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CLASS 5A
BOISE BRAVES
Record: 16-10
State seed: Play-in game winner
Coach: Kim Brydges, 13th season
Players to watch: P Peyton McFarland, so.; G Syd Davis, jr.; G Allison Ross, fr.
Notes: At state for the seventh time in 10 years despite a young roster. The Braves only field two seniors, and the bulk of the minutes go to underclassmen. … Started the year 7-8 before winning nine of its last 11 games. … The 6-4 McFarland leads the team in points (10.9), rebounds (7.5) and blocks (1.6). … Unranked in final state media poll. … Has won three state titles, the last in 2005.
BONNEVILLE BEES
Record: 22-1
State seed: District Five-Six champ
Coach: Amy Wood, third season
Players to watch: G Sadie Lott, so.; P Cortney McDonald, sr.; G Kalli Harris, sr.; W Maunayia Harrigfeld, jr.; G/W Makayla Sorensen, so.
Notes: Won its first district championship in eight years and advances to state for the first time in as many years. … Lone loss is to No. 1-ranked Eagle. … Has the best defense in 5A at 33.3 ppg and the highest margin of victory at 25.2 ppg. … All but three members of its 11-member varsity roster are sophomores and juniors. … Wood was a senior on Bonneville’s 2005 4A state championship team, making the game-winning layup with three seconds left.
BORAH LIONS
Record: 18-5
State seed: District Three runner-up
Coach: Jason Willer, sixth season
Players to watch: F Alyssa Bolt, sr.; F Nyalam Thabach, jr.; F Maddie Geritz, sr.
Notes: At state for the second time in three years after a nine-year absence. Last won a state tournament game in 2006, when it finished third. … Holding opponents to 36.9 ppg, the fourth fewest in 5A. … Relies on a dominant frontcourt led by the 5-11 Bolt (12.5 ppg, 7.6 rebounds), the 6-3 Thabach (10.7 ppg, 8.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks) and the 6-2 Geritz (8.5 ppg). … Ranked No. 4 in state media poll. … Three of its five losses came to No. 1-ranked Eagle. … Has won four state titles, the last in 2001.
CAPITAL EAGLES
Record: 18-5
State seed: District Three fourth place
Coach: Blas Telleria Jr., 12th season
Players to watch: G Beverly Slater, sr.; F Elly Johnson, sr.; PG Lauren Baumgartner, jr.
Notes: First state appearance since 2014. … Went 3-5 against 5A state qualifiers. … Started the year 8-0 before finishing 10-5. … Ranked No. 5 in final state media poll. … Slater leads the team in scoring (14.0) and rebounds (7.8), but three other players all average seven or more points per game — Johnson (9.2), Yesenya Bendinelli (7.7) and Baumgartner (7.0). … Won its only state title in 1977.
EAGLE MUSTANGS
Record: 24-0
State seed: District Three champ
Coach: Cody Pickett, fifth season
Players to watch: F Katelyn Murray, sr.; G Janie King, sr.; G McKenna Emerson, sr.; PG Meghan Boyd, jr.
Notes: Ranked No. 25 nationally in the latest USA Today Super 25 rankings. … Is beating opponents by an average of 25 points per game. … Returns four starters and eight players from last year’s state runner-up team. … Has appeared in two state championship games (2017, 1998) but has never won a state title. … Went wire-to-wire as Idaho’s No. 1-ranked team. … Three seniors have signed college scholarships: Murray (13.0 ppg, 6.2 rebounds) with Army, King (9.3 ppg, 3.0 steals) with Idaho and Emerson (10.0 ppg, 4.0 steals) with Northwest Nazarene. Boyd (7.9 ppg, 2.8 assists) also has offers from Idaho, Utah Valley and Denver. … Utilizes a 10-player rotation. … Leads 5A in scoring at 60.9 ppg and is second in scoring defense at 35.8 ppg. … Pickett is former record-setting quarterback at the University of Washington who played two seasons in the NFL with the 49ers.
