FAVORITE
LYNNWOOD
The Royals go in as Wesco’s No. 1 seed, and the experience of three state games in the last two years. It’s true that all three were losses against the likes of Praire, Yelm and Auburn Mountainview (which finished sixth), but the experience of district and state playoff games is still valuable to team that features five seniors making their final trip to districts.
DARK HORSE
MEADOWDALE
The Mavericks used to be a staple at the state tournament, participating every year from 1993 through 2007, winning the 3A title in 2000 and 2004. However, Meadowdale hasn’t been to the state tournament since it finished sixth in 2009. The three Mavericks seniors, Margreet Barhoum, Katie Rickel and Alisa Sagdahl, may have a little extra motivation to get fourth-seeded Meadowdale through the district tournament and back to the big show before they graduate.
WILD CARD
SHORECREST
At 16-4, the Scots finished second in Wesco 3A, and are only one game behind Lynnwood in the conference standings. Being in the same league as the Grizzlies (who went to state last year) and the Royals (the early-season favorites), the Scots have flown under the radar a bit, not drawing quite as much attention. But Shorecrest has visited the past two state tournaments, demonstrating that it has the ability to show up for big games.
DIFFERENCE MAKER
JASMIN EDWARDS, LYNNWOOD
Edwards is the leading scorer for the Wesco 3A champion Royals, and only a sophomore. The guard will have to play well for Lynnwood, who lost last year’s star Mokun Fajemisin to a torn ACL before the season even started.
WHO WINS
Senior Meghan Cross, one of the Royals’ leading scorers has a knack for making big shots, including the game-winning free throws in a 36-34 win over Meadowdale on Jan. 23. It seems like the Royals have a knack for pulling out close games, which happens a lot at districts. On top of that, the district championship game is played at Lynnwood High School, and the homecourt advantage should help the Royals move on.
THE PICK: LYNNWOOD
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