Wash hopes tough schedule's a boon in postseason

CEDAR RAPIDS - Don't sleep on these guys.

Cedar Rapids Washington doesn't have a sparkly clean record or even a first-round bye in the postseason. The Warriors have to travel for their substate semifinal, should they get there, and have to win three games to make it to the state tournament instead of two.

But this is a team with a pair of Division I college players in Josh Oglesby and Wes Washpun. Then there's that whole what doesn't kill you, only makes your stronger factor.

No one played a tougher regular-season schedule than Washington, which makes that 14-8 record deceiving.

“I wouldn't call it a frustrating regular season,” said Washington Coach Brad Metzger, whose team hosts winless Clinton (0-21) in a Class 4A substate opener tonight at 7. “It's been a positive experience. We've had some tough losses, but we've also had some great victories.”

Washington played 11 games against teams ranked last week in the Associated Press poll, with four wins. Six of its losses have been by single digits, all to ranked clubs.

Throw in two games against quality opponents from the Twin Cities, and you've got a team that is battle tested, for sure.

“It's hard not to think you could stack it any harder,” Metzger said of his team's schedule.

In the Iowa High School Athletic Association's convoluted postseason formula, Washington got dissed with a No. 3 seed in its substate, behind a Dubuque Senior (10-11) team that it just beat last week. Because of that, Washington would have to play at Senior on Friday, if it wins tonight.

Just another obstacle for a team that's had plenty already.

“We've just got to embrace it,” Metzger said. “It hasn't been easy for us all season.”

Cedar Rapids Xavier, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa City High and Western Dubuque also begin their 4A tourney trails tonight. Class 3A clubs have district openers, including Marion, which is at home against Center Point-Urbana.