Six standouts from the opening round of the 4A state playoffs

<p>We expected some chaos in the first round of the 5A CHSAA state playoffs, but we did not expect multiple upsets, games coming down to the wire, and players to set new career-highs. But that is the beauty of March Madness. Here, we take a look at some of the top performers from the opening round. </p> <h2><strong>Fletcher Cheezum – Montrose</strong></h2> <p>Montrose has been a team that has been winning plenty of games the last few seasons and is always in the mix in the postseason. This game is no different as they are a team that has handled business all season long and are ready to prove that they again belong. They got things started in their first game with a convincing win over Palmer Ridge in which they had three players finish in double figures. The leading scorer in the game is junior shooting guard Cheezum who has been having a solid year. The Indians have called upon him to lead the way a few times this year, and this was a moment he was ready for. Cheezum finished with a game-high 21 points and aggressive in his efforts. He got inside of the lane, finished a perfect 8-8 from the FT line, and was active on the boards. Cheezum showed that when he needs to, he’s willing to take the shots, and that gives Montrose another weapon.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918902" first="Elijah" last="Knudsen"] – Mead</strong></h2> <p>What you don’t want to see if youre the opposing team is Mead in a rhythm from deep as they have the ability to end the game with only guards alone. Well, that happened and it came back to end Canon City’s season. [player_tooltip player_id="918902" first="Elijah" last="Knudsen"] was on fire from deep and that came with buzzer beaters, step back shots and shots from unlimited range. As if that were not enough, [player_tooltip player_id="921097" first="Nick" last="Basson"] got himself going at the same time and when they are both going, it’s curtains for opposing teams. Both Basson and Knudsen finished with 22 points in the game and their work in the second half propelled the Mavericks. For Basson it was a new career-high and a welcomed/needed boost as Mead will only go as their core allows them. He was cooking both inside and out and aggressive offensively which allowed Knudsen some relief that he has needed this season. They both finished with 22 points a piece, pushed the pace on the defensive end and rode the momentum with some difficult shots created for themselves. Mead looks comfortable being the team that is trying to prove a point rather than the complacent team they were before the slide. Fun night for them and they will both need to take that rhythm into the next game.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1138291" first="Alex" last="Hurr"] – Mountain View</strong></h2> <p>Unfortunate circumstances to not see these two teams at full strength and this would’ve been a fun game for both teams had Evergreen been able to be at their best but an entertaining game nonetheless where [player_tooltip player_id="1138291" first="Alex" last="Hurr"] did what he has done all season long, put the team on his back and step up. Hurr has been one of the more entertaining scorers on the state as he is consistent as it gets and the 6’4 combo-guard stood out in this one. Hurr led all scorers as he typically does on the night to a Mountain Lions upset victory. Hurr had 24 points on the night and got them in different ways. Hurr was hot from deep, getting inside early and also running the break for finishes. He can break a defender down and create for himself but also grab the board and start it himself. Hurr finished with a double-doube of 24 points and 12 rebounds and is a player that I feel all small schools should be all over as he certainly can play at the next level.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="973010" first="Khafre" last="Garrett-Mills"] – Aurora Central</strong></h2> <p>Khafre has been the Trojans main point of attack all season long and there was no way that they would change that going into the playoffs. They in fact made it a habit of giving it to the talented sophomore early and often and he made plays happen. Khafre has a good feel for the game and found was to take what the defense as giving him. He got to his spots on the court, was efficient from deep which forced the defense out of position and was dead-eye from the FT line which made it tough for Palisade to come back into the game. He finished as the only player in double figures as he led all scorers with 22 points, grabbed seven boards and was the best player on the court. Central will go as he goes and he wll continue to attempt to carry the load.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965739" first="Eddie" last="Kurjak"] – Longmont</strong></h2> <p>Kurjak is a dream teammates as he does all of the dirty work and gets most of his work by simply outworking the opposition. You do not have to run plays for Kurjak as he aggressively attacks the glass, boxes out and has the athleticism to go right up with the ball. Kurjak has been one of the best players in all of 4A this season as he has consistently been a force offensively and rebounding in bunches. Every shot that goes up he goes after, when he sees a mismatches he goes u and finishes at the rim or with a highlight dunk and is a mobile big man that moves well. Kurjak’s soft touch was on display as he finished with a game-high 22 points. He put the icing on the cake with a double-double of 10 rebounds and showed what makes him special. The Trojans know what to expect out of him and as long as they stick to the game plan and allow their senior to take care of them offensively they will be able to keep going.</p> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="618889" first="Tarrance" last="Austin"] – Pueblo South</strong></h2> <p>Austin is one of the players that I am most intrigued about this season as the junior guard has been one of the most entertaining scorers in 4A. He took that show into the playoffs and had one of his best games of the season. Against a tough Thomas Jefferson team that played well, he was the star. Austin finished with a game–high 26 points which led 4A in the first round and his team to victory. Austin has an excellent handle, excels in both iso and PnR situations and also attacks mismatches. He hit two 3-pointers but most of his work was done inside. He got to where he wanted inside, countered different looks sent his way and got himself going early which set the tone for the game. He finished amongst the trees, grabbed seven boards and ran with it and has shown all season long he can score with the best of them. Excited for his next round and will be a player I make sure to tune in and watch when I can.</p>