Postseason X-Factors For Each Team: Liberty District

It's been a popular district this season, with many exciting games and players. For the third year in a row South Lakes (16-4) is the champion of the regular season, going undefeated in district play. It should be an exciting tournament with the possibility of upsets and the chance for the great teams and players to prove themselves when it matters most. <strong>South Lakes - <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/margo-somer/">[player_tooltip player_id="100592" first="Margo" last="Somer"]</a> (G/F, 2020)</strong> Senior <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/margo-somer/">[player_tooltip player_id="100592" first="Margo" last="Somer"]</a> has done whatever the Seahawks have needed from game to game this season, defending, rebounding, or just being a solid, experienced presence on the floor. If the Seahawks are to be champions again, Somer's ability to give the Seahawks whatever they need this postseason will be crucial. <strong>McLean - Mia Fitzgerald (G, 2022)</strong> [caption id="attachment_143919" align="alignnone" width="225"] Fitzgerald at the foul line in the Highlander's season opener.[/caption] Everyone knows that defense wins championships and Fitzgerald has been trouble for offenses this season with her length, being responsible for a lot of tipped passes and steals. It will be more important than ever this postseason as McLean attempts to repeat as district champs. <strong>Langley - Their bench. </strong> The Saxons are a fun team to watch if you want to see solid, team basketball. I found myself at three of their games this season because you never know who could be their best player on the floor any given night. They have a talented starting five, and if their bench can sustain the same level of play we could be looking at an upset at the hands of these Saxons. <strong>Herndon - Laci Johnson (G, 2021)</strong> The Hornets stayed around .500 the majority of this season, and Laci Johnson has played like she has a chip on her shoulder, displaying the ability to score and pick pockets on defense. If Herndon is to go far into the playoffs, her scoring and energetic style of play will be much needed. <strong>Yorktown - Emma Nelsen (G, 2020)</strong> Nelsen impressed in her freshman campaign, being a versatile guard for the Patriots. She has expanded on her skills this season, from knocking down threes to intercepting passes in the press. She will be important in any run Yorktown makes at a district title. <strong>Washington-Liberty - Claudia Andrade (F, 2022)</strong> The Generals will have to hit the road as a lower seed, and will rely on Andrade for solid defense. She has demonstrated the ability to block shots and rebound for a squad that has only averaged a little over 42 points a game this season. If the Generals can defend, they will have a much better chance of going forward, and Andrade will be key in that endeavor.