Potential Playoff Stock Risers: 1A

<p>1A sub-states get underway today. For those who lose tonight, the season will come to a shockingly-quick end.</p> <p>Every year, some lesser-known or off-the-radar guys rise up during the postseason. The benefit of the playoff spotlight brings to broader attention their skills, heart and ability to rise to the occasion.</p> <p>Here are a few players who might just take advantage of the playoffs to rise in the eyes of the state, and in the Prep Hoops rankings (in alphabetical order):</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1139929" first="Zach" last="Clark"], 6-foot-4 forward, 2022, Cair Paravel:</p> <p>Getting a top seed at sub-state and cracking the top 10 of the state rankings show what the perception is of the CPLS Lions. They need to seize this opportunity to demonstrate what this senior-laden group can do. Clark is a long leaper who can do a lot on the court, including handle the ball, shoot it from deep and defend athletic opponents. More important than improving his ranking is the opportunity for Clark to impress college coaches. He’s still looking for a place to play after high school, and a nice run in the playoffs would help.</p> <p><strong>Hector Gomez</strong>, 5-foot-8 guard, 2025, Macksville:</p> <p>With a really young lineup, Macksville has exploded this year into one of the best small-school programs in the state. It will be fun to see how far the fifth ranked Mustangs can go, since they will have to face some good competition including Little River in their sub-state. If they do go far, it may be in large part because of the work of the freshman guard Gomez. He’s been producing 11 points and nearly 3 assists per game. He also rips off more than 2 steals per game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946259" first="Austin" last="King"], 6-foot-6 forward, 2022, Udall (pictured):</p> <p>King is a long, athletic forward who has posted monster numbers this season. His 20 points, 10 boards, and 3 assists per game probably merit higher ranking than his current 136. But a couple of wins in the playoffs could help to validate those stats at the 1A level. Udall has a winnable game against Central to start the playoffs. King could really boost his resume and take a jump in the rankings over the next few days.</p> <p><strong>Peyton Rush</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2023, Oxford:</p> <p>A guy who has escaped the eyes of Prep Hoops scouts thus far is Rush, a multi-sport athlete who has exploded for 30 points each of the past two games. He’s good for 16 points and 11 rebounds. He could get some of the deserved attention that has eluded him so far if Oxford can perform well at sub-state. They have a winnable first game against Pretty Prairie.</p> <p><strong>Calen Wente</strong>, 6-foot-4 center, 2024, Fairfield:</p> <p>Wente is part of a powerful front line for the Falcons, who disappointed with a losing record in the regular season. Wente was a solid contributor as a freshman, and now is highly productive with 9 points and 7 boards a game. Unfortunately, the Falcons have a tough draw against Little River.</p>