Runnin' through WIAA Class 3A girls basketball regionals: Katie Fiso-led Garfield puts rest of state on alert
With the 16-team field set for regional round of the 2022-23 WIAA Class 3A girls basketball tournament, here is SBLive WA’s weekend overview of the matchups, players to watch – and game score predictions:
CLASS 3A GIRLS REGIONALS
TOP BILLING
No question it's two-time reigning state champion Garfield, which has defeated Lakeside and Lake Washington on back-to-back weekends.
BEST BET TO SCORE 30
Few can pile up points in hurry like Arlington's Jenna Villa, who is a long-range shooting assassin with a quick, accurate release.
RIDE THIS DARKHORSE
From deep 3A Wesco, 11-seed Lynnwood has depth to play fast and apply pressure - and junior Kayla Lorenz knocks down 3-pointers in bunches.
PROTECTED-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
No. 1 Garfield (19-1) vs. No. 8 Meadowdale (18-6)
6 p.m. Friday, Bellevue College
Skinny: Good matchup of do-everything PGs Katie Fiso (Garfield) and Gia Powell (Meadowdale), but Bulldogs have more proven commodities everywhere else - as well as unmatched pedigree.
Pick: Garfield, 65-46.
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No. 2 Arlington (20-2) vs. No. 7 Lakeside of Seattle (19-6)
6 p.m. Saturday, Arlington High School
Skinny: Not going to find two more clutch-shooting scorers around than WSU signee Jenna Villa (Arlington) and Gonzaga signee Claire O'Connor (Lakeside). Eagles' ferocious pressure the difference.
Pick: Arlington, 57-52.
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No. 3 Lake Washington (23-2) vs. No. 6 Stanwood (19-4)
8 p.m. Saturday, Lake Washington High School
Skinny: Kangaroos drop from No. 2 spot after Sea-King loss to Garfield, but one thing they've shown is an ability to make key adjustments out of deep, balanced lineup. Added bonus this game is also at home.
Pick: Lake Washington, 60-54.
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No. 4 Mead (18-3) vs. No. 5 Lincoln of Tacoma (19-3)
4 p.m. Saturday, West Valley High School, Spokane Valley
Skinny: On paper, Abes are the more experienced, well-rounded group. In reality, Panthers will have best player on floor for this matchup in G Teryn Gardner, the GSL MVP. Cross-state travel also a factor.
Pick: Mead, 56-55.
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WINNER-TO-STATE-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
No. 9 Bonney Lake (18-4) vs. No. 16 Kennewick (16-9)
Noon Saturday, Auburn High School
Skinny: Neither team well-equipped to take away other team's frontcourt standout (Bonney Lake's Jazmyn Shipp, Kennewick's Haylee Johnson).
Pick: Bonney Lake, 59-51.
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No. 10 North Thurston (19-4) vs. No. 15 Auburn Mountainview (16-6)
6 p.m. Friday, Tumwater High School
Skinny: Biggest factor might be status of Rams' PG Soraya Ogaldez (ankle). If she isn't fully healthy, interior-oriented Lions have legitimate chance.
Pick: North Thurston, 50-44.
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No. 11 Lynnwood (16-6) vs. No. 14 West Seattle (16-9)
Noon Saturday, Arlington High School
Skinny: Interesting strategic matchup between deliberate West Seattle's zone defense facing up-tempo Royals' perimeter shooters.
Pick: Lynnwood, 53-47
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No. 12 Peninsula (18-5) vs. No. 13 Everett (17-8)
6 p.m. Friday, Tacoma Community College
Skinny: Seahawks have tall task slowing down dynamic Washington twins (Alana, Mae), but their three guards, led by Kaylia Heidelberg, will try.
Pick: Everett, 66-63.
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