Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — The regular season has concluded, and now the attention turns to playoffs.
Here's a look at the bracket, the favorites, and the dark horses, for every classification for the UHSAA girls state championships.
6A girls basketball
Favorite: Lone Peak Knights
The two-time defending champions are hitting their stride at just the right time. Coach Nancy Warner has especially gotten more out of forward Sarah Bartholomew, who has returned to dominating the paint, just as she did last season. Guard Shawnee Nordstrom has also stepped up as well, as has winger Naia Tanuvasa. A 15-6 record may not seem as dominant as it has in the past, especially with the Knights two seasons removed from an undefeated campaign in 2021-22, but the Knights are still the team to beat, given their pedigree and ability.
Dark horse: Copper Hills Grizzlies
What? The No. 1 seed labeled a dark horse? And this despite the fact they defeated Lone Peak on the road in December?
Here's the truth: Coach Jake Timpson's team still hasn't proven anything yet. They should have no trouble getting to the championship game, especially with Utah Tech commit Ellie Taylor leading the way. As we've seen, the Grizzlies can get contributions from anyone on any given night. With this in mind, the Grizzlies are the only team that can upend Lone Peak's reign in March — and they can certainly do it.
(Scroll to see full bracket)
5A girls basketball
Favorite: Wasatch Wasps
Between Timpview, Bountiful, and Wasatch, the Wasps are the most complete team right now in 5A. The Thunderbirds and Wasps split their two meetings this season, which were defined by late defense and clutch shot-making. Bountiful is dangerous, especially with Milika Satuala, but they haven't shown a consistent ability to get balanced scoring this season yet. Wasatch and Timpview have, but the Wasps have the toughness to battle through adversity, which is what led them to their victory over Timpview — and could lead them to a state championship.
Dark horse: Alta Hawks
Speaking of unexpected stories in basketball this season, the Alta Lady Hawks have put forth their own script. Guard Fui Niumeitolu has been the driver behind a never-say-die attitude that has led the Hawks to a Region 6 championship, capping it off with a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double in their season finale against Brighton. With Wasatch and Alta on opposite sides of the bracket, it's very possible both the favorites and dark horse could meet for a state championship.
(Scroll to see full bracket)
4A girls basketball
Favorite: Ridgeline Riverhawks
When Ridgeline went into Lone Peak and handed the Knights a 46-42 loss in November, you knew this team meant business. They subsequently competed in the Lehi Holiday Hoopfest and gave two Texas powerhouses a run for their money, as well. Guard Emilee Skinner, the leading girls scorer in the state with 24 points per game, has the Riverhawks looking like a wagon, and it certainly is hard to see them being stopped any time soon.
Dark horse: Payson Lions
The undefeated Region 8 champions have something to say about Ridgeline's chances. The Riverhawks need to make a long trip from Logan down to Orem for the state championships, and that could prove to be a huge factor. Additionally, Payson's guards, the Roundy sisters, have stepped up to take some of the load off Oaklie Jackman lately, which has added to the Lions' ability to mess up someone's bracket. If athleticism or even fatigue becomes a factor, the run-and-gun, pressure-driven play of Chad Barr's squad could be a huge advantage in the later rounds of the playoffs.
(Scroll to see full bracket)
3A girls basketball
Favorite: Grantsville Cowgirls
You could argue this team hasn't been tested yet, but they certainly can beg otherwise. A common theme this season is the senior leadership and balanced attacks of a lot of teams, and Grantsville is another team that has exactly that. But they also have length on the wings and depth, which has allowed them to flex their muscle multiple times this season, especially in running to a 10-0 region record.
Dark horse: Carbon Dinos
Carbon has been the hottest team in 3A over the last month or so, and they barely missed out on winning a region championship to the Richfield Wildcats. They also have a signature win on their ledger, a dominant win over 5A squad Orem. Guard Amiah Timothy has been averaging 15 points per game, while Madi Orth has been a force in the middle this season. Even though Carbon will have to go through Richfield again, expect that contest to be closer than the 68-42 rout the Wildcats posted a month ago.
(Scroll to see full bracket)
2A girls basketball
Favorite: Kanab Cowgirls
It's clear no one has been able to stop Kanab this season. Not even Region 15 champion North Summit could slow them down; the Cowgirls defeated the Braves in a preseason tournament in December. They have been ruthlessly sweeping their opponents aside, and their attack led by Rylee Little and Ashlyn Houston have proved too much for teams to stop. They combined for 33 of the 66 points in Kanab's win over Millard last week, with Anna Cutler — the Cowgirls' leading scorer — adding 12 more.
Dark horse: The winner of No. 4 Beaver vs. No. 5 South Sevier (Wednesday, 9:10 p.m. MST)
A rematch of an earlier regular season classic sees South take on the Region 18 runners-up Beavers in the quarterfinals of the playoffs at America First Events Center. The final game of the day is sure to promise fireworks, as whoever wins will cement themselves as a major challenger to Kanab in the semifinals. In the Rams' 59-57 win, I said Kinley Jensen didn't need to carry the load, but she needed others to step up. It was exactly what she got, as Kanzas Mills added 18 crucial points to pick up the slack, while South's defense locked down late to give them a signature win. The winner here could very well win the state championship if they're able to knock off Kanab.
(Scroll to see full bracket)
1A girls basketball
Favorite: Rich Rebels
The Rebels have been the dominant team in Region 22 all season long, running to a 9-0 region record. Their statement win over Tabiona showed just how balanced they are. The Pugmire sisters were held in check, but it was Violet Taylor and Hannah Scott who stepped up to carry the load for Rich. They combined for 28 of the 46 Rebels points that night, and made a clear statement they are the team to beat in 1A.
Dark horse: Tabiona Tigers
Except the dark horse is the team that could pose the most serious threat to the Rebels. Tabiona is equally as balanced, and as equally as deadly. It's no understatement to say they are playing above their seeding line right now. The Region 22 runners-up could very well meet the Rebels in the finals in Richfield, and we could have even more fireworks than in their matchup just 10 days ago.
(Scroll to see full bracket)
