6A Centennial League Playoff Outlook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four of the state's top-20 6A programs have been asserting themselves at the forefront of this year's playoff race. These rankings are based on CHSAA's RPI metric.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Smoky Hill 14-4 (4-1 Centennial)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the #2 spot in all of 6A, Smoky Hill's grouping of big two-way athletes is unlike any other in the state. Their point of attack defense is spearheaded by pesky guards [player_tooltip player_id='1369816' first='Lorenzo' last='Contreras'] (6.9 P, 5.9 A, 2.8 S) and [player_tooltip player_id='1369779' first='Torian' last='Gasaway'] (8 P, 2.9 R), bringing quick instincts against opposing ball handlers. A crucial component of their offensive production comes from three guys, starting with [player_tooltip player_id='1509237' first='Carter' last='Basquez'] (11.4 P, 4.9 R, 4.6 A). The sophomore's wide reach allows him to take advantage of his skill handling the ball, adept at attacking the rim for self created looks. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1318394' first='Kevin' last='Sylla'] (14.1 P, 7.3 R, 1.1 B) has upped his production considerably, highly active on both ends in the paint, notably displaying smooth footwork to create shots. The third is junior [player_tooltip player_id='1441961' first='Kaylan' last='Graham'] (12.5 P, 3.7 R, 2.3 A), whose perimeter shooting and jaw dropping dunks are part of the reason this team is so entertaining. They hold depth, from the bouncy slashing guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1429704' first='Jaylen' last='Brown'] (6 P, 2.3 R) alongside capable perimeter shooter [player_tooltip player_id='1285152' first='Damian' last='Dirden'] (7.7 P, 2.3 R).&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Eaglecrest 13-4 (4-1 Centennial)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group remains one of the more well rounded teams in the state.&nbsp; Led by three level scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1369808' first='LaDavian' last='King'] (18.1 P, 4 A), whose shot creation and athleticism are a handful for even the state's best defenders. [player_tooltip player_id='1369806' first='Garrett' last='Barger'] (12 P, 4.6 R) has helped with their interior defense all while bringing consistent production in the post. Additional defensive presences are [player_tooltip player_id='1904130' first='Lucas' last='Kalimba'] (10.4 P, 3.9 R), [player_tooltip player_id='2407900' first='LaQuince' last='York'] (5.3 P, 4.6 R), [player_tooltip player_id='1479306' first='Gavin' last='Gallegos'] (2.4 P, 2.5 R) and Sirdevin Roberts (8.6 P, 4.9 R). Guards [player_tooltip player_id='1637677' first='Jason' last='Noone'] (5.9 P, 1.9 A) and [player_tooltip player_id='2138429' first='Kris' last='Coleman'] (5.1 P) have added a jolt of offense off the bench, stabilizing their second units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Overland 10-8 (3-2 Centennial)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An especially tiresome group on defense, Overland's high energy and size put opponents in tough situations nearly every possession. Bringing plenty of depth with their forwards, such as [player_tooltip player_id='1848639' first='Isreal' last='Littleton'] (10.1 P, 7.1 R), who is a multi-positional defender and active downhill scorer. This goes alongside athletic interior defenders like Dontae Graham (8.1 P, 6.5 R, 1.6 B) and Ronald Henry (4.9 P, 4 R). Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='1799811' first='Aiden' last='Perez'] (5.4 P, 4.7 R) will be another defender whose progress needs to be monitored throughout the coming seasons. Their perimeter offense is powered by [player_tooltip player_id='1370517' first='Siraaj' last='Ali'] (16 P, 6.6 A, 2.3 S), a talented three level scoring guard who has continued to adjust into the lead guard role. [player_tooltip player_id='2339639' first='TJ' last='Manuel'] (9.2 P, 2.6 A) continues to shoot the ball well, all while pressuring the paint against the right matchups. [player_tooltip player_id='1622247' first='Kymani' last='Eason'] (5.1 P, 1.8 A) has done well competing and spacing the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Cherry Creek 9-9 (3-2 Centennial)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group's offensive engine has been powered by lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1510473' first='Jeremiah' last='Hammond'] (13.6 P, 5.1 R), exceptionally skilled scoring the ball. Forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1463537' first='Alex' last='Condon'] (6.2 P, 5.1 R)&nbsp; and [player_tooltip player_id='1420311' first='James' last='Pearsall'] (4.4 P, 3.2 R) keep opponents honest in the paint, bringing plenty of physicality. They bring valuable complementary guards off the bench, such as Miles Deboblt (5.1 P, 3.3 A) and [player_tooltip player_id='1578212' first='Robbie' last='Bailey'] (5.3 P). An x-factor wing will be [player_tooltip player_id='1420306' first='Johnathan' last='Lyons'] (7.1 P, 4.9 R), effectively guarding a wide variety of positions and hitting off the dribble jumpers. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='1874654' first='Josiah' last='Moham'] (3.7 P, 2 R) and [player_tooltip player_id='1369788' first='Matthew' last='Lee'] (3.5 P) have been steady contributors throughout this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->