WIAA Girls Basketball Championships: Cheyenne Hull Named MVP

Cheyenne Hull - Davis Celebrates First Girls Basketball State Championship

Image: KIMA Action News | YouTube

Several Washington high school girls basketball programs celebrated their inaugural WIAA championship during the 2024-25 season, while others continued to build on their strong traditions.

Below are the results of the Washington all-classification player of the year, coach of the year, and the first and second all-state teams, along with individual all-state teams, players, and coaches of the year for each of the six WIAA girls basketball classifications.

The selections are based on achievements throughout the season, including team and postseason success, alongside discussions with coaches and media statewide:

2024-25 All-State Washington High School Girls Basketball Teams

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Cheyenne Hull, Davis of Yakima, sophomore

Sometimes, even Davis of Yakima girls coach Akil White finds it hard to believe.

He has always recognized Hull’s defensive prowess. As a freshman the previous season, she was the only one capable of guarding leading scorer Esmeralda Galindo during practices.

What White witnessed this season, however, was what everyone else saw in Hull—her emergence as the most well-rounded player in the state.

The 6-foot player averaged 21.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game (with an occasional elbow or push), earning the 4A CBBN most valuable player title and leading the Pirates to their first WIAA championship.

“She has always been this monster kid defensively,” White mentioned. “But she had some issues last year with her shot. She put in the hard work in the gym… to become one of the best shooters in the state.”

“The thing is, she is still not satisfied. She believes there’s another level for her to reach… like the South Carolina and Louisville level.”

COACH OF THE YEAR: Nikki Nelson, Northwest Christian of Colbert

After coaching the junior-varsity squad last season at West Valley of Spokane, Nelson contemplated when she might return to a head coach position.

The Chewelah native, who played at the University of New Mexico, had previously coached at Central Kitsap until 2015 before relocating east for a position at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, which consumed much of her time.

However, when Geoff Tibbetts resigned just weeks before the start of the Northwest Christian season, a friend from NBC Basketball Camps urged her to consider applying for the vacancy.

Nelson was grateful she did.

After overcoming some initial challenges in building the team, Nelson and the Crusaders entered a new gear prior to the postseason. As the No. 8 seed in the Class 2B championships, they triumphed over No. 1 Rainier, 2B Northeast champion Reardan, and finally the tournament favorite Adna in the finals to secure the gold trophy—the first in the school’s history.

Nelson’s always-optimistic coaching style and her staff significantly aided in quickly establishing a new team chemistry and rhythm of play.

“It’s astonishing what we accomplished,” said Nelson. “The key was that the girls really bought in.

“After we defeated Rainier (at regionals), we caught the buzz.”

Undoubtedly, Nelson will return for Year 2, equipped with four starters expected to come back.

ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM

Guard: Brooklynn Haywood, Union (4A), jr.

Faced more double teams than any other perimeter player and still led the state in scoring with an impressive 31.4 points per game. With a total of 2,042 points, she has a solid chance to become the state’s first 3,000-point scorer.

Forward: Brynn McGaughy, Central Valley (3A), sr.

Achieving a sweep of the state’s major accolades (McDonald’s All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year), she remained a dominating presence on the court despite battling health issues, averaging 16.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game for the well-rounded state champions.

Guard: Finley Parcher, Lynden (2A), soph.

When it comes to off-the-dribble strength and overall playmaking ability, she emerged as the premier guard in the state, boasting impressive averages of 22.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 steals. Parcher showcased her exceptional skills as the Lions defended their Class 2A title.

Guard: Jamison Philip, Ellensburg, (2A), sr.

With quick hands, high energy, and a competitive spirit befitting of a champion, the two-time 2A CWAC MVP (10.2 ppg, 6.6 apg, 3.8 steals; scored 1,000 career points) consistently demonstrated her prowess on the court.

Guard: Ashley Uusitalo, Lake Washington (4A), jr.

