Photo by Erik Smith
Runnin' through WIAA Class 2B girls basketball regionals: Undefeated Colfax primed to finish title-chasing quest
With the 16-team field set for regional round of the 2022-23 WIAA Class 2B girls basketball tournament, here is SBLive WA’s weekend overview of the matchups, players to watch – and game score predictions:
CLASS 2B GIRLS REGIONALS
Photo courtesy of Raymond athletics
TOP BILLING
2022 state runner-up Colfax ripped through 2B Northeast, and has NCAA D1 recruit Brynn McGaughy help role-playing teammates flourish.
BEST BET TO SCORE 30
A 6-foot-2 sophomore, McGaughy's game has already expanded to the 3-point line - and even to ball-handling duties. Mismatch anywhere on floor.
RIDE THIS DARKHORSE
Not many No. 12 seeds anywhere have a 25-point-per-game-scorer like Raymond does with sophomore Karsyn Freeman, who slashes and shoots.
PROTECTED-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
Photo by John Anders
No. 1 Colfax (24-0) vs. No. 8 Mabton (18-6)
6 p.m. Saturday, Cheney High School
Skinny: Teams played in November (70-55 Colfax win), but how does that help Vikings prepare for another round of Brynn McGaughy? G Esmeralda Sanchez and company better hit at least 15 3-pointers to bolster upset bid.
Pick: Colfax, 68-49.
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No. 2 Okanogan (22-1) vs. No. 7 Rainier (20-4)
2 p.m. Saturday, Wenatchee High School
Skinny: It's simple - if PG Jacey Boesel and Bulldogs get out and run in transition, they are nearly unstoppable. Rainier needs to clog that up, slow it down and let PG Angelica Askey plug into playmaking powers.
Pick: Okanogan, 65-53.
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No. 3 Napavine (22-2) vs. No. 6 La Conner (20-4)
8 p.m. Friday, W.F. West High School
Skinny: Do Braves have one more run in them with C Ellie Marble and PG Josie Harper in tow? Their lineup depth is an issue, which the Tigers will test with lots of bodies, ever-changing pressure - and growing confidence.
Pick: Napavine, 59-57.
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No. 4 Warden (18-4) vs. No. 5 Adna (20-3)
6 p.m. Saturday, Ellensburg High School
Skinny: After early stumbles, the defending state champions are rolling now behind F Lauryn Madsen, a downhill playmaker on both ends. If Adna's zone defense cannot slow her down, might be a long night.
Pick: Warden, 63-54.
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WINNER-TO-STATE-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
Photo by Cassie Glondo
No. 9 Liberty of Spangle (14-10) vs. No. 16 White Swan (16-7)
10 a.m. Saturday, West Valley High School, Spokane Valley
Skinny: F Keegan Wolfsberger.gives Cougars a puncher's chance, but G Grace Grumbly and Denny sisters know the drill for physical Lancers.
Pick: Liberty of Spangle, 64-48.
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No. 10 Cle Elum-Roslyn (19-5) vs. No. 15 Upper Columbia Academy (12-11)
8 p.m. Saturday, Ellensburg High School
Skinny: PG Mia Pierce (knee) is still playing limited minutes, but when she plays, she is best player on the floor. Senior-led Lions move on.
Pick: Upper Columbia Academy, 40-34.
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No. 11 Northwest Christian of Colbert (18-7) vs. No. 14 Forks (18-7)
8 p.m. Friday, Cheney High School
Skinny: Both teams don't mind putting their nose in the action. Difference is Crusaders' guards shooting 3-pointer better in playoffs.
Pick: Northwest Christian of Colbert, 44-41.
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No. 12 Raymond (19-6) vs. No. 13 Davenport (16-10)
2 p.m. Saturday, W.F. West High School
Skinny: Future is bright in Davenport with eighth grader Emalie Jacoby running the show - but now is F Karsyn Freeman's time for Seagulls.
Pick: Raymond, 59-48.
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