HIGHLAND RAMS
Record: 15-9
State seed: District Five-Six runner-up
Coach: Tony Green, eighth season
Players to watch: G Makenna Baker, jr.; F Allie Thayne, sr.; G Lexi Rowe, sr.
Notes: Qualified for state for 11th consecutive season. … Has not won a game at state since 2013. … Baker has a scholarship offer from Idaho State. … Has won three state titles, the last in 1987.
MOUNTAIN VIEW MAVERICKS
Record: 17-7
State seed: District Three third place
Coach: Connie Skogrand, 15th season
Players to watch: G Darian White, jr.; G Alison Chanhthala, sr.; G Trinity Slocum, fr.
Notes: Making its sixth straight trip to state, where it has won four straight state trophies, including back-to-back titles in 2015 and ‘16. … White leads the team in points (11.3), rebounds (5.6) and steals (3.5). … Three more players average seven or more points per game: Chanhthala (8.9), Slocum (8.7) and Laila Saenz (7.5). … Went 4-6 against 5A state qualifiers. … Slocum is the younger sister of two-time Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year Destiny Slocum, who is now at Oregon State. … Lost to first-round opponent Bonneville 60-50 during a holiday tournament.
POST FALLS TROJANS
Record: 21-2
State seed: District One-Two champ
Coach: Marc Allert, seventh season
Players to watch: F Melody Kempton, sr. (16 ppg, 9 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg, 3 bpg); PG Bayley Brennan, sr. (15 ppg, 4 apg, 3 spg); G Tyler McCliment-Call, so. (13 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg).
Notes: Placed third at state last year after losing to Eagle in semifinals. ... Only losses this season came to Central Valley, favored to win state 4A title in Washington, and at a tournament in Las Vegas. ... Allert coached Post Falls to a state title in 2013, his second season. ... Kempton, the school’s career scoring leader with 1,438 points, has signed with Gonzaga. Brennan has signed with Division II Seattle Pacific.
CLASS 4A
BISHOP KELLY KNIGHTS
Record: 19-5
State seed: District Three champ
Coach: Derek McCormick, 11th season
Players to watch: G Lydia Nieto, sr.; F Theresa Reeping, sr.; F Gabby Keefe, jr.
Notes: Back-to-back defending state runner-up. … At state for the eighth time in nine years. … Has won nine straight games. … Finished the season ranked No. 2 but beat No. 1 Middleton 58-43 for its third district title in four years. … Nieto (13.4 ppg, 2.9 assists) is the reigning 4A All-Idaho Player of the Year and has signed with Division II Azusa Pacific, but Reeping leads the team in points (16.0) and rebounds (6.6). .. Only state title was in 2013.
BURLEY BOBCATS
Record: 17-7
State seed: District Four champ
Coach: Roger Caresia, ninth season
Players to watch: P Jemilynn Mahoney, sr.; G Sydney Pilling, sr.
Notes: Last won district title in 2013. … Won the consolation championship in the 2016 state tournament. … Beat No. 5 Minico in back-to-back games to win the GBC title this year. … Last state championship was in 2007.
CALDWELL COUGARS
Record: 18-5
State seed: District Three third place
Coach: William Rodgers, fourth season
Players to watch: G Jalen Callender, jr.; G Katrina Vallejo, so.; G Jade Martinez, so.
Notes: The Cougars are back in the state tournament after a one-year hiatus. That is largely due to Callender (10.8 ppg), who returned this season after tearing her ACL last year. Since Dec. 16, Caldwell has won 12 of its last 13 games. Included in those are wins over No. 1 Middleton and No. 2 Bishop Kelly.
CENTURY DIAMONDBACKS
Record: 17-6
State seed: District Five-Six champ
Coach: Chris Shuler, ninth season
Players to watch: F Chinma Njoku, jr.; G Olivia Holt, jr.; F Lexi Bull, soph.; F Abby Christensen, soph.
