5A Team Preview: Eldorado Eagles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1276348' first='Josh' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1679994' first='Josiah' last='Mitchell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2284316' first='Johnny' last='Salas']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have a lot of moving pieces from a team last year that made the 5A playoffs, though losing in the first round. They were one of the most athletic teams in the state, and with the players they're bringing back next season, they'll be able to continue a similar playstyle of ruthlessly attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. They'll be led by a different stretch-forward than last year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276348' first='Josh' last='Jackson']</strong>, who primarily played around the rim last year, but has expanded his game to the perimeter. His jump shot has significantly improved, and he'll have more freedom than ever to pick up slack on the offensive end. Jackson will be my number one candidate for Breakout Player of the Year. Alongside him in the frontcourt is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679994' first='Josiah' last='Mitchell']</strong>, the two-sport star who is hyper-athletic and a defensive threat around the basket, able to utilize his vertical ability on both ends of the floor to affect the game in many ways. Several other players will have to step into the spotlight this year to fill vacant roles, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2284316' first='Johnny' last='Salas'] </strong>will more than likely be the point guard for the Eagles, flashing major signs of potential last season off the bench. Athletic slasher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2284311' first='Vincent' last='James']</strong> and sharpshooter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2284314' first='Zeke' last='Espalin']</strong> will have much larger roles this season as well. They've been able to expand their games playing with ABC during the offseason and will take on much more responsibility no matter if they start or whether they come off the bench. The Eagles will be a dark horse team to return to the playoffs this season if they can put it all together with their new group, and coach <strong>Roy Sanchez </strong>will be tasked with leading the Eagles back to the top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->