Previewing the 4A Playoffs games ahead of Thursdays games

Here, we preview the 4A playoff games ahead of Thursday’s games. This is Part I. <h3>Erie v. Pueblo South</h3> This’ll be a fun game between two evenly matched teams that can counter one another. Erie is an up and down team that, when locked in, can match up with every team in the state. In the Tigers first-round game it was [player_tooltip player_id="1139427" first="Kayan" last="Hargrave"] that led the way yet again. The junior finished with a game-high 20 points and remained on the attack. Jordan Nguyen was the other player that they relied on offensively as he finished with 13 points in the game and showed that he could fill in where needed. Kael Lucero and [player_tooltip player_id="1138303" first="Cole" last="Rademacher"] were the X-factors in the game and will have to be in this game as Pueblo South will give everything they can handle from the guard spots For Pueblo South it was the [player_tooltip player_id="618889" first="Tarrance" last="Austin"] show. The junior guard led the way and finished with 26 points in the game and was too much for the guards. This is another game where he will have a solid set of guards to compete with but should get to his spots and continue to score. His brother, [player_tooltip player_id="1137823" first="Maurice" last="Austin"] had 18 points and [player_tooltip player_id="965560" first="Ray" last="Aragon"] also helped on that end of the floor with 13 points. That trio has been enough to carry the way and can not have a letdown game if they plan to win. Expect this game to come down to the wire. <h3>Golden v. Steamboat Springs</h3> Golden is a team that went through a rough patch but is now ready to prove that they are the team to beat in 4A. The Demons blew out Summit in the first round as a tuneup and now get a statement game against one of the only undefeated teams in the state. The two young sophomores led the team in scoring as [player_tooltip player_id="921098" first="Aliou" last="Diallo"] paced Golden with 21 points and [player_tooltip player_id="921096" first="Alan" last="Acevedo"] had 20 points respectively. Both of those players feed off of one another and have great chemistry. There were reads on the court that led to easy baskets, and their teammates filled in and stepped up where they had to. They will need another full effort performance from teammates if they plan on advancing. On the other end, Steamboat continued on their winning streak that sits at 15 games. Jakob Kreissig led the way with 19 points, and most of that came from beyond the arc. He did not shoot the ball exceptionally well but did not turn down shots and made it so that Wheat Ridge had to worry about him for the entire game. [player_tooltip player_id="1138294" first="Eric" last="Pollert"] is typically who leads the way but took the back seat to Kreissig and [player_tooltip player_id="969440" first="Cade" last="Gedeon"]. When all three get going, they are a load to handle as it is a perfect balance, and this is a game that they have to step up down low if they want to win as it will certainly be a scrappy game. <h3>Holy Family v. Mead</h3> This will be a rematch between the two teams, and I expect adjustments to be made. In Holy Family’s first-round game, [player_tooltip player_id="1139431" first="Jackson" last="Ward"] continued to prove why he is one of the most overlooked players in the class that should be getting more attention. Well, our eyes are now open, and Mead knows what to expect from the athletic 6’3 sharpshooter. He was the top player in this matchup's first contest as he stole the show from deep hitting 3-pointer-after-3-pointer. I expect him to attempt to find the same success but for the Mavericks to adjust and make others beat him. That means it is up to Blake Hammond, Eric Quintana, and Esrom Abraha to be the difference-makers and try and go for another win against a talented team. For Mead, they will be in the avenger’s spot. They fell earlier to this team and want nothing more than to show that they are better. I expect a game full of energy and a concerted effort from both teams. [player_tooltip player_id="918902" first="Elijah" last="Knudsen"] and [player_tooltip player_id="921097" first="Nick" last="Basson"] found their footing in the opening game of the playoffs and want to duplicate their performance against Holy Family. Knudsen will look to have a more efficient game as well as take on the challenge defensively. Knudsen vs. Ward matchup will be a fun one to watch. Basson had a career-best game and will have to stay aggressive and firing. When Knudsen gets Basson and [player_tooltip player_id="918899" first="James" last="Shiers"] to step up offensively while doing the dirty work, it makes Mead a dangerous team that has to be taken seriously. I expect 3-point shooting to determine the game. Whoever gets hot in the 2nd half will likely win the game. <h3>Green Mountain v. Montrose</h3> The Rams fight until the final whistle every time out and did exactly that in their opening round win over Frederick. Green Mountain got their best team performance of the season in their blowout win as they had four players finish in double-figures. Darius Padilla led the Rams with 12 points, [player_tooltip player_id="916981" first="Austin" last="Peterson"] had 11 and Corbin Jantzer and Allen Ortiz both had 10 points apiece. When all of those players are going and locked in defensively, they are a tough team to beat. If they get everyone playing the defense as they did in Tuesday’s game and scoring and running the floor, they can keep on moving on in the playoffs. Montrose is a team that we have seen pick up continuous wins and understand what is needed for them to continue advancing. They are typically led by 6’2 small forward [player_tooltip player_id="967537" first="Luke" last="Hutto"], but in their opening game, it was Fletcher Cheezum that led the way. He finished with 21 points and had himself a game inside. Hutto had 11 points and [player_tooltip player_id="918926" first="Trey" last="Reese"] had 15 points to round off the game for the Indians. Montrose does not have to rely on one person, and that makes them difficult to prepare for. This will be a game of finesse versus mighty will, and I am excited to see what wins out. I expect both teams to attempt to control the tempo very early and carry out that control throughout the game.