Notes: Went two-and-out at the state tournament last season after winning back-to-back state titles in 2015-16. … Has made it to the state tournament for the last seven seasons. … Went undefeated in 4A District Five-Six with a 10-0 record. … Riding a nine-game winning streak after losing five consecutive games. … Njoku is averaging a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.
MIDDLETON VIKINGS
(Defending champion)
Record: 18-6
State seed: District Three runner-up
Coach: Andy Jones, 16th season
Players to watch: F Lexi Mitchell, jr.; G Meriah Deugan, sr.; G Zoey Moore, so.
Notes: The Vikings won the 4A Southern Idaho Conference title and are the defending 4A state champions but are not exactly entering state on the highest of notes.They are 3-3 in their last six games and are fresh off one of their worst losses of the season, a 58-43 defeat to Bishop Kelly in the District Three title game. But Middleton does have the most 4A state titles in history with five.
MINICO SPARTANS
Record: 17-8
State seed: District Four runner-up
Coach: Anna Bateman, second season
Players to watch: G/F Saydi Anderson, jr.; G Maura Merrill, sr.
Notes: Has made the state tournament for the fourth year in a row. … Won the consolation championship last year. … One of its leading scorers, Taylia Stimpson, is out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. … Was ranked as high as No. 2 in this year’s media poll.
PRESTON INDIANS
Record: 13-12
State seed: District Five-Six runner-up
Coach: Kimber Hall, second season
Players to watch: C Harley Carlisle, sr.; G Shaylee Priestley, sr.
Notes: Took third place at state last season. … Carlisle averages 16.1 points, 9.7 rebounds per game. …Carlisle has nine double-doubles this season. … Only state title came in 1986.
SANDPOINT BULLDOGS
Record: 14-8
State seed: District 1-2 champ
Coach: Duane Ward, fourth season
Players to watch: W Grace Kirscher, sr. (19.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.7 apg); G Ciera Bailey, sr. (9.3 ppg, 3 rpg); G Dawson Driggs, so. (5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Trinity Golder, sr.
Notes: Making its fifth straight trip to state. ... Kirscher, who ranks third on Sandpoint’s all-time scoring list (1,273 points) behind Alli Nieman and Madi Schoening, has signed with Eastern Washington. Golder has accepted an offer as a preferred walk-on at Eastern Washington. ... Started slow as several players, included Golder, recovered from injuries. ... Ward also was the Bulldogs’ coach in 1996, the last time Sandpoint played in the title game.
CLASS 3A
BONNERS FERRY BADGERS
Record: 18-5
State seed: District One runner-up
Coach: Travis Hinthorn, first season
Players to watch: P Miranda Wenk, sr. (12.3 ppg, 10.4 rpg); W Kadi Bateman, sr. (11.5 ppg, 4.0 spg, 2.7 apg); W Kassy Skeen, sr. (9.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 spg, 2.0 apg).
Notes: At state for the first time since 2013, when it won the consolation title under Hinthorn, who first coached the Badgers for 10 seasons (2004-13). Since then, Bonners had three coaches in four seasons before Hinthorn took over again. “ It’s good to be back,” Hinthorn said. “I’m happy we are going to state; the seniors deserve it after what they have been through with all the different coaches.”
BUHL INDIANS
Record: 16-7
State seed: District Four champ
Coach: Kody Bingham, second season
Players to watch: F Emily Gorrell, jr.; G Kyra Azevedo, jr.; G Sage Eckert, sr.
Notes: Won the district title in OT against a 7-19 Filer team. … Snapped a 15-year state tournament drought with the bid. … Bingham led the Indians to the state tournament in only his second year at the helm.
HOMEDALE TROJANS
Record: 11-12
State seed: District Three runner-up
Coach: Joe Betancourt, sixth season
Players to watch: P Josey Hall, jr.; P Amaya Carter, jr; G Faith Jacobson, jr.
Notes: The Trojans lost five of their final seven games entering the 3A District Three Tournament. But they upset Fruitland in the runner-up game for a return trip to state after missing out last season. Josey Hall led the team in both scoring and rebounds with 9.6 points and 7.5 boards per game. Homedale’s last state title came back in 1980 at the 2A classification.
