Games to watch/stream this weekend

<p>The week had some solid games, and the weekend is capped off with an even better slate of games. There are plenty of games that did not make it, but this is a weekend where games should surely be watched. NFHS has done a great job of streaming games, and some of them have youtube accounts, so make sure to see the options. Here are some games to watch. </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Friday</strong></h2> <p><em><strong>ThunderRidge v. Mountain Vista</strong></em></p> <p>This is a game that has been circled since the schedule came out, and although we can not be in person to check it out, we are thrilled there is an option to still be in the building. This is the game to watch for the weekend as it has two teams in the Top-5 facing off and going at it. ThunderRidge has only played one game on the season before being shut down due to COVID and is welcomed back by one of the state’s best teams. The Grizzlies have a complete squad and are loaded from top to bottom. At guard spot, [player_tooltip player_id="916967" first="Garrett" last="Arnold"] puts up 11 assists in the first game with wings [player_tooltip player_id="916966" first="Jason" last="Simental"] and [player_tooltip player_id="618859" first="Jackson" last="Brennan"] filling the lanes and locking down defensively. T-Ridge also has elite big men in [player_tooltip player_id="916957" first="Nolan" last="Marold"], [player_tooltip player_id="759280" first="Zach" last="Keller"], and [player_tooltip player_id="918919" first="Joey" last="Bilello"], who will be the game’s difference-makers. ThunderRidge is as complete of a team that there is in the state, and it will be interesting to see how they look in their first game back in action. For Mountain Vista, it is a team that has been doubted in most games and continues to trek through. The Golden Eagles are led by a Top-3 player in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="759207" first="Ben" last="Bowen"], who is putting up 16.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds a game. He allows the game to come to him, forces the issue at times in a good way, and steps up in big games. He has gotten much-needed help from junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="918911" first="Henry" last="Gamble"] (12.2 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id="1051098" first="Ty" last="Strawbridge"] (9.4 ppg) but has a squad that understands what to do to complement their star players.</p> <p><em><strong>Windsor v. Centaurus</strong></em></p> <p>This is a battle between two teams ranked in the Top-10 in 4A.</p> <p>Windsor has not been challenged much yet as they have two of the most elite guards in [player_tooltip player_id="916987" first="Ben" last="Hageman"], putting up 21.0 points a game and [player_tooltip player_id="966339" first="Jaden" last="Kennis"] at a wild 24.3 points a game. As talented as they are as scorers, the scariest part is they might be better defenders. Opposing guards have to work extremely hard to get anything going, and all energy that is exerted on the offensive end takes away from the defense. That is one of the best backcourt duos in the state, and with players like [player_tooltip player_id="972414" first="David" last="Hageman"] and Kobe Greene continuing to be a force, then this team might just keep cruising. I am excited that they finally might be challenged.</p> <p>On the opposite end is Centaurus that has two losses on the season, but both are to teams in the Top-10, and it is a 7-point margin. They are a team that has been tested and have battled. The Warriors will be a tough out for a team in the playoffs, and they come into this game ready to challenge another Top-5 squad. Mario Everett (10.4 ppg) and John Lewicki (10.0 ppg) have been the scoring options for the team as [player_tooltip player_id="917026" first="Dashiel" last="Walker"] (8.4 ppg) is mixing it up and controlling the pace. All three of those players will have to be on their A-game if they plan to upset a team that is on a tear, but they certainly have the personnel to compete.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Saturday</strong></h2> <p><em><strong>Rampart v. Doherty</strong></em></p> <p>This will be the game of the day as two teams from the Springs have gotten off on the right foot and have been able to score with ease. Rampart is one of the most explosive teams in the state that scores at will. They are putting up 93.8 points a game, and senior guard/wing [player_tooltip player_id="917002" first="Tyler" last="Edwards"] is a big reason why. Edwards is averaging 23.4 points a game and has been the Springs surprise standout on the year. He gives his team a chance to win, and putting the ball in his hands has paid off. Alongside him is a trio made up of [player_tooltip player_id="917015" first="Cole" last="Bowen"] (16.4 ppg) and Dante Wydra (13.4 ppg). When all three are going, it is fun because they feed off each other, run on makes and misses, and score in bunches. This team has an identity and understands how to win.</p> <p>Doherty is 6-0 and feels like a complete unit with great chemistry. They have guards, wings, and size to continue trekking through. When they get [player_tooltip player_id="1019153" first="Andrew" last="Reichart"] back, they will be even better. The Spartans are led by 6’3 combo-guard [player_tooltip player_id="916971" first="Schafer" last="Reichart"], and he has been sensational to start the season. He looks more healthy than ever, and opposing teams have no idea how to slow him down from both inside and out. Schaefer is at 19.5 points and 8.0 rebounds a game and makes it easy for players around him to get going as he is a selfless leader. [player_tooltip player_id="916999" first="Brody" last="Gish"] (13.3 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id="770454" first="AJ" last="Guiao"] (10.0 ppg) have elevated their games and have come into the season with a newfound confidence that gives them an identity. Both teams will rely heavily on their seniors, so this should be fun.</p>