[opnickc]

We figured out early on that our best alliance would be with a hanger. We could control the mobile goal, cap both goals, and sometimes hang (didn't always have time). We needed teams who could consistantly hang, and who agreed with us as far as strategy (robots who compliment each other well are worthless if your alliance can't agree on strategy). At Buckeye, we were the first pick by first seed (340) and then picked another great hanget (1126). Since we not only had great robots, but also a great strategy, we plowed through eliminations 6-0. So, it's not only important to have a partner that compliments your robot, but also an alliance you trust. If you end up with a partner who won't strategise with you or follow your strategy, you almost might as well be playing by yourself.

So, ranking really has nothing to do with it. Heck, there could've been a team with no robot that seeded by luck alone, while a great bot could've lost every match. It's about going with a robot that compliments yours, and a team you trust.