10 X-Factors from the State's Top-10 Programs: 6A Class

A handful of names who are notable swing factors for league player and playoff success from the top-10 programs at the 6A level, according to CHSAA rankings back on January 13th.    Pfeifer remains a high motor defensive glue guy with Ralston Valley, bringing the quick instincts to intercept passing lanes or deflect the ball from opponents at the point of attack. Still a comfortable scorer past opponent contests, he has great balance even while operating at full speed. His ability to ruffle feathers on the defensive end will be integral if any of their perimeter starters get into foul trouble.     A twitchy ball handler, Edwards adds a bit of unpredictability into Rangeview's playmaking options, given his bold passing tendencies. Capable of threading the needle between defenders to cut teammates, he brings a bit of flare to this group, already undefeated at this point in time. Should any perimeter playmakers get into foul trouble, Edwards is another option to handle the rock as needed.     Noone is a helpful playmaker for this Eaglecrest group, comfortably hitting teammates for kick outs or running ball screens to set up rolling frontcourt scorers. A well rounded guard who can shoot and pass, the guard fills into different backcourt roles as needed.      Haubert's steady presence as a pass first guard who is vocal at all times has aided Regis Jesuit's steady performances against some of the state's best programs. Regis Jesuit remains undefeated against in-state competition, the lead guard continues to mitigate turnovers and work to slow the pace down as needed. This group continues to be a sneaky threat at the state title given their wealth of size, defensive stoppers along the perimeter, and calm decision making in the halfcourt.      Jenkins has routinely provided sturdy interior defense to a Chaparral program that has outperformed various preseason predictions. Gaining a bit more athleticism to finish above the rim, the forward's improved confidence around the basket has made him incremental towards their goals on both ends of the floor.      Arapahoe has outperformed expectations, in part from Pramenko who is a switchable defender and improved perimeter shooter on low volume. The forward's ability to keep handling the toughest matchups has been imperative towards that team's early on success, alongside the impactful help defense as needed. Pramenko is a clear riser given his success leading towards winning alongside the shooting improvements.     Oblachinski has fit in well with Valor Christian's heliocentric offense around [player_tooltip player_id='1369810' first='Cole' last='Scherer'], bringing steady decision making in the halfcourt and knockdown shooting. Second on that team in three point attempts and makes, the guard has been nothing short of dependable off the catch. Comfortable slowing down the pace to set up a post scorer or off-ball shooter, his discipline to seek out the best possible shot cannot be overlooked within this group's context.      Cremeen has shown flashes as a knockdown shooter in the mid-range and out behind the arc, including a 6 for 7 performance against Cherry Creek. Bringing the size needed to fill in as a backup frontcourt presence, this ThunderRidge program continues to conjure up size in their depth chart season after season.     Rhoades-Martinez still brings upside as a three point shooter from prior seasons, comfortably relocating off the ball to keep his defender guessing. Although the three point has not fallen at the rate of previous seasons, his confidence has not wavered, leaving possibility of regression back to the mean. With the sharpshooting of the other backcourt names of this group, Rhoades-Martinez's prior success from distance could be an area to catapult this group into one of the highest upside offensive teams in 6A.     Arvada West has been wildly successful to start the season, in part from their starting lineup boasting four players who can pass, shoot, and defend. Meurer fits into this pattern, as a smart downhill scorer who reads opposing defenses quickly to make his next decision. Still bringing a wiry frame on the defensive end to compete at the point of attack, he works to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

A handful of names who are notable swing factors for league player and playoff success from the top-10 programs at the 6A level, according to CHSAA rankings back on January 13th.