5A Finals Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mesa Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While it was a hard fought game down to the end, Mesa Ridge prevailed for the 5A state title for the second time in a row, securing a 57-53 victory over Windsor. Led by the Riehl brothers and their highly efficient complementary shotmakers, this group has had a winning formula that cannot be stifled. [player_tooltip player_id='1369853' first='Bryce' last='Riehl'] in particular has been nothing short of spectacular, a walking 20+ point per game scorer who adds defensive toughness out on the perimeter. This group has had tremendous success from their aggressive defense in passing lanes, getting out early and leaping into position when available. [player_tooltip player_id='1369853' first='Bryce' last='Riehl'] in particular is a nightmare for oppoennts along the perimeter, getting into position early to jump passing lanes. Alongside their point of attack defense from the Riehl brothers, this group has physically imposing defenders in [player_tooltip player_id='1318392' first='Tanner' last='Widic'] and Zander Iwanski. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Widic and Iwanski have set this group up for success with timely shots and physical defense. Widic in particular brought consistent playmaking for their shotmakers, leveraging his strong frame to bully opposing guards downhill, ultimately drawing in help. Iwanski has been a difference maker for this group throughout the playoffs, adding to the seemingly limitless shooting this Mesa Ridge team has to offer. Finishing off the first quarter up 19-6, their defensive pressure has been difficult for the state's most talented opponents to overcome. Jackson Auger was excellent facilitating this offense, keeping the ball moving to shotmakers along the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1318379' first='Tevin' last='Riehl'] stayed dependable on the defensive end, both on and off-ball. Although his foul trouble through the third quarter made this Mesa Ridge group mortal. The senior guard should continue to gain recruiting buzz after aiding this group into their second straight title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Windsor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smiley and Reed willed this group back into place during the second half, proactive creating opportunities while in transition. Effective kickstarting fast breaks, they facilitated great looks around the rim for their teammates through well timed outlet passes on the break. Already an impressive scorer around the rim, Smiley has excellent control while mid-air, only getting more advanced. Both of these teams were constantly pushing the pace following a defensive rebound, certainly one of the most fast paced matchups in any of these playoff series yet. At least half of this game's possessions were transition situations which added to an exciting fast paced flow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, this Windsor group was not solely elevated by [player_tooltip player_id='2349068' first='John' last='']nie Reed and [player_tooltip player_id='1509232' first='Madden' last='Smiley'], as the ancillary players were just as essential to reaching such a pinnacle. [player_tooltip player_id='2349068' first='John' last=''] Backhaus, their tall wing scorer, did well moving while off-ball to allow their playmakers to set him up for easy attempts. His reputation as a shooter kept opponents fairly closeby to force a hard closeout. Point guard, Tadese Keyworth was excellent within his role, actively facilitating for shooters and hitting timely jumpers down the stretch. Gavyn Helm was a versatile swingman, utilized as a wing defender whose wide reach could mitigate shot attempts and assist with rebounds when necessary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->