State 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A boys capsules: Gonzaga Prep, Mt. Spokane take title hopes to Tacoma

4A: Tacoma Dome

(2) Gonzaga Prep

Record: 22-2, 14-0. GSL 4A champ, Dist. 8 champs.

When: Thursday at 2 p.m., quarterfinal.

Regional: Beat (7) Curtis 65-47.

Key players: GSL MVP Anton Watson, senior, (21.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.8 apg); Liam Lloyd, junior, (13.2 ppg, 1st team); Carter Sonneborn, sr., (8.1 ppg); Sheadon Byrd, sr., (9.3 ppg); Jacob Parola, sr.

Outlook: Defending State 4A champion. Watson, headed for Gonzaga in the fall, is reigning state tourney MVP and AP state player of the year. Only losses were in national tournaments.

Quote: “I think we are playing our best basketball of the season right now. I am excited to spend one more week competing with this group.” –Coach Matty McIntrye.

3A: Tacoma Dome

(2) Mt. Spokane

Record: 21-1, 11-1. GSL 3A champ, Dist. 8 champ.

When: Thursday at 9 p.m., quarterfinal.

Regional: Beat (7) Prairie 71-52.

Key players: Tyson Degenhart, sophomore, (20.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1st team); Jerry Twenge, sr., (15.7 ppg, 1st team); JT Smith, sr., (11.6 ppg, 2nd team); Tanner Brooks, sr., (7.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, hon. mention).

Outlook: Spencer Barrera (5.3 ppg) is tremendous defender. Only loss is to G-Prep on Dec. 4.

Quote: “If we play hard and together on every possession, we are just as good as any team in the tourney.” – Coach David Wagenblast.

2A: Yakima SunDome

(5) Pullman

Record: 20-5, 8-4. GNL runner-up, Dist. 7 runner-up.

When: Thursday at 9 a.m., quarterfinal.

Regional: Beat (4) Burlington/Edison 69-68.

Key players: Jacob Wells, sr., (22 ppg, 7 rpg. 1st team all-GNL); Isaiah Strong, jr. (2nd team all-GSL).

Outlook: Started season 12-0, lost four of six midseason. Would face Clarkston in quarters if Bantams advance.

Quote: “We are looking forward to the tourney. Our kids are pumped to be there and looking forward to the opportunity.” – Coach Craig Brantner.

(6) Clarkston

Record: 15-8, 10-2. GNL champ, Dist. 7 champ.

When: Wednesday at 9 a.m. vs (14) Liberty.

Regional: Lost to (3) North Kitsap 59-51.

Key players: Brandton Chatfield, sr., (15.0 ppg, 12.8 rpg. 1st team all-GNL); Tru Allen, jr. (16.8 ppg. first team all-GNL).

Outlook: Won season series with Pullman 3-1.

Quote: “All 12 teams have a legitimate shot. This is one of the best fields I have seen over the last several years.” – Coach Justin Jones.

1A: Yakima SunDome

(7) Deer Park

Record: 20-3, 10-2. NEA champ, Dist. 7 champ.

When: Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. vs (10) King’s.

Regional: Lost to (2) La Center 63-46.

Key players: NEA MVP Isaac Berglund, sr., (10 ppg); Jobi Gelder, jr., (23.6 ppg, 1st team); Dawson Youngblood, soph., (9.6 ppg, 2nd team).

Outlook: First league title for program. Undersized but has the ability to score with any team at state.

Quote: “We need to be aggressive on the offensive end and solid rebounding. The guys are excited and deserve this opportunity.” – Coach Chad Hand.