PARMA PANTHERS
Record: 20-3
State seed: District Three champ
Coach: Michael Calkins, sixth season
Players to watch: PG Madison Jackson, jr.; F Grace Jackson, fr.; F Adyson Harris, so.
Notes: The Panthers won the 3A District Three title for the second straight season. They were absolutely dominant in 3A Snake River Valley play, beating opponents by more than 31 points per game. Parma hasn’t lost a game in more than two months with a 15-game winning streak. Jackson, who is the reigning 3A SRV Player of the Year, is averaging 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.5 steals per game.
SNAKE RIVER PANTHERS
Record: 17-6
State seed: District Five champ
Coach: Jeff Steadman, second season
Players to watch: G Kelsey Higginson, sr.; F Abby Morgan, jr.; F Ashtyn Martin, sr.; F Josee Steadman, fr.
Notes: Making its first state tournament appearance since 2014. … Last won a state title in 2013. … Higginson (16.4 ppg, 3.1 assists) is a Colorado Mesa basketball signee. ... Josee Steadman is the second-leading scorer with 11.1 ppg.
SOUTH FREMONT COUGARS
Record: 15-11
State seed: Play-in game winner
Coach: Ryan Erikson, second season
Players to watch: P Olivia LeCheminant, jr.; F Paizlee Hobbs, jr.; G Brinlie Rowbury, sr.
Notes: First state tournament appearance since 2006 and second appearance in program history. … First winning season since 2007, when it finished 11-10. … Only non-2A team to have wins over both 2A powerhouses Ririe and Firth.
SUGAR-SALEM DIGGERS
Record: 22-2
State seed: District Six champ
Coach: Crystal Dayley, seventh season
Players to watch: PG Kayla Luke, sr.; SG Macie Knapp, jr.; F Madi Fillmore, jr.; P Savanah Crane, sr.
Notes: Enters state having won its ninth district title in 11 seasons. … Graduated two players from last year’s state runner-up team. … Only losses are to 2A powerhouses Soda Springs and Firth. … Has not lost to a 3A team all year and also defeated Bishop Kelly, 4A’s second-ranked team, 48-38 over Christmas break. … Enters state on 19-game win streak and averaging 55.5 ppg.
TIMBERLAKE TIGERS
(Defending champion)
Record: 18-3
State seed: District One champ
Coach: Matt Miller, 13th season
Players to watch: G Lilly Kelley, sr. (11.5 ppg , 4.1 rpg , 2.7 apg , 2.9 spg); F Brooke Jessen, fr. (11.3 ppg , 7.7 rpg , 1.7 apg, 2.2 spg); G Shelby Starr, sr. (11.0 ppg , 3.7 rpg , 3.4 apg , 4.0 spg).
Notes: Is the two-time defending state champion and has played in the title game six times in the past seven years. ... Despite losing Allison Kirby (now playing at Idaho) and Keelie Lawler (now playing at Division II Western State Colorado), the Tigers have barely skipped a beat, losing just three times despite playing another tough nonleague schedule. ... Tigers are balanced, with six players averaging between 7.0 and 11.5 points per game. … Jessen and freshman Taryn Soumas have been key as varsity newcomers.
CLASS 2A
COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHARGERS
Record: 17-4
State seed: District Three runner-up
Coach: Stu Sells, first season
Players to watch: F Holly Golenor, sr.; G/F Ace Hahs, sr.; G Madeline Cook, so.
Notes: The Chargers are back in the state tournament for the fifth consecutive season. Their only losses of the season came to Melba (24-0) and 3A Parma (20-3). Golenor is nearly averaging a double-double with 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Cole Valley Christian has brought home state hardware in two of the last three seasons with two consolation titles. But it is seeking its first state title.
MALAD DRAGONS
Record: 16-8
State seed: District Five runner-up
Coach: Jeremy Jones, second season
Players to watch: F Shawnee Simpson, jr.; G Britlynn Hubbard, jr.