Already recognized as the program’s all-time leader in 3-point shooting, the 4A KingCo MVP (17.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.0 steals) is among the elite two-way guards in the state, driven by an incredible desire to win.

ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM

Guard: Kawehi Borden, Sumner (4A), soph.

A standout from the talented 2027 class, she was the 4A SPSL player of the year, averaging 16.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. Once she hit her stride, the Spartans followed suit, reaching another WIAA title match.

Center: Julia Dalan, W.F. West (2A), sr.

Unquestionably, the most accomplished player in Bearcats history, she leaves a legacy marked by individual achievements (1,941 points, 1,285 rebounds, 514 blocks) and team success (four WIAA tournament appearances, two trophies).

Guard: Soraya Ogaldez, North Thurston, (3A), sr.

An exciting guard to watch – and a nightmare to defend. As the 3A PSL player of the year, she was a dominant force in the lanes and will continue her career at North Florida as her school’s all-time scoring leader (2,180 points).

Center: Malia Ruud, Chiawana (4A), sr.

Her physicality in the paint made her one of the toughest competitors in the state. A Washington State University signee, she also flaunted her skills as the program’s leading scorer (1,867 points) and rebounder (1,173).

Guard: Keirra Thompson, Camas (4A), sr.

Thompson, Camas (4A), sr.

Arguably the most exceptional player in the program’s history, she departs with 1,218 career points, 667 assists, eight school records, and a WIAA title in hand as she heads to Boise State.


CLASS 4A

Player of the year: Cheyenne Hull, Davis of Yakima, soph. (21.7 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 5.0 apg, 4.0 steals)

Coach of the year: Akil White, Davis of Yakima

FIRST TEAM

  • G Kawehi Borden, Sumner, soph.
  • G Brooklynn Haywood, Union, jr.
  • C Malia Ruud, Chiawana, sr.
  • G Keirra Thompson, Camas, sr.
  • G Ashley Uusitalo, Lake Washington, jr.

SECOND TEAM

  • G Olivia Collins, Sumner, jr.
  • G Isa Garcia, Davis of Yakima, soph.
  • G Avery Hansen, Auburn, soph.
  • G Navaeh Parrish, Davis of Yakima, jr.
  • F Hailey Quiggle, Woodinville, sr.

CLASS 3A

Player of the year: Brynn McGaughy, Central Valley, sr. (16.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.9 blocks, 1.3 apg)

Coach of the year: Jason Wilson, Central Valley

FIRST TEAM

  • G Willa Chinn, Lakeside of Seattle, sr.
  • F Tyler Gildersleeve-Stiles, Snohomish, sr.
  • G Jayda Lewis, Garfield, sr.
  • G Emma Myers, Ridgeline, sr.
  • G Soraya Ogaldez, North Thurston, sr.

SECOND TEAM

  • G Shayla Cordis, North Thurston, jr.
  • G Dilynn Johnson, Bellevue, fr.
  • C Amy Nduka, Eastside Catholic, fr.
  • F Grace Renners, Seattle Prep, sr.
  • G Maggee Schmitz, White River, soph.

CLASS 2A

Player of the year: Finley Parcher, Lynden, soph. (22.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3.0 steals)

Coach of the year: Rob Adams, Lynden

FIRST TEAM

  • G Ashlan Bryant, Deer Park, jr.
  • C Julia Dalan, W.F. West, sr.
  • G Ava Marr, Archbishop Murphy, sr.
  • G Jamison Philip, Ellensburg, sr.
  • F Herbie Wright, Prosser, soph.

SECOND TEAM

  • G Brooke Blachly, Archbishop Murphy, jr.
  • G Dilyn Boeck, W.F. West, soph.
  • G Jacey Boesel, Deer Park, jr.
  • C Payton Mills, Lynden, jr.
  • G/F Bella Standish, Ellensburg, soph.

