Runnin' through WIAA Class 1A girls basketball regionals: Is this Nooksack Valley's state bracket to conquer?
With the 16-team field set for regional round of the 2022-23 WIAA Class 1A girls basketball tournament, here is SBLive WA’s weekend overview of the matchups, players to watch – and game score predictions:
CLASS 1A GIRLS REGIONALS
Photo by Sean Carter
TOP BILLING
Nooksack Valley has twice reached the WIAA title game and lost (1985, 2022). Is third time a charm? PG Devin Coppinger and company say 'Yes!'
BEST BET TO SCORE 30
Tournament features plenty of high-powered guards, but Lynden Christian needs sophomore Grace Hintz to score to win important games.
RIDE THIS DARKHORSE
Not in a protected game, Freeman is more talented than your average No. 9 seed - and can create havoc if F Jaycee Goldsmith and crew gets hot.
PROTECTED-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
Photo by Todd Milles
No. 1 Nooksack Valley (23-1) vs. No. 8 Bellevue Christian (21-1)
6 p.m. Friday, Mount Vernon High School
Skinny: Someday, this young, talented Vikings' group, led by ninth graders Olivia Reynolds and Kianna Skogstad, might be position to play for a WIAA title. Now is Nooksack Valley's time
Pick: Nooksack Valley, 71-45.
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No. 2 Lynden Christian (22-3) vs. No. 7 Cashmere (15-4)
4 p.m. Saturday, Mount Vernon High School
Skinny: These two programs played memorable 2020 1A title game - the final game of Hailey Van Lith's career (a loss). This time around, Lyncs have best player (Grace Hintz) - and Bulldogs collectively will try and stop her.
Pick: Lynden Christian, 51-42.
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No. 3 Wapato (22-1) vs. No. 6 Deer Park (20-2)
2 p.m. Saturday, Davis High School, Yakima
Skinny: Can anyone slow down Wapato's three-guard scoring show of KK Bass, Deets Parrish and Trinity Wheeler? Stags hope 1-3-1 zone defense does enough to keep them close and give G Darian Herring a chance.
Pick: Wapato, 66-53.
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No. 4 Montesano (21-3) vs. No. 5 King's (21-3)
4 p.m. Saturday, Tumwater High School
Skinny: Easily the weekend's most intriguing game - a size-vs.-sizzle matchup. Bulldogs have towering Dalan sisters (McKynnlie, Evanjillie), but young King's has one of state's top ninth graders in PG Kaieo Anderson
Pick: Montesano, 43-41.
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WINNER-TO-STATE-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
Photo by Todd Milles
No. 9 Freeman (18-5) vs. No. 16 Hoquiam (15-8)
6 p.m. Friday, West Valley High School, Spokane Valley
Skinny: Scotties' new get-out-and-go approach gives talented roster more freedom to run - which should overwhelm senior-led Grizzlies.
Pick: Freeman, 65-40.
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No. 10 College Place (20-3) vs. No. 15 Annie Wright (17-7)
6 p.m. Friday, Richland High School
Skinny: Tournament's most surprising 20-win team is full of belief, and has talented two-way F Sumitrah Leavell leading improbable run.
Pick: College Place, 55-48.
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No. 11 Zillah (17-7) vs. No. 14 Sultan (13-9)
4 p.m. Saturday, Davis High School, Yakima
Skinny: Leopards' fullcourt pressure should force rash of turnovers and not let 6-footers Cascadia Yates and Faith Anderson become factors.
Pick: Zillah, 60-41.
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No. 12 Seattle Academy (15-6) vs. No. 13 Seton Catholic (20-3)
Noon Saturday, Bellevue College
Skinny: If Cardinals have full roster - lacrosse is as big of a priority around campus - they can throw plenty of athletes at versatile PG Anna Mooney.
Pick: Seton Catholic, 46-42.
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