Best Starting Lineup Combinations for Washington in 2026–27
Washington’s rotation is deeper and more versatile than any season in the Tina Langley era. With four starters locked in — Sayvia Sellers, Avery Howell, Brynn McGaughy, and Tilda Trygger — the fifth spot becomes the variable that changes how UW plays.
Below are the five best starting lineup combinations for the Dawgs, each built around one of the fifth‑starter candidates.
1. The “Matchup‑Proof” Lineup
Sellers – Howell – Carroll – McGaughy – Trygger
Why it works: This is Washington’s most balanced, modern lineup. Kaelyn Carroll’s 6’3″ frame gives UW a true switchable wing who can guard 2 through 4, hit open threes, and provide length that the Huskies haven’t had in years.
Identity:
Long, versatile, and defensively tough
Excellent rebounding at all five spots
Balanced scoring with spacing around Sellers and Howell
Best against:
Big Ten teams with size on the wings
Physical, half‑court opponents
Tournament‑style matchups where versatility wins
Ceiling: This is the lineup that potentially gives Washington Sweet 16 (and beyond) upside, if Carroll pops.
2. The “Pressure Cooker” Lineup
Sellers – Carlson – Howell – McGaughy – Trygger
Why it works: Brooke Carlson adds downhill scoring and aggressiveness. This lineup puts two aggressive guards, Sellers and Carlson, on the floor who can collapse defenses by attacking the paint and create defensive rotation chaos.
Identity:
Paint pressure
Toughness
Tempo control
More dribble creation than any other lineup
Best against:
Teams that struggle containing dribble penetration
Opponents who overplay Howell on the perimeter
Games where Sellers needs a secondary creator
Ceiling: This is the lineup that can steal momentum and flip games with energy.
3. The “3-Ball Air Raid” Lineup
Sellers – Howell – Huard – McGaughy – Trygger
Why it works: If Washington wants to maximize shooting gravity, this is the lineup. Macey Huard’s presence forces defenses to stay glued to her and (along with Howell and Trygger) opens the floor for Sellers’ drives and McGaughy’s face‑up game.
Identity:
Maximum spacing
High‑efficiency shot profile
Clean driving lanes
Ideal for Sellers‑Trygger pick‑and‑roll
Best against:
Teams that pack the paint
Opponents who struggle to chase shooters
Situations where UW needs quick scoring bursts
Ceiling: This lineup can blow games open with three‑point runs.
4. The “Strategic Command” Lineup
Sellers – Howell – Coppinger – McGaughy – Trygger
Why it works: Devin Coppinger is the glue piece. She defends, moves the ball, makes the right reads, and doesn’t need touches to impact the game. This lineup has the highest “trust factor” emphasizing experience, stability and high basketball IQ.
Identity:
Smart, connected basketball
Strong defensive rotations
Low‑mistake offense
High floor, steady tempo
Best against:
Disciplined, structured teams
Games where UW needs poise
Situations where turnovers must be minimized
Ceiling: This is the lineup that wins close games in February.
5. The “Grind & Pound” Lineup
Sellers – Howell – Cain – McGaughy – Trygger
Why it works: Nina Cain’s size and tough physicality on both offense and defense combined with the toughness of UW’s “Big Four” gives the Huskies an ability to play grind it out basketball and control tempo against physical opponents.
Identity:
Physicality at both ends of the court
Strong defensive rotations
Grind it out offense w/ steady controlled tempo and points-in-the-paint
Tough rebounding to limit opponent’s second chance opportunities
Best against:
Games against slow tempo teams where UW needs to win a low-possessions contest
Situations where paint points must be maximized
Finesse teams that struggle executing in prolonged halfcourt defense or offense
Ceiling: This is the “grind and pound” lineup that can win games with a deliberate controlled tempo.
Which Lineup Should Start?
It depends on what Tina Langley values most:
Higher upside + versatility → Carroll lineup
More playmakers + more paint pressure → Carlson lineup
Spacing + scoring bursts → Huard lineup
Stability + two‑way balance → Coppinger lineup
More physicality + deliberate controlled tempo → Nina Cain lineup
The beauty of this roster is that Washington doesn’t have to choose just one. They can toggle identities depending on opponent, matchup, and game flow.
And that’s what makes the 2026–27 Huskies so intriguing: for the first time in years, Washington can win in multiple ways.
GO DAWGS!
