Breaking down all six 2022-23 IHSAA girls basketball tournaments with schedules, scouting reports and predictions

Who will survive the 5A gauntlet? Will Blackfoot get surprising redemption in 4A? Is anyone other than Timberlake or Sugar-Salem going to win the 3A crown? Can Melba’s perfection continue in 2A? And can anybody stop Lapwai in 1A?

The Idaho girls state basketball tournaments are here once again. Every year, they’re filled with storylines that capture everyone’s attention and hearts.

What are the biggest ones to follow? SBLive Idaho has you covered with our in-depth guide.

CLASS 5A

Thursday’s schedule (BRACKET)

No. 2 Thunder Ridge (24-2) vs. No. 7 Rocky Mountain (16-8), noon, Ford Idaho Center

No. 3 Rigby (20-4) vs. No. 6 Timberline (20-5), 2 p.m., Ford Idaho Center

No. 4 Boise (21-2) vs. No. 5 Owyhee (19-4), 5 p.m., Ford Idaho Center

No. 1 Coeur d'Alene (21-2) vs. No. 8 Eagle (14-12), 7 p.m., Ford Idaho Center

FAVORITE: Coeur d’Alene (21-2)

Players to Watch: G Teagan Colvin, jr. (17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 steals, 4.1 assists; F Madi Symons, sr. (13.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg); G Maddie Mitchell, jr. (8.3 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg)

At this time last season, the Vikings were still reeling from seeing their season end prematurely at districts after being considered the No. 1 team for much of the season. Now, they’re only losses are to two of the top-five teams in California (Sierra Canyon and Mater Dei). Colvin, who transferred in from just outside Spokane, Wash., leads the team in virtually every statistical category. Senior forward Kendall Omlin (Spokane) is another Washington transfer that coach Nicole Symons called the team’s “x-factor). Her daughter Madi Symons, who is signed to Wyoming, is a four-year starter and the program’s all-time leading scorer.

CONTENDER: Boise (21-2)

Players to Watch: F Avery Howell, jr. (20.7 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 3.0 spg, 2.4 apg); F Kaity Haan, soph. (11.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.2 spg, 1.5 blocks); G Avery Patricco, soph. (8.2 ppg, shoots 38% from 3-point range, 1.7 spg)

The Brave were just 21 seconds away from their first state championship since 2005 last season. However, devastation has turned into motivation this season. Boise has beaten all but three teams by double-digits. It has an average margin of victory of nearly 27 points. The Brave can win the close one, too. Three of their last four wins have been decided in the final minute, including in last week’s district championship game. They have arguably the best player in the state with Howell, who has offers from Oklahoma State and Minnesota, among others. Yet, the most impressive thing might be the fact that there isn’t a single senior on the roster.

DARKHORSE: Thunder Ridge (24-2)

Players to Watch: G Aspen Caldwell, sr. (20.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.9 apg), G Kennedy Stenquist, sr. (11.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.5 spg). G Marley Spencer (8.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.1 spg)

Two weeks ago, the Titans were one of only two unbeaten teams in the state. But even after consecutive losses to Rigby, including by 20 points in last week's district championship, their resume and play has still been really impressive.  Their core group has won at every level. Caldwell, Stenquist, Spencer and Carly Stenquist - Kennedy’s twin sister - have all played together since fifth grade. Caldwell and Spencer will both play in college at the University of Idaho and Montana Western, respectively. Spencer is also the daughter of coach Jeremy Spencer. Caldwell, Marley Spencer and Kennedy Stenquist all played significant time on the 2021 state runner-up team.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Boise 56, Thunder Ridge 51.

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CLASS 4A

Thursday's schedule (BRACKET)

No. 2 Blackfoot (13-9) vs. No. 7 Columbia (14-10), noon, Timberline High School

No. 3 Sandpoint (17-5) vs. No. 6 Minico (16-7), 2 p.m., Timberline High School

No. 4 Pocatello (15-6) vs. No. 5 Bishop Kelly (20-3), 5 p.m., Timberline High School

No. 1 Shelley (20-3) vs. No. 8 Twin Falls (12-12), 7 p.m., Timberline High School

FAVORITE: Blackfoot (13-9)

Players to Watch: F Marlee Pieper, jr. (16.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, shoots 41% from 3-point range); G Esperanza Vergara, sr. (14.7 ppg, 2.0 apg); F Riley Layton, sr. (8.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg)

Coach Raimee Odum didn’t understand how many people dismissed this year’s Broncos before even watching them play. It’s funny to her now. Despite heavy losses from graduation to last year’s 26-1 team, including three who are playing in college now, and a 1-6 start, they're here again. Blackfoot, which is also just two years removed from a state title, has only lost twice to 4A foes. And it has gotten payback both times. The Broncos have knocked off top-seeded Shelley twice, one by double digits and the other for the district championship. Vergara started on the state title team two years ago and is signed to Central Wyoming.

