However, with only two seniors on the roster, few players have played on all four state teams.

Senior Nurjei Weems, who led the Islanders with 18 points Thursday, is one.

"It definitely is a nice feeling," Weems said about her team's success. "And I know what to expect so I can help the younger players who haven't been here get ready and prepare for the state tournament."

A casual fan might not realize DeLaSalle is a Class 3A power upon first glance at the roster. The young section roster lists two juniors, eight sophomores, two freshmen, and one eighth-grader to go along with the two seniors. And many of these younger players were factors in last year's state championship win.

Talent helps, and head coach Tanysha Scott said the team's effort is also a significant factor in a young roster competing at the top of Class 3A. 

"It's work," Scott said. "The thing we do with the young girls, they don't have that much experience, but they work hard. Outwork the players you are playing."

DeLaSalle has consistently been ranked at the top of the Class 3A, rankings this winter, and the Islanders will enter this year's tournament as a favorite to repeat as a state champion. Thursday's section opponent Hill-Murray was ranked No. 8 in the state's final Class 3A polls.

But DeLaSalle will try to block out those thoughts of expectations when it steps out on the court for its first-round game on March 11 at Maturi Pavilion.

"We have a lot of pressure; everybody expects us to do it again," Weems said. "We just have to stay focused and do what we need to do. We can definitely do it again."