the fact that the opponent is going to have momentum coming in to play you. What do you think?

[True Blue]

Well dont know how it worked out in the bigger schools, but in 1a, all four teams in the final 4 are 1 place teams.

[Guest speechless]

its all about matchups in the playoffs

[ST413]

In 3A one third place team made it. I think their may be a benefit a far as keeping a routine going but the rest of it is the luck of the draw. Just depends on where the stronger teams are.

[KHSAlum400]

4A Representative Cedar Park comes into the State Tournament with a 22-16 record. What's interesting is that they started the season [b]6-14[/b], losing their 1st 5 games.

It's all about momentum and matchups in the playoffs.

[east texas bb]

And a little luck.

[u_dnt_kno_me]

i say yes 1st seed gets an easier bracket

[ST413]

[quote name="u_dnt_kno_me" post="980507" timestamp="1299773832"]
i say yes 1st seed gets an easier bracket
[/quote]
First gets a bye. May not be an easier bracket just depends on which districts have better teams.

[stevenash]

REally doesnt matter that much.  The best 4 get to Austin regardless of where they finished

[ST413]

[quote name="stevenash" post="980855" timestamp="1299795504"]
REally doesnt matter that much.  The best 4 get to Austin regardless of where they finished
[/quote]

I don't know that it is the 4 best.  It may be the 4 best at the time. It could be that one or two were good teams that had some luck along the way but weren't really one of the best 4.  It is also possible that more than one of the best teams were in the same region.

[stevenash]

Isn't "at that time" the only time that matters?  I think the bottom line is:  when the team you support makes it there, you believe in the system- when it doesn't you may be inclined to question the system.  There is no way to quantify who is the best team except with an elimination tournament.  Even a double elimination(which would be too time consuming) would still be open to question as every team did not play every other team.

[ST413]

[quote name="stevenash" post="981055" timestamp="1299817627"]
Isn't "at that time" the only time that matters?  I think the bottom line is:  when the team you support makes it there, you believe in the system- when it doesn't you may be inclined to question the system.  There is no way to quantify who is the best team except with an elimination tournament.  Even a double elimination(which would be too time consuming) would still be open to question as every team did not play every other team.
[/quote]
Oh not arguing its not the best way and really not stating that because of anything involving my team. May be a time or two that fits but not my point.  I doubt that Mexia, Smith or West Oso are all better than Esacado or Kennedale that Burkeburnett beat.  Either of those two could be the second best team in the state.

[JMT]

[quote name="ST413" post="978690" timestamp="1299433767"]
In 3A one third place team made it. I think their may be a benefit a far as keeping a routine going but the rest of it is the luck of the draw. Just depends on where the stronger teams are.
[/quote]

The 3A 3rd place team that made it, did so because their combined varsity (Carter-Maceo) finally meshed into one unit late in the season and rode their good chemistry to Austin.