4A girls state tournament capsules
How they advanced: Defeated Silverado 72-62 for the Sunrise Region title. Beat Rancho 82-29 in the quarterfinals and Liberty 53-38 in the semifinals.
Probable starters: G Jazmine Jarvis (5-8, Jr.); G Danielle Christenson (5-7, Jr.); G Aja Flippen (5-11, Sr.); F Sarah Pickus (6-1, Jr.); C Vajae Robinson (6-2, Sr.)
Key player: Jarvis is the team’s leading scorer, and will need to score, but for the Gators to have a shot against Centennial Vajae Robinson will need to have a big game. Robinson can be a force on the boards, and will need to finish around the basket.
How they advanced: Beat Silverado 74-45 in the Class 4A state play-in game. Lost 74-60 to Centennial in the Sunset title game. Beat Cheyenne 71-31 in the quarterfinals and Palo Verde 70-37 in the semifinals.
Probable starters: G Amber Lane (5-5, So.); G Aaryn Ellenberg (5-7, Jr.); F Yahindra Edwards (5-10, Sr.); F Chelsie Pitt (5-10, So.); C Dannielle Diamant (6-4, Sr.)
Key player: Diamant’s size gives the Gaels a tremendous post presence, but Ellenberg’s speed and pull-up jumper are the most dangerous weapons for Gorman.
How they advanced: Defeated Bishop Gorman 74-60 for the Sunset Region title. Beat Sierra Vista 90-55 in the quarterfinals and Legacy 94-37 in the semifinals.
Probable starters: G. Alexis Byrd (5-10, Jr.); G Courtney Hayes (5-5, So.); G Ashley Klemz (5-7, So.); F Johnna Brown (6-0, Sr.); F Deanna Daniels (5-10, Sr.)
Key player: Brown can do a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs. The team’s leading scorer also leads the team in assists and is near double figures in rebounding. A state tournament veteran, Brown also lends a sense of calm.
How they advanced: Beat Reed 60-55 for the Northern Region title. Defeated Douglas 76-43 in the quarterfinals and Galena 53-39 in the semifinals.
Probable starters: G Stephanie Rovetti (5-7, Jr.); G Sarah Finlay (5-8, Jr.); G Stevi Cooper (5-6, Jr.); F Megan Tabano (5-10, Sr.); C Abby Boorman (6-4, Sr.)
Key player: As usual, the Huskies feature a balanced squad, with six players averaging between six and 11 points. But Boorman could be the difference maker, as her size makes her a difficult matchup for Centennnial.
