Sterling girls basketball secures No. 5 seed for 4A state playoffs

Tigers will host regional tournament for first time in nearly a decade

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Sterling High School's girls basketball team has secured the No. 5 seed for the Class 4A state playoffs, meaning they will host the first two rounds of the regional tournament this weekend. This is the first time in nearly a decade that Sterling has hosted a regional tournament, and the team is excited to bring the games back home.

Why it matters

Hosting a regional tournament is a significant accomplishment for the Sterling girls basketball team, as it has been almost 10 years since they last had this opportunity. This speaks to the strength of the team this season, as they have built up an 18-5 record and are one of the top teams in Class 4A.

The details

The Tigers will host No. 28 Rifle in the first round on Friday night. Sterling has been led by freshman Karsyn Tonche, who is averaging 16.6 points per game, and senior Taylor Tonche, who is averaging 11.9 points per game. The team's defense has also been a key factor in their success this season.

  • On Sunday, CHSAA released the brackets for the Class 4A state tournament.
  • The Tigers will host the first two rounds of regionals starting on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Makenzie Beck

A player on the Sterling High School girls basketball team.

Amber Whitlock

The head coach of the Sterling High School girls basketball team.

Karsyn Tonche

A freshman on the Sterling High School girls basketball team who is averaging 16.6 points per game.

Taylor Tonche

A senior on the Sterling High School girls basketball team who is averaging 11.9 points per game.

Sofiya Seeman

A player on the Rifle High School girls basketball team who is averaging 9 points per game.

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What they’re saying

“It was pretty cool. We kind of had a good idea after the Platte Valley game the other night, but just finding that solidification on the website, it made it pretty sweet.”

— Amber Whitlock, Head Coach (journal-advocate.com)

“It feels good being top eight in the 4A. I think one of the parents had told me that they're pretty sure it's been since 2018 that Sterling's been able to host regionals. We're pretty excited for the girls and bringing it back home for these first few games.”

— Amber Whitlock, Head Coach (journal-advocate.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.