GPB No. 1 teams don't match the GHSA's PSR Formula

Just because a team is No. 1 in the GPB Rankings doesn’t mean it will be considered the No. 1 in the GHSA points standings.

This year there will be four classifications who will use the mathematical PSR (Postseason Ranking) Formula produced by the GHSA to determine the seeds for the state championships. Teams who compete in Class 3A, 2A, 1A Division 1 and Private have their pairings determined by the seed assigned by the GHSA rather than the traditional predetermined brackets. That will change next year when all classifications will be seeded by the mathematical formula.

Just because a team is No. 1 in the popular rankings established by GPB Sports or by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, doesn’t mean it has any bearing as far as the way the GHSA sets up its tournament.

In fact, none of the four teams that finished No. 1 in the final GPB regular-season rankings earned a No. 1 seed from the GHSA.

Click here to see the GPB Rankings. 

Class 3A: GPB Sports has had Sandy Creek as its No. 1 team for most of the season, but the Patriots are the GHSA’s No. 3 seed. The GHSA’s formula has Jefferson as its No. 1 team; GPB has the Dragons ranked 5. In the GPB rankings, Jefferson has been trying to climb back through the rankings after an early season blowout loss to North Oconee, the No. 1-ranked team and defending champion in Class 4A.

Class 2A: How do you like your Carvers? GPB has Carver Columbus, the defending state champion, as its No. 1 team. The GHSA formulas as Carver Atlanta as its top-seeded team entering the playoffs. GPB has Carver Atlanta ranked No. 3. The GHSA has Carver Columbus as its No. 3 seed.

Class A: In Division 1, the GPB rankings have Worth County in the top spot, but the GHSA only has the Rams at No. 3. The GHSA has Heard County as the No. 1 ranked team and GPB has the Braves as No. 3.

Private: Defending state champion Hebron Christian has been No. 1 for most of the season in the GPB poll, however the Eagles drew the GHSA’s No. 2 seed. Fellowship Christian is ranked No. 1 by the GHSA’s formula; it is No. 2 in the GPB rankings.

The state tournament begins on Friday and concludes Dec. 15-17 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. 

Click here to see all the first-round matchups.