CLASS 1A

Player of the year: Kaleo Anderson, King’s, jr. (23.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.2 steals)

Coach of the year: Mark DeJonge, Bellevue Christian

FIRST TEAM

  • G Ellie Bost, Naches Valley, sr.
  • G Ella Fritts, Lynden Christian, sr.
  • C Makenna Klitzke, Zillah, soph.
  • F Olivia Reynolds, Bellevue Christian, jr.
  • F Addy Taylor, Bellevue Christian, sr.

SECOND TEAM

  • C Grace DeHoog, Nooksack Valley, jr.
  • F Maddy Jewett, Naches Valley, sr.
  • G Aaliyeh Martin, Annie Wright, jr.
  • G Kiana Skogstad, Bellevue Christian, jr.
  • G Trinity Wheeler, Wapato, sr.

CLASS 2B

Player of the year: Karsyn Freeman, Adna, sr. (25.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.8 spg, 4.0 apg)

Coach of the year: Nikki Nelson, Northwest Christian of Colbert

FIRST TEAM

  • G Pepper Boesel, Brewster, soph.
  • G Hayden Kaut, Napavine, jr.
  • C Macey Shamblin, Northwest Christian of Colbert, jr.
  • G Kaitlyn Waters, Northwest Christian of Colbert, jr.
  • F/G Tenice Waters, Reardan, soph.

SECOND TEAM

  • G Angelica Askey, Rainier, sr.
  • G Zoe Galbreath, Lind-Ritzville-Sprague, jr.
  • G Gracie Glondo, Cle Elum-Roslyn, jr.
  • G Ruthie Rozema, Mount Vernon Christian, sr.
  • G Glenna Soliday, Davenport, jr.

CLASS 1B

Player of the year: Qwaapeys “Q” Greene, Neah Bay, jr. (15.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 steals)

Coach of the year: Cherish Moss, Neah Bay

FIRST TEAM

  • G Kyra Brantner, Garfield-Palouse, soph.
  • G Holly Finkbeiner, Waterville-Mansfield, jr.
  • G/F Elena Flansburg, Garfield-Palouse, jr.
  • G Cerise Moss, Neah Bay, jr.
  • C Danea Norman, Wellpinit, sr.

SECOND TEAM

  • G Ellie Collier, Garfield-Palouse, 8th
  • F Julia George, Yakama Tribal, jr.
  • F Bradyn Henley, Oakesdale, jr.
  • G Rayah Hill, Wellpinit, sr.
  • F Delainey Nelson, Waterville-Mansfield, soph.
  1. Athletic Highlights

    Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.

    The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.

    “Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”

    Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.

    “I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”

    This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.

    “I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”

    Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.

    “I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.

    The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.

    The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.

    Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.

    The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.

    The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.

    The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.

    The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.

    For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

    The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.

    For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

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  2. Athletic Highlights

    Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.

    Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.

    “you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”

    A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.

    Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.

    Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.

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  3. Athletic Highlights

    Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.

    Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.

    Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29

    1. Bay City Western (12-1)

    Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.

    2. De La Salle (12-2)

    The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.

    3. Northville (14-1)

    The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.

    4. Dakota (11-4)

    After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.

    5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)

    The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.

    6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)

    With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.

    7. Saline (15-1)

    The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.

    8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)

    OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.

    9. Romeo (16-2)

    The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.

    10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)

    Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.

    11. Hudsonville (12-2)

    The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.

    12. Jenison (8-2)

    The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.

    13. New Boston Huron (16-0)

    The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.

    14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)

    The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.

    15. West Bloomfield (8-3)

    The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

    16. Dexter (13-6)

    The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

    17. Woodhaven (15-5)

    The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

    18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

    Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

    19. Trenton (13-3)

    The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

    20. Midland (6-2)

    Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

    21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

    Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

    22. Detroit Western (13-5)

    After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

    23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

    The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

    24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

    Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

    25. Allen Park (8-5)

    The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

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