3A state regionals: Breakdowns, predictions for South Sound basketball matchups

No. 2 Rainier Beach (18-4) vs. No. 4 Auburn Mountainview (23-1)

8 p.m. Friday at Rogers

About the Vikings: An eight-time state champion against a team that is in its first trip to the state regionals? Rainier Beach likes its chances here, led by guard Sam Cunliffe (21.2 ppg), an Arizona State signee. He leads the three-headed monster with wings Keith Smith (15.7 ppg) and Kevin Porter.

About the Lions: Yes, even as the West Central/Southwest bidistrict champions, they are still the decided underdog. But if they can handle Rainier Beach’s relentless pressure, they have a bona fide star in Western Oregon commit Ryan Lacey (20.1 ppg) — and this group has played together since the fourth grade. Don’t count them out.

TNT pick: Rainier Beach, 71-65

Stanwood (18-6) vs. Enumclaw (13-11)

Noon on Saturday at Rogers

About the Spartans: Talk about a nail-biting postseason, the Wesco North champions had to win three loser-out games — after an early upset loss to Glacier Peak — just to earn a fourth consecutive trip to regionals. Forwards Chase Strieby (13.6 ppg) and A.J. Martinka (13.5 ppg), both juniors, are versatile playmakers.

About the Hornets: This is a team getting healthy at the right time. The No. 5 team from the 3A SPSL made a run to the district title game, losing to league rival Auburn Mountainview. Josh Erickson (16.8 ppg) is a power forward with a sweet shooting stroke. Enumclaw is looking for its first state berth since 2010.

TNT pick: Enumclaw, 60-57

No. 6 Lincoln (21-4) vs. Kamiakin (18-6)

4 p.m. Saturday at Sunnyside

About the Abes: Considering Lincoln was upended in the WCD quarterfinals by Peninsula, this regional draw for the 3A Narrows champion isn’t a bad one. PG Trevion Brown (12.9 ppg, 3.6 apg) needs to steer the ship. Abes also need a big game from forward Willie Thomas (6.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) against a big Kamiakin front line.

About the Braves: They are 3-3 in their past six games, but the Mid-Columbia Conference runner-up did defeat rival Kennewick in a loser-out game to reach the regional round. All-MCC post player Hayden Nelson (15.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg) can play any position on the floor at 6 foot 8.

TNT pick: Lincoln, 64-61.

Cleveland (21-6) vs. No. 7 Peninsula (21-3)

4 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Tahoma

About the Eagles: One of those talented and scrappy teams from the Metro League, led by forward C.J. Elleby (16.3 ppg) and guard Davon Bolton (15.8 ppg). The Metro Valley runner-up to Garfield does not have a lot of size, and can go through scoring spells if defenses can get Cleveland in long possessions.

About the Seahawks: Peninsula knows how to play against breakneck pressure — it is 5-0 against Tacoma city schools this season. A lot of that has to do with JaQuori McLaughlin (16.4 ppg, 8.6 apg, 5.3 steals), an Oregon State signee. Jimmy Ritchie (12.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg) returns from a foot injury.

TNT pick: Peninsula, 57-53.

No. 10 Wilson (18-6) vs. No. 1 Garfield (22-2)

8 p.m. Saturday at Bellevue College

About the Rams: With David Jenkins Jr. (26.2 ppg), the Rams are never out of it. He scores in bunches, and will be motivated against the state’s best team. Scintillating sophomore forward Emmitt Mathews Jr. (15.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg) broke his finger in Monday’s practice, but is expected to play. His biggest job might be to keep high-flying Garfield off the boards.

About the Bulldogs: The defending 3A champions are on the path toward their third consecutive state championship. Ranked 25th in USA Today’s Super 25, they are talented and deep, led by guard Jaylen Nowell (17.3 ppg) and forward Alphonso Anderson (12.7 ppg), who faces his old school for the first time.

TNT pick: Garfield, 80-69.

No. 5 Auburn Riverside (23-1) vs. Edmonds-Woodway (15-10)

6 p.m. Friday at Puyallup

About the Ravens: The 3A SPSL champions saw their perfect season end in the West Central/Southwest bidistrict title game against Lincoln (50-33). Guard McKenzi Williams (16.2 ppg) makes it all go, and does her damage getting to the basket. Post player Faith Turner, a junior, usually cleans it up if Williams does not score.

About the Warriors: Want a true Cinderella team to root for? Look no further than this group, which not only had to win three loser-out games in the district tournament to reach the state regionals for the first time since 2014 — the Warriors also had to win a district play-in game as Wesco South No. 4 seed.

TNT pick: Auburn Riverside, 58-44.

No. 7 Lincoln (23-1) vs. Rainier Beach (17-5)

6 p.m. Friday at Rogers

About the Abes: Lincoln is riding a 20-game winning streak, led by forward Tamia Braggs (19.6 ppg, 10.0 rpg), the three-time 3A Narrows MVP, and Morticia McCall (11.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg). Guard Faith Brantley has been much-needed distributor for the Abes’ talented frontcourt.

About the Vikings: The one loss the Abes had this season? It came early against Cleveland — and its Metro League counterpart plays much the same way. Guard NiRae Petty (12.1 ppg) will push the tempo at both ends, and Rainier Beach — the Metro’s fifth seed — will full-court press for 32 minutes.

TNT pick: Lincoln, 68-61.

Auburn Mountainview (19-5) vs. Mount Spokane (13-10)

6 p.m. Saturday at Ellensburg

About the Lions: Keep this name in mind when you think of the best outside shooters remaining in the postseason — Taylor Flores (14.2 ppg). Flores is a ninth-grader who eats up zone defenses. Guard Brianna Zaragoza-Jones rounds out a formidable backcourt.

About the Wildcats: Don’t let the record fool you — Mount Spokane is the favorite here. Why? The Wildcats come out of the battle-tested 4A/3A Greater Spokane League with six wins over 4A schools. Guard Jaidyn Lyman (10.0 ppg) will be looking for forward Jordan Smith (13.7 ppg) on the wing.

TNT pick: Mount Spokane, 48-42.

No. 10 Wilson (18-6) vs. No. 1 Bellevue (22-0)

6 p.m. Saturday at Bellevue College

About the Rams: Their streak of five consecutive Tacoma Dome trips is in serious jeopardy. Forward Kiki Knox (19.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 5.6 steals) is doing everything, especially handing the basketball after guard Josie Matz (knee) was lost for the year. Wilson is a relentless rebounding squad.

About the Wolverines: What is not to like about this returning state semifinalist? Bellevue has arguably the best point guard in the state in Anna Wilson (16.0 ppg, 4.8 apg), the sister of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. And forward Shelby Cansler (18.2 ppg) scores at will. Sixteen of Bellevue’s victories have been by 30 or more points.

TNT pick: Bellevue, 76-62.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 10:15 PM with the headline "3A state regionals: Breakdowns, predictions for South Sound basketball matchups."