Postseason X-Factors: 2026 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hard to believe but the KHSAA postseason kicks off on Monday. There will be some close district games and likely a few upsets along the way. Here's a look at some freshmen who can be difference makers in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1563823"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Tigers have their hands full as they play Male on Tuesday and the Bulldogs are one of the hottest teams in the state. For Saint X to have a real shot to pull the upset, Jackson needs to be the best forward on the floor. Jeremiah has the physical tools to be an impact player. If his motor runs all game on Tuesday, look for a potential upset in the 7th.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63eebad163391"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575699"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Colonels should roll through their district as usual but McGillis needs to be really good in March to get Cov Cath back to Rupp Arena and through the 9th region gauntlet. Athens is a tough ball handler and shooter who can heat up from deep. If he can stay hot for a couple weeks, they will have a good chance to survive the 9th region and get to state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63eebad16341d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1702596"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Not many young post players are impactful but Blakey is coming along at the right time. He just had a career high in points last night and Taylor has their sights on Rupp. The Cardinals should beat Marion fairly easily to seal a spot in the 5th region tournament but that's where Landon will be needed the most. Rim protection and rebounding are at a premium in March and the athletic 6'6 forward can provide that.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63eebad163495"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1558736"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Pietrowski is a solid scorer but his impact can be made the most this postseason on the defensive end. Eli can switch across positions on defense and can shut down opposing scorers when he's locked in. A D1 football target already, the coach's son knows how to use his length and athleticism to play great defense and also attack the rim on the offensive end.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63eebad16350c"} /-->