TONIGHT: Hazen Plays First Round State Playoff Game

What: First Round State Playoff Game

When: Friday, Feb. 25, 5:45 p.m.

Where: Marysville-Pilchuck High School, 5611 108th Street NE, Marysville

Situation: The WIAA switched things up this year with the state basketball playoff format, switching from the old 16-team, four-day Tacoma Dome event to one that features four different regional rounds followed by a round of eight the following weekend at the T-Dome.

Each regional site will feature four teams, two of which will advance to the round of eight. Every regional will have one automatic advance game and one loser-out game on Friday. The winner of the loser-out game will then play the loser of the automatic advance game on Saturday for the final spot in the round of eight from the regional. For example, Hazen and Mountlake Terrace play in the loser-out game of the Marysville-Pilchuck region on Friday, while Seattle Prep and Glacier Peak play in the automatic advance game. The winner of the Hazen/MT game will advance to play Saturday, while the loser will be eliminated. The winner of the Seattle Prep/Glacier Peak game automatically advances to the round of eight at the Tacoma Dome, while the loser plays the winner of the Hazen/MT game on Saturday for the final spot in the round of eight out of the region.

Teams:

(21-6) – Hazen stumbled early in the playoffs losing three of four, before rallying to win three straight and secure a state bid out of districts. The Highlanders have four players who average in double-digits, led by R.J. Magar at over 15 points per game.

Mountlake Terrace (13-12) – The Hawks were three games under .500 just four weeks ago, closed the season strong to sneak into the round of sixteen. Mountlake Terrace is led in scoring by Zack Karels, who averages 12.5 ppg.