4A State Playoffs: Guy Gibbs Region, Round I

<p>The 4A state playoffs are going to be the most exciting of all of the classes, with the postseason finally starting. There are so many teams that had a great season, and with that, there are so many teams that have a legitimate chance at taking home the gold trophy.</p> <p>There are four quadrants in 4A with some very tough matchups, but here we focus on the Guy Gibbs quadrant, which is not as strong as the other regions but still has a few sleepers that are capable of going on a run.</p> <p>Here’s a look at the Guy Gibbs</p> <p><strong>Favorite: Longmont </strong></p> <p>Longmont is the No.3 seed in the playoffs and is who I expect to make it into the Final 4. They are a balanced team that knows how to win close games, and they are set up to play at the Denver Coliseum as they have an inside and out approach with big men that create mismatches throughout each game. The Trojans are led by Senior forward Dallas Dye (14.7 ppg &amp;7.1 rpg) and senior guard Ryan Schneider (12.7 ppg). Both of those players have the size and like to get physical with players, which works to their advantage and are downhill runners that get to the paint and cause havoc. 6’8 forward Eddie Kurjak provides the balance that Longmont needs as he is a top player that opposing teams have to keep an eye on, and he does all of the little things well to open things up for Longmont. He is averaging 13.9 points and 6.9 boards a game, and as long as they are all sticking to the game plan while buckling down on defense, they are going to be a team that can go all the way.</p> <p><strong>Contenders: Skyline, Classical Academy </strong></p> <p>Skyline is a 4A team that is just proving that they know how to win games. They went 19-5 this season and are well on their way to being a team that is just consistently good. A reason that they were so good this season is because of a trio of Austin Robison (14.7 ppg), Gage Robertson (12.6 ppg), and Adrian Compian (11.4 ppg). With those three, two guards apply pressure both inside and out but can space the floor and a big man that competes hard. This team will have to be clicking on all cylinders if they plan on coming up with some wins and going on a deep run but have the personnel to make it happen. This is a dark horse team that can make it to the Final Four.</p> <p>Classical Academy is a team that is was known that they would have a good season. They have one of the older groups in all of 4A, and it has been the seniors that have been leading them. Micah Lamberth had a great offseason and took that momentum into the season, where he has put together a career year. He is averaging 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists a game. Lamberth is a playmaker with his upside and is better than what people think. He’s an all-around player that will play at the next level. Alongside him are Tyler Trogsdale (11.8 ppg and 9.4 rpg) and Kade Walker (10.2 ppg). Both players have the size and offer assistance to Lamberth, and when they are all on the same page can put together a complete game. Classical Academy is a solid team that will try and makes a deep run, and it starts on the defensive side of the ball.</p> <p><strong>Who to Watch Out For: Conifer, Widefield </strong></p> <p>Conifer has <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/landon-wallace/">Landon Wallace</a>, and when you have a player that has led the state in assists for multiple seasons, there is always a chance that you can win the game. Wallace is one of the most exciting players to watch as you can see the wheels spinning in his head as he goes. For his career, he has 682 points, but 686 assists. That’s bonkers!! He is averaging 9.9 points and 10.9 assists a game and with Elijah Cook (14.5 ppg) and Ocean Hageman (12.0 ppg) both staying ready to play off of their star guard then there’s always a chance.</p> <p>Widefield played well in their conference and will head into the playoffs, ready to prove that they belong. They are one of those teams that play with a chip on their shoulder, and when you have an athlete like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/randall-days/">Randall Days</a> (14.5 ppg &amp; 8.0 rpg) coupled with Tim Mewborn (14.0 ppg) you give yourself an edge. They are both seniors and will want to go out with a bang. They are high energy players that buckle down defensively and do not feel as if they can be guarded. Both are great in the open court and feed off of each other. This is a team that you cannot overlook.</p>