State Playoff Preview: Impact Underclassmen
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We are only days away from the start of the state Final Fours. From 1A to 5A teams are looking to capture the state title. While a championship may be the culmunation of several player’s career dreams, many teams will…
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Continue ReadingWe are only days away from the start of the state Final Fours. From 1A to 5A teams are looking to capture the state title. While a championship may be the culmunation of several player’s career dreams, many teams will depend on the contributions of freshmen and sophomores in order to walk away with the state crown. Here’s a look at the top impact underclassmen, participating in the state tournament.
Washington is a stud, and the State playoffs seem like the perfect time for him to remind everyone why he’s the top player in his class. Athleticism, skill and competitive spirit, are all traits that appear when the pressure is the highest. The Gorman wing owns all three in spades, Coming off a game where he was the teams leading scorer for, don’t be surprised to see him take his talents to another level with the trophy on the line.
When you think of players with the clutch gene, don’t forget about Thomas. The lefty plays the one, but has the ability to dominate games when playing off the ball as well. He’s crafty, with a knack for Championship games come down to PG play and Thomas is one of the state’s best.
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When games get tight, it’s important to have a guy that you can throw the ball into and score. Bright definetly fits that mold. He’s stretched his game out a little, however his bread and butter is still his back to the basket scoring, which will be one the Patriots will have to lean on in order to take home the state crown.
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Nikolov has been the most consistent freshman all year, that consistency has been shown through his shooting. When he’s on his catch and shoot three and pull up jumper is a major problem.
Cooper is a player that looks like a grizzled vet because of his playing exprience this season. He has a ton of value on the defensive end, with his ability to defend the interior. His ablity to change the scoreboard from behind the three point line makes him deadly as a shooter as well.
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I was really suprised with Wall when I saw him during the playoffs. He’s grown a bit, however the biggest improvment has been his IQ. The heady PG will be counted on to handle against pressure, and make plays if Sierra Vista is to take home the 4A crown.
Vong has seen action in every game this season, for a good Mustangs squad. He does a little of everything, including handling, defending and assisting.
Uber talented guard with the ability to dominate games with his strength, speed and skill. Stroughter is an aggressive downhill attacker that can get his both in transition and against set half court defenses.
Coleman is as clutch as they come. The PG is a dogged on ball defender, with good lateral movement and quick hands. He scores with his pull up jumper in 1 v 1 situations.
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Young has an opportunity to be a huge state sleeper. Mater East is a deep and talented squad, highlighted by the sophomores role. Although playing limted minutes he has shown the ability to score, and defend, for the 4A Southern Region Champs.
Correa’s impact can be measured by more than numbers. The guard orchestrates the offense for Wendover, setting up teammates for assists. He’ll be key if the Wolverines are to make a 2A title run.
Cummins is a sensational sleeper sophomore looking to cap off a magical run for the Eagles. He’s going to be called on to both score and create, if the Eagles are to cap their season with a 2A championship.
Cornachio is a player that adds a dynamic effect to the Eagles offense. His abilty to create offense for himself, and finish in transition gives the 2A Southern champs another dimension to their offense.