Notes: Defending state runner-up. … Six of eight losses are against state tournament qualifiers West Jefferson and Soda Springs. … Only state title came in 1993.
MELBA MUSTANGS
Record: 22-0
State seed: District Three champ
Coach: Dave Lenz, second season
Players to Watch: G Kori Pentzer, sr.; G Kate Clark, fr.; G Emma Clark, jr.
Notes: The Mustangs are tied with Eagle for the state’s longest winning streak at 24 games. They, along with Eagle are the only unbeaten teams in Idaho. Melba has beaten its opponents by more than 34 points per game, and only one victory was by single digits. Weber State signee Kori Pentzer is averaging 19.9 points per game. Sisters Emma and Kate Clark are also averaging double figures in scoring with 13.7 and 12 points per game, respectively.
NEW PLYMOUTH PILGRIMS
Record: 20-5
State seed: District Three third place
Coach: Denise Oliver, 17th season
Players to Watch: G Kenzie White, sr.; F Alyssa Christenson, fr.; F Aidrie Voile, sr.
Notes: The Pilgrims saw their four-year state tournament streak come to an end last season, but they are back at state this year. New Plymouth’s five losses have all come to 2A WIC rivals Melba and Cole Valley Christian. But the Pilgrims have played each of those two teams tough, losing by only two points in overtime to Cole Valley Christian in the district semifinals. White leads the team in scoring with 12 points per game; Christensen averages with 7.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. New Plymouth is searching for its first state title in 17 years.
RIRIE BULLDOGS
(Defending state champ)
Record: 20-4
State seed: District Six champ
Coach: Damien Smith, 10th season
Players to watch: PG Maddie Johnson, jr.; G Anna Boone, jr.; P Indee Williams, soph.; G Kenadee Coles, jr.
Notes: Graduated seven from last year’s 25-2 state championship team and has no seniors on its varsity roster. … First team to repeat as 2A District Six champions since Butte County went back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. … Has three players with 3-point shooting percentages in the 30s (Williams, Coles, Boone). … The third sister in her family to play for Ririe, Williams is District 6’s leading scorer at 15.1 ppg and made a 3-pointer with six seconds left to give Ririe a 33-31 win over West Jefferson in the if-necessary district championship game.
SODA SPRINGS CARDINALS
Record: 23-1
State seed: District Five champ
Coach: Wade Schvaneveldt, 16th season
Players to watch: G Reagan Yamauchi, jr.; G Sadie Gronning, soph.
Notes: Lost its season opener to 3A Sugar-Salem before winning 23 games in a row. … Has outscored opponents by an average score of 58-32 during its 23-game winning streak. … Won one state title in program history, in 2015. … Has made four state title game appearances in the 2010s.
ST. MARIES LUMBERJACKS
Record: 15-6
State seed: District One-Two champ
Coach: Jay Sines, eighth season
Players to watch: P Kaci Haeg, jr. (13.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg); P Kaylee Auer, sr. (10.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg); G Madison Cordell, jr. (8.1 ppg, 4.0 apg)
Notes: At state for the second straight year after having not qualified for state since 2002. ... Lost to Grangeville in Game 1 of a best-of-3 series for the district title before coming back to win the next two games.
WEST JEFFERSON PANTHERS
Record: 21-5
State seed: District Six runner-up
Coach: Jalena Dixon, second season
Players to watch: G Jordi Holdaway, jr.; G Allie Severe, sr.; G Morgan Laird, sr.; F Saige Kirkpatrick, sr.
Notes: Returns to state after missing last year. … Losses are to Ririe (three times), Firth and North Fremont. … Only team to have beaten Butte County and Ririe twice. … Holdaway and Severe had solid district tournaments, with Holdaway averaging 10.8 ppg through five games and Severe hitting seven three-pointers. … Hangs its hat on defense, which is credited for their district tournament run.
CLASS 1A DIVISION I
AMBROSE ARCHERS
Record: 17-7
State seed: District Three third place
Coach: Jordan Tucker, fifth season
Players to watch: G Kate Roberts, sr.; G Malia Good, so.
