So, who hasn't played in the state tournament before?

18 of 32 state tournament teams are returning from last year, and at least 4 more were here in 2015. Who are the top performers in their 1st state tournament? (We're talking here about AAAA, AAA and AA, who completed their first rounds Tuesday and Wednesday. We have not seem A yet.) Center—Monika Czinano, Watertown-Mayer, 6-1, junior. Scored 20 points with 16 boards vs. Rochester Lourdes. The Iowa recruit is way strong enough to dominate in Class AA, plus she’s quick for her size and moves around the court very well. She know what she can do and does it, doesn’t make mistakes. It will be interesting to see what happens at Iowa as she’s a little small for her skill set at that level. Forward—Sidney Wentland, Elk River, 5-11, senior. The same is true of Sid who’s a little small for the 4-spot at the next level and is a prototype 4 here. She had a super 4-type game vs. White Bear Lake. She scored 13 points and had 6 boards, 4 steals and 4 blocked shots. Always an elite defender, she has also lifted her offensive game this year. Point Guard—Gabi Haack, Elk River, 5-9, senior. Fresh off her Metro Player of the Year award from the StarTrib, Haack was not as dominant as usual against White Bear Lake’s tough defense, but still managed 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a win. Somehow the Bear’s kept her away from the rim, which has hardly ever been done, certainly not this year. Shooting Guard—Ava Kramer, Elk River, 5-7, senior, also had a great game against White Bear, with 13 points, 5 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals. Plays with a little chip on the shoulder and provides some of passion for the Elks. Shooting Guard—Madison Gehloff, Waseca, 5-9, sophomore. Hit 4-of-5 3s and 17 total points to go along with 8 boards. Has a very nice shooting stroke and also hit 3-of-3 from the line. Second Team Center—Betsy Schoenrock, NRHEG, 6-3, junior, was very impressive with 20 points, 16 boards, 5 blocks and 3 steals against a worthy opponent in Roseau and their 6-2 post Victoria Johnson. She moves a little stiffly but she gets the job done with soft hands. Forward—Kaylie Van Der Werf, Holy Angels, 6-2, freshman. Scored 9 points with 6 boards. Needs to eliminate or at least reduce the silly reach-in fouls. Point Guard—Kirstin Klitzke, Watertown-Mayer, 5-7, senior. Scored 23 points with 6 assists. When she and Claire Killian are both on, like last night, look out. Point Guard—Ayanna Gardner, DeLaSalle, 5-9, junior. Did her thing against Winona, which is get to the rim especially going coast-to-coast with the defensive board. Scored 10 points with 8 boards, 8 assists and 3 steals. She did disappear down the stretch, however. Coach? And, no, she did not play in the state tournament for St. Paul Central. Shooting Guard—Alyssa Ustby, Rochester Lourdes, 5-9, sophomore. Super athletic both physically and mentally. With her length, she plays more like 6-0. Has a huge 1st step. Think Eden Nibbelink, only a better athlete in terms of the mental aspects of the game. Not as good physically yet, not as big, but more upside, again, because of her mastery of the mental game. Scored 15 points with 8 rebouns and 7 assits. Third Team Center—Zoe Hardwick, Minnetonka, 6-2, junior. Didn’t play last year as a transfer. Shows nice footwork in the post and scored 12 points with 7 boards. Very limited in terms of mobility, but a hard worker with a couple effective offensive moves. Forward—Cayle Hovland, Willmar, 6-0, junior. 10 points, 13 boards. Big enough to battle inside, mobile enough to move around the court a bit. Good mental athlete, too. Point Guard—Maddie Loder, Orono, 6-0, junior. Long and lean with good speed and quickness and excellent basketball skills. The whole package, which is why she’s a George Washington U. commit. Scored 12 points against Willmar. Shooting Guard—Lauren Jensen, Lakeville North, 5-9, freshman. Was too young to play in last year’s state tournament. Started much of the year for Lakeville North. Now, coming off the bench against Andover, she scored 7 points with 2 rebounds. Very quick especially as a cutter, great jump shot. Wing—Claire Killian, Watertown-Mayer, 5-10, senior. Didn’t have a huge game by her standards but muddled her way to 20 points on 6-of-17 shooting, 3-of-9 from long range. A great shooter, as evidenced by her 4-of-8 shooting at the line, but she was a little off last night. Still, she’s a strong player who contributes in every which way. Added 8 boards, 3 steals. For the most part, all of your other standouts at the state tournament so far have played here before.