Thursday’s Quarterfinals
Tulalip Heritage vs. Sunnyside Christian, 3:45 p.m
Almira-Coulee/Hartline vs. Colton, 5:30 p.m.
Evergreen Lutheran vs. Taholah, 7:15 p.m.
Republic vs. Mount Vernon Christian, 9 p.m.
The Favorite
Colton. The 22-1 Wildcats received seven of eight first-place votes in the final Associated Press poll of the season. They have just one loss and are the defending state champions. The Wildcats’ toughest challenge likely will come in a potential semifinal game against undefeated Sunnyside Christian, the team Colton defeated in last year’s state championship game.
The Dark Horse
Tulalip Heritage. The Hawks have just one loss all season, and with sisters Adiya and Aliya Jones they are capable of beating anyone in the field. The problem for the Hawks is their draw — they face undefeated and second-ranked Sunnyside Christian in Thursday’s quarterfinal round. If they are able to get past that hurdle, their reward is a likely meeting with top-ranked and defending state champion Colton in the semifinals.
Did you know?
In the nine-year history of the 1B tournament, Colton has played in the state-title game eight times and has won the past seven championships.
Player to watch
Zoe Moser, guard, Colton. The senior averages 16.9 points per game and has a chance to finish her high school career with four state championships.
Game we want to see
Colton vs. Sunnyside Christian. The No. 1- and No. 2-ranked teams in the state are likely to meet in the semifinals. These two teams met for the championship last year and this year’s semifinal game should produce the 2016 state champion.
Prediction
Colton defeats Sunnyside Christian yet again and then goes on to beat Republic on Saturday night to win its eighth consecutive state championship.
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