Notes: First trip to the state tournament. ... Statistical leaders include Roberts (11.2 ppg, 9.4 assists, 8.9 rebounds, 6.1 steals) and Good (18.6 ppg, 4.4 steals). ... A very young team with four freshmen, two sophomores, three juniors and two seniors.
GRACE GRIZZLIES
Record: 13-11
State seed: District Five-Six champ
Coach: Jason Nance, second season
Players to watch: G Shae Donaldson, sr.; G Breanna Hill, soph.; C Braylee Wood, sr.
Notes: First state tournament appearance since 2014. … Nine of 11 losses are against Idaho 2A or non-Idaho opponents. … Has won two state titles, the last in 1986.
LAPWAI WILDCATS
(Defending champion)
Record: 18-4
State seed: District Two champ
Coach: Eric Spencer, fourth year
Players to watch: G Amil Mitchell, sr.; G Heweekse Wisdom, sr.; G Raequel Domebo, jr.
Notes: Is the three-time defending state champion. ... The Wildcats are really young, with just three returners from last year’s title team. But they’ve grown up fast. ... Lapwai forced 26 turnovers from Prairie in the District Two title game, which helped the Wildcats pull an overtime upset. ... If you’re playing against Lapwai, you better get ready to face pressure defense the moment you step off the bus.
LIBERTY CHARTER PATRIOTS
Record: 17-7
State seed: District Three runner-up
Coach: Brad McCain, 11th season
Players to watch: G Cory Hamblin, sr.; F Madison Dodge, sr.; F Madison Hodnett, fr.
Notes: Statistical leaders include Dodge (16 ppg, 11 rebounds, 3 steals), Hamblin (6.6 ppg, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 6 assists) and Hodnett (10ppg, 12.3 rebounds, 2 blocks). ... Won its conference games by an average of 29 points. ... Fields a “Twin Towers” of two 6-foot players in junior Brenna Logue and Madison Hodnett.
OAKLEY HORNETS
Record: 22-1
State seed: District Four runner-up
Coach: Matt Payton, sixth season
Players to watch: G Makinlee Cranney, sr.; P Brittany Hardy, sr.; P Rachel Mitton, sr.
Notes: Oakley’s only loss came in the district title game against Shoshone. … Spent the majority of the season as the state’s No. 2-ranked team behind Prairie. … Finished third at state last year, beating Horseshoe Bend 49-31.
PRAIRIE PIRATES
Record: 22-2
State seed: District Two runner-up
Coach: Lori Mader, eighth season
Players to watch: F Sydney Bruner, sr., P Josie Peery, sr.; F Leah Higgins, sr.; G Jordyn Higgins, jr.; G India Peery, so.
Notes: Jordyn Higgins leads the Pirates in scoring, but she is hardly the only Prairie player who can shoot. ... Peery could be an X-factor at state. ... Leah Higgins will often guard the other team’s best player. ... Prairie has played for the state title the past four years, last winning in 2014.
RIMROCK RAIDERS
Record: 18-5
State seed: District Three champ
Coach: Kyla Jewett, first season
Players to watch: G Sintia Varela, fr.; G Valerio Lino, sr.; G Laura Gasper, so.
Notes: Last time at state was 2014. … Won back to back state titles in 2003-2004. ... Roster consists of seven freshman, three sophomores, one junior, one senior. … Statistical leaders include Varela (14.1 ppg, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists), Lino (4.9 ppg, 5 steals, 5.4 rebounds) and Gasper (5.3 ppg, 2 steals, 3 rebounds).
SHOSHONE INDIANS
Record: 19-3
State seed: District Four champ
Coach: Tim Chapman, 27th season
Players to watch: F/P Bailee Owens, jr.; G Cierra Hennings, jr.; P Monce Rivas, sr.
Notes: Snapped No. 2 Oakley’s undefeated season with a 33-30 win in the district title. … Two of its three losses came to Oakley. … At state for the second time in three years. … Chapman has reached the tournament 16 times in his 27 years as head coach.
