6A Finals Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams in Valor Christian and ThunderRidge have had spectacular runs, gaining them access into the 6A state finals. As one of the most physically imposing teams in the state in ThunderRidge, they took on a fairly undersized group in Valor Christian. However, pulling away with a 52-40 victory down the stretch, Valor Christian is your 6A State Champions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Valor Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valor's incredible finals victory was led by [player_tooltip player_id='1369810' first='Cole' last='Scherer'], who was knockdown from beyond and continued his methodical style of play throughout this matchup. Excellent at slowing down the game to find the best shot possible, the lead guard was adept at controlling the halfcourt pace. Effective changing speeds while handling the ball, his shooting gravity forced opponents to come way out onto the perimeter, further opening up driving lanes. Knocking down a volley of threes, particularly in the first half, Scherer was elite off the catch or while off the dribble from behind the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although a large portion of Valor Christian's offense flowed directly through Scherer, this group would not have won the title without their supporting cast. Particularly [player_tooltip player_id='1421260' first='Ryan' last='Dixon'], whose athletic rim protection added at least three blocks to the box score and deterring quite a few drives at the rim. Often an important low man lurking along the baseline, opponents had trouble containing the forward on the glass or while contesting his shot attempts. [player_tooltip player_id='1369793' first='Eli' last='Kim'] did well attacking the rim with either hand, often the beneficiary of a drawn foul or a layup past his defender. [player_tooltip player_id='1479334' first='Ryan' last='Mandes'] added a bit more grit to this roster, an excellent point of attack defender who instigated the opposing ball handlers. [player_tooltip player_id='1848636' first='Brady' last='Wynja'] remained dependable down the stretch, through his timely rebounds and defensive versatility against multiple positions. Even knocking down a few spot-up jumpers, Valor had a consistent flow of scoring from this disciplined offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>ThunderRidge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ThunderRidge made this a competitive game just about all the way through, in large part from lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1168989' first='Andrew' last='Crawford']. The senior guard's perimeter shooting throughout the first quarter was essential to them getting off a great start. His passing vision was on full display, sending quick dimes to backdoor cutters or perimeter shooters once help arrived. A multipostional defender, it should be no surprise that the state's most coveted guard willed this group to the finals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It should be no mistake that ThunderRidge has one of the most talented rosters in the state. Point Loma commit, [player_tooltip player_id='1360566' first='Tommy' last='Wight'], was dependable flying around for rebounds while taking on large responsibility at the 5. His occasional shooting off the catch and effective scoring out of ball screens made him a dynamic option next to playmaking guards. [player_tooltip player_id='1369780' first='Charlie' last='Spann'] also provided shotmaking around the rim, especially efficient scoring with the left hand, event through contact. [player_tooltip player_id='2046343' first='Ryan' last='Doyle'] deployed effective defense against multiple positions, adding size contesting shots inside and out. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='1622321' first='Drew' last='Paine'] will be worth monitoring over the coming seasons, given his smooth footwork around the rim and ability to compete physically at the varsity level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->