6A Road to State- Who's Next?

This week, the first round of the regionals has provided some exciting matchups. We have had the privilege of witnessing outstanding performances as teams celebrate their advancement to the round of 16. However, we have also seen the heartbreak of high school careers coming to an end. Let's take a look at the teams whose seasons have concluded and who will be entrusted with leading them back to the postseason next year.    Sickles, with a record of 19-9, experienced a heartbreaking loss, falling by just one point in the first round of the regional tournament. This defeat came in a rematch against East Lake, who Sickles had just previously beaten in another close nail-biter just days earlier in the District Championship. Weismiller has been the leading scorer for the team all season, averaging 15.7 points per game. However, seniors Gabe Scott and [player_tooltip player_id='1540031' first='Ian' last='Kyler'] played significant roles for Sickles throughout the season. With their departure, it is now undoubtedly Weismiller's team to lead moving forward.     Castillo led his team into the postseason this year, posting impressive statistics: 14.1 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, 2 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. He demonstrated his ability to lead and make plays on both ends of the floor. The team finished the season with a record of 19-9. With Castillo, Jeriah Muldrow, and Jayden Soto departing, the program will now rely on juniors Evan Adams and Judah Lopez as they aim to build on this year's success.     Crestview had a strong season, finishing with a record of 19-6. The team demonstrated balanced production across the lineup, which led to their appearance in the regional playoffs. As a young team, Crestview is poised for future success, with Johns returning next season. He was the team's leading player in three statistical categories, averaging 9.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Alongside fellow junior Jredyn Bufford, who averaged 8.8 points and 3.2 rebounds, they will be aiming to improve their performance and guide Crestview back to the playoffs next season.     Gaither faced a tough matchup against Evans in the first round of regionals. With the loss, their season comes to an end with a record of 16-12. Humphries will leave having helped lead his team to a regional appearance, a district championship, and a spot in the 1,000-point club. The program will be in good hands as it passes to sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2125496' first='Josiah' last='Manrow'], who averaged 12.8 points per game, and junior Aisha Perry, who averaged 9.4 points per game this season.     Brazell and Martin County faced an unexpected defeat against Boyd Anderson in the first round of the regional playoffs this week. Martin County concluded the season with an impressive record of 22-4 and secured a district championship. However, the fact that they earned a 2 seed and were upset in the first round will surely be a disappointment for them. On a positive note, they will have an opportunity for redemption next year. junior Brazell, who averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, along with his teammate, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1660042' first='Ari' last='Smith'], who averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, will return to the team. They will have the chance to build on this season's success and aim for a deeper postseason run next year.

This week, the first round of the regionals has provided some exciting matchups. We have had the privilege of witnessing outstanding performances as teams celebrate their advancement to the round of 16. However, we have also seen the heartbreak of high school careers coming to an end. Let's take a look at the teams whose seasons have concluded and who will be entrusted with leading them back to the postseason next year.