State Final Preview: Sleepers

<p>The Nevada State Championships get underway this week. After a 3-month season race, only a handful of teams are left vying for their spot at immortality. It will take more than star power to take home the crown this year. With that being said, several teams have little-recognized players that may prove to be huge determining factors in their team's championship quest. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the top sleepers of the state tournament.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elijah-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elijah-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elijah-johnson/">Elijah Johnson</a></a></a> <em>5'11 PG Durango 2022 (#19PHN 2022)</em> - When Johnson comes into the game, you know what time it is. He is going to pick up full court and harass ballhandlers. Johnson has good lateral quickness and footspeed. He can handle on the offensive end, however, his strength is locking down opponents.</p> <p>Finn Gottlieb <em>6'1 SG Incline 2020</em> - Gottlieb has put together an impressive season for Incline to this point. The 6'1 SG has averaged nearly 18 per while helping the Indians to a 21-3 overall record. Knockdown shooter that made over 50 3's on the season.</p> <p>Avery Strasdin <em>6'2 SG Churchill County 2021</em> - Important 3rd option player for the defending 3A champs. Strasdin is counted on for backup ballhandling and shooting. He averaged over 11 per game for CC while knocking down 3's at an almost 38% clip.</p> <p>Trey Hummel <em>6'3 SG Spanish Springs 2020</em> - High IQ player who has contributed this season as a 3 and D guy. Good wing defender who shot over 40% from behind the arc this season.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cody-zile/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cody-zile/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cody-zile/">Cody Zile</a></a></a> <em>6'3 SF Lincoln County 2021 (#64PHN 2021)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - Zile has done a little bit of everything for the Lynx this year. Good shooter that moves well without the ball. The 6'3 wing also uses his frame to rebound and protect the rim. He averaged over 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game this season.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-sandford/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-sandford/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-sandford/">Jacob Sandford</a></a></a> <em>6'4 PF Boulder City 2020 (#83PHN 2020)</em> - High energy and effort player for Boulder. Sanford is going to give you a couple extra possessions a game with his activity around the rim. Good leaper with a quick second jump.</p> <p>Mo Khalaf <em>6'4 SF Bishop Gorman 2020</em> - High energy and effort player for BG. Khalaf takes pride in being a willing defender that picks up ballhandlers full court and scraps for extra possessions for his team.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/roland-gates/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/roland-gates/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/roland-gates/">Roland Gates</a></a></a> <em>6'5 PF Desert Pines 2020 (#61PHN 2020)</em> - High effort and energy player. Gates excels at interior defense, rebounding, and screen setting. Selfless player that doesn't need the ball in his hands in order to make an impact for his team.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/obinna-ezeanolue/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/obinna-ezeanolue/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/obinna-ezeanolue/">Obinna Ezeanolue</a></a></a> <em>6'4 PF The Meadows School 2020</em> - Ezeanolue is a big strong physical player. He overpowers players down low with his size and frame, and he has a nice touch around the rim. Meadows will need the 6'4 senior to be at his best if they are to have a chance to leave Reno with the title.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow All The Nevada State Tournament Action</a></p>