AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW
COACH: Chris Carr, eighth year
LAST SEASON: 20-6 overall, second in SPSL 3A with 9-1 record
TOP PERFORMERS: Aly Carr, senior, 5-9 guard; Sammi DePiano, junior, 5-3 guard; and Molly Cichosz, junior, 6-1 post; Allison Hammer, junior, 5-6 guard.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Nicole Carter, junior, 5-7 guard; Elli Alfrey, sophomore, 5-6 guard; Mariah McHenry, junior 5-5 guard; Kaitlyn Jensen, junior, 5-7 guard; Madison Newell, junior, 5-6 guard; Maddie Taylor, junior, 5-8 post; and Anastasia Finney, junior, 5-7 forward.
LAST STATE APPEARANCE: 2011.
OUTLOOK: With just one returning varsity starter and senior back in Carr, the Lions are short on experience and long on team chemistry and speed. The Lions hope to emerge quickly, despite facing a tough nonleague schedule. This season will be Chris Carr’s last at the helm of the program.
AUBURN RIVERSIDE
COACH: Tim Nelson, first year
LAST SEASON: 19-6 overall, third in the South Puget Sound League North 4A with a 13-3 record
TOP PERFORMERS: Shantell Jackson, senior, 5-foot-9 guard; Kendall Foster, senior, 5-5 guard; and Brittni Williams, senior, 5-6 guard.
LAST STATE APPEARANCE: 2011. Ravens won the 4A state title in 2010, took 3A crowns in 2007 and 2008.
OUTLOOK: The Ravens feature a new coach, with Enumclaw legend Tim Nelson taking the reigns. Nelson helped guide the Hornets to six state tournament appearances, including a second-place finish in 1998. Nelson has a strong core of returning seniors and good team speed to help him keep the Ravens in state contention.
AUBURN
COACH: Adam Ladage, third year
LAST SEASON: 6-10 overall, sixth in the SPSL North 4A with a 7-13 record.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jasmine Tomac, senior, 5-7 guard; and Seandalynn Faleagafulu, junior, 5-5 guard; Taryn Papillon, senior, 5-10 post.
LAST STATE APPEARANCE: 2008.
OUTLOOK: The Trojans, a couple years removed from a state appearance, hope to return the the big stage. Auburn’s starting lineup has been playing together for years, and Ladage believes some tough defensive play can push the Trojans into the postseason.