5A Final Four: Steadfast Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These were notable differencemakers for each of the Final Four contenders, particularly due to efficient offensive output on high volume or a steadfast defensive presence in key areas that manipulated the opponent's decisions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1509232"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Smiley was instrumental on both ends of the floor relating to Windsor's success in this gritty, bruising matchup. A notably strong guard, regardless of class, the sophomore held his own on the defensive end. Often taking contact around the rim to force a miss or guiding opposing ball handlers into help, Smiley was adept at putting opponents in tough situations. This same mindset of physicality allowed him to take advantage on drives, drawing quite a few fouls at the rim. He did particularly well guiding this group in the halfcourt, active on skip passes to pinpoint an opponent weakness, ultimately collapsing the defense. He remains one of, if not the most impactful prospect within this 2026 class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65eba6c43d6ea"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1172862"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Reed is a winner, plain and simple. Excellent at taking on bigger opponents in the post, the Black Hills commit reminded us yet again why he belongs at the next level. An especially proactive passer, there are not many athletes in the state as willing or disciplined from that area at his 6'5 frame. Not to mention his acute awareness and timing on the glass, a sneaky good rebounder versus the best frontcourts.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65eba6c43d74d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1369853"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Riehl remains a constant pest on both ends, bringing limitless amounts of energy. Dynamo would be one way to describe the guard, constantly flying around for rebounds or deflections. A large part of why Mesa Ridge has remained so dominant stems from their defensive identity, aggressive on help and especially handsy at the point of attack. Riehl exemplifies both of these areas, oftentimes the first point of contact for opponents. Highly productive off the catch or while stepping into the shot, he remains an elite shotmaker on all three levels, certainly among the best in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65eba6c43d7a0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1318392"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Widic brings one of the most unique builds in the state, an incredibly strong guard with notable passing vision. Effective launching one-handed skip passes with either hand, he plays a huge role in setting up this group's array of shotmakers. Defensively, he has shown the ability to guard strong guards, holding him without giving up space. They hit timely shots, rarely forcing difficult attempts.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65eba6c43d7f2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1463544"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Michael continued to stay aggressive attacking the rim, leveraging his quickness and positional strength when it mattered most. Efficiently scoring with either hand on a drive, he was not wavered by contests throughout this matchup. An elite mid-range shotmaker in his own right, Michael rose up for multiple quick pull-ups, changing speeds on a dime.  Meeting opponents at the rim on multiple occasions, the guard is a clear two-way presence, particularly while defending the rim.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65eba6c43d844"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1420313"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Polk played the traditional big man role on defense, patiently awaiting drivers to swat away shots at the rim, grabbing at least 5 blocks in this matchup. Grabbing a few blocks throughout this matchup, opponents had to think twice about attempting shots while he was in the vicinity. The center had about as dominant a defensive performance as any point this season, although his last game, he finished off on a high note.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65eba6c43d895"} /-->