Washington high school (WIAA) 1A girls basketball regionals 2024: No knocking off Nooksack Valley?
With the 16-team field set for regional round of the 2023-24 WIAA Class 1A girls basketball tournament, here is SBLive WA’s weekend overview of the matchups, players to watch – and game score predictions:
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CLASS 1A GIRLS REGIONALS (Bracket)
Photo courtesy of Cashmere athletics
TOP BILLING
Nooksack Valley has size, underrated athleticism and its overall discipline on defense makes life difficult for opposing scorers.
BEST BET TO SCORE 30
UW signee Devin Coppinger is as much a facilitator and defender as anything for Nooksack Valley - but the boxscore doesn't lie, either
RIDE THIS DARKHORSE
Ninth-seeded Cashmere has top-five talent, but coaching change (Brent Darnell to Patrick Loftus) and key injuries have impacted equilibrium.
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Photo by Todd Milles
PROTECTED-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
No. 1 Nooksack Valley (22-1) vs. No. 8 Toppenish (16-8)
2 p.m. Saturday, Mount Vernon High School
Skinny: Similar styles in terms of physicality, but what Wildcats do well - Nooksack Valley does just a little bit better.
Pick: Nooksack Valley, 63-41.
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No. 2 Deer Park (23-0) vs. No. 7 Bellevue Christian (22-1)
4 p.m. Saturday, West Valley High School, Spokane
Skinny: Very much the "how good are you" matchup, Deer Park backcourt, led by Bryant sisters, should keep Stags rolling.
Pick: Deer Park, 58-39.
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No. 3 Lynden Christian (17-7) vs. No. 6 Lakeside of Nine Mile Falls (19-4)
Noon Saturday, Lynden High School
Skinny: Getting G Grace Hintz (knee) back in January is reason why Lyncs are now whole - and a completely different challenge.
Pick: Lynden Christian, 59-37.
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No. 4 King's (16-9) vs. No. 5 Wapato (21-2)
2 p.m. Saturday, Shorewood High School
Skinny: Sophomore showdown between PGs Kaleo Anderson and Deets Parrish highlights two backcourts with plenty of firepower.
Pick: King's, 74-70.
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Photo by Todd Milles
WINNER-TO-STATE-GAME PREVIEW CAPSULES
No. 9 Cashmere (18-5) vs. No. 16 Cedar Park Christian (12-13)
6 p.m. Saturday, Wenatchee High School
Skinny: Working F Leah Kunz (knee) back in lineup changes Bulldogs' outlook, and defense will be tough on young CPC squad.
Pick: Cashmere, 69-33.
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No. 10 Seattle Academy (14-9) vs. No. 15 Annie Wright (16-7)
6 p.m. Friday, Bellevue College
Skinny: Both teams are up-tempo and like to let it fly - but edge goes to Cardinals and their tougher overall schedule.
Pick: Seattle Academy, 55-42.
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No. 11 Montesano (15-9) vs. No. 14 Cascade Christian (16-7)
2 p.m. Saturday, Tumwater High School
Skinny: From mid-January on, both squads have picked up play. Bet on Bulldogs with F Evanjillie Dalan, who has expanded her game.
Pick: Montesano, 42-35.
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No. 12 Seton Catholic (18-5) vs. No. 13 Eatonville (15-5)
8 p.m. Friday, Battle Ground High School
Skinny: Played a closer-than-score game at districts 11 days ago, but Cougars depth and pressure key to repeat outcome
Pick: Seton Catholic, 65-55.
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