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Mount Rainier Rams

Location: Des Moines

Record: 25-1

Coach: Bob Bolam

Key players: Brittany McPhee, 6-0, Jr., 26.8 ppg; Jordan McPhee, 5-10, Jr., 11.5 ppg; Emily Fiso, 6-0, So., 10.2 ppg.

Inside look: Top-ranked Rams lost only to Oregon City in OT, and feature perhaps state's best player in Brittany McPhee, a regular double-double threat.

Mead Panthers

Location: Spokane

Record: 22-1

Coach: Quantae Anderson

Key players: Jade Redmon, 5-9, Sr., 15.2 ppg; Delany Junkermier, 6-0, Jr., 14.3 ppg; Ashlyn Lewey, 6-0, Jr., 10.9 ppg.

Inside look: High-scoring Panthers have won 16 straight since one-point loss to University (later avenged) and feature multiple weapons.

Contenders

Inglemoor Vikings

Location: Kenmore

Record: 21-2

Coach: John Augustavo

Key players: Dejá Strother, 6-4, So., 14.8 ppg; Kelly Conroy, 5-10, Sr., 14.0 ppg; Chalayia Fuller, 6-0, Sr., 6.9 ppg.

Inside look: Since back-to-back losses in early January, tall, deep Vikings are playing as well as anyone and believe they can win it all.

Gonzaga Prep Bullpups

Location: Spokane

Record: 22-3

Coach: Mike Arte

Key players: Otiona Gildon, 6-0, So., 14.9 ppg; Laura Stockton, 5-8, So., 12.7 ppg; Kayla Leland, 5-5, Jr., 10.1 ppg.

Inside look: Quick, disciplined and balanced, GP makes opponents pick their poison. All three losses came to No. 2 Mead.

Lake Stevens Vikings

Location: Lake Stevens

Record: 19-7

Coach: Randall Edens

Key players: Brooke Pahukoa, 5-9, Sr., 19.6 ppg; Brittney Pahukoa, 5-7, Sr., 5 apg; Kali Long, 5-10, Jr., 9.8 ppg.

Inside look: Pahukoa twins power Vikings team that appears to be peaking at right time and could reach title game.

Arlington Eagles

Location: Arlington

Record: 20-4

Coach: Joe Marsh

Key players: Lindsay Brown, 6-1, Sr., 12.3 ppg; Krista Showalter, 5-8, Sr., 9.4 ppg; Jessica Ludwig, 5-8, So., 7 ppg.

Inside look: Arlington, which started 14-0, is back at state for first time since Kayla Burt's senior year in 2001 and has trophy possibilities.

Skyline Spartans

Location: Sammamish

Record: 20-5

Coach: Greg Bruns

Key players: Haley Smith, 6-1, Sr., 12.4 ppg; Rachel Shim, 5-8, Jr., 3.6 apg; Lacey Nicholson, 5-8, Sr., 8.6 ppg.

Inside look: Smith can be difference-maker and Spartans play the kind of "D" it takes to win, but their half of bracket is brutal.

Kentwood Conquerors

Location: Covington

Record: 19-6

Coach: Lisa Ashley

Key players: Sarah Toeaina, 5-10, Jr., 17.1 ppg; Jenny Johnson, 5-11, Jr., 11.6 ppg; Kate Kramer, 5-9, Jr., 11.6 ppg.

Inside look: Inconsistency has been a problem, but Conks showed how good they can be with upset of No. 3 Lynnwood.

Sandy Ringer