Tuesday’s Metro Playoff X-Factors

Max Wagner March 15, 2021 @ 08:02 PM

With sectional playoffs kicking off this week, I’ll be taking a look at some potential X-Factors in the metro area! These seven players may not be their team’s go-to scorers, but they all have the potential to swing the game in their teams favor on Tuesday night. Andy Stefonowicz (5’10 2024 G, Minnetonka)- Although Minnetonka’s record may not show it, they’re a team that’s proven capable of pulling off upsets this year. They take on 3-seeded Chaska, and Andy Stefonowicz will look to put together a strong shooting performance. As just a freshman he’s scoring 11.1 ppg, and has exploded on multiple occasions for 26 points. Andy has a high basketball IQ and is a sniper from beyond the arc who’s capable of putting up points in a hurry. If he can have a strong shooting night, Minnetonka is capable of making this a close one. [player_tooltip player_id="958675" first="Hakeem" last="Ford"] (6’5 2022 SF, Minneapolis Southwest)- Southwest takes on South for the third time this season, after splitting the series in conference play. [player_tooltip player_id="958675" first="Hakeem" last="Ford"] is a player for sky-high potential, and has shown that in the form of high level production at times this season. Though not always a big scorer, he makes plays with his defensive versatility and rebounding ability. South has some high level athletes on their team, and Hakeem’s ability to defend just about everywhere on the floor at the high school level will come in handy. Hakeem averaged 8.8 ppg throughout the season, but has hit his stride towards the end, averaging 11 per game over the last 9. [player_tooltip player_id="957231" first="Anthony" last="Martin"] (6’2 2021 SG, Minneapolis)- Sticking with the South vs Southwest matchup, [player_tooltip player_id="957231" first="Anthony" last="Martin"] is a player capable of swinging a game in a big way. Capable of taking over offensively, Anthony is a volume scorer who can put up points in a hurry when he gets going. With a nice frame at 6’2, Anthony is dangerous getting to his spot off the dribble and pulling up from mid-range/three or getting all the way to the basket. Averaged 13.1 ppg during the regular season, with a season high of 34 in a one point win over Edison. Dalal Gaarhaye (6’7 2022 PF, Eden Prairie)- Eden Prairie clashes with Prior Lake tomorrow, and with that comes the task of defending [player_tooltip player_id="850712" first="Malcolm" last="Jones"] in the post. Eden Prairie does have a strong forward prospect of their own in Chiddi Obiazor, but if he gets into foul trouble, who’s next? Dalal Gaarhaye sees time off the bench for EP, and could be tasked with an important role of trying to slow down [player_tooltip player_id="850712" first="Malcolm" last="Jones"]. At 6’7 he has the necessary length, and he also has a solid frame that will allow him to compete on the block. His effort on the defensive end will be key, and he could see some opportunities to score at the rim off dump-off passes, where his touch to finish will also be important. Kyle Haas (6’ 2022 G, Prior Lake)- On the other hand of this matchup, Prior Lake will need more than just [player_tooltip player_id="850712" first="Malcolm" last="Jones"] to have a chance at the upset. Kyle Haas has been facilitating the ball at a high level all season long, and could help to get things going on the offensive end. Averaging 5.5 apg on the season, Prior Lake can trust Kyle with the ball in his hands. Whether it be delivering an accurate post entry past to Malcolm for easy scores, or penetrating gaps and then kicking it out to open shooters, Kyle Haas has been creating clean looks for his team all season long. [player_tooltip player_id="774926" first="Marcus" last="Crawford"] (6’3 2021 SG, Edina)- Edina has a handful of players who can hurt you on the offensive end, and when they all get on the same page they’re a tough team to stop. [player_tooltip player_id="774926" first="Marcus" last="Crawford"] is a sharpshooter on the wing who is always reliable receiving the kick-out and hitting the open look. If he gets going early for Edina, Jefferson will be forced to extend their defense which frees up 6’9 [player_tooltip player_id="850735" first="Brady" last="Helgren"] to go to work inside. Averaging 9.6 ppg on the season, Marcus has hit 39 shots from beyond the arc as a senior, and can impact the game in a big way with his range. Rein Maegi (6’4 2022 W, Minneapolis Washburn)- Minneapolis Washburn faces a tough test in Robbinsdale Armstrong, but this is a team that’s been competing all season long. Rein Maegi doesn’t put up huge numbers, but is a guy who can impact the game with his toughness and confidence. At around 6’4 he has some length and athleticism on the wing, and is more than capable of guarding multiple spots on the floor. Offensively he’s a threat to take it to the rim to score or knock down some outside shots. Though averaging 6.4 ppg, he is a capable scorer who put up games of 17 and 15 against two of the better teams in the Minneapolis City Conference.