CLASS 1A DIVISION II
BUTTE COUNTY PIRATES
(Defending champ)
Record: 20-3
State seed: District 5-6 champ
Coach: Carla Hansen, fifth season
Players to watch: G Shay Lambson, sr.; G Tausha Cummins, sr.; G Sherawn Brownlee, sr.; P Meg Buxton, sr.
Notes: Second consecutive season going undefeated against conference opponents. … Has gone 44-3 since joining the 1A Division II classification last season. … Very similar to the 2013 team, which was senior heavy and had won state the previous year. … Enters state on 14-game winning streak and averaging 63.6 ppg. … Losses are to ranked 2A teams Ririe and West Jefferson. … Lambson is averaging 12.9 ppg, 3.7 assists and shooting 36.5 percent from 3 and 90.9 percent from the free-throw line.
CAREY PANTHERS
Record: 15-8
State seed: District Four runner-up
Coach: Merrilee Sears, sixth season
Players to watch: G Rylee Smith, sr.; G Athana Versis, jr.
Notes: Never won a state championship in girls basketball. … The Panthers started the season 4-6 before going on a 11-2 run to end the season. Its only two losses were to No. 2 Oakley in 1A Division I and No. 4 Dietrich.
DEARY MUSTANGS
Record: 17-7
State seed: Play-in game winner
Coach: Kendra Keen
Players to watch: Bailee Swanson, sr.; Gabrielle Seubert, sr.,; Megan Beyer, sr.
Notes: Second trip to state in the past three years. ... Rallied past Salmon River in a state play-in game from a nine-point, halftime deficit. ... If Deary needs a big shot, it’ll likely come from Swanson.
DIETRICH BLUE DEVILS
Record: 17-6
Coach: Acey Shaw, 13th season
State seed: District Four champ
Players to watch: P Jaxon Eggleston, sr.; F Brianna Astle, jr.
Notes: Avenged its in-conference loss to Carey in the district title game. … Last year was the first year Dietrich didn’t reach the tournament since 2007. … Won four consecutive state championships between 2011-2014 and earned second-place trophies in 2015 and 2016.
GENESIS PREP JAGUARS
Record: 13-9
State seed: District One champ
Coach: Brandon Haas, first season
Players to watch: P Bella Murekatete, jr.; PG Rachel Schroeder, jr.; G Josie Scribner, jr.
Notes: The Jaguars’ record is deceiving because they played several games against much-larger schools.. ... Murekatete, from Rwanda, has drawn interest from Washington State, among others. ... Was third at state last year in its first trip to state. ... Haas was an assistant coach for the Genesis Prep boys the last three seasons, including last year when the Jaguars won the state title.
NEZPERCE INDIANS
Record: 19-3
State seed: District Two champ
Coach: Dave Snodgrass, eighth season
Players to watch: G Hannah Stapleton, jr.; G Caitlyn Cronce, so.; G Kourtne Carpenter, sr.; G Sydney Boyer, jr.
Notes: Fifth straight trip to state. ... Carpenter and Cronce can really light it up from outside. ... Nezperce will run whenever possible and facilitates some of its fastbreaks with its defense.
SHO-BAN CHIEFS
Record: 18-6
State seed: District Five-Six runner-up
Coach: Andrew Baldwin, third season
Players to watch: G/F Siona Astorga, jr.; G Sacoyah Appenay, sr.; G/F Angela Astorga, fr.
Notes: First state tournament appearance since 2009. … Three of six losses are against defending state champion Butte County. … Only state title came in 2000.
TRI-VALLEY TITANS
Record: 13-7
State seed: District Three champ
Coach: Clay Hollon, second season
Players to watch: F Grace Ertel, jr.; F Karli Hansen, sr.; F Ashlyn Gerlock, jr.
Notes: Co-op team between the Cambridge, Midvale and Indian Valley communities.. ... Held eight opponents to 20 points or fewer ... Never won an opening-round game at state.