Road to Spokane: Washington high school (WIAA) Class 2B state girls basketball preview

Led by small-school phenom Brynn McGaughy, No. 1 Colfax is 25-0 and in pursuit of first WIAA championship since 2018

The 2022-23 WIAA basketball season is down to its final week - with 12 remaining Class 2B girls basketball programs expected soon in Spokane starting Wednesday and running through Saturday.

Here is SBLive’s tournament preview — with players to watch, team favorites, schedules and championship game predictions:

COVERAGE REWIND

Get acquainted with the field through SBLive's coverage from throughout the 2022-23 season.

• WIAA Class 2B girls regional bracket breakdown
• Final Class 2B girls rankings

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

G1: Northwest Christian of Colbert (19-7) vs. La Conner (20-5), 3:45 p.m.
Winner plays Warden (19-4) in Thursday quarterfinals, 3:45 p.m.

G2: Upper Columbia Academy (13-11) vs. Rainier (20-5), 5:30 p.m.
Winner plays Colfax (25-0) in Thursday quarterfinals, 5:30 p.m.

G3: Raymond (20-6) vs. Adna (20-4), 7:15 p.m.
Winner plays Napavine (23-2) in Thursday quarterfinals, 7:15 p.m.

G4: Liberty of Spangle (15-10) vs. Mabton (18-7), 9 p.m.
Winner plays Okanogan (23-1) in Thursday quarterfinals, 9 p.m.

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

State championship Saturday: 7 p.m.

THE FAVORITE

Although youthful talent is leading the way, Colfax isn't the new kid on the state-contending block. The Bulldogs have played in 13 WIAA title games, including 11 times since 2000 - with eight championships between 1A and 2B. They have the best player in the 'B' ranks in 6-foot-2 sophomore Brynn McGaughy, who has expanded her game to the perimeter, both as a shooter and ball-handler. In fact, after second-year coach Jordan Holmes freed up senior Jaisha Gibb from running point midway through the season, she has asked her standout to sometimes direct traffic. This is a cast that knows its roles, and after last year's title-game setback to Warden, Holmes said her team wants to "give that loss purpose."

FIELD

If not for an unexpected loss to 1A Cashmere, Okanogan would likely be a co-favorite. PG Jacey Boesel pushes the Bulldogs' pace, running their transition game to perfection. ... Defending state champion Warden took some lumps early (losses to Woodinville, Cashmere, Colfax, Okanogan) - but has not lost in 2023. F Lauryn Madsen continues to be a matchup nightmare - on both ends. ... Napavine's rise to contending status is a little ahead of schedule. Tigers won tough District 4 tournament, then beat La Conner in the regional round - and have depth and young talent to make push. ... Speaking of La Conner, nucleus of C Ellie Marble and PG Josie Harper have one last shot at a 2B title. Braves could see Warden in the state quarterfinals - again. ... Half of Adna's losses are close ones to 2B Central rival Napavine. Senior duo of C Karlee Von Moos and G Brooklyn Loose are good enough to navigate tough bottom half of draw (Napavine, Okanogan).

8 PLAYERS TO WATCH

G Angelica Askey, Rainier, soph. (15.6 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.5 steals)

G Jacey Boesel, Okanogan, fr. (15.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.7 apg)

F/G Karsyn Freeman, Raymond, soph. (22.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.7 steals)

G Hayden Kaut, Napavine, fr. (12.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.7 steals)

F Lauryn Madsen, Warden, jr. (23.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg)

F/C Ellie Marble, La Conner, sr. (21.6 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.2 steals)

F/C Brynn McGaughy, Colfax, soph.

F/C Karlee Von Moos, Adna, sr. (15.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 4.3 steals)

FINAL FOUR PREDICTION

Warden, Colfax, Napavine, Okanogan

CHAMPIONSHIP PICK

Colfax 67, Napavine 64