CONTENDER: Shelley (20-3)

Players to Watch: G Brinley Cannon, jr. (20.7 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 3.8 apg); G Mia Williams, soph. (14.5 ppg, 4.3 apg); P Kaylee Packer, soph. (6.5 ppg).

Tied for the most wins, the Russets were ranked No. 1 in the state media poll for much of the season (even after a 1-2 record against Blackfoot). Shelley will also arguably have the best player in the field with Cannon. She’s already made an all-state team, can and has played all five positions on the court and committed to BYU after receiving multiple other NCAA Division I offers, including Colorado State. But the Russets haven’t been to state in seven years. This will actually be their first-ever Class 4A state tournament following the move up from 3A several years ago.

DARKHORSE: Bishop Kelly (20-3)

Players to Watch: F Carolina Knothe, sr. (13.9 ppg,6.3 rpg); F Addie Hiler, sr. (10.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg); C Addy Laible, jr. (7.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg).

The Knights might be the most complete team here - and defense is their specialty. They're only allowing 29.5 points per game to opponents, which include Class 5A teams Boise and Timberline. It has resulted in the Knights beating all but one 4A team by double digits. They’ve only lost to one team in the classification all season and carry the longest active winning streak with them at 11 games. Bishop Kelly has a playmaker in the 5-foot-11 Knothe. She is the older sister of all-state running back Seth Knothe. But she’s made a name for herself this season with the ability to take over a game when needed.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Blackfoot 54, Shelley 50.

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CLASS 3A

Thursday’s schedule (BRACKET)

No. 2 Timberlake (20-2) vs. No. 7 Filer (15-9), noon, Skyview High School

No. 3 Parma (19-4) vs. No. 6 Teton (17-9), 2 p.m., Skyview High School

No. 4 Sugar-Salem (15-6) vs. No. 5 Weiser (21-3), 5 p.m., Skyview High School

No. 1 Snake River (20-3) vs. No. 8 Buhl (10-14), 7 p.m., Skyview High School

FAVORITE: Timberlake (20-2)

Players to watch: G Malia Miller, fr. (15.8 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 4.2 spg); G Payton Young, fr. (7.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 spg); G Ciara Soumas, sr. (6.5 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.8 rpg, 2.0 spg).

After a one-year hiatus, the White Tigers return to a place that’s been very good to them. They’ve won four state championships over the past six seasons - and have been to four other finals since 2011. Timberlake is doing it with just one senior and seven combined ninth gradeers and sophomores on the roster. Its leading scorers are both ninth graders, including Miller who is the daughter of longtime coach Matt Miller. All but three of the White Tigers’ wins have come against higher classification teams. They still have an average margin of victory north of 26 points. Their only blemishes were a four-point loss to Coeur d’Alene and 4A tournament team Sandpoint.

CONTENDER: Snake River (20-3)

Players to Watch: G Rylie Edlefsen, jr. (16.2 ppg. 4.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.3 spg); P Reese Baldwin, jr. (8.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.1 spg); G Camdyn Dunn, jr. (5.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.2 apg).

The Panthers have been perennial contenders over the past five seasons. They’ve played in two finals and taken home every other state trophy during that time span. So, will this most recent run culminate in the first championship since 2013? Snake River didn't lose to a single team in the classification, including sweeping reigning champion Sugar-Salem. It also has one of the best players in the field with Edlefsen. The 5-7 combo guard already eclipsed the career 1,000-point mark earlier this season and was an all-state selection a year ago. She just received an offer from Cal-State Bakersfield. The Panthers haven’t lost in more than a month and are riding an 11-game winning streak.

DARKHORSE: Sugar-Salem (15-6)

Players to Watch: G Kennedy Gillette, sr. (20.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.1 spg); F Nika Nead, so. (10.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg); G Meg Fillmore, sr. (7.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.4 spg).

