The Maricopa High School girls’ basketball team takes on Notre Dame Preparatory High 7 p.m. tonight in the first-round state championships.
The team is 4-1 in league play and 17-11 overall.
The two teams met twice during the regular season and split games.
After missing the playoffs last year, the Rams are back after competing in the state championship during the 2009-2010 season.
The Rams will be without junior center Gretchen Lauterbach, who is indefinitely out with a concussion.
Coach Jenn Miller said she is confident in her team and said they match up well with Notre Dame.
“If the girls will communicate on defense and we can stay out of foul trouble we can handle their big,” Miller said.
The Rams are coming off a 43-57 loss to Queen Creek during sectional playoffs.
They suffered a similar fate last season to Flowing Wells at the sectionals.
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