When Sacred Heart and Manual meet in the Seventh Region Championship on Saturday, it'll be a matchup between two of the deepest teams in the city. The Valkyries and Crimsons both have terrific guard play, coaching and talent, but somebody will have to step up to give their team the edge. 

The stakes will be high not every player will rise up to them. Who will help lead their team to victory. We have a few guesses...

Here are five players that could tip the balance in Saturday's showdown. 

Get the scoop: Subscribe to the Courier Journal high school sports newsletter 

Outlook: Fresh off a 25-point performance against CAL in the Seventh Region semifinals, Manual junior is the heartbeat of the Crimsons. A two-way player, Thompson locks in on both ends of the court but she'll have to score to keep up with the Valkyries. 

Coach Jeff Sparks said that Thompson's performance on Wednesday was one of her most efficient performances. Sacred Heart is going to key in on her but if she continues hitting shots from a high clip (47% fg), the Valkyries could have their hands full. 

Crimsons move on: 3 takeaways from Manual's win over CAL in Seventh Region girls semifinal

Outlook: All season long, ZaKiyah Johnson has proved to be the genuine article. Despite being a freshman, Johnson's game has matured beyond her years. She still can get even better, especially from beyond the arch (25.2% 3pt fg), but for the most part can do what she wants on the court. 

"“She’s the first one in sprints; she works the hardest,” Sacred Heart coach Donna Moir said. “She right away gained everybody’s respect because she’s one of the hardest workers on our team.”

For the Crimsons to slow down Sacred Heart, they'll have to make things tough on Johnson. She's going to get her points regardless, but if Manual can keep her efficiency low, it'll be in a good spot.  

Johnson shines against the Pandas: ZaKiyah Johnson's versatility on display as No. 1 Sacred Heart tops No. 5 Notre Dame

Outlook: Josie Gilvin's stats don't always jump off the page, but when you watch Sacred Heart play it's impossible to ignore the seniors impact. Gilvin is the middle piece to much of the Valkyries' success.

She often makes the pass that leads to the assist or gets the steal that starts the fast break. There isn't an area of the game where she isn't involved. Gilvin is a winner and is often the x-factor against Sacred Heart's toughest opponents. 

'A coach's dream,' Josie Gilvin lifts Sacred Heart into Girls LIT championship game

Outlook: The rebounding battle could be the difference between winning and losing on Saturday. If Manual hopes to have any shot of keeping the Valkyries off the glass, they'll have to rely on Daisha White. 

White is the Crimson's top rebounder and she's gives Manual a presence inside. Against Sacred Heart's size, her performance will be crucial. Sacred Heart often takes over the game with Johnson, Gilvin Alex Wolf and Angelina Pelayo tearing teams apart inside. White can help provide a solid line of defense. 

Outlook: You better keep an eye out for Reagan Bender or Sacred Heart is going to blow you out of the water. While Johnson and Gilvin can provide a nice foundation of inside play, Bender serves as the Valkyries deep threat. 

Currently this season, Bender leads the team in 3-pointers made (59) and is second in scoring. She's more than just a 3-point threat, as she's not afraid to try to get to the basket. Still if she gets confident from beyond the arch, you can only hope for the best. 

Follow Courier Journal reporter J.L. Kirven on Twitter @JL_Kirven for more updates on Louisville prep sports.