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

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.

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


Published
Todd Milles, SBLive Sports
TODD MILLES, SBLIVE SPORTS

Todd Milles is a Regional Editor for SBLive Sports, covering Washington, Idaho and Montana.