No program in Class 3A history has more state titles than the defending champion (seven). Four of those, along with two other runner-up finishes, have come over the past eight seasons. Despite sitting a game under .500 at 5-6, they’ve rattled off 10 consecutive wins - half of those by double digits. Sugar-Salem can also lay claim to having the best player in the dance. Gillette is the reigning state player of the year after all. She is signed with the College of Southern Idaho. Sophomores Aya Rydalch (G) and Ashlyn Harris (F) have been big too for the Diggers. They lead the team in steals (3.0) and rebounds (7.0), respectively.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Timberlake 52, Sugar-Salem 48.

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CLASS 2A

Thursday’s schedule (BRACKET)

No. 2 Soda Springs (20-4) vs. No. 7 Ambrose (17-9), noon, Bishop Kelly High School

No. 3 Cole Valley Christian (18-5) vs. No. 6 Grangeville (15-8), 2 p.m., Bishop Kelly High School

No. 4 Ririe (18-6) vs. No. 5 West Side (16-8), 5 p.m., Bishop Kelly High School

No. 1 Melba (23-0) vs. No. 8 Declo (10-12), 7 p.m., Bishop Kelly High School

FAVORITE: Melba (23-0)

Players to Watch: F/G Kendall Clark, sr. (16.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.6 spg, 2.1 apg); G Brooklynn Dayley, jr. (11.9 ppg, 5.9 spg, 4.8 asp, 2.5 rpg); G Hallie Arnold, sr. (11.4 ppg), 2.8 rpg, 2.7 asp, 2.7 spg).

The Mustangs enter as the state’s lone undefeated team. They’ve beaten all but three opponents by double digits with an average margin of victory of 26 points. Seven wins have come against higher classification teams, including 4A state qualifier Columbia. Clark has been without a doubt the best player on the court this season. She is signed on to play at Northwest Nazarene University. But it’s not just her. Melba has five other girls who are averaging at least 5.0 points per game. This would be the second state title in three years and the first perfect season in school history. There hasn’t been an unbeaten team in Idaho since Bonneville in 2020.

CONTENDER: Soda Springs (20-4)

Players to Watch: G Jinettie Garbett, jr. (11.5 ppg), G Taylor Billman, sr. (11.1 ppg); G Alexa Moldenhauer, sr. (9.0 ppg)

Following back-to-back consolation titles, the Cardinals are looking to get back to the championship banners after registering a three-peat back in 2020. They have an unblemished record against Class 2A foes - and in dominant fashion as all of their wins have come by double figures, including Ririe, which enters state on a 12-game winning streak. Its only losses have come to Sugar-Salem, Snake River and Snow Canyon (UT). But the Cardinals own wins over the likes of that same Snake River team and 4A' Preston.

DARKHORSE: Cole Valley Christian (18-5)

Players to Watch: F Hadley Fraas, jr. (15.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.9 spg); G Trinity Holsinger, fr. (12.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 spg, 2.1 apg); G Tessa Orcutt, fr. (6.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.8 apg)

Few probably would have pegged the Chargers to be in this position. Even coach Matt Beglinger admitted last week that he would not have believed it going in. But despite only having one returning starter back, Cole Valley Christian is back to defend its crown. Almost half of its wins are against higher classification teams, including fellow state qualifiers Minico (4A) and Parma (3A). The experience of the 5-11 Fraas - the lone returning starter - has proved instrumental with no seniors in the starting lineup. But the young core, which features two ninth grader starters, have more than pulled their weight

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Melba 58, Soda Springs 49.

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CLASS 1A DIVISION I

Thursday’s schedule (BRACKET)

No. 2 Prairie (19-5) vs. No. 7 Greenleaf Friends Academy (17-4), noon, Columbia High School

No. 3 Raft River (21-3) vs. No. 6 Liberty Charter (14-6), 2 p.m., Columbia High School

No. 4 Grace (19-4) vs. No. 5 Oakley (19-4), 5 p.m., Columbia High School

No. 1 Lapwai (23-1) vs. No. 8 Lakeside (13-6), 7 p.m., Columbia High School

FAVORITE: Lapwai (23-1)

Players to Watch: G Jaelyn Mccormack-marks, fr. (14.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.8 spg); G/F Lauren Gold, sr. (13.7 ppg; 7.8 rpg, 2.0 spg); G Jordyn Mccormack-mark, jr. (10.6 ppg, 2.0 spg, 1.0 blocks per game, shoots 40% from 3-point range)

