Today we take a look and breakdown the four quarterfinal games taking place in Division IV tonight.

 Today's preview is brought to you by our friends and partners at White Mountains Community College!

 

Division IV 

Division IV Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Derek Tremblay of Mount Royal, Joseph Williams of Holy Family, Meghan Averill of Newmarket, Tim Haskins of Groveton, Dale Prior of Littleton, and Duane Call of Colebrook

 

#9 Holy Family at #1 Littleton

My take: This game features one of the most experienced and deep teams in Littleton and an up-and-coming program in Holy Family. 

 Not many can say they have won a road playoff game at Littleton, Newmarket did so right in front of our very eyes last season, but besides that it is a pretty short list. 

 With how this team functions and controls the tempo of the game it will be hard to slow them down on their home floor.

 Ryenn Pedone has been the difference-maker for the Griffins this season with her ability to create for herself and others. She will see one of if not the toughest defenses she has seen all season with Addison Hadlock leading the charge on that end.

 The Crusader defense can swarm opponents and create easy offense off of turnovers. A two point lead can turn to an eight point margin in the blink of an eye with how this team gets out in transition.

 Elizabeth McGee, Elianny Gonzalez-Pena, and Mariana Vicinanzo have been integral glue pieces to this group all year long, making hustle play after hustle play. 

 They may need to have their best games of the year to keep up with an efficient Littleton offense that features even scoring across the board from Addison Pilgrim (10.8 ppg), Hadlock (10.3 ppg), Lauryn Corrigan (9.8 ppg), and Ella Horsch (8.3 ppg).

 

The Pick: The Crusaders undefeated run continues.

 

#5 Woodsville at #4 Farmington

My take: This might be the game of the quarterfinals in Division IV. We saw this Woodsville team go on the road in the prelims and quarters last year and make a run to the Final Four as a 14-seed. This will be one of the more hostile environments they go into all year, but they have the experience to be ready for this type of challenge. 

 The Tigers took a strong punch from a sneaky Pittsburg-Canaan team but walked away victorious and confident going into this contest with the Engineers. 

 Shaylee DiPrizio doesn't play like an eighth grader, and that showed with her 19-point performance in the opening round. 

 DiPrizio is just one of the many options they can turn to on the offensive end. Five players have scored in double figures at least once this season. The Tigers can spread you out and have players like Madison Ricker, an all-state level talent, and Zoey Johnson who can create their own offense when needed. 

 As for Woodsville, this group is a year older and have played like a semifinal-capable team all year long. 

 Paige Royer will have an advantage on the inside, something Woodsville will look to often in this one. 

 Makayla Walker has evolved as a shooter and a playmaker and her play will be crucial in this one. 

 Eliza Wagstaff and Katie Houston can get timely baskets for this team and scored 10 and 11 points respectively in the round one win over PCA.

Both teams have played the best of the best in their respective parts of the state, so a high leverage game like this shouldn't be one either side shies away in.

 This may come down to who takes advantage of turnovers and second chance opportunities. It would not be surprising if this game is decided in the last few minutes.

 

The Pick: The experience of the Engineers prevails on the road in a 50/50 contest.

 

#6 Wilton-Lyndeborough at #3 Newmarket

My take: This will be a battle of a strong defense and a red-hot offense.

 Newmarket does a great job of forcing opponents to play at their pace. They are very comfortable playing a 27-25 game because they are confident in the stops they can get on defense.

 As for Wilton-Lyndeborough, their first order of business will be trying to get out and run early. We saw Adri Bausha score 30 points in their opening round 55-45 win over Franklin. While the winning team in this one might barely eclipse that mark, Bausha and her sister Lexi will need to get involved in the action early and often.

 Lena Nicholson was the the mismatch the Mules could turn to last year when they needed baskets. Their biggest question coming into the year was where was the offense going to come from outside of Amaya Beckles? 

 Kiara Rugora answered that call in a big way, leading the team in scoring at 10.6 ppg.

 Depth may become important depending on how this game is called. Newmarket can go 9-10 deep while the Warriors stick to a 6-7 player rotation. 

 Whoever imposes their style of play onto the other will be going to the Final Four.

 

The Pick: The Newmarket defense holds a slight edge over an explosive Wilton-Lyndeborough offense. The Mules go back to the Final Four.

 

#10 Profile at #2 Groveton

My take: Two North Country foes will square off in what will surprisingly be the first time this teams meet all year.

 Profile went on the road to Hinsdale in the second time in the span of a week and earned a victory over the Pacers. 

 Evie Burgers' 21 point game helped lead the way in a 50-42 win. Burger is one of the many players on the roster who can get you a bucket. 

 Morgan Presby put together the best season of her career, leading team in scoring at 10.6 ppg. Her along with Mya Brown (8.6 ppg) and Burger have enhanced their game offfensively.

 Groveton controlled the game for the most part against rival Colebrook in the prelims. The defense the Eagles play, especially on their home floor, will be a major advantage in this one. 

 They run an effective fast break and get quality looks for Delaney Whiting and Aspen Clermont in the half-court. 

 Taking care of the ball might be the most important metric in this contest. 

 Makalyn Kenison of the Eagles and Maddie Koehler of the Patriots are two role players who's hustle and connectivity will be big for both squads. 

 Profile has shown they can succeed in grudge matches, and this game could be just that.

 

The Pick: The Eagles defense helps hold off the Patriots at home.