He never did choose. He brought all five of his starters: Emma Miller, Tessa Johnson, Ja’Kahla Craft, Piper Carlson and Lauren Hoselton.

“I brought all five starters because I think that was the best group to bring in,” Hamre said.

That each of the starters made significant contributions made it impossible to single anyone out.

There was Craft hitting four three-pointers to help stake the Knights to a quick 22-11 lead; Johnson making nine of 15 shots from the floor, with six three-pointers, for a team-high 24 points; Miller, at 5-2 the shortest player on the floor, darting and slicing her way to 15 points and nine assists; Carlson ripping down 13 rebounds, and Hoselton bringing length and physicality to the defense.

“Every possession, somebody would make a big play for us when we needed the big play,” Hamre said.

Centennial (19-11) showed its mettle after falling behind by 11 early, rallying for a 26-24 lead and keeping the game close at halftime, but a 17-9 start to the second half doomed the Cougars’ chances.

“They really have lot of length in the wingspan and the arms,” said Centennial coach Jamie Sobilik. “And they do a great job of getting tips and blocks.”

For Johnson, who missed last year with a broken leg, getting back onto the Williams Arena court was special. She spent 2021 helping the team from the bench. “Last year, I felt like I had an impact a little, but this year I’m helping the team a lot more,” she said.