4A Girls Bracket: The Favorite, The Expected, and The Sleeper

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025 4A Girls State Basketball Tournament unfolds at the Tacoma Dome this week, three teams have positioned themselves as the focal points of championship contention: the early favorite, the team expected to perform, and the sleeper poised to shake up the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Early Favorite: Lake Washington High School</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With an impressive 24-4 overall record and a well-rounded roster, Lake Washington High School enters the tournament as the team to beat. The Kangaroos have consistently dominated opponents this season, fueled by standout performances from [player_tooltip player_id='317597' first='Ashley' last='Uusitalo'], a junior guard averaging 17.7 points and 4.2 assists per game, and [player_tooltip player_id='730304' first='Reese' last='Roberts'], a senior forward who brings both scoring efficiency (59% FG) and a strong presence on the boards (6.3 rebounds per game). Their ability to control the pace of play and execute in high-pressure situations makes them a formidable title contender. If Lake Washington plays up to their potential, they could very well be cutting down the nets when it's all said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Expected Performer: Chiawana High School</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A powerhouse program with a history of postseason success, Chiawana High School has met expectations all season, boasting a 23-1 overall record and a perfect 16-0 district mark. Senior forward/center [player_tooltip player_id='367327' first='Malia' last='Ruud'] has been a dominant force, averaging 16.4 points per game with a 55% field goal percentage, while senior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='376913' first='Kaia' last='Foster'] provides a dynamic scoring threat with 15.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Chiawana's disciplined play and experience in high-pressure games make them a formidable contender. While they may not be the flashiest team in the bracket, their consistency and execution ensure they'll be in the mix until the final whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Sleeper: Sumner High School</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every tournament needs a dark horse, and Sumner High School fits the bill. The Spartans may not have entered the season as heavy favorites, but their underdog mentality and ability to execute in big moments have them positioned as a dangerous opponent. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='318805' first='Olivia' last='Collins'] has been the backbone of the offense, leading the team with 16.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='676260' first='Kawehi' last='Borden'] has been a key playmaker, averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Their balanced attack and defensive resilience suggest they are peaking at the right time, and if teams overlook them, they could easily play spoiler in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these three programs to see if Lake Washington lives up to their billing as the early favorite, whether Chiawana's disciplined play can carry them through, or if Sumner shakes up the bracket. One thing is certain: the road to the championship will be filled with drama, and only the strongest will prevail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->