Top teams in Class 2B, and 1A – Rinse and repeat for 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top teams in each of these classes are what I would call the favorite once again for 2024. Here's a look back and forward at what teams may stake their claim to dominance in Class 2B, 1A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2B </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colfax</strong> - Things will look eerily similar next season in Class 2B. Tournament MVP [player_tooltip player_id='366890' first='Brynn' last='McGaughy'] is arguably a top 3 prospect in the state at any level. All tournament selection [player_tooltip player_id='580775' first='Hailey' last='Demler'] returns as a junior next season. They lose Point guard <strong>Jaisha Gibb</strong> but return nearly everyone else with only two more seniors on this seasons roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Okanagan</strong> - This team was impressive with ball movement and shooting. They lose only seniors. They Return three All State caliber players in [player_tooltip player_id='580528' first='Jacey' last='Boesel'], <strong>Aleena Lafferty</strong>, and [player_tooltip player_id='281966' first='Alex' last='Goetz'], among others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warden</strong> - They do lose some key players but return MVP <strong>Lauryn Madsen</strong> who is good enough to carry the younger players after a 3rd place finish this season and a state championship in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Napavine</strong> - Lose only two Seniors from 5th place team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mabton</strong> - No seniors led by freshman [player_tooltip player_id='586801' first='Alana' last='Zavala'] and sophomore Esmeralda Sanchez.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1A </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nooksack</strong> - This is a no brainer. The defending champs have the player of the year back in [player_tooltip player_id='281968' first='Devin' last='Coppinger']. [player_tooltip player_id='593747' first='Lainey' last='Kimball'], [player_tooltip player_id='583786' first='Tana' last='Hoekema'], and Kaylee Anderson also return as starters. All of which are not average players, they are good players surrounding the player of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cashmere</strong> - Made a run this season, will be back in the mix next season with a solid nucleus back hungry for more. <strong>Elle Bessonette</strong> had a good tournament this season as did <strong>Brianna Talley</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='591738' first='Leah' last='Kunz'] is a talented player who returns to what should be a contender next season. Placed 4th this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wapato</strong> - Lost one of the best players in Class 1A but returning every single other player from 3rd place team. Talented point guard Deets Parish Nagle will be back as just a sophomore. <strong>Trinity Wheeler</strong> and <strong>Jordan Espinoza</strong> played key roles and are back at the guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lynden Christian</strong> - Return 2 time all tournament superstar [player_tooltip player_id='580777' first='Grace' last='Hintz'] who already has one state title and one runner-up. She can carry the load scoring wise as one of the best in the state. <strong>Ella Fritz</strong> is an up and coming freshman who earned a starting role this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kings </strong>- League MVP and all tournament freshman superstar [player_tooltip player_id='585032' first='Kaleo' last='Anderson'] returns at the point guard position. She has the ability to be elite with her skill-set and length. Guard <strong>Catherine Ellard</strong> is a key returner. Placed 5th this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->