4A Girls

No. 7 Hesston (17-6)

Senior guard Mallory Schroeder leads the Swathers in scoring (13.5 points), and the other four starters average at least six points. Despite returning only one starter (Schroeder), Hesston has advanced two games farther than last season. The Swathers are a guard-oriented team, as they have only one player taller than 5-foot-10.

No. 2 Holton (23-0)

The Wildcats have no player averaging more than eight points, but have seven players averaging five or more. Holton loves the three-point shot as it has four players shooting 30 percent or better and as a team, the Wildcats have made 74 threes. This year could be the beginning of a long run at the state tournament for Holton as its junior varsity and freshman teams also went undefeated.

4:45 p.m.

No. 6 Circle (19-4)

Junior guard Kyrstie Ehm leads the Thunderbirds in scoring at 16 points and also is the leader in rebounding (7.1), assists (2.5) and steals (2.5). Circle's biggest win was against Rose Hill on Jan. 5, as the Rockets were the defending league champion and a state tournament qualifier in 2009. Despite playing a fast-break style, in order for the Thunderbirds to be successful this week, they must be able to score in the halfcourt.

No. 3 Cheney (23-0)

Nearly everyone returned from last season's third-place team, and with the addition of Hailey Twietmeyer, the Cardinals have been untouched this season. Point guard Ally Nikkel and center Merissa Quick both average 14 points. Only one team has finished within 12 points and Cheney has averaged a 30-point win margin.

6:30 p.m.

No. 8 Basehor-Linwood (16-7)

Post player Megan Bergstrom (5-11) leads the Bobcats in scoring at 14 points. Basehor has gone 11-1 since Jan. 15 and won each game by an average of 18 points. Over the past three seasons, the Bobcats have gone 55-15 and made the state tournament two of those years.

No. 1 Concordia (23-0)

The Panthers carry a 49-game winning streak and the title of defending champion into today's quarterfinals. Few teams can match up with Concordia's size — three starters are 5-11 or taller, including 6-2 center Melissa Hartsel, who will play volleyball at Missouri next year. Leading the Panthers in scoring is 5-7 senior guard Karly Buer (20 points), who is the career scoring leader for Concordia and will play at Missouri State next year.

8:15 p.m.

No. 5 Ottawa (21-2)

The Cyclones' scoring comes from 5-9 guard Jordan Baldwin (14 points), 6-foot forward Kearsten Peoples (12) and 5-7 guard Shelby Miller (9). Ottawa plays swarming defense; averaging 16 steals. Clinging to small leads in the semifinals and finals of their sub-state games, the Cyclones shot poorly from the free-throw line, but in both games, they held their opponents scoreless over the final three minutes.

No. 4 Girard (22-1)

The Trojans ride a senior class that has won four consecutive CNC League titles and is making its second consecutive trip to the state tournament. Girard has won 19 consecutive games and its 22 wins is the most in school history. Leading the Trojans in scoring are guards Carly Twarog and Morgan Boone.

Friday's Semifinals

Hesston-Holton winner vs. Circle-Cheney winner, 3 p.m.

Ottawa-Girard winner vs. Basehor-Linwood-Concordia winner, 6:30

Saturday's Finals

Third-place game, noon

Championship, 4 p.m.

The Eagle's picks

Joanna Chadwick: Concordia over Cheney

Jeffrey Lutz: Concordia over Cheney