Road to Spokane: WIAA Class 1B Hardwood Classic state girls basketball preview

No team from western Washington has ever advanced to the Class 1B title game, much less won it all. That could change this weekend as well-rounded Mount Vernon Christian comes to Spokane with high hopes

The 2021-22 WIAA basketball season is down to its final week, and the 12 remaining Class 1B girls basketball programs are due to arrive soon in Spokane.

Here is SBLive WA's tournament preview - with players to watch, team favorites, schedules and championship game predictions:

COVERAGE REWIND

* Class 1B girls basketball regional-round preview

* Final Class 1B girls basketball rankings, Feb. 21

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

Lauren Katyryniuk and Naselle should be in for a fast-paced first-round game against Wellpinit / Photo courtesy of Naselle athletics

No. 11 Waterville-Mansfield (14-4) vs. No. 6 Mossyrock (14-6), 3:45 p.m.
Winner plays No. 5 Garfield-Palouse (17-5) on Thursday

No. 10 Naselle (13-9) vs. No. 7 Wellpinit (11-6), 5:30 p.m.
Winner plays No. 1 Mount Vernon Christian (20-3) on Thursday

No. 13 Cusick (16-5) vs. No. 4 Wilbur-Creston-Keller (16-5), 7:15 p.m.
Winner plays No. 3 Neah Bay (13-3) on Thursday

No. 16 Willapa Valley (13-9) vs. No. 8 Pomeroy (16-6), 9 p.m.
Winner plays No. 2 Colton (19-2) on Thursday

State semifinals Friday: 7:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.

State championship Saturday: 9 p.m.

FAVORITE

It's rare that a west side program is in the lead role - but that is where Mount Vernon Christian stands as the 1-seed. Throw out the two lopsided losses to 2B powerhouse La Conner, the Hurricanes get after it in all phases, led by inside-outside scoring forward Kylee Russell - and now they have star Emma Droog (knee) back for the final week.

FIELD

Don't overlook Garfield-Palouse, led by senior post player Kenzi Pedersen, this week in Spokane / Photo courtesy of Garfield-Palouse athletics

In terms of lineup pieces for championship tournament play - Garfield-Palouse has its seniors, paced by Kenzi Pedersen, who is arguably the top post player in the field. ... Don't look now, but Colton is knocking on the door for an 11th state title in school history. The Wildcats dial up pressure, and can really shoot it. Don't leave Maggie Meyer open. ... Neah Bay dismantled Mossyrock in the regional round, and when point guard Allie Greene plays like the best player on the floor, the Lady Reds can pile up points in a hurry.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Neah Bay point guard Allie Greene is dangerous in the open floor for the Lady Reds / Photo courtesy of Neah Bay athletics

PG Allie Greene, Neah Bay, jr.

F Keely Maves, Pomeroy, sr.

G Maggie Meyer, Colton, sr.

F Kenzi Pedersen, Garfield-Palouse, sr.

PG Payton Torrey, Mossyrock, jr.

FINAL FOUR TEAMS

Garfield-Palouse, Mount Vernon Christian, Wilbur-Creston-Keller, Colton

CHAMPIONSHIP PICK

Mount Vernon Christian 71, Colton 66

TICKET INFO

Four-day tournament pass is $50 for adults, $38 for students and senior citizens. Three-day tournament pass is $38/$30. Non-championship (Wed.-Fri.) single-day tickets are $15/$12. Championship (Sat.) single-day tickets are $16/$13.

(Featured file photos by Janine Price)