In recent years, the Metro League has seen a feast of representation at the Class 3A state girls basketball tournament. Yet, the opportunities have yielded nothing but famine for the league's top teams.

With Faith Christian, Denver Christian, Machebeuf and Holy Family representing the Denver-based league this weekend, is it time for a breakthrough in Fort Collins?

Maybe, maybe not.

"The strength of our league really shone through at regionals," said Denver Christian coach Becky Mudd, whose team was one of three to win road regional championship games.

"We know that having tough games throughout the season prepares us for this time of year, but (not having a title) goes to show that the tournament is about which team can put together three straight nights of solid basketball.

"All the teams are there for a reason."

Though the Metro League has been renowned for its toughness, four teams from two other leagues will be vying for the same distinction of being the champion.

Colorado Springs Christian and St. Mary's, teams from opposite divisions in the Tri-Peaks League, and Western Slope League teams Basalt and Cedaredge each can make a case for the championship.

Each team has shown vulnerability in recent weeks. Six of the eight teams have 20 wins or more, but the two with fewer than that (Denver Christian and Machebeuf) have wins against at least one other team in the field.

"It is definitely wide open this year," Colorado Springs Christian coach Andy Parks said. "We know that (first-round opponent) Machebeuf is the team that,

recordwise, sticks out. But (the Buffs) are playing their best basketball right now and beat some good teams to get where they are at."

At this point, confidence is shared among every team.

"I think we are scary right now," Mudd said of her Crusaders, the 2006 runners- up. "We are capable of pulling an upset, and that scares teams."

Team-by-team capsules

Basalt (20-4)

• The Longhorns have found a rhythm offensively, having scored more than 70 points in every postseason game. Included in that run is a 21-point district victory against Cedaredge, the Bruins' only loss this season. Cassie Meyer paces the team with a 16.6 scoring average, but Basalt should get 10 to 15 points from its bench. It has won 16 of its past 17 games.

Cedaredge (22-1)

• The Bruins, coming from the Western Slope, have played only Basalt among the remaining teams but own a 2-1 record against the Longhorns. They beat Basalt by 15 points both times during the regular season. The team's strength seems to be defense, having allowed more than 40 points in only eight games. The Bruins don't get a lot of scoring from the bench, but Andrea Ramos and Lexie Galvin lead a solid starting five.

Colorado Springs Christian (22-2)

• The Lions have thrived at home the past few weeks, having played 12 of their past 15 games on their home floor. C.S. Christian holds wins against Denver Christian and Faith Christian - it held the Eagles to a season-low 28 points - and is the deepest team remaining. Steph Friesen (16.4 points) is a long-range threat, and Lindsay Hestermann provides a strong presence off the bench.

Denver Christian (18-6)

• After a 2-3 start, the Crusaders went 16-3 the rest of the way, including wins against Faith Christian and Holy Family. Last week, the Crusaders won two tight contests (wins by four and two points) to vault themselves back to Fort Collins. Denver Christian will look to pound the ball inside behind Chelsea LeFebre (12.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 blocks), but teams will have to watch Caitlin Matthies on the perimeter.

Faith Christian (21-3)

• The postseason road has been undemanding for the Eagles: They have won five games by an average of 22.8 points. The Metro League champions were dominated only once this season, a road loss to Colorado Springs Christian before the holiday break in December. Faith Christian is small and relies on smart play in the halfcourt set, but senior Cortney Bray provides a solid inside presence. Brittany Long averages more than 19 points a game.

Holy Family (21-3)

• The Tigers had another solid year in the Metro League, finishing second, behind Faith Christian. Holy Family bested the 2006 champion, Centauri, in the second round. The Tigers might look back on their first loss - a 42-21 drubbing by Class 2A power Limon - as the eye opener. Jessica Giltner, Dori Gills and Lindsey Halligan are the scorers, while the rest of the team is filled with role players.

Machebeuf (14-10)

• The Buffs might be the surprise team of the field, but they are only one year removed from an appearance at Moby Arena. Machebeuf had lost four of five heading into the second round of districts but has won four in a row to stay alive. Against The Classical Academy in the second round, senior Cheri Palmer posted 30 points in 61-57 victory. Palmer, Erin Doherty and Krista-Lee Roybal are all outside threats.

St. Mary's (20-4)

• The Pirates easily could be 23-1, as three of their losses were by three points or fewer. That includes a 63-61 loss to Machebeuf. St. Mary's, which went on the road to beat Roosevelt to advance, is another extremely balanced team that will rely heavily on the contributions of its bench. Rachel Niles and Julia Saenz lead the offense, which will pound the ball inside.

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