The Wildcats, who've won a record 11 state titles, might be the most overwhelming favorites here. The defending state champs are on a 22-game winning streak and they're only loss is to Melba. But since then, only Prairie has come even remotely close. Lapwai has both the highest scoring average (67.4 ppg) and margin of victory (37.6 ppg) of any team in the state. The Wildcats have six players who are averaging at least 6.0 points per game and half of them are ninth grader, including leading scorer Jaelyn Mccormack-marks. Mom, Ada, has already overseen two state championships

CONTENDER: Prairie (19-5)

Players to Watch: G Kristin Wemhoff, sr. (19.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 6.3 spg, 5.3 apg); G Lexi Schumacher, soph. (11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.4 spg); C Tara Schlader, sr. (11.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 5.5 spg, 3.3 apg)

If anyone is going to stop Lapwai, it’s likely the Pirates. They nearly did so back on Dec. 6, 2022 in a 52-50 loss. Although, the other three encounters didn’t exactly go as well in losses of 10, 33 and 34 points. But Prairie might just have the best player in Wemhoff. She was a first-team all-state selection last season and should be a shoe-in for it again if not for the player of the year with her multiple triple-doubles this year. Schlader - a walking double-double - should also bolster the Pirates’ chances of raising the first banner in nearly a decade.

DARKHORSE: Grace (19-4)

Players to Watch: F Sydnee Smith, jr. (14.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.9 spg); G Tenleigh Walker, sr. (13.2 ppg, 2.5 spg, 2.0 asp); G/F Melodie Straatman, jr. (11.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.0 asp, 2.8 spg)

The seemingly odd man out here are the Grizzlies. While a state final between Lapwai and Prairie - the seventh in 11 years - feels inevitable, don’t think that Grace can’t spoil the party. It has done so before. The Grizzlies upset Lapwai on their way to a title two years ago. They haven’t lost to a team in the classification either with half of their losses coming to 2A Soda Springs. Grace has the experience, too. Smith, Walker, Straatman and ninth grade guard Jacie Christensen all play significant minutes on that 2021 state championship team.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Lapwai 68, Prairie 41

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CLASS 1A DII

Thursday’s schedule (BRACKET)

No. 2 Rockland (20-3) vs. No. 7 Garden Valley (10-7), noon, Nampa High School

No. 3 Kendrick (16-4) vs. No. 6 Council (14-5), 2 p.m., Nampa High School

No. 4 Dietrich (20-3) vs. No. 5 Leadore (19-4), 5 p.m., Nampa High School

No. 1 Deary (17-2) vs. No. 8 Clark Fork (7-12), 7 p.m., Nampa High School

FAVORITE: Rockland (20-3)

Players to Watch: G/F Taylie Boyer, sr.; G Addie Wilson, sr.; F Taylor Wilson, sr.

The Bulldogs didn’t rebuild, but reloaded to defend their state championship from last season. They’ve actually won two out of the past three state titles and a third this year would cement them as a dynasty. Rockland has a lot of things going in its favor to do just that. It has the toughest defense (27.4 ppg), a first-team all-state player in Boyer, 16 of the 20 wins have come via double digits, has yet to lose to an opponent in the classification and enters the winners of its last nine games.

CONTENDER: Kendrick (16-4)

Players to Watch: F Rose Stewart, sr. (15 ppg, 10 rpg); G Hailey Taylor, jr. (10 ppg, 4.0 spg); G Harley Heimgartner, jr. (8.0 ppg, 3.0 spg)

Following runner-up and consolation state trophies the past two seasons, the Tigers are ready to trade those in for the first-ever state championship in their fifth postseason appearance in a row. They do own two wins over top-seeded Deary, including at last week’s district championship game. Their only loss within the classification is to Deary, and two others were against Lapwai and Prairie

DARKHORSE: Deary (17-2)

Players to Watch: G/F Kenadie Kirk, jr.; PG Triniti Wood, sr.; G Araya Wood, jr.

After winning their first playoff game and state trophy since at least 1982 with a third-place finish last season, the Mustangs are back in the postseason for just the sixth in program history. They’ll look to make the most of it yet again with their entire starting lineup back. Deary is well-positioned for its first-ever state title as the No. 1 seed, bolstered by a defense that is only allowing 27.5 points per game.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Rockland 46, Deary 34