Matchup Notes Heading Into the 4A Great 8

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Get ready for March 2nd at the Coliseum, featuring our 4A contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kent Denver #1 versus DSST: Green Valley Ranch #8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KDS Point Differential: +102 DSST:GVR Point Differential: +7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kent Denver features a dominant, high octane offense led by sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1509234' first='Caleb' last='Fay']. This group has yet to score any less than the 70s in a game, bringing in a box score more emblematic of collegiate play than high school. Alongside forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2048293' first='Nicholas' last='Buchenau'] and Lucas Zienkewicz, this group has the size and willing energy to play in transition more often than not. Boasting excellent perimeter shooting from [player_tooltip player_id='1463592' first='Alex' last='Padalino'] and Josh Gonnella, this Kent Denver group has few flaws top down.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Valley Ranch will have their hands full slowing down the state's best offense. Currently led by efficient scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1420419' first='Jovonnie' last='Babineaux'], the senior has been particularly efficient from all three levels. Forward [player_tooltip player_id='1479302' first='Tong' last='Bot'] has brought in mobility on the glass, keeping opponents honest if needed to box out. Guards Shalom Abioye and Skyyaire Russell will be integral components to their success, taking pressure away from their scorers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Colorado Academy #5 versus Pagosa Springs #5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CA Point Differential: +52 PS Point Differential: +20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1577123' first='Clyde' last='Love'] and George Buyers have been consistent playmakers for Colorado Academy. Both of them are at 40%+ from beyond the arc, all while attempting over 140 threes each this season. Alongside their dramatic three point shooting, this group brings in impactful interior defenders through [player_tooltip player_id='1971824' first='Jason' last='Bratis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1479892' first='Mikel' last='Miller'], both of which are beneficial help defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake Laner and [player_tooltip player_id='2638387' first='Colt' last='Lewis'] have been impactful perimeter playmakers all season, although the whole state will get to see their impact in the coming days.&nbsp; Lewis has been particularly effective getting into the paint, drawing fouls against a wide variety of opponents.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Resurrection Christian #2 versus DSST: Montview #7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RC Point Differential: +38 DSST: Montview Point Differential: +19</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Resurrection brings in a similar lineup that brought them far into the playoffs last year, yet again led by their three headed monster, [player_tooltip player_id='1369818' first='Ty' last='Yoder'], [player_tooltip player_id='1420310' first='Jacob' last='Barker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1369826' first='Cade' last='Crutcher']. There are two fairly underrated areas about this group, their confidence to make it far given prior success at the Coliseum and multi-year chemistry can only develop over time. With a blend of shooting, physicality, and quality decision making, this group will be a thorn in the side of any opponent. They boast quality depth with [player_tooltip player_id='1190608' first='Marcus' last='Phillips'], [player_tooltip player_id='2736489' first='Egan' last='Koenig'], and Graham Riggs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montview will be taking on a dramatically bigger opponent in RC, although that should not take away from this group's success all season. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='1848548' first='Harun' last='Hamma'] and Tegra Kongolo has been consistent perimeter playmakers for this group. Flanked by hustle players in [player_tooltip player_id='2570928' first='Tara' last='Majok'] and Emerson Bowen, this group will need to be gritty against a much more physically imposing opponent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Riverdale Ridge #6 versus Lutheran #3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RR Point Differential: +31 Lutheran Point Differential: +49</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lutheran brings in the tallest frontcourt pairing in the state, with [player_tooltip player_id='1420307' first='Hunter' last='Caldwell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1509235' first='Kade' last='Speckman']. Oddly enough the 6'10 Caldwell has asserted himself as one of the most efficient spot-up shooters in the state, nearly impossible to contest as he is not wavered by contests. Their perimeter play is largely powered by scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1404414' first='Braydon' last='Jacob'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1978451' first='Lalo' last='Gonzales']. Riverdale Ridge will have no easy opportunities at the rim, luckily for them they bring in their own impactful perimeter play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This RR group brings in a very balanced effort along the perimeter, specifically training to thre point shooting volume. Featuring four athletes who have contributed more than 20 threes, particularly [player_tooltip player_id='1369795' first='Marcus' last='Hinh'], [player_tooltip player_id='1979721' first='Marcus' last='McFadden'], Gyaci Escobar, and Nicholas Williams. Forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1989714' first='Josiah' last='Fay'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1578028' first='Kameren' last='Davis'] have been instrumental in their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->