6A Finals Breakdown
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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…
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Continue ReadingThese 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.
Valor Christian
Valor’s incredible finals victory was led by Cole Scherer Cole Scherer 6'2" | PG Valor Christian | 2025 State CO , 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.
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 Ryan Dixon Ryan Dixon 6'5" | PF Valor Christian | 2024 State CO , 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. Eli Kim Eli Kim 5'11" | PG Valor Christian | 2024 State CO did well attacking the rim with either hand, often the beneficiary of a drawn foul or a layup past his defender. Ryan Mandes Ryan Mandes 6'1" | SG Valor Christian | 2025 State CO added a bit more grit to this roster, an excellent point of attack defender who instigated the opposing ball handlers. Brady Wynja Brady Wynja 6'6" | SF Valor Christian | 2025 State CO 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.
ThunderRidge
ThunderRidge made this a competitive game just about all the way through, in large part from lead guard Andrew Crawford Andrew Crawford 6'6" | CG ThunderRidge | 2024 State #88 Nation CO . 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.
It should be no mistake that ThunderRidge has one of the most talented rosters in the state. Point Loma commit, Tommy Wight Tommy Wight 6'8" | SF ThunderRidge | 2024 State CO , 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. Charlie Spann Charlie Spann 6'5" | SF ThunderRidge | 2024 State CO also provided shotmaking around the rim, especially efficient scoring with the left hand, event through contact. Ryan Doyle Ryan Doyle 6'4" | SG Thunder Ridge | 2024 State CO deployed effective defense against multiple positions, adding size contesting shots inside and out. Sophomore forward Drew Paine Drew Paine 6'8" | PF ThunderRidge | 2026 State CO will be worth monitoring over the coming seasons, given his smooth footwork around the rim and ability to compete physically at the varsity level.