Regional rankings don't include Coyotes

The first Division II regional basketball rankings came out today and the most noteable absence is that of the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes.

The regional poll is important because it is the determining factor for the postseason tournament.

Brigham Young-Hawaii (11-1) is No. 1 in the West as expected. The Seasiders are followed by Cal State Dominguez Hills (13-2), Seattle Pacific (10-4), Western Washington (6-3), Central Washington (8-4), UC San Diego (9-4), Humboldt State (10-6), Dixie State (7-5), Cal Poly Pomona (6-5) and Chaminade (8-3).

The Coyotes, a perennial CCAA title contender, are 9-7 overall but are just 8-6 against Division II teams. They lost to both Dominguez, Seattle Pacific and Western Washington but have beaten San Diego, Pomona and Humboldt State.

The problem is the Coyotes have inexcusable losses to Sonoma State and San Francisco State. So coach Jeff Oliver didn't expect to be ranked. In fact, he says he is glad his team isn't included since it tends to get more complacent each time it gets a pt on the back.

There is still a long way to go and the Coyotes can make a significant statement with wins over Dominguez Hills and Cal State Los Angeles this weekend. It has been a long time since a Coyote team has had to really fight just to get into the top eight and the schedule doesn't favor the Coyotes the rest of the way.

Stay tuned!