Matchup Notes Heading Into the 6A Great 8
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Fruita Monument #1 versus Eaglecrest #8 FM Point Differential: +29 Eaglecrest Point Differential: +14 This Fruita Monument group has a chance to do something pretty special, going undefeated for their entire season. Led by forward Daniel Thomason Daniel Thomason 6'7"…
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Continue ReadingFruita Monument #1 versus Eaglecrest #8
FM Point Differential: +29 Eaglecrest Point Differential: +14
This Fruita Monument group has a chance to do something pretty special, going undefeated for their entire season. Led by forward Daniel Thomason Daniel Thomason 6'7" | SF Fruita Monument | 2025 State CO , this group is particularly troublesome on the glass, constantly a threat for second chance opportunities. Guards Max Orchard Max Orchard 6'3" | CG Fruita Monument | 2024 State CO and Jhett Wells Jhett Wells 6'2" | SG Fruita Monument | 2026 State CO consistently provide floor spacing and playmaking when needed, although they will be challenged against Eaglecrest’s athleticism.
This group brings in supreme shotmaking thanks to LaDavian King LaDavian King 6'1" | CG Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO , nearly unguardable on all three levels. Bringing in productive perimeter defenders and complementary scorers in SirDevin Roberts SirDevin Roberts 6'2" | SG Eaglecrest | 2024 State CO and Lucas Kalimba Lucas Kalimba 6'4" | SF Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO , this group has size and versatility to hound Fruita’s perimeter threats. The x-factor will be Garrett Barger Garrett Barger 6'9" | PF Eaglecrest | 2025 State #364 Nation CO , who’s interior defense will be necessary to slow down Thomason.
Rock Canyon #5 versus ThunderRidge #4
RC Point Differential: +36 TR Point Differential: +39
Rock Canyon’s sharpshooting could very well be enough to overpower ThunderRidge, being one of three in-state teams who have beaten TR. Alongside their perimeter scoring upside, they bring in multiple interior defenders in Reid Finch Reid Finch 6'6" | PF Rock Canyon | 2024 State CO and Nolan Kliewer Nolan Kliewer 6'7" | PF Rock Canyon | 2024 State CO , who could impact ThunderRidge’s overwhelming size.
Among the most dominant teams in the state, ThunderRidge will need to hone their defensive consistency in order to advance to the Final 4. Bringing in about as much height and talent, with Tommy Wight Tommy Wight 6'8" | SF ThunderRidge | 2024 State CO , Andrew Crawford Andrew Crawford 6'6" | CG ThunderRidge | 2024 State #88 Nation CO , Charlie Spann Charlie Spann 6'5" | SF ThunderRidge | 2024 State CO , and Drew Paine Drew Paine 6'8" | PF ThunderRidge | 2026 State CO . This group is about as tall as anyone in the state, it is their ability to contain shooters and rim attempts which will determine their fate.
Mountain Vista #2 versus Smoky Hill #7
MV Point Differential: +32 SH Point Differential: +18
The particularly disciplined group on both ends, Vista may not feature any box office athletes, however they pick their spots and remain effective. Through guard play in Cal Baskind Cal Baskind 6'0" | SG Mountain Vista | 2025 State CO and Jacob Hoefs Jacob Hoefs 6'1" | SG Mountain Vista | 2024 State CO , you can never count out this group, as they will not beat themselves out of a game.
The freakishly athletic group boasts one of the most exciting teams in recent memory, always on the prowl for a box office play. Take your bets for over-under on lobs, I’d set the line at 2.5 for this matchup. MV will have their hands full containing the array of skilled playmakers, such as Carter Basquez Carter Basquez 6'5" | CG Smoky Hill | 2026 State CO , Lorenzo Contreras Lorenzo Contreras 5'9" | PG Smoky Hill | 2025 State CO , Kaylan Graham Kaylan Graham 6'4" | SG Smoky Hill | 2025 State CO , and Torian Gasaway Torian Gasaway 6'0" | SG Smoky Hill | 2024 State CO . Not to mention they have size in the paint with Kevin Sylla Kevin Sylla 6'8" | PF Smoky Hill | 2024 State CO , who is a unique prospect in his own right.
Valor Christian #6 versus Chaparral #3
VC Point Differential: +42 Chaparral Point Differential: +29
This matchup boasts one of the better backcourt opponents in the state, 2025 guard Cole Scherer Cole Scherer 6'2" | PG Valor Christian | 2025 State CO versus 2024 Gavin Carter Gavin Carter 6'1" | PG Chaparral | 2024 State CO . Both of these groups like to play fast with smaller, perimeter centric lineups. What has elevated Valor Christian this season can be attributed in large part in two areas, Cole Scherer Cole Scherer 6'2" | PG Valor Christian | 2025 State CO ‘s consistent production and the disciplined effect of this group’s collective defense. Although undersized, they are alert in help side and quick to jump risky passing lanes.
Featuring a unique blend of a potential player of the year in Gavin Carter Gavin Carter 6'1" | PG Chaparral | 2024 State CO and quickly progressing underclassmen. They bring a unique plend of upperclassmen production and quickly improving underclassmen such as Christian Williams Christian Williams 6'2" | PG Chaparral | 2027 State CO , Luke Howery Luke Howery 6'4" | CG Chaparral | 2027 State CO , and Luke Williams Luke Williams 6'9" | PF Chaparral | 2026 State CO . Chaparral cannot be overlooked, given that they have arguably the most productive lead guard in 6A this year.