They lost every starter from last year’s Class AA state semifinalist team, but the 10 voters that make up the Associated Press poll believes that Bridgeport once again could be a player in the West Virginia high school basketball scene.

 

In the first state AP poll for 2016-17, released yesterday, the Indians managed to crack the top 10. The Tribe received 19 votes and come in at No. 9 in the ‘AA’ portion of the schedule.

 

The voters consist of writers that are part of AP-involved newspapers statewide. It appears most of them respect the effort done by BHS Coach Mike Robey to have them listed despite massive graduation losses.

 

At the top of the standings is a familiar name. Defending state champion Fairmont Senior is not only the top-ranked team in the poll, but they are the unanimous choice at No. 1.

 

Only one other local team is in the top 10. Robert C. Byrd is just behind the Indians at the No. 9 spot.

 

The rest of the top 10 includes last year’s runner-up Poca at No. 2, Westside at No. 3, Bluefield in the fourth spot and Mingo Central at No. 5. The rest of the top 10 includes, in order, Chapmanville, Sissonville, Bridgeport and Robert C. Byrd. Logan is listed in a tie for No. 9 with the Eagles.

 

Several teams are included in the “others receiving votes” portion of the poll that are local. Listed in that group are Philip Barbour, Grafton, Lincoln and North Marion.

 

In Class A, Notre Dame is ranked No. 1. The Fighting Irish received seven of the 10 first place votes. South Harrison is in the “others receiving votes” portion.