NPSL District Tournament preview: Girls basketball

The postseason has arrived and for the NPSL, the district tournament is on the docket for the qualified teams. Here are the matchups and some information on the first round of the Girls West Central District matchups. All games are on Feb. 13, 2025.

3A matchups

• (15) Silas @ (2) White River

Last meeting: N/A

Skinny: White River girls have been on an absolute tear this year, and since the calendar flipped to 2025, the Hornets are 13-0. Losses to Lynden and Bellevue Christian are the only blemishes on the White River record this season.

The Hornets have averaged 72.8 points per game, the most in the NPSL by 21 points (Enumclaw 51.5 PPG). Defensively, they allowed the third fewest points in the league.

• (11) Enumclaw @ (6) Auburn Mountainview

Last meeting: Jan. 21, 2025; Auburn Mountainview 54, Enumclaw 43

Skinny: Enumclaw finished two games behind of the Lions in the standings this season. The two sides met three weeks ago at Enumclaw where the Lions defeated the Hornets. It was the start of a rough stretch of play where the Hornets lost four out of six games to close out the season.

Now the Lions play host. They have won four straight games and have lost just one game since Jan. 11.

• (13) Thomas Jefferson @ (4) Mountain View

Last meeting: Dec. 21, 2015; Mountain View 45, Thomas Jefferson 29

Skinny: Thomas Jefferson’s impressive one-point win over Enumclaw sealed a 12-win season, something that hasn’t happened since 2019. The Raiders have had an odd season, with blowout losses against Bonney Lake, Enumclaw and North Creek at the start. The Raiders ended up beating Decatur and Enumclaw to close out the season.

Thomas Jefferson has made the district tournament for just the third time since that 2019 season.

• (14) Decatur @ (3) Bellarmine Prep

Last meeting: Feb. 17, 2023; Bellarmine 64, Decatur 37

Skinny: Bellarmine has been running through their opponents this season. With an 18-6 record, the team that has given the Lions the most problems has been North Thurston, which accounts for two of the six losses.

But a good sign for the Gators is on Jan. 31, the Lions fell to 15th seeded Silas, 45-43. So there is a bit of hope for the Gators, who have been fighting for consistency this season.

• (16) Federal Way @ (1) North Thurston

Last meeting: Feb. 25, 1998; Federal Way 64, North Thurston 35

Skinny: Unfortunately for the Eagles, they are tasked with arguably the best team in the state in the North Thurston Rams. Federal Way made the postseason for the first time since 2016 this season.

The Eagles’ 8-win season is the most wins in a single season since that 2016 season. If the Eagles win just a single game during the district tournament, it will be their first win since 2013.

4A matchups

• (14) Spanaway Lake @ (3) Tahoma

Last meeting: Dec. 29, 2006; Tahoma 67, Spanaway Lake 33

Skinny: Tahoma continued their dominance of the NPSL in girls basketball as they posted an 18-3 record. Their biggest wins of the season were a sweep over Auburn to clinch the league title.

Tahoma’s losses this season came against perennial state threats in Mead, Lynden and Davis.

• (11) Bethel @ (6) Auburn

Last meeting: Feb. 12, 2011; Auburn 53, Bethel 42

Skinny: It was kind of a disappointing season for the Trojans on the court this season. Not that there is anything to be disappointed about with a 15-6 record, but the Trojans just couldn’t find a way to beat the top teams in the regular season.

Tahoma swept the Trojans and with an early season surprise loss at Kennedy. Auburn also fell to North Thurston and Woodinville. In the two Tahoma games, the Trojans lost by a combined three points. By no means have the Trojans been “out” of any of their six losses — it’s just that the ball didn’t bounce their way. A third matchup with Tahoma could be on the horizon.

• (9) Kennedy Catholic @ (8) Rogers

Last meeting: N/A

Skinny: Kennedy made big strides this season, going from 8-13 to 15-5. The Lancers’ sweeping of Kentwood and splitting the season series with Auburn were marks of success for Kennedy.

Rogers is a good test for the Lancers. They finished 14-7 and are coming into the district tournament on a four-game winning streak.

• (13) Kentwood @ (4) Camas

Last meeting: Dec. 6, 2024; Camas 73, Kentwood 52

Skinny: Kentwood sneaks into the postseason despite being at one point 3-11. Jessica Ajayi has the ability to carry the Conks to beat anybody. Kentwood ended their year winning four of their last six to get into the postseason.

Camas and Kentwood have played twice in the past three seasons and the Papermakers have outscored the Conks 133-84 in the two games.

• (15) Kentridge @ (2) Sumner

Last meeting: Feb. 9 2024; Sumner 70, Kentridge 39

Skinny: Kentridge has now made its 12th straight district tournament dating back to 2013. The Chargers are paired up with Sumner in the opening round for the first time since 2022 (Sumner #1, Kentridge #8).

The Chargers come in a little cold, winning just one of their last four games of the regular season. But a win two games before the end of the season over Riverside gives the Chargers a little momentum.