WNPA Playoffs Preview: Where Stars Become Names You Remember
The lights are brighter.
The pressure is heavier.
And every possession means more.
The WNPA Playoffs are here—and everything that happened in the regular season?
That was just the setup.
Now it’s about who delivers when it matters most.
This is where stars take over.
Where matchups become moments.
Where reputations are built—or broken.
Every team has earned their place.
But only one will leave with it all.
This isn’t just playoff basketball.
This is where the game changes.
(5) CODE Sports Academy vs (8) Sacred Heart
This matchup is physical from the jump.
And it starts inside.
Emmanuelle Broude (6’1 F, Class of 2026) anchors CODE with size, strength, and control in the paint. She owns the glass, protects the rim, and gives CODE a presence that shapes every possession.
But Sacred Heart brings someone ready for that battle.
Chloe Kengne (5’11 F, Class of 2028)—the leading rebounder in the WNPA (11.3 RPG)—plays bigger than her size and brings relentless energy on the glass.
This isn’t a mismatch.
It’s a fight.
Then comes the perimeter.
Sacred Heart brings the Bowen sisters:
- Sierra Bowen (6’1 PG, Class of 2028) — a big guard who can score at all three levels and control stretches of the game
- Annabelle Bowen (6’0 G, Class of 2030) — young, confident, and already producing in big moments
They don’t just play together.
They feed off each other.
CODE counters with a backcourt duo that brings pressure and toughness.
- Olivia Plummer (5’8 G, Class of 2026)
- Ella Plummer (5’7 PG, Class of 2026) — averaging nearly 3 steals per game, constantly disrupting passing lanes and creating transition opportunities
Together, they bring defense, energy, and shot-making that balances Broude’s interior presence.
So what decides it?
- Broude vs Kengne → control of the glass
- Plummer sisters → defensive pressure
- Bowen sisters → scoring bursts
This isn’t your typical 5 vs 8.
This is a game that could go down to the wire.
(4) King’s Christian vs (9) Notre Dame
King’s Christian is built on control.
And it starts with Gaby Morash (5’6 PG, Class of 2026)—the league leader in assists at 7.8 per game.
She controls tempo, reads defenses, and keeps everything organized.
She engineers the game.
Behind her is one of the most impactful interior defenders in the league:
Emma Dongelmans (6’5 F/C, Class of 2026) — leading the WNPA in blocks at 3.0 per game, altering everything around the rim.
On the perimeter, Alex Newson (5’9 G, Class of 2026) provides scoring and spacing that stretches defenses.
And what makes this group even more dangerous?
All three are ranked Top 10 in the NPH Class of 2026 Rankings.
Notre Dame is newer—but dangerous.
In just their second year, they’ve shown they can compete.
Mya Regier (5’6 PG, Class of 2026, UNBC commit) brings poise and control, while
Severyn Ferrara-Horne (5’11 G, Class of 2026) adds perimeter scoring and shot-making.
With Head Coach Marc Ffrench leading the group, they stay disciplined and prepared.
King’s will be tough to take down.
But Notre Dame is learning fast.
And in a playoff setting like this—an upset isn’t out of the question.
(6) St. Jude’s vs (7) Edge School
This one feels like a feature game.
A cross-country matchup between experience and structure.
Start with St. Jude’s.
Silvana Maldonado (5’8 G, Class of 2026) is one of the top performers in the WNPA.
- 14.3 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 2.8 SPG
She impacts every part of the game—scoring, rebounding, and defense.
Alongside her, Miriam Henriques (5’7 G, Class of 2027) brings stability, spacing, and experience.
Edge School comes in from Calgary with discipline and execution.
- Sadie Secord (6’0 SG, Class of 2027) — one of the most dangerous scorers in the league
- Kadie Anderson (5’7 G, Class of 2026) — calm, controlled, and a steady presence
Last matchup?
14 points and 4 steals for Anderson.
She controlled both ends.
Add in Chloe Wondrasek (5’3 PG, Class of 2029)—fearless, energetic, and disruptive—and Edge brings balance across the board.
This game comes down to matchups.
- Maldonado’s impact vs Edge’s balance
- Senior experience vs structured execution
This one has everything to be the best game of the first round.
Top Seeds & Championship Contenders
(1) Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA)
FEIA has set the tone all season.
And it starts with Amelia Sow (6’1 PG, Class of 2027).
- 19.8 PPG (2nd in league)
- Top 5 in assists
At 6’1, she plays like a guard with size—creating, scoring, and controlling the game.
Then there’s Portia Reisen (5’9 G/F, Class of 2028).
The #1 ranked player in the NPH Class of 2028 Rankings.
- 2nd in steals
- 2nd in 3PM (24)
She impacts both ends and plays with confidence beyond her years.
And Camille Pangonis (5’11 G/F, Class of 2026)
- 21 made threes
She can flip a game quickly with her shooting.
FEIA brings size, skill, and control.
They don’t just win. They overwhelm.
(2) Royal Crown
The defending WNPA champions.
Fresh off an OSBA title.
And led by one of the most impactful guards in the league:
Chance Berry (5’10 G, Class of 2027)
- 19.1 PPG (3rd)
- 5.7 APG (2nd)
She controls everything.
This is her team.
Inside:
Eunicia Salgado (6’2 F, Class of 2026, Boston College commit) — 3rd in rebounds
And Emerald Nnani (6’3 F, Class of 2027)
(Offers: Providence, Stony Brook)
- Top 5 in blocks
- Top 10 in rebounds
Royal Crown brings size, experience, and momentum.
They’ve done it before—and they know how to win.
(3) Niagara Prep
This is a team built on firepower.
Jordyn Wheeler (6’0 G/F, Class of 2026, Stanford commit)
- 21.8 PPG (1st in league)
A three-level scorer who can take over games.
Kaylen Sta. Maria (5’8 G, Class of 2026, Rice commit)
- Top 5 in scoring
- 1st in 3PM (27)
- 5.3 APG (Top 3)
She does everything.
Both are ranked Top 6 in the NPH Class of 2026 Rankings.
With depth from Kylie Sooley (6’3 F, Class of 2026) and
Arianna Turla (6’0 G/F, Class of 2026)
Niagara keeps pressure on teams the entire game.
They don’t slow down. They keep coming.
Closing
This is it.
No more rankings.
No more projections.
Just matchups.
Just moments.
Just winners and losers.
The stage is set.
The players are ready.
And now—
it’s about who shows up.
Because in this league…
In this moment…
In these playoffs—
only one team finishes on top.
