X-Factors from the Chauncey Billups Region

<p>The moment that we have all been waiting for is finally here -- the 5A CHSAA high school playoffs! First-round begins this week and we get you ready for a breakdown. Here we take a look at five X-factors from the Chauncey Billups region. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="618859" first="Jackson" last="Brennan"] -- ThunderRidge</strong></p> <p>Brennan has a pulse of the No.1 team in the state better than any other Grizzlies player. He is the team’s escape valve as well as most consistent player on the team. He is a lock-down defender that gets to the FT line with ease, scores in transition and is a knockdown shooter as well. The Senior guard is looking at helping his team defend their state championship run from a season ago that led to a ring and on his back is the only way that they will get there. Brennan is one of the top uncommitted seniors in the state that is averaging 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, leads the teams in steals at 2.2 steals a game, and is the region’s top X-factor. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1284469" first="Finn" last="Horsfall"] -- Air Academy </strong></p> <p>We saw this standout junior make his way this summer for Pluto Prospects as an X-factor for that squad and that only prepared him to help Air Academy as they push for a state championship. They are the 16-seed and they pick up a first-round bye but the 6’3 combo-guard takes all of the pressure off of his team as he can score, helps on the board, and also scores both inside and out. The Kadets use Horsfall as the team’s lockdown option and also rely heavily on him offensively as well. He is averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 steals a game and they will need him to up his play in the playoffs.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918905" first="Kijuan" last="Thompson"] -- George Washington </strong></p> <p>Thompson is the 17 seeded-Patriots best player at 15.0 points and 4.4 assists a game but it is his contagious energy that separates him from any other player in the region. His productivity and ability to affect the game with his high-energy plays can set the tone for the Patriots in the playoffs. He’s coming off of a career-best game of 27 points in a Denver Prep League championship matchup and the Patriots will need more of that as they make a championship push. Thompson has been on the state runner-up team and it feels as if he has been around for more than 4 years. Now the Senior guard is tasked with leading the way for GW and will have to bring it on both ends. Expect him to stay on the attack as he is one of the top X-factors to come out of the quadrant.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918911" first="Henry" last="Gamble"] -- Mountain Vista</strong></p> <p>Gamble is a senior guard that does not lack leadership and his productivity goes beyond the scoreboard. He is a stat padder that brings toughness to the team and they go as he goes. He is averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists a game. He’s taking a young team into battle and it will be on him to lead the way. Expect him to be placed on the opposing teams best player and for him to make life difficult. MV has a first-round bye but once they get going, it will be him that I feel makes his mark.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965811" first="Chase" last="D’Agostino"] -- Arapahoe </strong></p> <p>Agostino is the top player for the 41 seeded Warriors and he had a tall task this season with a shakeup for the team but stepped up to the challenge. The 6’4 wing is a do-it-all player that is the team’s best player and a consistent force offensively. He uses his size to score and also is averaging 5.2 rebounds as well. He is who opposing teams prepare for and he still delivers and although the Warriors are long-shots, they have a change with Chase providing. Their first-round matchup will be a fun one. </p>