5A Playoffs: X-Factors in the Chuck Williams Region

The first round of the 5A state tournament is underway on Wednesday evening with 32 teams, all with the same goal in mind: to win. The is a top-heavy tournament with some upset-minded squads near the bottom that genuinely feel as if they have what it takes to bring home the gold trophy. All teams have their star players and prospects that we know will HAVE to step up if they want to advance, but what it will come down to is an effort from the entire team. This is also the time that an X-factor steps up and gives their team an advantage, so here we break down an X-factor or two from each team in the first round.

Next up, the Chuck Williams Region.

Teams with a bye: No.2 Fairview, No.15 Vista Peak, No.7 Chaparral, No.10 Smoky Hill

Fountain Fort-Carson v. Aurora Central

How ironic; the Trojans are facing the Trojans.

Fountain-Fort Carson has one of the better scorers in the state in senior guard Keyshawn Maltbia that is averaging 18.0 points a game and is a consistent source of offense that also rebounds well and gets others involved. He receives the attention for the Trojans, but they also have a junior forward Isaiah Thompson that is their difference-maker. The 6’6 forward is averaging 14.4 points, and 12.0 rebounds a game as one of the better rebounders in the playoffs, and if he can provide that kind of production in the first round, they should be able to get by Aurora Central. His solid play is crucial.

Aurora Central had another solid season as they rode Senior guard Messiah Ford (15.2 ppg) all season long. They will need him to be his usual self in the playoffs and maybe even take it up a notch, but Ford will need additional help if Aurora Central plans on advancing. That help will have to come from Atrayzon Willard (8.3 ppg &5.1 apg) and also Laquan Bowie (9.9 ppg). Both are seniors that will want to go out with a bang and will have to leave it all on the floor. The defense is where it starts for them, and if they make an impact on that end of the floor, it will surely translate. They all have to step up to get a win against a stingy team.

Windsor v. Palmer

For starters, junior wing Ben Hageman at Windsor is having one of the best seasons that has gone unspoken about for far too long. He is putting up 16.3 points and 8.3 rebounds a game and has Windsor playing solid basketball. While he has been the Wizards best player this season and surely has opened a few eyes, Windsor will need more if they want to not only advance but keep it going. The first player that comes to mind is senior captain Luke Mcginnis. Mcginnis has the experience and leads by example. He is averaging 10.8 points a game but has also been a swiss-army-knife for Windsor. He’s putting up 4.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds and just over two steals a game, and if he can keep helping in every single category with Hageman also manning the middle and doing what he has to, this is a team that can keep advancing.

For Palmer, they have a solid group of players that all can score, but have a difficult time with roles. There are too many cooks in the kitchen. Their X-factor is also their best player, and he has had some explosive games this season. Junior do-it-all forward Kolben Barney is averaging 14.0 points and 4.1 rebounds a game. He can shoot the ball from deep, put the ball on the floor, and also get to the rim and FT line. He is the X-factor and also the top player that Windsor will do everything to slow him down.

Douglas County v. Rampart

This will be an exciting game as both presents under the radar players that are capable of stepping up and taking over a game.

For Douglas County, sophomore sensation Jaeton Hackley (13.8 ppg) popped up on the scene and demanded to be taken seriously. He scores the basketball with ease and gave us a glimpse into the future. He was Douglas County’s leading scorer this season, and he alongside Tim Broom (13.4 points, 5.8 rpg, and 5.0 apg) did everything that the Huskies needed to get to this point. Now that they are here, they must get additional support if they plan on advancing and keeping the ride going. A player that is destined to step up alongside them is junior forward Cooper McBride. McBride is a 6’6 big man that spaces the floor for the Huskies. He is a player that bangs down low and secures boards that come his way, but what separates him from the pack is the ability to get the opposing teams big man out of the paint as he consistently knocks down shots. McBride has excellent footwork, soft touch around the rim, and also got in a groove to finish out the season. He is going to be the player that gets Douglas County over the hump if he is on.

Rampart is a team that, when they are all clicking and rolling, can be a solid team that can match up with anybody that they go up against. When they are sharing the ball and getting everyone involved is when they are operating at their best. That has been on display as they finished off the regular season with three straight wins. They shared the ball and buckled down defensively, and the player that will be the X-factor for them in the playoffs will have to be their leading scorer on the season, Cole Bowen. Bowen averaged 12.9 points a game, which helped them get some wins, but what mattered most is the little things he did. He played sound defense as he led the team with 3.3 steals a game and also helped on the boards while getting others involved. He is going to be the player to watch for Rampart.

Fossil Ridge v. Heritage

Fossil Ridge is led by the underclassmen, and they will be tasked with keeping the ball rolling in the playoffs. While all eyes will be on them, the Sabercats will need senior leadership also to lead the way. That is where Mike Cover (13.8 ppg) comes into play. Cover will be tasked with not only scoring the ball but playing with control and keeping the younger guys calm. He is the X-factor for this team as he will be leaned on to provide comfort even in an intense environment.

Heritage may lead the state in college offers; the only thing is it is for a different sport. Juniors Erik Olsen and Terrance Ferguson are two of the best football players in the state, and colleges are lining up to get them to go to their university. Just as a school wants them to stand out for them in the future, they are being asked to commit right now, this time on the hardwood. Both are big guys that use that gridiron grit and tenacity on the court. They are tough, they are physical, and they make sure that their presence is felt. The two combined for 18 points and 12 rebounds a game, and that is production that they will have to use as they have a big man battle in the opening round. These are X-factors and standouts that have the chance to turn the game around. This will be one of the more exciting first-round matchups.