6A Great 8 Takeaways: Prolific Frontcourt Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1167509' first='Nick' last='Randall'] - Fossil Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1612520,"width":141,"height":188,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/8C9930A5-3BF9-46B5-90FD-DD2573313D5A-scaled.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/8C9930A5-3BF9-46B5-90FD-DD2573313D5A-scaled.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1612520" width="141" height="188" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Randall was quite literally unstoppable during his Great 8 performance, posting 31 points while scoring all 13 of his field goal attempts. Randall's footwork and quirky finishing movements allow him to be truly dominant down in the post. He possesses especially quick footwork under a variety of shot attempts. Whether he is getting to a drop step or spin move towards the rim, Randall is one of the most impressive interior scorers this state has to offer. CSU Pueblo and UCCS must be excited about this performance, previously offering the forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1432264' first='Jamar' last='Mitchell'] - Fort Collins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1480038,"width":151,"height":184,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/IMG-0410-e1654801525574.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/IMG-0410-e1654801525574.jpg?w=838" alt="" class="wp-image-1480038" width="151" height="184" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1432264' first='Jamar' last='Mitchell'] has been a pivotal piece of Fort Collins's playoff success, adding constant energy and physicality. At roughly 6'5, Mitchell looks to initiate contact inside the arc, showing improvement in his footwork over the years. The forward continues to improve his willingness getting to the mid-range pullup jumper, adding variety to his shot diet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1284559' first='Caden' last='Stevens'] - Mountain Vista</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stevens is a key leader for this group, ranging back to last summer. Mountain Vista has notable team chemistry from the top down, starting with the majority of this group playing with Elevation Flyers back in the 2022 summer club season. The outcome has been a joy to watch, with everyone on the floor playing together like clockwork. Stevens is the most influential shot blocker in the state, rankings 3rd overall with 4.2 blocks per game. His ambidextrous shot blocking skillset allows him to impact the paint like few in the state. The forward caught a few lobs and blocked at least three shots, he will be box office in the Final Four. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1509229' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] - Smoky Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1565253,"width":134,"height":179,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/IMG-0443-1-edited-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/IMG-0443-1-edited-scaled.jpg?w=767" alt="" class="wp-image-1565253" width="134" height="179" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGrew is a steady rebounder and efficient finisher from the interior, boasting exceptional strength for a 2026. Standing right around 6'7, McGrew is a constant threat on the glass, averaging right around 9 rebounds through the playoffs. The has a concise role for this group, set screens, grab rebounds, and finish with authority inside the paint. Going into next season, there is no doubt McGrew will be ready to expand on his shooting ability and mid-post shot volume. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1578040' first='Luke' last='Wagstaff'] - Fort Collins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1589377,"width":213,"height":175,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/213-Luke-Wagstaff-e1663538449284.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/213-Luke-Wagstaff-e1663538449284.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1589377" width="213" height="175" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wagstaff is a physically imposing power forward, set to make the leap at Carroll College. Through his playoff stretch, Wagstaff has posted 16.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game alongside a 10 assist game versus Legacy. Given his strength at roughly 6'8, the power forward has serious passing vision for weakside shooters or cutters along the strong side. He gave it his all versus Fossil Ridge, posting 25 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1835773' first='Gil' last='Gonzales'] - Denver East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1835795,"width":179,"height":228,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/image_50802177.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/image_50802177.jpg?w=640" alt="" class="wp-image-1835795" width="179" height="228" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Andy Cross, <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2023/03/04/east-angels-soar-past-smoky-hill-final-four/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Denver Post</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonzales anchored the paint on both ends through his fearlessness against contact and tenacity attacking the glass. Standing right around 6'5, Gonzales has consistently been one of East's most impactful players. His constant motor is something coaches dream about. Possessing notable athleticisim, the power forward can elevate above the defense for two-handed dunks. The forward showed value in the pick and roll, either diving to the rim or hitting the 17 foot jumper. Gonzales has averaged 12.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game through the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->